If you’re a fan of death metal or curious about the career shifts within the genre, this article dives deep into Chris Barnes’s decision to leave Cannibal Corpse and launch Six Feet Under. We explore his motivations, the differences between the bands, and what this move meant for his musical journey. Whether you’re a long-time metal enthusiast or new to the scene, understanding these pivotal moments offers valuable insight into the genre’s evolution.
1. The Creative Differences with Cannibal Corpse
Chris Barnes’s departure from Cannibal Corpse in 1995 was largely driven by creative disagreements. Barnes felt constrained by the band’s direction, especially regarding lyrical themes and musical style. He wanted to explore more horror-inspired lyrics and a different vocal approach, which he believed would better express his artistic vision. This desire for creative freedom was a significant factor in his decision to start Six Feet Under, allowing him to craft a sound that aligned more with his personal tastes.
2. The Desire for Artistic Control
After years with Cannibal Corpse, Barnes sought greater control over his music and lyrics. While Cannibal Corpse had a well-established style, Barnes wanted to push boundaries and experiment with horror themes and song structures without band restrictions. Starting Six Feet Under gave him the platform to produce music exactly how he envisioned, from songwriting to production choices, often collaborating with different producers like Chris Barnes himself and others to shape the sound.
3. The Evolution of Musical Style
Six Feet Under’s musical style marked a shift from Cannibal Corpse’s relentless brutality to a more groove-oriented, slower, and sometimes more melodic death metal approach. Barnes aimed to incorporate elements of horror storytelling more prominently, emphasizing atmosphere and mood. This evolution allowed him to differentiate his new project and attract a different segment of death metal fans who appreciated the horror-themed lyrics and darker, more atmospheric soundscapes.
4. The Impact of Personal and Professional Relationships
By the mid-1990s, Barnes’s relationships with other band members in Cannibal Corpse had become strained. The band’s internal dynamics, along with differing visions for the future, contributed to his decision to leave. Starting Six Feet Under was also a way to rebuild his musical career on fresh terms, collaborating with new musicians and producers who shared his vision. The change allowed him to reinvent himself artistically and professionally, distancing from past conflicts.
5. The Influence of Horror and Dark Themes
Chris Barnes has always been fascinated by horror movies, dark stories, and macabre themes. His passion for horror films and literature heavily influenced his lyrical content and overall artistic identity. With Six Feet Under, he was able to center the band’s identity around these themes more explicitly, creating a brand that resonated with horror fans and death metal enthusiasts alike. This thematic focus became a hallmark of the band’s identity and set it apart from Cannibal Corpse.
6. The Business and Market Considerations
Launching Six Feet Under also had a strategic business component. Barnes recognized the opportunity to establish a band that could appeal to a broader audience, including horror film fans and those interested in a more groove-based death metal. The band’s branding, album artwork, and lyrical themes were carefully crafted to tap into niche markets. This move allowed Barnes to expand his presence in the metal scene and maintain relevance within a competitive industry.
7. The Timing of the Transition
The early 1990s was a pivotal period for death metal, with bands experimenting and evolving rapidly. Barnes’s departure from Cannibal Corpse in 1995 coincided with a desire to innovate and explore new musical directions. This timing was crucial because it allowed him to be part of the next wave of death metal, shaping a new identity with Six Feet Under that would influence the genre’s diversification in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
8. The Role of Personal Growth and Artistic Independence
Leaving Cannibal Corpse was also about personal growth. Barnes wanted to grow as an artist and explore his creative limits without the constraints of a band that had a particular style. Starting Six Feet Under gave him the independence to experiment with songwriting, lyrical content, and production techniques, fostering his development as a musician and producer in his own right.
9. The Fan Response and Band Reception
Initial reactions to Six Feet Under were mixed but generally positive among fans who appreciated Barnes’s new direction. Some long-time Cannibal Corpse fans were skeptical, but many embraced the horror-themed lyrics and groove-heavy sound. Over time, Six Feet Under established its own identity, gaining a dedicated following and influencing the death metal scene with its dark, atmospheric approach.
10. The Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Chris Barnes’s transition from Cannibal Corpse to Six Feet Under has left a lasting legacy in the death metal community. His willingness to evolve artistically and take risks inspired many musicians to pursue their creative visions. Today, Six Feet Under remains a testament to his desire for artistic freedom, and his journey underscores the importance of staying true to one’s creative instincts in the ever-changing landscape of metal music.
How to Choose
When deciding between bands like Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under, consider what aspects resonate most with you: if you prefer relentless brutality, complex riffs, and traditional death metal themes, Cannibal Corpse might be your pick. However, if you’re drawn to horror-inspired lyrics, groove-oriented riffs, and atmospheric elements, Six Feet Under offers a different, compelling experience. Personal taste in lyrical content, musical style, and production quality are key factors in making the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Chris Barnes leave Cannibal Corpse? Mainly due to creative differences, desire for artistic control, and evolving musical interests.
- What is the main difference between Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under? Cannibal Corpse focuses on brutal, technical death metal, while Six Feet Under emphasizes horror themes and groove-oriented riffs.
- Did Chris Barnes return to Cannibal Corpse? No, Barnes has not rejoined Cannibal Corpse; he continued with Six Feet Under and other projects.
- How has Barnes’s songwriting style changed over the years? He shifted from technical brutality to incorporating atmospheric, horror-driven lyrics and groove-based riffs.
- Is Six Feet Under still active today? Yes, the band has continued releasing albums, with Barnes remaining a central figure.
Final Thoughts
Chris Barnes’s decision to leave Cannibal Corpse and start Six Feet Under was driven by a desire for artistic freedom, thematic exploration, and personal growth. His willingness to embrace change and pursue his creative vision has made a lasting impact on the death metal scene. Whether you prefer the traditional brutality of Cannibal Corpse or the horror-inspired grooves of Six Feet Under, understanding his journey offers valuable insight into the evolution of death metal and the importance of staying true to your artistic instincts.
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