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In the domain of contemporary death metal, Six Feet Under’s fourteenth studio album, ‘Killing for Revenge,’ emerges as a testament to the genre’s enduring vitality and the band’s relentless pursuit of musical and thematic depth. The album inaugurates with the single ‘Know-Nothing Ingrate,’ setting the stage with an auditory assault that encapsulates the band’s commitment to a sound that is simultaneously brutal, lyrically profound, and musically intricate. This piece delineates an exploration of ‘Killing for Revenge,’ underscoring its significance within the broader context of death metal and the artistic evolution of Six Feet Under.
At the core of ‘Killing for Revenge’ lies a narrative thread woven around the concept of vengeance, a theme that unifies the album’s lyrical content and musical direction. Chris Barnes, the band’s frontman, elucidates the thematic coherence of the album, noting that the motif of revenge—whether emanating from human actions or the forces of nature—serves as a narrative backbone, particularly highlighted in tracks such as ‘Bestial Savagery.’ This thematic exploration is encapsulated within the album’s title and visually represented by the darkly detailed, red-hued artwork created by Vince Locke, thereby providing a holistic artistic vision that encompasses both the auditory and visual aspects of the album.
Six Feet Under, a band originating from Tampa, Florida, in 1993, exemplifies a remarkable journey within the American death metal genre. Initially a side endeavor by Chris Barnes, formerly of Cannibal Corpse, alongside Allen West of Obituary, it swiftly transitioned into a full-time commitment following Barnes’s departure from Cannibal Corpse in 1995. The lineup has seen considerable evolution, featuring founding vocalist Chris Barnes, guitarists Ray Suhy and Jack Owen, bassist Jeff Hughell, and drummer Marco Pitruzzella. Over the years, Six Feet Under has unveiled thirteen albums, securing their place as the fourth best-selling death metal act in North America, as listed by Nielsen Soundscan.
Six Feet Under was destined to carve a unique path in the death metal scene from its inception. Initially performing cover songs, the band soon shifted to original compositions, signing with Metal Blade Records due to Barnes’s prior affiliation.
The importance of Six Feet Under cannot be discussed without acknowledging its tremendous influence on the formation of death metal as a genre. Arising amidst the height of death metal’s fame in the early 1990s, the band quickly attracted recognition with their first album, ‘Haunted.’ which highlighted Barnes’ deep and harsh vocal style and the band’s unrelenting and aggressive sound. In succeeding releases such as ‘Warpath’ and ‘Maximum Violence,’ Six Feet Under consolidated their position as a prominent presence in the extreme metal scene, exerting a significant influence on numerous aspiring musicians and dictating the direction of the genre.
Besides contributing to its musical achievements, the conceptual preoccupations of Six Feet Under have had a lasting impact on popular culture. The band’s lyrics delve into the somber facets of the human condition, fearlessly addressing taboo topics with unwavering candor, drawing influence from horror cinema, literature, and the inevitability of human mortality. The songs ‘Lycanthropy’ and ‘Victim of the Paranoid’ explore the subjects of psychological distress and existential fear, connecting with listeners who seek comfort in the therapeutic release provided by the band’s music.
Furthermore, the depictions and aesthetic of Six Feet Under have become symbolic of the death metal subculture, influencing different aspects of modern art and design. The band’s distinctive emblem, showcasing a skeletal hand tightly gripping a scythe, has embellished a wide array of products, including t-shirts and posters. The symbol has become closely associated with the genre’s intense vitality and rebellious principles. Further, the music videos and album artwork of Six Feet Under, which frequently showcases explicit portrayals of brutality and decay, have served as a source of inspiration for a generation of visual artists and filmmakers. This has played a significant role in popular media’s widespread use of horror-themed imagery.
Six Feet Under’s concerts in the area of live performance act as collective ceremonies, uniting fans from various backgrounds to celebrate the unfiltered power of the band’s music. Renowned for its captivating performance on stage and unshakable commitment to its artistry, Six Feet Under has established themselves as one of the most formidable live bands in the metal genre, earning the respect and adoration of fans worldwide.
The cultural impact of Six Feet Under extends beyond its musical status, encompassing its influence on the growth of death metal, its exploration of existential angst, its iconic imagery and aesthetic, and its role in fostering a sense of community within the metal subculture. With their ongoing efforts to expand artistic limits and question societal conventions, the band’s impact as a cultural landmark is certain to persist for future generations.
‘Haunted,’ released on September 26th, 1995, through Metal Blade Records, is a pivotal masterpiece that showcases the band’s unique sound and establishes their influential position in the genre. The album comprises eleven tracks that explore themes of horror, violence, and the supernatural, providing a raw and intense auditory experience from the initial track, ‘The Enemy Inside,’ to the final song, ‘Haunted.’ The band’s ability to create dramatic and distinctive compositions is showcased in standout tunes like ‘Lycanthropy,’ ‘Still Alive,’ and ‘Beneath the Black Sky.’
‘Haunted’ garnered extensive praise for its intense vigor, precise musicality, and unwavering determination, solidifying Six Feet Under’s prominence in the death metal genre. This album is a fundamental part of the band’s music collection and is necessary for fans of intense metal. It is the band’s first exploration into themes of death and the disturbing, which would deeply connect with a large audience.
Six Feet Under released their album ‘Warpath’ on September 9th, 1997, building upon the popularity of their previous album ‘Haunted’ and further perfecting their intense and aggressive style of death metal. The record was spearheaded by vocalist Barnes. ‘Warpath’ delivered powerful guitar riffs, intense drumming, and deep guttural vocals. The band’s evolution was exhibited through twelve tunes that delve into themes of conflict, bloodshed, and devastation.
Steve Swanson’s inclusion in 1998 hardened the band’s character, propelling them from a secondary endeavor to a significant influence in the realm of death metal. The inclusion of death ‘n’ roll in ‘Warpath’ and the ‘Alive and Dead’ EP showcased the band’s unique fusion and departure from their usual genre. Despite internal conflicts and alterations in the band’s lineup, ‘Warpath’ garnered praise for its vigor, musical skill, and profound lyrics, solidifying Six Feet Under’s standing within the death metal genre despite subsequent accusations of stagnation.
Six Feet Under’s third studio album, ‘Maximum Violence,’ was released on July 13th, 1999, consolidating the band’s standing as a prominent force in the death metal genre. This work amplifies their distinctive approach with forceful guitar riffs, powerful percussion, and deep-throated vocals by Barnes, exploring themes of aggression and the most sinister facets of human behavior. The album showcases the band’s technical prowess and emotional depth through an uncompromising death metal onslaught throughout eleven tracks.
Amid a time that witnessed change and exploration, ‘Maximum Violence’ reinforced Six Feet Under’s standing, garnering praise for its fierce intensity and lyrical substance. This album, along with projects such as the ‘Graveyard Classics’ series, played a vital role in broadening the band’s popularity and establishing their lasting impact in the death metal genre.
‘Graveyard Classics,’ which was released on October 24th, 2000, deviates from Six Feet Under’s usual output by entirely having tracks that are covers. This album features the band’s death metal versions of popular songs by AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Jimi Hendrix. Barnes’ vocals provide a unique level of intensity to tracks such as ‘TNT,’ ‘Smoke on the Water,’ ‘Purple Haze,’ and Black Sabbath’s ‘Sweet Leaf.’
‘True Carnage,’ the fifth studio album by Six Feet Under, was released on August 7th, 2001. This album marks a notable progression in the band’s musical style. Arnes and the band explore themes of horror, brutality, and macabre in songs such as ‘Impulse to Disembowel,’ ‘The Day the Dead Walked,’ and ‘Knife, Gun, Axe.’ The album combines ferocity with technical expertise, consolidating Six Feet Under’s position in the death metal genre.
‘True Carnage’ was highly praised for its skillful construction and innovative sound, demonstrating the band’s adeptness at blending groove and thrash influences with their distinctive death metal style. This record highlights Six Feet Under’s dedication to progressing their music while preserving their powerful and compelling style, further establishing their impact in the genre.
‘Bringer of Blood,’ the sixth album by Six Feet Under, was released on September 23rd, 2003. This album further delves into dark themes, featuring tunes such as ‘Blind and Gagged’ and ‘Murdered in the Basement.’ The album presents an unyielding combination of anger and technical skill throughout eleven songs, exploring themes of violence, terror, and the macabre.
On October 19th, 2004, Six Feet Under garnered attention with the second release of their series ‘Graveyard Classics 2,’ an exclusively cover song album. While many individuals commended the band’s audacious reimagining of iconic songs by renowned bands such as AC/DC and Black Sabbath, others perceived the album as a last-ditch effort to remain significant in a more saturated metal scene. Regardless of the criticism, ‘Graveyard Classics 2’ was a commercially successful album, cementing Six Feet Under’s reputation as one of the most divisive bands in the metal genre.
The releases by Six Feet Under in the mid-2000s, such as ‘Graveyard Classics 2,’ ‘13,’ and the box set ‘A Decade in the Grave,’ demonstrate their loyalty to their origins and their capacity to introduce new ideas. Their cover albums presented classical music via a death metal lens, demonstrating their adaptability and respect for the genre’s wide range.
‘13,’ which was released on March 22nd, 2005, symbolizes a revival of Six Feet Under’s core sound, featuring a gritty and direct approach. The tracks ‘Decomposition of the Human Race’ and ‘Shadow of the Reaper’ highlight their unshakable commitment to creating unfiltered and unyielding death metal.
Six Feet Under’s eighth studio album, ‘Commandment,’ was released on April 17th, 2007, demonstrating their growth and complexity within the death metal genre. ‘Commandment’ garnered praise for confirming Six Feet Under’s position in the death metal genre, demonstrating their proficiency in integrating aspects of thrash, groove, and punk into their music. This record and other albums, such as ‘Undead,’ depict the band’s capacity to adjust and commitment to originality, pointing out their lasting impact and continuous influence on the genre.
Six Feet Under’s ninth studio album, ‘Death Rituals,’ was released on November 11th, 2008, demonstrating their undying devotion to the genre and delving into the subjects of mortality and decay, keeping the band’s fascination with dark themes. Barnes’ performance adds a layer of depth to the album. The album’s recognition cemented Six Feet Under’s position in the death metal genre, exhibiting their capacity to create captivating and technically proficient music.
‘Graveyard Classics 3,’ the tenth studio album by Six Feet Under, was released on January 19th, 2010. It is part of their ongoing series where they interpret classic songs as death metal. With Barnes’ distinctive voice, the album demonstrates their skill in reinterpreting well-known songs from several genres, particularly notable in renditions such as ‘The Frayed Ends of Sanity’ and ‘Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck.’
The collection of ten covers has garnered acclaim for its ingenuity and capacity to infuse fresh vitality into familiar tunes while preserving the band’s death metal core. ‘Graveyard Classics 3’ is renowned for its ingenuity, enhancing Six Feet Under’s reputation by showcasing their ability to adjust and pay homage to musical traditions.
The album ‘Undead,’ their eleventh release, was made available on May 22nd, 2012, representing a notable milestone in their career. This intense and meticulously crafted collection of eleven songs shows the band’s diversity and expertise. The album delves into the concepts of mortality and gloom, effectively encapsulating the band’s thematic core through Barnes’ powerful and passionate performance.
‘Undead’ reaffirms Six Feet Under’s position of importance in the death metal genre, garnering plaudits from critics and fans alike. The time brought about alterations in the lineup, including fresh individuals and influences, which is apparent in their developing sound and ongoing significance, as demonstrated in ‘Undead’ and subsequent works such as ‘Unborn.’
‘Unborn,’ Six Feet Under’s twelfth studio album, was released on March 19th, 2013. This album continued the band’s exploration of dark and visceral themes, with tracks like ‘Zombie Blood Curse’ and ‘Alive to Kill You’ exemplifying their uncompromising approach to death metal.
The band’s thirteenth studio album, ‘Crypt of the Devil,’ was released on May 15th, 2015, and saw Six Feet Under collaborating with renowned producer Erik Rutan, resulting in a more polished and cohesive sound. Tracks like ‘Open Coffin Orgy’ and ‘Compulsion to Brutalize’ showcased the band’s continued dedication to delivering brutal and uncompromising death metal.
Six Feet Under released their fourteenth album ‘Torment’ on February 24th, 2017, as part of their ongoing partnership with Erik Rutan. This album witnessed the band expanding their musical approach’s limits by integrating thrash and black metal components into their distinctive death metal sound. Tracks such as ‘Sacrificial Kill’ and ‘Knife Through the Skull’ showcased Six Feet Under’s capacity to progress while remaining faithful to their origins.
Six Feet Under released their fifteenth album, ‘Unburied,’ on July 6th, 2018. This album returned to the band’s original style, characterized by a raw and forceful sound reminiscent of their earlier releases. Tracks such as ‘Midnight in Hell’ and ‘As the Dying Scream’ demonstrated Six Feet Under’s capacity to deliver unyielding death metal with relentless intensity.
‘Nightmares of the Decomposed’ is the band’s sixteenth album, released on October 2nd, 2020. The album comprises twelve songs demonstrating the band’s expertise in the genre and their skill in creating emotionally impactful and technically excellent compositions.
‘Nightmares of the Decomposed’ presents a wide range of musical landscapes, demonstrating the band’s ability as artists. It encompasses the pulverizing intensity of ‘Amputator,’ the haunting atmospherics of ‘Zodiac,’ and the groove-laden onslaught of ‘Blood of the Zombie.’ The album delves into themes of horror, mortality, and the most sinister aspects of existence, reflecting Six Feet Under’s fascination with the macabre.
The album garnered extensive praise from fans and critics upon its debut, establishing Six Feet Under as a prominent force in the death metal genre. The album represents a suitable culmination of the band’s illustrious career, reflecting their lasting impact and steadfast dedication to creating uncompromising and intense music.
The collaboration between Chris Barnes and guitarist Jack Owen, a partnership renewed since their reunion for 2020’s ‘Nightmares of the Decomposed,’ is pivotal to the album’s creation. Owen’s dual role as a guitarist and producer, alongside Barnes’ contributions as a production assistant, signifies a synergistic relationship that draws upon their historical collaboration within Cannibal Corpse. This reunion signifies a rekindling of their musical kinship and marks a continuation of their creative evolution, bringing a renewed vitality to Six Feet Under’s sound.
Six Feet Under has undergone a significant transformation since its inception, with Barnes being the sole remaining member from the original lineup. The current ensemble, comprising Barnes, Owen, Ray Suhy, Jeff Hughell, and Marco Pitruzzella, exemplifies a collective of musicians whose individual talents and synergies contribute to the band’s unique sound. Barnes’ accolade for his bandmates underscores the importance of each member’s contribution, highlighting a shared lineage with Cannibal Corpse and a collective musicianship that Barnes regards as unparalleled within the metal genre.
The album’s recording process, characterized by geographical dispersion and individual recording sessions, reflects a modern approach to music production. This methodology, while divergent from the traditional studio recording experience, exemplifies the band’s adaptability and commitment to capturing the essence of their performance, thereby ensuring the integrity of their creative output.
‘Know-Nothing Ingrate,’ as both a track and the album’s lead single, exemplifies Six Feet Under’s ability to engage with themes of aggression and critique of societal behaviors, such as the disdain for online trolls depicted in the song. This thematic engagement, coupled with the musical homage to bands like Dark Angel and Kreator, showcases the band’s adeptness at blending lyrical content with musical heritage, thereby enriching the death metal genre.
‘Killing for Revenge’ stands as a monumental addition to Six Feet Under’s discography and the death metal landscape at large. Through its thematic exploration of vengeance, collaborative genesis, and innovative recording process, the album not only reaffirms Six Feet Under’s position within the metal genre but also contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the evolution of death metal. As the band prepares to share their latest work with the world, ‘Killing for Revenge’ encapsulates the spirit of resilience, creativity, and unyielding pursuit of artistic expression that defines Six Feet Under’s legacy.
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