Corrosion of Conformity took a circuitous route to metal glory, starting in the early 80's as a thrashy punk band out of North Carolina. Over their first 10 years or so, they gradually shifted toward more of a straight ahead thrash metal sound. Their last indie release (which was the first one I heard) was Blind, which prompted a signing by Columbia. Their first major label release in my favorite of theirs. They were hitting their stride in terms of energy and musicianship, and had found their sound, which was an unusual and yet catchy blend of southern rock, stoner metal and thrash.
I'm including my favorite of their songs below: "Clean My Wounds" from Deliverance. I really like the setup for transitions in this song. The opening is just a solo guitar playing the main staccato riff, which is a great one as much thanks to the silence in it as the notes. Four bars in, the drums and bass join, the hi-hat tight to compliment the sparse and staccato nature of the main riff, which continues through the verse. The cymbals loosen up with the note lengths for the chorus. That's pretty much all there is to it. The riff is just so tight and driving, and the contrast of the chorus makes it feel even tighter. Plus the guitar solo work is distinctive and there are several well-placed uses of a cool little shotgun guitar effect.
I think this pretty simple little song captures what was great about COC and why I dig 'em. Check them out and see if you agree (and let me know in the comments below or on FB).
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