Raleigh’s native sons Corrosion of Conformity pretty much put North Carolina on the metal map with the release of Animosity back in ’85. And while the state hasn’t sprung forth a well of heavy riffage like neighbouring Georgia and Virginia of late–to say nothing of the Florida death metal scene–there are at least a handful of bands from the Tarheel State that, well, if you like COC, you’d probably be into them too. So cook up some grits and lace up those powder blue Air Jordans as I list ‘em off over the next few days. (Oh, and COC are playing the Opera House on Thursday–but I’m sure you knew that already…)
Buzzov•en
If you don’t know Buzzov•en, you don’t know sludge. Plain and simple. Formed by mad-man Kirk Fisher in 1989, the band’s wild antics and destructive behaviour put them in the same breath as bands like Eyehategod, with whom they trashed a few hotel rooms back in the day. The violence fueled such crushing sludge albums as To a Frown, which earned them a record deal with Roadrunner for their next release, Sore. But their drug-fuelled destruction didn’t lead to a long-term contract, and after a series of splits and EPs for several different labels amidst a slew of arrests and lineup changes, the band burned out in 1998. However, the recent release of compilations like Welcome to Violence and unearthing of demos in the form of Violence from the Vault and Revelation: Sick Again has seen a renewed interest in the band, and they eventually reformed in 2010. Kirk Fisher, meanwhile has cleaned up and found God, as has current drummer Ramzi. And yes, that is Dixie Dave you see on bass. He got his start with Buzzov•en on the …At a Loss album, which produced perhaps the most badass Electric Light Orchestra cover of all time. Take a listen for yourself:
