The Pitch: Season of Mist bringing the pain once more, this time in the form of Cannabis Corpse; a band that describes itself as "a heart felt tribute to smoking pot and crushing death metal." FFO: Benighted, Aborted, Slugdge
What I Like: Cannabis Corpse represents the perfect fusion of stoner and horror imagery. These are not two worlds I would have considered needing to come together, but I'm so glad that they did. When you have an album title that is referencing both "puff puff pass" and the ominous "left hand path," you know you're in for a hilarious bit of black comedy. This extends into equally humorous and creative song names like "Final Exhalation," "In Dank Purity," and perhaps the winner of ot all, "Papyrus Containing the Spell to Protect Its Possessor Against Attacks from He Who Is in the Bong Water." Unsurprisingly, the lyrical content ends up being a high point of the album as well.
But hey, we're here for the metal. Chuckles will only get you so far in the death genre, and fortunately Left Hand Pass has plenty to offer in the music department. There are some really cool riffs and solos ("Chronic Breed") that pop up here and there throughout the album amidst the already pummeling drums. They leap from the compositions like technical jump scares. If these guys really smoke pot, their s#!t is laced with some gnarly stuff. Cannabis Corpse have no chill. The vocals are harsh, brutal, and if anything, sound more like Walter than The Dude.
Critiques: For all of the great lyrics and headbanging, a lot of these songs aren't particularly memorable the first time around. I'm not saying that being a grower is a bad thing, but I encourage you to spin this album a few times before making your final decision. I wan't partiicularly floored until the 3rd or 4th time.
The Verdict: Left Hand Pass is certain to harsh your vibes, dude. It's amusing, but also intensely heavy. I'd argue that the lyrical content somewhat overshadows the actual execution of the music itself at times, but Cannabis Corpse still deliver an enjoyable experience either way. For more on this album, I think that Blaine over at Banger summed it up perhaps even better than I did. Stream and purchase below.
Flight's Fav's: Chronic Breed, Left Hand Pass, Effigy of the Forgetful
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to share it with others to help us grow. You can also like and follow us on the social media of your choice with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon.