The band, CANNIBAL CORPSE is practically synonymous with death metal. They have been making uncompromising death metal music since 1988. “Chaos Horrific” is their sixteenth full-length album and it was released on September 22nd, 2023, on Metal Blade Records. CANNIBAL CORPSE is one of the most accessible death metal acts around and their signature sound hasn’t changed much over the last thirty-five years. Sure, the vocals got an overhaul when George Fisher replaced Chris Barnes. They have had a few lineup changes over the years, but they have always been known for their violent lyrics and catchy riffs.

“Chaos Horrific” is no different. The album opener, “Overlords Of Violence,” has Fisher’s rapid-fire vocal delivery, excellent catchy chugging riffs, and a wailing lead guitar solo. My only complaint is that the sound of the cymbals gets lost amid all of the brutality. Still, this is CANNIBAL CORPSE’s timeless trademark. They show zero signs of slowing down.  The third track, “Summoned For Sacrifice,” paints a gruesome picture and the vocals come through clearer and are more legible than they have been on previous releases. The guitars on this track have almost a thrash feel at times. Everything in this song builds toward a truly hellish breakdown that will get the blood flowing. The buzz saw lead solo is another high point.

“Chaos Horrific” gets better as the tracks progress. “Blood Blind” is a favorite of mine, especially Fisher’s evil repeating of the word, “subjugate.” The intensity builds with each repetition and gets me going no matter how many times I hear the song. They still got it on this track. “Vengeful Invasion” is an apt follow-up to “Blood Blind” with its opening lead guitar riff, later chugging riff and visceral lyrics. There are some major earworms on this album and these two tracks are exemplary.  Toward the album’s end comes “Pitchfork Impalement.” This track has another iconic breakdown. Fisher growls “Diiiiiie” and then all hell breaks loose. I love just how descriptive the lyrics are. Take this excerpt for instance:

“Screams were so loud, the tearing of flesh caused agonizing pain. Wrought iron tines did penetrate the skull, Penetrate the skull, Penetrate the skull, Penetrate the skull” The repeated line at the end is one of the best parts of “Chaos Horrific.” The closing track, “Drain You Empty,” starts with a slow, evil riff that evokes a hopeless feeling. There’s a lot of INCANTATION-style death doom on display, which is uncommon for them. The sinister chugging guitars sound excellent as well. It’s a song that sucks you in and leaves you wanting more.

“Chaos Horrific” is CANNIBAL CORPSE at their best. The addition of Erik Rutan on “Violence Unimagined” has proven to be a boon for them and I am thrilled that he is also on this album. This is not high-brow metal in the least. It is the exact opposite. This album shows that CANNIBAL CORPSE can still deliver quality exhilarating death metal thirty-five years into their career. If you’re looking for buckets of blood and guts, heavy riffs that infiltrate your brain, and a classic death metal sound, you can’t go wrong with the genuine article.