Corrosion of Conformity

Formation and Early Years: Corrosion of Conformity (often abbreviated as COC) is an American heavy metal band formed in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1982. The band originally started as a hardcore punk outfit but later transitioned to a crossover thrash and Southern rock-influenced sound. The founding members of the band were bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woody Weatherman, and drummer Reed Mullin.

Musical Evolution and Genre Influence: Corrosion of Conformity's music has evolved over the years, encompassing various genres including punk, hardcore, thrash metal, stoner rock, and Southern rock. Their early albums, such as "Eye for an Eye" (1984) and "Animosity" (1985), showcased their hardcore punk roots, while later releases like "Blind" (1991) and "Deliverance" (1994) saw the band incorporating elements of heavy metal and Southern rock into their sound. COC's diverse musical style has influenced numerous bands across the heavy music spectrum.

Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim: Corrosion of Conformity achieved commercial success and critical acclaim with their 1994 album "Deliverance". The album featured a more mainstream metal sound compared to their earlier releases and spawned the hit singles "Albatross" and "Clean My Wounds". "Deliverance" received widespread praise from both fans and critics, solidifying COC's status as one of the leading bands in the metal scene of the 1990s.

Lineup Changes and Reunions: Throughout their career, Corrosion of Conformity has undergone several lineup changes. The band's original lineup reunited in the late 1980s and released the album "Blind", which marked a shift towards a more metal-oriented sound. Subsequent lineup changes occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, with different members contributing to various albums and tours. In recent years, the classic lineup of Dean, Weatherman, and Mullin has reunited for select shows and tours.

Legacy and Influence: Corrosion of Conformity is considered one of the most influential bands in the heavy music scene, particularly within the realms of hardcore punk, thrash metal, and Southern rock. Their eclectic musical style and uncompromising attitude have inspired countless bands and musicians over the years. COC's impact can be heard in the music of bands across multiple genres, and their legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of heavy music worldwide.