Corrosion of Conformity

The Profile

Corrosion of Conformity is an American heavy band formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1982 by Mike Dean, Woody Weatherman and Reed Mullin. Starting in hardcore/crossover, they shifted in the 90s toward a Sabbath-influenced stoner/sludge sound, releasing landmarks like Blind (1991) and Deliverance (1994). Pepper Keenan became a key vocalist/guitarist in the Deliverance era; drummer Reed Mullin passed away in 2020.

Founded in 1982 in Raleigh by Mike Dean, Woody Weatherman and Reed Mullin. Karl Agell fronted Blind; Pepper Keenan took lead vocals by Deliverance and later reunited for No Cross No Crown (2018). Live Volume was recorded in April 2001 in Detroit. Reed Mullin died in January 2020.

Reviews chart C.O.C.’s journey from 80s hardcore/crossover roots to 90s stoner/sludge heights, with Deliverance, Blind and Wiseblood repeatedly singled out. Reed Mullin’s ferocious drumming and Pepper Keenan’s pivotal vocals/guitar dominate the praise. The band’s Sabbathian heft, Southern grit and live thunder are recurring themes. No Cross No Crown marks the classic line-up’s return and Mullin’s last appearance.