Originally created as a side project to Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under has become vocalist (I hesitate to use the word "singer") Chris Barnes' primary band. They released their first album, Haunted, way back in 1995 and prior to getting a hold of this release was the only Six Feet Under album I had ever heard. My relationship with Cannibal Corpse follows a similar track, with their recent release Evisceration Plague being the first album I have heard. I admit I got into the game late and missed a lot of stuff, so while keeping up with new stuff I try to play a little catchup with those I have missed over the years. It is a slow process. And yes, I do find it a little odd that my second experience with Six Feet Under is a covers album.
As you can tell by the number three in the title, this is the third covers album the band has done. As I listen to the eclectic song choices, I am confused as if this is supposed to be serious or if there is an element of comedy to be gleaned. Seriously, is this meant to be tongue-in-cheek? I rather hope that is part of it, or that they were at least just trying to have a little fun with music that has inspired them over the years.
The album is interesting in a couple of ways, one being the instrumental side of the coin. So far as the instrumentation goes, this is a rock solid album that finds the band bringing their own flavor to the songs while allowing them to remain recognizable. This is not about reconstructing the music in their image to fit their style, it is about being true to the source material while allowing a little of their signature sound to influence the final product. In this regard, and bolstered by crystal clear production, this is a phenomenal listen, even on the tunes that don't really work.
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