Cannibal Corpse, the American death metal giants, graced the stage at the Barrowlands in Glasgow for a sold-out show on their European tour. Known for their deliberately provocative style and attitude, the band’s violent song names may grab the crowd’s attention, but it’s the raw power of their music that truly captivates their fans.
The vibrations from their dirty yet hypnotic riffs hit fans so hard that it feels like CPR in their chests, forcing them to come alive. Frontman George Fisher, also known as Corpsegrinder, is a force to be reckoned with as he delivers his animalistic vocals, sending fans into a frenzy. With Pat O’Brien’s lightning-fast lead guitar skills and Paul Mazurkiewicz’s powerful drumming, the band kicks off the show with a bang, starting with the intense track “Blood Blind.”
Fisher, who joined Cannibal Corpse in 1995, has become synonymous with the band’s intense energy and ferocity. His stage presence is electrifying, as he transforms into Corpsegrinder, a larger-than-life figure who commands the audience’s attention with every growl and scream. Sporting a t-shirt with his own face on it, emblazoned with the words “respect the neck,” Fisher’s massive scruff has become a signature part of his persona, almost like a sixth member of the band.
Throughout their 16-track setlist, including standout songs like “Scourge of Iron,” “Inhumane Harvest,” and “Kill or Become,” Cannibal Corpse’s performance is relentless. The sea of crowd surfers and the sight of a fan slinging their bra at Corpsegrinder are clear indicators of the band’s domination of the show.
However, amidst the chaos and intensity of the performance, there were a couple of complaints from fans. One concert-goer was dismayed after spilling their pint on a fellow fan, while another expressed disbelief at being punched in the chest for crowd surfing, stating, “This is Cannibal Corpse, not Lady Gaga.” Despite these minor setbacks, the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd remained unwavering.
As the show nears its end, Corpsegrinder addresses the audience, eliciting a mix of boos and cheers at the prospect of the final song. Playing with the crowd’s emotions, he teases the possibility of more songs before ultimately declaring that the current song will be their last. The anticipation builds as the band launches into their final track, “Hammer Smashed Face,” inciting a frenzy of activity in the pit with pints and bodies flying across the room.
Cannibal Corpse’s ability to evoke strong reactions from their audience is undeniable. Whether it’s feelings of disgust, excitement, horror, or pleasure, the band’s music has a visceral impact on those who experience it. As the final notes fade away, leaving fans exhilarated and exhausted, it’s clear that Cannibal Corpse has once again delivered a performance that transcends mere entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness their raw power and intensity.