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United States Chris Barnes has forged a notable career as a death metal vocalist, lyricist, and producer, leaving an influential mark on the genre through his work with Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under.
Chris Barnes and Cannibal Corpse signed with Metal Blade Records in 1989. Metal Blade has been a significant label for his career, including releases for Six Feet Under.
Barnes has used Shure microphones, specifically highlighting the SM7 mic and an SM58 in the studio for Six Feet Under recordings. He also uses a 1970's Shure Brothers PE50SP on stage.
Barnes used a 1990's Electro-Voice RE20 in the studio for the vocal sessions of Six Feet Under's album 'Killing for Revenge'.
Six Feet Under bandmate Jack Owen is endorsed by and uses Railhammer pickups.
Six Feet Under bandmate Jack Owen is endorsed by and uses Crimson Cabinets.
Six Feet Under bandmate Jack Owen is endorsed by and uses Ernie Ball strings.
Six Feet Under bandmate Jeff Hughell is endorsed by and uses Warwick Basses.
Six Feet Under bandmate Jeff Hughell is endorsed by and uses Neural DSP.
Six Feet Under bandmate Jeff Hughell is endorsed by and uses Gallien Krueger.
Six Feet Under bandmate Marco Pitruzzella is endorsed by and uses Vic Firth.
Six Feet Under bandmate Marco Pitruzzella is endorsed by and uses Paiste.
Six Feet Under bandmate Ray Suhy is endorsed by and uses Fortin Amplification.
Six Feet Under bandmate Ray Suhy is endorsed by and uses Eventide.
Six Feet Under bandmate Ray Suhy is endorsed by and uses Jim Dunlop Manufacturing.
Six Feet Under bandmate Ray Suhy is endorsed by and uses Enki Cases.
Born on December 29, 1967, in Buffalo, New York, Chris Barnes embarked on his musical journey in 1986. His early career saw him join the death/thrash band Tirant Sin, and later Leviathan. By 1988, Barnes co-founded Cannibal Corpse, a band that would become a cornerstone of the death metal scene. Lending his distinctive guttural vocals and crafting the majority of the lyrics, Barnes contributed to the band’s first four studio albums, including “Eaten Back to Life” (1990), “Butchered at Birth” (1991), “Tomb of the Mutilated” (1992), and “The Bleeding” (1994). His lyrical content, known for its explicitly violent and narrative style, became a hallmark of the band’s sound. During his tenure, Barnes also designed the original Cannibal Corpse logo.
In 1993, while still with Cannibal Corpse, Barnes initiated a side project called Six Feet Under. Following creative and personal differences, he departed from Cannibal Corpse in 1995, during the recording sessions for “Vile,” to dedicate his full attention to Six Feet Under. This transition marked a new chapter in his career. Six Feet Under released their debut album, “Haunted,” in 1995, and has since released numerous albums, including “Warpath” (1997), “Maximum Violence” (1999), and most recently, “Killing for Revenge” (2024). Barnes has been the primary vocalist and lyricist for Six Feet Under, establishing the band’s signature style. His vocal approach evolved over the years, characterized by a deep guttural growl and a distinctive “eee” squeal. He also designed the Six Feet Under logo.
Beyond his main projects, Barnes has collaborated with other notable death metal acts. He joined the Finnish death metal band Torture Killer in 2005, appearing on their album “Swarm!” (2006) before his departure in 2008. He also contributed backing vocals to albums by Gorguts, Cannabis Corpse, and Incite, and to Skribbal’s album. Throughout his career, Barnes has maintained a recognizable presence in the death metal community, known for his vocal artistry and lyrical contributions. He has remained a prolific artist, consistently releasing new material and touring with Six Feet Under.
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