Chris Barnes

Chris Barnes, the iconic American death metal vocalist, has left an indelible mark on the genre with his distinctive low growl vocals and explicit, often violent, lyrics. Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Barnes embarked on his musical journey with the thrash metal band Tyrant Sin before co-founding Cannibal Corpse in 1988. His tenure with the band, lasting until 1995, saw the release of seminal albums like ‘Tomb of the Mutilated,’ ‘The Bleeding,’ and ‘Eaten Back to Life.’

Barnes not only contributed his guttural vocal style to Cannibal Corpse but also showcased his artistic talents by designing the band’s original logo. After parting ways with Cannibal Corpse, Barnes went on to found Six Feet Under, where he continued to push the boundaries of death metal. His lyrical themes, exploring death, violence, government criticism, and marijuana legality, set him apart as a multifaceted artist.

In addition to his work with Six Feet Under, Barnes collaborated with Torture Killer on their second album, ‘Swarm!,’ and even made a memorable appearance alongside Jim Carrey in the comedy film ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.’ Barnes’ graphic imagination finds a perfect outlet in his music, evident in albums like ‘Commandment,’ ‘Doomsday,’ and ‘Ghosts of the Undead.’ With later releases like ‘Crypt of the Devil’ and ‘Nightmares of the Decomposed,’ Barnes continues to evolve and lead Six Feet Under into new territories while staying true to his death metal roots.

A veteran of old-school death metal, Chris Barnes is not just a frontman; he is a storyteller, an artist, and a driving force in the metal scene. With thirteen studio albums and an enduring legacy, Barnes remains a formidable figure, inspiring metal fans around the world.