Corrosion of Conformity

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2026 04-25 on stage

The legendary Sick New World festival returns to the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on April 25, 2026, bringing together the biggest names in nu-metal, rock, and alternative music for one explosive day. Headlined by System of a Down, Korn, and Deftones, the 2026 edition also features powerhouse acts like Evanescence, Bring Me the Horizon, Mastodon, Cypress Hill, and Ministry, delivering a full-scale celebration of heavy music under the Vegas skyline. After its 2025 hiatus, Sick New World 2026 marks a massive comeback for rock and metal fans worldwide. Expect intense performances, stunning visuals, and a high-energy atmosphere that defines the Las Vegas music scene. This festival is where classic legends meet modern icons — a must-attend event for anyone who lives for loud guitars, mosh pits, and the spirit of alternative culture.

Band Timeline

1982

Formation of Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity (COC) was formed in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1982. The original lineup included bassist and vocalist Mike Dean, guitarist Woody Weatherman, drummer Reed Mullin, and singer Benji Shelton. The band was influenced by heavy metal acts like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, as well as hardcore punk groups such as Black Flag and Bad Brains. Initially, their sound was rooted in hardcore punk, matching the intensity and speed of the era's underground music scenes.

1984

Release of Debut Album Eye for an Eye

In 1984, COC released their debut album Eye for an Eye, which featured Eric Eycke as vocalist. This album was hardcore punk oriented with 20 tracks encapsulating the raw energy and aggressive sound of punk. Though Eyes for an Eye was the only album with Eycke and had a limited initial impact, it helped to establish the band's presence in the underground scene. The album was later reissued in 1989, reaffirming its importance in the crossover punk and metal realms.

1985

Animosity Album Marks Transition to Crossover Thrash

Corrosion of Conformity released Animosity in 1985, an album that saw Dean and Mullin sharing vocal duties following Eycke's departure. Animosity is now critically regarded as a seminal work in the crossover thrash genre, blending hardcore punk with thrash metal elements. Despite receiving positive reviews, the album suffered from limited promotion, which impacted its commercial success. Nonetheless, Animosity helped the band solidify a niche sound bridging punk and metal.

1987

Lineup Changes and Technocracy EP Release

In 1987, bassist Mike Dean left the band due to frustrations with lack of support from their label, Metal Blade Records. He was replaced by Simon Bob Sinister, formerly of Ugly Americans. That year, COC released the Technocracy EP, a blend of hectic crossover thrash showcasing a cleaner vocal style. The EP was partly created to fulfill contract obligations with Metal Blade. Bob soon left, returning to Ugly Americans, and the band went on an unannounced two-year hiatus following these changes.

1990–1991

Return with New Sound and Blind Album

Corrosion of Conformity reformed and shifted towards a slower, blues-tinged heavy metal style by the early 1990s. In 1991, they released Blind, their third studio album and first without Mike Dean's vocals. This record garnered attention for its heavy riffs and further evolution in their sound, setting the stage for their subsequent mainstream breakthrough. Blind marked a critical evolutionary point, appealing broadly to metal fans and expanding their audience beyond hardcore punk circles.

1993

Signed by Columbia Records

Following the success of their earlier albums, COC signed a significant record deal with Columbia Records in 1993. This marked a major milestone, expanding their reach into mainstream music markets. The signing was fueled by the increasing popularity of their blend of heavy metal and punk influences and prepared the band for wide distribution and promotion of their upcoming work under a major label.

1994

Deliverance Album and Commercial Success

COC released Deliverance, their fourth studio album, in 1994, achieving new commercial success. The album peaked at number 155 on the Billboard 200, marking their entry into mainstream charts. Deliverance included hit singles like "Albatross" and "Clean My Wounds," which received considerable radio and MTV airplay. Vocalist Pepper Keenan, who joined in 1989, was increasingly influential in shaping the band's sound and lyrical style during this era.

1996

Wiseblood Album Achieves Highest Chart Position to Date

The band followed up Deliverance with Wiseblood in 1996, which further solidified their standing in the metal community. Wiseblood reached number 104 on the Billboard 200, the highest position the band had achieved by that time. The album maintained their signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic elements, helping cement their reputation as one of the leading bands in the heavy metal and crossover genre during the mid-1990s.

2006

Band Hiatus Begins

In 2006, Corrosion of Conformity went on hiatus. This break came after years of active recording and touring. During this period, members pursued other musical projects, most notably Pepper Keenan's involvement with the band Down. The hiatus represented an important pause in the band's career, allowing members to focus on individual growth and projects away from COC.

2010

Band Returns Without Pepper Keenan

Corrosion of Conformity returned from their hiatus in 2010 as a trio featuring Woody Weatherman, Mike Dean, and Reed Mullin, but without Pepper Keenan. They resumed touring and recording, reestablishing their presence in the metal scene. This lineup change reflected Keenan's ongoing commitments outside the band, but COC continued to maintain their core heavy metal sound and fanbase during this period.

2014

Classic Lineup Reunion Announced

In December 2014, Corrosion of Conformity announced the reunion of their classic lineup, including Pepper Keenan, Mike Dean, Reed Mullin, and Woody Weatherman. This reunion revitalized the band, reconnecting with fans of their most successful era. The reunion allowed COC to blend their historical musical strengths with contemporary influences, leading to new creative output and high-profile tour opportunities.

2018

Release of No Cross No Crown Album

The band released No Cross No Crown in 2018, their first studio album in over a decade featuring the classic lineup. The album debuted at number 67 on the Billboard 200, their highest chart position ever, marking a significant career milestone. No Cross No Crown showcased the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining the heavy, bluesy sound they had developed, receiving critical acclaim and reinvigorating their career.

2020

Death of Drummer Reed Mullin and Replacement

Founding drummer Reed Mullin passed away in 2020, a profound loss for Corrosion of Conformity. Mullin had been a crucial member since the band's inception, shaping their aggressive sound and rhythmic foundation. Following his death, John Green was brought in as the new drummer. This lineup change marked both an end of an era and a new chapter for the band, which continued to honor Mullin's legacy while moving forward.

2024

Departure of Bassist Mike Dean

In 2024, founding bassist Mike Dean left Corrosion of Conformity once again. Dean had initially departed in 1987 but rejoined in 1993 and had been a key creative force for decades. His departure marks a significant change in the band's lineup. Despite these changes, COC remains active, continuing to influence heavy metal with their distinctive blend of styles and long-standing commitment to musical evolution.

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Albums

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Mike Dean

2010

Bass guitar

Mike Dean

2010

Lead vocals

Pepper Keenan

2014

Guitar

Lead vocals

Woody Weatherman

2010

Guitar

History

Name

Begin

End

Occupation

Woody Weatherman

1982

2006

Guitar

Mike Dean

1993

2006

Bass guitar

Mike Dean

1985

Lead vocals

Pepper Keenan

1989

2006

Guitar

Simon Bob Sinister

1986

1988

Lead vocals

Mike Dean

1982

1987

Bass guitar

Eric Eycke

1983

1984

Lead vocals

Reed Mullin

2010

2020

Drums (drum set)

Pepper Keenan

1993

2006

Lead vocals

Jason Patterson

2005

2006

Drums (drum set)

Jimmy Bower

2001

2002

Additional

Drums (drum set)

Karl Agell

1989

1993

Lead vocals

Reed Mullin

1982

2001

Drums (drum set)

Stanton Moore

2003

2005

Drums (drum set)

Merrit Partridge

2002

2003

Drums (drum set)

Benji Shelton

1982

1983

Lead vocals

Phil Swisher

1987

1993

Bass guitar

Story of Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity (C.O.C.): From Hardcore Punks to Southern Metal Titans

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Corrosion of Conformity, often known as C.O.C., has been a force in the heavy music scene since their formation in 1982. Starting out as a ferocious hardcore punk band, C.O.C. evolved their sound, blending blistering riffs with a blues-infused heavy metal groove, creating a signature style that resonated with fans worldwide.

While the band has seen numerous lineup changes throughout its tenure, the legendary guitarist Woody Weatherman remains the sole constant, anchoring the band`s sonic identity. The "classic" lineup, featuring Weatherman alongside founding bassist Mike Dean, original drummer Reed Mullin, and vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan (who joined in 1989), is revered by fans for its explosive energy and groundbreaking albums.

After a hiatus in 2006, Corrosion of Conformity returned in 2010, initially without Pepper Keenan, who was deeply involved with Down. The metal world rejoiced in December 2014 when the reunion with Keenan was announced, marking a new chapter for the band. Sadly, the band has experienced further transitions. The music world mourned the loss of Reed Mullin in 2020, with John Green stepping in to fill the drum stool. In 2024, Mike Dean departed once again.

C.O.C.`s discography boasts ten studio albums, four EPs, a compilation, and a live album, showcasing their diverse evolution. Their initial punk aggression, captured on albums like "Eye for an Eye" (1984) and "Animosity" (1985), caught the attention of Columbia Records, leading to their major-label signing in 1993. The band achieved mainstream success with "Deliverance" (1994), which peaked at number 155 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the iconic anthems "Albatross" and "Clean My Wounds". Their follow-up, "Wiseblood" (1996), solidified their place in the metal pantheon, becoming their highest-charting album at the time, reaching number 104 on the Billboard 200.

Explore the discography of Corrosion of Conformity and discover the raw energy, southern-fried riffs, and enduring legacy of one of heavy music`s most influential bands. From hardcore origins to metal mastery, C.O.C. continues to deliver the goods. #CorrosionOfConformity #COC #HeavyMetal #SouthernMetal #HardcorePunk #WoodyWeatherman #PepperKeenan #MikeDean #ReedMullin #Metal #Music #Band #Raleigh #NorthCarolina #Albatross #CleanMyWounds #Deliverance #Wiseblood #EyeForAnEye #Animosity

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Top Corrosion of Conformity Community Posts

Upcoming Events

2026 04-25 on stage

Band Timeline

Formation of Corrosion of Conformity

Release of Debut Album Eye for an Eye

Animosity Album Marks Transition to Crossover Thrash

Lineup Changes and Technocracy EP Release

Return with New Sound and Blind Album

Signed by Columbia Records

Deliverance Album and Commercial Success

Wiseblood Album Achieves Highest Chart Position to Date

Band Hiatus Begins

Band Returns Without Pepper Keenan

Classic Lineup Reunion Announced

Release of No Cross No Crown Album

Death of Drummer Reed Mullin and Replacement

Departure of Bassist Mike Dean

Albums

Members

Current

Mike Dean

Bass guitar

Mike Dean

Lead vocals

Pepper Keenan

Guitar

Lead vocals

Woody Weatherman

Guitar

History

Woody Weatherman

Guitar

Mike Dean

Bass guitar

Mike Dean

Lead vocals

Pepper Keenan

Guitar

Simon Bob Sinister

Lead vocals

Mike Dean

Bass guitar

Eric Eycke

Lead vocals

Reed Mullin

Drums (drum set)

Pepper Keenan

Lead vocals

Jason Patterson

Drums (drum set)

Jimmy Bower

Additional

Drums (drum set)

Karl Agell

Lead vocals

Reed Mullin

Drums (drum set)

Stanton Moore

Drums (drum set)

Merrit Partridge

Drums (drum set)

Benji Shelton

Lead vocals

Phil Swisher

Bass guitar

Story of Corrosion of Conformity

Learn more about Corrosion of Conformity

Bands you may like

More Metal Bands

More Bands from United States

Band Timeline

Formation of Corrosion of Conformity

Release of Debut Album Eye for an Eye

Animosity Album Marks Transition to Crossover Thrash

Lineup Changes and Technocracy EP Release

Return with New Sound and Blind Album

Signed by Columbia Records