CANNABIS CORPSE

Who says death metal cannot be fun? Certainly not CANNABIS CORPSE. Featuring bassist Landphil (MUNICIPAL WASTE),vocalist Weedgrinder (BATTLEMASTER),guitarist Nickropolis (PARASYTIC),and drummer Hallhammer, the herbal warriors have returned with a four-song EP appropriately titled "The Weeding". Were you expecting a concept album about the corrupting power of America's big oil interests? I didn't think so.

As it turns out, "The Weeding" is a pretty solid take on old-school death metal, specifically mid-period Barnes-era CANNIBAL CORPSE, while the comedic quotient and a pinch of the music reminds of early (i.e. "Progression Towards Evil") SKINLESS. A delectably bone dry production and some fairly memorable choruses keep one from reaching for the "stop" button, even if it is hardly a groundbreaking artistic statement. Only the stuffiest fan/critic could hold back a smile listening to songs like "Skull Full of Bong Hits" and highlight "Shit of Pot Seeds". With regard to the latter, the chorus will have you doing your best DM growl, as the patterns really stick to the ribs in classic death style. The lyrics to this one tell the tale all too well: "Too stoned to realize this terrible mistake / you have swallowed and now it's far too late / this impulsive fool brought on the wretched stool / causing only crippling pain these dreadful seeds." I will spare you the graphicness that follows, but chances are you've already got a good idea of what comes next.

"The Weeding" is a workmanlike tribute to the CANNIBAL CORPSE cabal with a hilarious twist out of which most fans of the vintage stuff will find satisfaction. Just inhale deeply and cough up a blackened lung. Odds are "The Weeding" will not make any year-end lists, yet it is good for a few laughs, and the music ain't too shabby either. And yes, the cover art rules.