CORROSION OF CONFORMITY — In the Arms of God (review)

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY — In the Arms of God album cover Album · 2005 · Stoner Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Kingcrimsonprog
Corrosion Of Conformity’s In The Arms Of God was released in 2005 and was the band’s seventh full length release overall, and their fourth since changing their sound from Cross-Over/Thrash to big Southern tinged Stoner Rock/Heavy Metal and replacing singer Mike Dean with Pepper Keenan.

In The Arms Of God came out a full five years after their previous album, America’s Volume Dealer from 2000, and saw long time drummer Reed Mulin replaced on the Kit by the Jazz Drummer Stanton Moore from the band Galactic.

If you like big Sabbathy riffs, Southern tinges and guitar solos then In The Arms Of God is an album that will certainly interest you. The album is diverse enough to keep your interest throughout, shifting from Slow Rock to fast Metal, with occasional acoustic moments in there too, as well as a more bluesy feel this time around. Even with all these different elements, the record remains cohesive and still stays true to the overall sound without becoming confused.

The biggest difference about this album when compared to the three albums which preceded it, is that the music is more laid back, subtle and loose. Tracks don’t jump out of the speakers in quite the same way as they do on their other records for the most part, and the album is therefor something of a grower, which requires a few spins before truly clicking with the listener. Partly this is down to the production style and partly it is down to the performance, which has a bluesy bar-band feel to it.

Tracks like ‘So Much Left Behind’ and ‘Rise, River Rise’ are quality songs, but aren’t anthemic or instant, which may take some getting used to for fans expecting the band to write another ‘Clean My Wounds’ or ‘Drowning In A Daydream,’ but just know that ultimately the record is worth persisting with as the quality of the music within is unquestionable, and you will get the full impact of the tracks on repeat listens.

The overall Corrosion Of Conformity sound remains intact however, and just because the songs feel a little rawer and less polished doesn’t mean their aren’t a bunch of great riffs, interesting guitar solos and all the usual bits and pieces that make C.O.C so enjoyable to listen to.

The Sabbath inspired ‘Paranoid Opiod,’ ‘Infinite War,’ and the eight-and-a-half minute ‘Never Turns To More’ in particular are album highlights.

Overall; While new fans would be better off not starting with this record, In The Arms Of God is a strong album from the band that may take a few listens to get into, but which is still worthy of a place in your collection.
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