Breaking News! 🚨 Chris Barnes, the vocal powerhouse behind SIX FEET UNDER, has graced us with an update on their *totally* groundbreaking new album. Prepare yourselves (or don’t, whatever 🙄) because it’s slated to drop in early 2026 via Metal Blade Records. Yes, you read that right, 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣. Mark your calendars, folks!
Chris, in his infinite wisdom, took to Instagram (because where else would a metal legend share earth-shattering news?) to declare that the recording is going “GREAT!” 🎉 According to Chris, mixing has already begun, courtesy of the one and only Mark Lewis. Apparently, Chris is “super happy” with everything they wrote and recorded. Get ready for “killer songs” that are “Pure 100% REAL death metal.” 🤘 No fillers, no over processing, no modern tricks or bullshit. Just death metal. Because apparently, everything else is just poser garbage. 🗑️ More info on singles, the release date, and tour dates will be unleashed upon us at the beginning of 2026. So, you know, stay tuned for that earth-shattering info! 🌍
In a recent appearance on the “100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal” podcast, hosted by Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel (talk about a conflict of interest, am I right? 🤔), Chris divulged what fans can expect from the new SIX FEET UNDER masterpiece. According to Chris, it’s a “really interesting album.” 🤯 Apparently, Chris and Jack Owen (yes, *that* Jack Owen) tag-teamed on the songwriting this time around. Jack wrote half the lyrics, and Chris wrote the other half. Because, you know, sharing is caring. 🥰 Chris claims that collaborating with Jack as a lyricist has been “really interesting” for him. The pair previously worked together on CANNIBAL CORPSE’s debut album, “Eaten Back To Life,” specifically on the song “Shredded Humans.” Chris loves the way Jack writes because his storytelling is “very immersive.” Whatever that means. 🤷♂️ Chris also believes that Jack has been an “amazing addition” to SIX FEET UNDER, “progressing the band and keeping things interesting.” As if that was possible. 🤣
He further elaborates that this album encompasses “just a lot of everything we’ve done.” So expect more of the same old stuff? Even going back to “Haunted,” there are some songs that are “very rhythmic” and “more on the simple, straightforward side.” And then there are some songs that are “very thrashy,” a trend that started on “Killing For Revenge.” Thrashy death metal? 🤔 Is that even a thing? One of the songs apparently reminds Chris of something they would’ve done on “The Bleeding” when he was in CANNIBAL CORPSE, when both he and Jack were in CANNIBAL CORPSE. So basically, it’s a nostalgia trip down memory lane. Nostalgia! 👴
Regarding the production of the upcoming SIX FEET UNDER album, Chris reveals that mixing starts next month with Mark Lewis. This marks their first collaboration since “Undead” and “Unborn.” Chris is a huge fan of Mark’s mix on the new DYING FETUS record. Apparently, the two reconnected during SIX FEET UNDER’s tour earlier this year in Nashville, where they had a “really good conversation.” Because nothing says metal like a cozy chat in Nashville. 🎶 Chris felt compelled to work with Mark again after that tour because he loved the production on the FETUS album so much. Mark was “open to explore the production and the mix in an interesting way so that it complements these songs,” which are apparently “very diverse from each other.” Diverse? From SIX FEET UNDER? Color me skeptical. 🤨
Chris also shares his groundbreaking philosophy on album production. He doesn’t like “blanket productions.” He believes that each song should have its own unique production, with different snare sounds, for instance. Why can’t one song have one production, and another song have another sound? It’s a valid question, I guess. 🤔 Chris understands that there has to be some cohesiveness throughout the album, but he’s a big fan of making each song its own entity. He respects bands and producers that have been able to do that and not just do a blanket production to make it sound more organic. Organic? 🌿 Is this death metal or a farmers market? 🧑🌾
Oh, and remember that “Midnight In Hell” tour with EXHORDER, WRETCHED, and INCITE? Yeah, that got canceled “due to unforeseen circumstances.” 🤷♂️ The trek was supposed to launch in September and conclude in October, but alas, it was not meant to be. Maybe next time, guys. 🤞
“Killing For Revenge” came out in May 2024 through Metal Blade Records. It was the second collaboration between Chris and Jack Owen since reuniting for 2020’s “Nightmares Of The Decomposed.” Jack also produced “Killing For Revenge.” Because why not keep it all in the family? 👨👩👧👦
SIX FEET UNDER was initially formed as a side project for Chris during his final years with CANNIBAL CORPSE. It became his sole focus in 1995, coinciding with the release of their debut, “Haunted.” Only Chris remains from SIX FEET UNDER’s original incarnation, but the quality has remained remarkably consistent. Consistently mediocre, that is. 😜 The current lineup includes guitarists Jack Owen and Ray Suhy, bassist Jeff Hughell, and drummer Marco Pitruzzella. Apparently, they make for a “devastating unit.” Devastatingly average, maybe? 😴
While Chris is the sole remaining member, SIX FEET UNDER is about more than just him and Jack. Chris is thrilled with the current lineup and what each member brings to the table. “Jeff and Marco have been with me for about 10 years,” Chris said in last year’s press release. “I’m really fortunate that I have probably the best musicians in metal.” He claims that they have the same amount of original members as CANNIBAL CORPSE. Jeff is a “killer bass player,” Marco is “probably the best drummer out there,” Jack is the “greatest songwriter” he’s ever been involved with, and Ray is a “phenomenal guitarist” who can play everything from jazz to death metal. The lineup is “untouchable.” Famous last words. 🙊
“Killing For Revenge,” which featured a guest appearance by guitarist Jason Suecof on “Neanderthal,” was mixed and mastered by Chaz Najjar at Badlands Recording in Denver, Colorado. The record was released on CD, digital formats, and vinyl. Because apparently, people still buy CDs and vinyl. 💿
So there you have it, folks. The latest and greatest news from the world of SIX FEET UNDER. Stay tuned for more updates (if you dare)! 🤪
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