Get ready for a no-holds-barred, pure death metal experience—because Six Feet Under’s upcoming album is stripping away all the fluff to deliver raw, unadulterated brutality. In a recent update, vocalist Chris Barnes declared the new record will be ‘100% real death metal—no fillers, no modern tricks, no bullshit.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era dominated by over-produced albums and genre-blending experiments, is this back-to-basics approach a refreshing return to roots or a missed opportunity for innovation? Barnes, who shared the progress on Instagram, teased fans with the promise of ‘killer songs’ and a focus on authenticity. Mixing has already begun under the helm of Mark Lewis, with more details on singles, release dates, and tour info expected early 2026.
During a 2025 podcast appearance with Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, Barnes revealed intriguing details about the album’s creation. Collaborating with guitarist Jack Owen, Barnes split the lyric-writing duties for the first time, a move that adds a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound. ‘Jack’s storytelling is very immersive,’ Barnes noted, praising Owen’s contributions. But this is the part most people miss: the album isn’t just a throwback—it’s a blend of everything Six Feet Under has done, from the rhythmic simplicity of Haunted to the thrash-infused death metal of Killing For Revenge. One track even harkens back to Barnes’ Cannibal Corpse days, specifically the The Bleeding era. Is this a nostalgic nod or a bold evolution? You decide.
Production-wise, Barnes is taking a risk by avoiding a ‘blanket production’ approach, opting instead to treat each song as its own entity. Working with Lewis again after Undead and Unborn, Barnes is pushing for a mix that complements the album’s diverse tracks. But here’s the kicker: in a genre where consistency is often king, is this experimental approach a gamble or a game-changer? Barnes isn’t shy about his vision: ‘I’ve always respected bands that make each song unique,’ he said. Will this pay off, or will it leave fans divided?
Adding to the intrigue, Six Feet Under recently canceled their ‘Midnight In Hell’ tour with Exhorder, Wretched, and Incite due to ‘unforeseen circumstances.’ While disappointing, the focus now shifts entirely to the album, which follows 2024’s Killing For Revenge. That record, produced by Owen and featuring a guest appearance by Jason Suecof, marked the second collaboration between Barnes and Owen since their 2020 reunion on Nightmares Of The Decomposed.
Six Feet Under’s journey is as fascinating as their music. Originally a side project during Barnes’ final years with Cannibal Corpse, the band became his sole focus in 1995 with the release of Haunted. Today, Barnes is the only original member left, but the current lineup—featuring Owen, Ray Suhy, Jeff Hughell, and Marco Pitruzzella—is firing on all cylinders. Barnes gushed about his bandmates in a recent press release, calling them ‘probably the best musicians in metal.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: in a band with such a rotating lineup, does the essence of Six Feet Under lie in its members or its unwavering commitment to the genre?
As we await the new album, one thing is clear: Six Feet Under isn’t just making music—they’re making a statement. Will it resonate with die-hard fans and newcomers alike? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is their back-to-basics approach a breath of fresh air, or does death metal need to evolve beyond its roots? Let us know in the comments!