What Does Chris Barnes Reveal About His Past And The State Of Extreme Metal Today?
He openly addresses lingering tension with former bandmates in Cannibal Corpse, breaks down the intent behind Next To Die, and shares a blunt take on where death metal stands right now.
TL;DR:
Chris Barnes delivers one of his most honest interviews in years—touching on past band tension, Six Feet Under’s new album Next To Die, and his views on modern death metal. Hellripper’s James McBain also joins to break down Coronach and the rise of his one-man blackened thrash project. Two completely different forces, one must-hear episode.
This Episode Hits Different From The First Question
After years of doing interviews and hearing every version of a “safe” answer, you know immediately when one is going to go somewhere real. This was one of those.
Barnes came in ready to talk—no filters, no rehearsed angles—and that energy carried through the entire conversation.
Then you pivot to James McBain, and it’s a different kind of intensity entirely. Focused, calculated, but just as committed to what he’s building.
That contrast is exactly what makes this episode stand out.
Where Things Stand Right Now In Extreme Metal
Extreme metal is at a crossroads.
Legacy voices still define the foundation, but newer artists are reshaping the edges without asking permission. That tension—between what the genre was and what it’s becoming—is happening in real time.
This episode captures both sides of that shift. One looking back with perspective, the other pushing forward without compromise.
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Chris Barnes Doesn’t Avoid The Past
He Addresses The Tension Head-On
There’s no vague language here.
Barnes acknowledges the disconnect with his former bandmates in Cannibal Corpse and speaks on it in a way that feels direct and unfiltered. Not dramatic—just honest.
And that honesty is what makes this part of the conversation hit harder than anything you’ll read secondhand.
Working With Jack Owen Still Carries Weight
There’s real history between Barnes and Jack Owen—and it shows.
Two former members reconnecting under Six Feet Under isn’t just nostalgia. It’s continuity. It’s unfinished energy being redirected into something new.
That dynamic plays directly into how Next To Die was built.
“Next To Die” Feels Intentional
This doesn’t come across like another cycle release.
There’s purpose behind it—pulling from the roots of what made death metal dangerous while still sounding like a band that knows exactly what it is.
If you’ve checked out in the past, this is the kind of record that pulls you back in.
Fans interested in catching Six Feet Under live can find tickets here.
Hellripper Brings A Completely Different Kind Of Fire
James McBain Is Building Something On His Own Terms
Hellripper isn’t following a formula.
One person. Full control. No compromise.
And somehow that independence is exactly what’s pushing it forward faster.
McBain breaks down how Coronach came together and why keeping everything in-house has been a strength—not a limitation.
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No Safety Net, No Filter
There’s nowhere to hide in a one-man project.
Every decision is yours, every flaw is yours, every win is yours.
That pressure shows up in the music—and in how McBain talks about it.
It lines up with Barnes in a different way: total commitment to vision.
Coronach Feels Like A Turning Point
You can hear the momentum building.
Hellripper has been gaining traction, but this record feels like the one that pushes it into a different level of recognition.
It’s sharper. More confident. Still raw—but controlled.
Two Completely Different Worlds—Same Intensity
That’s what makes this episode work.
You’ve got:
- A defining voice from death metal’s foundation speaking with clarity and edge
- A modern artist carving his own lane without compromise
Different eras. Same level of conviction.
And that’s where things get interesting.
So here’s the real question—which side of extreme metal are you leaning toward right now? The originators, or the new wave pushing it forward?
Listen To The Full Episode Below
FAQ
What Does Chris Barnes Say About His Former Band Cannibal Corpse?
He addresses the tension directly and gives a clear, unfiltered perspective on where things stand today.
What Is Six Feet Under’s Next To Die About?
The album focuses on reconnecting with the roots of death metal while delivering a more intentional and energized sound.
Who Is Hellripper?
Hellripper is a one-man blackened thrash project led by James McBain, known for blending aggressive styles with full creative independence.
What Is Coronach?
Coronach is Hellripper’s latest album and represents a major step forward in both songwriting and execution.
Where Can I Listen To The Full Podcast Episode?
You can stream the full episode directly above using the embedded player or wherever you get your podcasts.
Band Bio: Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under is an American death metal band formed in 1993 by Chris Barnes following his departure from Cannibal Corpse. Known for their groove-heavy style and consistent output, the band has remained a staple in the genre for over three decades.
Band Bio: Hellripper
Hellripper is the solo project of Scottish musician James McBain, combining elements of black metal and thrash into a fast, aggressive hybrid. The project has built a strong following through its raw sound and uncompromising creative approach.
The post Chris Barnes Gets Brutally Honest On Six Feet Under As Hellripper Ignites Chaos On The Loaded Radio Podcast appeared first on Loaded Radio.
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