Corrosion of Conformity No Cross No Crown

Corrosion of Conformity No Cross No Crown
Corrosion of Conformity are a band with two distinct eras: as a hardcore trio, and a stoner metal powerhouse as a four-piece ensemble. Ask fans, and they will have an opinion on which lineup they prefer. When the band decided to reunite as a four-piece in 2015, many got excited about the prospect of new music. After two years of touring classic material, Corrosion of Conformity have returned with No Cross No Crown. With this lineup's 13-year gap between albums, how would this release measure up?
Based on the guitar riffs, each song references the band's older material. Whether it's heavier tracks like "The Luddite" and "A Quest to Believe," or the flat out radio rock of "Little Man" and "Forgive Me," there is always something reminiscent of the past. This leaves the album more as a celebration, rather than being a new addition to the band's catalogue.
The album does have some highlights. Lead guitarist Woody Weatherman is back with his tasteful solos that are the highlight Corrosion of Conformity albums His guitar work on "Wolf Named Crow" and "Old Disaster" definitely satisfy fans' guitar solo needs.
Overall, No Cross No Crown is for diehard fans; those who want to hear something new will be disappointed. This record serves as a great trip down memory lane for those who've always stuck by the band throughout their existence. (Nuclear Blast)