ALEX WEBSTER Credits SLAYER for Influencing Death Metal the Most Among Thrash Bands

young teenager, that genre, the ’50s rock. But, when I hit my early teens, the introduction to metal bands like ACCEPT and IRON MAIDEN sparked my interest, paving the way for thrash acts like METALLICA, SLAYER, and KREATOR to dominate my music collection. Webster expressed the idea that metal enthusiasts are always seeking the next heaviest sound, building upon each genre’s innovations. He highlighted SLAYER as the paramount thrash band that heavily influenced the formation of death metal due to their lyrical content and musical approach in comparison to other bands like VENOM.

Webster delved into the evolution of harsh vocals in metal, tracing it back to early pioneers like Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD and Cronos from VENOM, who incorporated growling elements into their singing while maintaining melodic undertones. As the genre developed, vocalists like Jeff from POSSESSED, Chuck from DEATH, and Kam Lee from MASSACRE pushed the boundaries of guttural vocals, ultimately leading to a rhythmic growling style devoid of traditional melodies. He mentioned Mille from KREATOR as a significant thrash vocalist who inspired him and his bandmates in developing their vocal techniques.

The decision to form CANNIBAL CORPSE was a natural progression for Webster and his former bandmate, Jack, given their admiration for bands like DEATH and MORBID ANGEL. Despite experimenting with different sounds and genres in their previous band BEYOND DEATH, the duo gravitated towards a more death metal-oriented approach, inspired by their predecessors in the genre. By the time their debut album “Eaten Back To Life” was released in 1990, the transition from their thrash roots to death metal was evident, solidifying their unique sound in the metal landscape.

Webster’s reflections on the formative influences and musical journey that led to the creation of CANNIBAL CORPSE shed light on the intricate web of connections and inspirations that underpin the evolution of metal. His reverence for bands like SLAYER, DEATH, and MORBID ANGEL underscores the collaborative nature of metal music, where artists contribute to and build upon each other’s innovations to push the boundaries of the genre. From the early days of ’50s rock to the gritty growls of death metal, Webster’s musical odyssey encapsulates the transformative power of metal music on both artists and audiences alike.