Each Sunday, The Hard Times travels back and reviews a notable album from the past. This week we’re taking a look at Cannibal Corpse’s second album, “Butchered at Birth.”
Societal norms change over time. What was acceptable or even praised in decades past may now be considered offensive and unacceptable. I mean, have you rewatched “Sixteen Candles” recently? If Gen Z finds that movie, I think John Hughes might actually go to jail.
Which brings me to my review of “Butchered at Birth.” I hate to be the one to say it, but after revisiting this 1991 release from the iconic death metal band Cannibal Corpse, I must say it’s a tad…problematic.
I knew I was in for some questionable content when the first song’s opening lyrics declared, “Butchery, my meat hooks sharpened to penetrate/Emasculate, gouging crotches I will eat.” This was an immediate red flag, as lead singer Chris Barnes neglects to mention whether he got consent before gouging and eating the aforementioned crotch.
Upon further consideration, I noted that the song is titled “Meat Hook Sodomy” and the album’s cover depicts two ghoulish butchers performing what appears to be an abortion on a mutilated female corpse. At this point, I started to think Cannibal Corpse might be in even hotter water than Chrissy Teigen was after those cyberbullying tweets.
My worst suspicions were only confirmed by tracks such as “Covered with Sores” and “Rancid Amputation.” For a moment I was encouraged by the fact that almost every song describes a female character, but I quickly realized that none of these women were empowered. In fact, most of them were dead and yet appeared to be thought of as a potential food source.
A close read of the lyrics doesn’t do the album any favors, either. The song “Innards Decay” makes frequent mention of tearing through meat and chewing limbs without ever pausing to reflect on the cruelty of industrial livestock production. And I’m not even sure what “anal grouting” is, but you’re definitely not supposed to be doing it in 2022.
I like to think of myself as pretty sex-positive, but “Butchered at Birth” features acts of sexual gratification that are not only in poor taste, but, dare I say, insensitive. I mean, chewing on bleeding stumps? In this political climate?
Unfortunately, I just can’t recommend this album in good conscience. While this may have been considered family entertainment in the dark ages of the early ‘90s, times have changed. So scoot over Matt Damon, because I think Cannibal Corpse might be joining you on the #canceled bench.
Score: 4 out of 5 offensive old Tweets