SIX FEET UNDER's JACK OWEN Talks CHRIS BARNES, CANNIBAL CORPSE & More On The Loaded Radio Podcast

SIX FEET UNDER guitarist Jack Owen joins us this week on The Loaded Radio Podcast to discus theband's new album "Killing For Revenge" plus much more

From the opening moments of "Know-Nothing Ingrate," which kicks off "Killing for Revenge", it's immediately clear that SIX FEET UNDER focused their energies into something that's as brutal, lyrically visceral and musically dazzling as one would hope for from the ground-breaking Tampa-bred death metal lineup on their 14th studio album.

"Killing for Revenge", a gnarly beast of a record that's not for the faint-hearted, dishes up nightmare-inducing imagery courtesy of frontman Chris Barnes via the vocalist's trademark guttural vocals. Both the album title and darkly detailed red-hued album cover by artist Vince Locke are perfect containers for the brutality within.

"Killing for Revenge" marks the second album that Barnes and guitarist Jack Owen (both ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE) have created together since reuniting for 2020's "Nightmares of the Decomposed", an album one critic praised an "often slow-ish and doomy yet crushing death metal" which offered an "uncompromising show of strength." Owen also produced "Killing for Revenge", with Barnes as production assistant.

SIX FEET UNDER was initially formed as a side project for Barnes during his final years with the band that he co-founded, CANNIBAL CORPSE. It became the frontman's sole focus in 1995, coinciding with the release of their debut, "Haunted". Only Barnes remains from the original SFU band, but the quality has remained remarkably consistent. The current lineup of Barnes, guitarists Owen and Ray Suhy, bassist Jeff Hughell, and drummer Marco Pitruzzella make for a devastating unit.

Jack Owen: A Shredding Force in Death Metal

But let's get into Jack himself. Jack Owen, a name synonymous with brutal riffs and pummeling grooves, has carved a legendary path through the world of death metal. Born in December 1967 in Akron, New York, Owen's musical journey began with a love for blues and country, influenced by his father's guitar playing. This diverse background would later add unexpected depth to his ferocious metal creations.

CANNIBAL CORPSE and Early Success (1988-2004):

Owen's foray into extreme metal began in 1988 when he co-founded the band that would define his early career: CANNIBAL CORPSE. Alongside vocalist Chris Barnes, Owen became a driving force behind the band's signature sound, characterized by technical proficiency, unrelenting aggression, and lyrics that reveled in the macabre. Albums like "Tomb of the Mutilated" and "Butchered At Birth" cemented CANNIBAL CORPSE's status as death metal pioneers, and Owen's shredding guitar work became a hallmark of the genre.

DEICIDE, SIX FEET UNDER and Beyond (2004-Present):

In 2004, Owen left CANNIBAL CORPSE to pursue other musical endeavors. These endeavors would turn out to be DEICIDE, replacing the Hoffman brothers, where he remained a member of the brutal band until 2016. The following year, he joined his former CORPSE bandmate Chris Barnes in SIX FEET UNDER where he not only remains, but also plays such a massive part of in the way of production, writing and performing.

The reunion proved fruitful, with Owen's songwriting partnership with Barnes breathing new life into SIX FEET UNDER. They've released a string of critically acclaimed albums together, including their latest effort "Killing for Revenge" which showcases Owen's relentless ferocity remains undiminished.

Beyond Death Metal:

Despite his association with death metal, Owen's musical tastes are eclectic. He has expressed admiration for blues and country legends, and even filled in for a short period with the band ADRIFT, showcasing his versatility as a guitarist.

A Legacy of Brutal Brilliance:

Jack Owen's impact on death metal is undeniable. His innovative riffs, technical prowess, and songwriting skills have influenced countless musicians.

During this episode of The Loaded Radio Podcast, Jack sits down with Loaded Radio's Scott Penfold and discusses everything from the latest SIX FEET UNDER album, the history and evolution of death metal, his love for animals, his relationship with Barnes, the early days of CANNIBAL CORPSE and also whether he believes that a tour featuring both bands will ever happen.