In a recent interview that sheds light on the enduring camaraderie and creative synergy between two titans of death metal, Jack Owen, guitarist for Six Feet Under and former member of Cannibal Corpse, spoke candidly about his long-standing relationship with Six Feet Under frontman Chris Barnes. The discussion, which took place in the lead-up to the release of Six Feet Under’s fifteenth studio album, "Next To Die," on April 24 via Metal Blade Records, offered a nuanced perspective on Barnes’ public perception and the deeply rooted professional and personal bond he shares with Owen.
Owen, who rejoined Six Feet Under in 2017 after a significant tenure with Cannibal Corpse from 1988 to 2004, described the evolution of his friendship and working dynamic with Barnes as "excellent." He elaborated on the seamless transition back into collaboration, stating, "It was like we picked up where we dropped off. It’s all good. We can talk to each other about anything – from albums to music to movies. It’s all good." This sentiment underscores a professional maturity and mutual respect that has allowed their creative partnership to flourish across different eras of their respective careers. The initial period of their collaboration in Cannibal Corpse spanned sixteen years, laying a foundational understanding that Owen suggests has only deepened over time.
Dispelling Misconceptions: The Approachable Artist
When pressed about the most significant misconception surrounding Chris Barnes, Owen was quick to address the perception of him being unapproachable. "Oh, that he’s unapproachable. He’s very approachable. He’s very relatable. He has the same interests that most of us have," Owen asserted. This direct rebuttal challenges the often-intimidating persona that Barnes, like many extreme metal vocalists, cultivates on stage.
This sentiment was echoed in a previous interview with Into The Combine two years prior, where Owen described Barnes as "a big softie, and he’s like a brother to me. But if you don’t know him, then he seems pretty standoffish." This dual nature – a formidable presence in the extreme music scene juxtaposed with a more personal, amiable disposition – appears to be a key element in understanding Barnes as an individual. The stark contrast between his onstage ferocity and his offstage demeanor likely contributes to the disconnect between public perception and reality.
Navigating Online Discourse and Public Perception
Owen also offered insights into the often-toxic environment of online discourse surrounding Barnes and, by extension, extreme metal artists in general. "I think it’s contagious to jump on somebody like that online… I think it’s trolls that are connected to each other. And it’s, like, ‘Well, you said that? I’m gonna say something worse.’" This observation points to a broader issue of online mob mentality and the amplification of negativity, often detached from any genuine understanding of the subject. Owen reiterated his earlier point about Barnes’ true nature, emphasizing, "But Chris [is] really mellow and soft-spoken – except on stage." This distinction between his public performance persona and his private demeanor is crucial in understanding the artist behind the guttural growls.
The emergence of "Next To Die," the band’s fifteenth album, signifies a sustained creative output from Six Feet Under, a project that initially began as a side venture for Barnes during his tenure with Cannibal Corpse. The album is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026, through Metal Blade Records. This release marks the third album that Barnes and Owen have collaboratively produced since their reunion in 2017, solidifying their continued creative partnership.
"Next To Die": A Collaborative Masterpiece
"Next To Die" is presented as a significant creative achievement for Six Feet Under, following their 2024 release, "Killing For Revenge." The album was meticulously produced by both Owen and Barnes, with the critical mixing and mastering handled by Mark Lewis of MRL Studios in Nashville. This collaborative production process, involving two key figures with deep roots in the genre, suggests a shared vision and a commitment to sonic excellence.
The recording process for "Next To Die" involved a strategic approach to leverage individual strengths and studio capabilities. Barnes laid down his distinctive vocal tracks at the iconic Criteria Recording Studios in Miami, a location with a rich history in music production. Owen, meanwhile, recorded his rhythm guitar parts with Jason Suecof at AudioHammer Studios in Sanford, Florida. Suecof’s involvement extends beyond production, as he also contributes a guest guitar lead on the track "Approach Your Grave." The remaining band members contributed their parts remotely from their home studios, a testament to the modern collaborative workflows that have become prevalent in music creation, enabling the cohesive development of twelve tracks that form the album’s core. The album’s artwork, created by Sandy Rezalmi, is described as perfectly encapsulating the thematic and sonic journey presented within the LP’s lyrics and music.
A Legacy of Death Metal Innovation
Six Feet Under’s journey began in 1995 with the release of their debut album, "Haunted," during Barnes’ final years with Cannibal Corpse. The band quickly established itself as a formidable force in the death metal landscape, with Barnes as its sole focus after 1995. The current iteration of Six Feet Under, honed by extensive touring, features Barnes and Owen alongside lead guitarist Ray Suhy, bassist Jeff Hughell, and drummer Marco Pitruzzella. This lineup represents a stable and experienced unit, capable of delivering the visceral intensity that defines the band’s sound.
Touring and Market Presence
The band’s recent touring activities have underscored their enduring appeal and commitment to their fanbase. Six Feet Under undertook highly successful U.S. tours in 2025, marking their first domestic touring circuit since 2013. This return to the road was complemented by a significant festival appearance in Mexico City in March 2025, demonstrating their continued engagement with the global death metal community.
Looking ahead, Six Feet Under is poised for a busy summer, commencing a North American headlining tour on July 8 in Detroit and concluding on August 11 in Chicago. This extensive run will feature support from fellow heavyweights Kataklysm and Wormhole, promising a formidable package for fans of extreme music. Prior to their North American dates, the band will embark on a European headlining tour in June, with support from Embryonic Autopsy. These tours are not merely promotional efforts for the new album; they represent a crucial element of the band’s identity and financial viability, particularly within the niche market of death metal. The successful execution of these tours, following a period of relative inactivity in the U.S., signals a resurgence and a strong market demand for their live performances.
The continuous output of new music and extensive touring schedules, coupled with the detailed accounts of their creative process, suggest a strategic approach to maintaining relevance and engaging with their audience. The band’s longevity, spanning over two decades for Six Feet Under and even longer for Barnes and Owen individually within the genre, is a testament to their dedication and the sustained interest in their particular brand of extreme music. The ability to navigate the complexities of the modern music industry, from production to promotion and live performance, while maintaining artistic integrity, is a hallmark of successful long-standing bands. The ongoing dialogue between Owen and Barnes, as highlighted in this interview, further solidifies the foundation upon which Six Feet Under continues to build its legacy.