One of the first bands from the 1980s to draw equally from hardcore punk and metal influences, North Carolina band Corrosion of Conformity has built a sizeable following worldwide over a three-decade career with its mix of intelligent, politically-charged lyrics and aggressive riffs. The band's blazing 1983 debut Eye For An Eye (the only record the band made with original lead singer Eric Eycke) and the follow-up effort Animosity that found guitarist Woody Weatherman, bassist Mike Dean and drummer Reed Mullin soldiering on as a three piece were hailed as pioneering recordings in the crossover thrash movement.

During the 1990s, the group's line-up changed significantly as its sound evolved from its hardcore roots to become a more traditional (albeit still influential) metal band with their use of sludgy dropped tuning that future headbangers like Korn and Fear Factory would employ. Their Sabbath-tinged sound remained a favorite of metal fans the world over thanks to efforts from 1991's Blind through the acclaimed 2005 recording In the Arms of God.

The group went on hiatus in 2006 as guitarist Pepper Keenan focusing on doom supergroup Down (which also features former Pantera singer Phillip Anselmo and members of Crowbar), but in early 2010 announced the reunion of the Animosity-era line-up featuring the founding trio of guitarist Weatherman, bassist/vocalist Mike Dean, and drummer Reed Mullin. The band toured to rave reviews and an ecstatic fan response from those who grew up listening to COC's classic '80s material but never had a chance to see the songs performed live.

While the group put out a 7-inch single with the song "Your Tomorrow (Parts 1 and 2)" through independent label Southern Lord Records that year, in 2011 it was announced that the trio would be putting out its first album as a trio in almost 30 years. The self-titled disc seeing released via Candlelight Records finds the band exploring the full expanse of the Corrosion of Conformity sound ranging from the breakneck tempos heard on "Leeches" and "Rat City" to the lumbering heaviness of "The Doom" and "Come Not Here." The band returns to the Bay Area for a second time this year, headlining this three-band bill at the Uptown that features Oakland's own metal favorites Saviours and acclaimed SF noise-punk band Pins of Light.

Corrosion of Conformity
Sunday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m. $20
The Uptown