Cannibal Corpse is an American death metal band. The band was formed in Buffalo, New York in 1988 by Bob Russay, the first guitarist (who left the band in 1993). The band's lyrics draw heavily on horror fiction themes which consist of necrophilia, gore, rape, and death; and are highly controversial within the media. The bands' first 3 albums were banned in Europe until 2006 because of their graphic artwork. They are considered by many to be one of the most influential Death Metal bands in existence. Since their formation in 1988, they have undergone several line-up changes.