Canker was formed in Granada, Spain, in 1990. From the start, the band played a raw yet technically accomplished blend of thrash and death metal. They released their self-titled debut demo in 1991 to widespread critical acclaim.
In 1994, Canker released their first album, Physical. The record showcased a level of technical skill and songwriting rarely heard in the Spanish metal scene. Moreover, its production set a new standard for the country. Colin Richardson produced the album, while Tomas Skogsberg handled the mix.
Three years later, the band returned with their second album, Exquisites Tenderness. The release expanded on the style established with Physical and pushed it even further. However, the band split up shortly afterward.
Over the following years, Canker reunited several times with different lineups. During that period, they also released the album Earthquake. Then, in 2025, the classic Physical lineup reunited to celebrate both the band’s legacy and its landmark debut.
In 2026, Only Death Is Real reissued Physical on vinyl for the first time since its original 1994 pressing. The release faithfully replicated the original edition while correcting the back cover track listing. It was limited to just 200 copies.
