In a recent interview with Drew Stone of The New York Hardcore Chronicles Live!, founding bassist Mike Dean of Corrosion of Conformity hinted at the possibility of his return to the veteran sludge metal band post-2024 departure.

'Never say never,' Dean said.

'I'm not opposed to it.' After Dean's exit, C.O.C.

recruited Bobby Landgraf, former Down guitarist and current Pantera bass technician, to fill the bass role.

Dean praised his successor, praising Landgraf's dedication and proficiency on the instrument: 'They got Bobby, who played guitar in Down, who, it turns out, is actually a real bass player,' Dean noted.

'He shows up every day.' Dean has shifted his creative focus to a new Raleigh-based project called Archaos, currently in the early stages of recording.

Dean announced his departure from Corrosion of Conformity on September 20, 2024, citing long-distance collaboration and the loss of drummer Reed Mullin as challenges.

C.O.C.'s remaining members Pepper Keenan and Woody Weatherman expressed support for Dean's decision and confirmed new material was in progress.