CD review BODY COUNT ‘Carnivore’

Ice-T and Body Count is one of the bands I had a chance to follow from the beginning, days when the guys released with ‘Cop Killer’ a song that was controversially discussed. Body Count has its foundation in the very early ‘90s and was one of the first bands that offered a fusion of Rap and Metal, initiating a genre they lead together with bands like Suicidal Tendencies.

Ice-T and Ernie C., together with Sean E Sean, are the driving forces of the L.A.-based powerhouse these days, a line-up that’s completed by Vincent Price, Juan of the Dead, Ill Will and Little Ice. The guys have with ‘Carnivore’ their next longplayer in the starting blocks and let’s say it right away, it’s a great one. Maybe it’s the best to date Body Count released.

A gritty intro starts the album and it’s the title track leading off the newest release. ‘Carnivore’ immediately brings all the Body Count trademarks to the forefront. Rap vocals, a massive riff and some raging parts are the main ingredients of this well-chosen opener.

More Metal is what you get with ‘Point the Finger’. Power Trip’s Riley Gale has a guest appearance on this track, adding a lot Thrash Metal to the mix. ‘Bum-Rush’ is next and focusses more on heaviness with a strong groove, all leading to a great chorus.

‘Another Level’ reduces tempo. The song is a slower one and it’s Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta adding vocals to it while ‘Colors 2020’ is a great remake of the Ice-T song, originally released in 1988.

A highlight you shouldn’t miss is ‘When I’m Gone’. It was the sad news of Nipsy Hussle’s death that reached Ice-T while working on the album. It inspired him to write this song that also special in a way that Evanescence’s Amy Lee has a guest appearance. It’s an interesting and well-functioning cooperation. adding a totally new aspect to Body Count’s music with melancholy and sadness being stronger than anger.

As on the previous longplayer ‘Bloodlust’ also the new album features a cover version of a real classic. Was it Slayer’s ‘Raining Blood’ on the last album it’s Motörhead’s timeless ‘Ace of Spades’ that enriches ‘Carnivore’. Body Count’s interpretation is a really good one. Introduced by a few words from Ice-T, the cover version is a real tribute to Lemmy, Fast Eddie and Phil.

30 years after having founded the band, the masters of Rap Metal release one of the strongest albums to date. It for sure lives up to expectations of fans and it also has the potential to give the band an extra push. Authentic and emotional music, that’s what you get with ‘Carnivore’ and you shouldn’t miss it.