Review CARCASS ‘Torn Arteries’

England’s riff surgeons Carcass played with albums like ‘Heartwork’ a significant role in the growing popularity of death metal in the early 90s. Even before their fifth album ‘Swansong’ was released, the band announced that they were breaking up, and metal fans were all the more relieved when the news in 2016 pointed to a reunion.

Since their return, Carcass have released exactly one album, ‘Surgical Steel’. After eight years, and with an EP as a bridge, Jeff Walker, Bill Steer, Daniel Wilding and Tom Draper return with ‘Torn Arteries’.

The first thing that stands out is the unusual artwork of the album. While the front cover of the previous album was rather cool and sterile, this time the band decided to use a different expression. A heart made of vegetables is certainly not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a metal record. But it also makes it unmistakably clear that Carcass are no ordinary metal band.

What looks very colorful and lively on the photo, however, changes over time, at the latest when the process of decay begins. And here is the link to the album and its musical intensity. Carcass’ new album is morbid and decay is something that accompanies the songs. As always, the lyrics are not a simply told story. Since the beginning, Carcass have always valued complex lyrics, something they continue on this album and to put all the pieces together a physical copy of the new record is certainly beneficial. This album needs time and attention.

The centerpiece of ‘Torn Arteries’ is the nine-minute ‘Flesh Ripping Sonic Torment’. The song is not as fast as some other tracks on the record, but comes with cleverly used breaks and a radiance that impresses. Especially the slower part in the middle of the track, with its slo-mo riff causes goosebumps. In addition, the band has integrated a calmer section that acts as a kind of interlude and reinforces the heaviness of the track. To cement Carcass’ range, the foursome have included ‘Kelly’s Meat Emporium’, a short and brute smasher that comes next on the tracklist and both songs, in combination, exemplify where the band stands today.

Carcass belongs to the pioneers of death metal and what the band delivers on their new album has quality. ‘Torn Arteries’ is wild, rebellious and at the same time fascinating and to the point. Here are specialists at work who know what they are doing. If you prefer well-made and relentless death metal, you can’t miss this record.