Carnifex
Die Without Hope
Released 7th March
Deathcore/Death Metal
Released via Nuclear Blast
As a person with minimal interest in Deathcore or any similar sub-genre, I thought it would be a dreary task to review an album that I didn’t think would be any different from the rest. Many might say that I jumped to conclusions way too quickly, they would all be correct.
Carnifex are one of the few bands of 2013/14 that have evolved in a truly infinite way. Having being criticised for being a Suicide Silence copycat in their early years, they have since matured and developed into something unique and unrelenting. I am quite simply astounded.
Upon first hitting the play button I was greeted with an ominous and haunting intro sample (which is always welcome) and Scott Lewis’ voice which comes bellowing through the speakers with the title of the opening track Salvation Is Dead. This is a fantastic choice for opening an album, quite simply because this particular song demonstrates and boasts Carnifex’s true inspiration and growth as songwriters. The main guitars have almost streamlined and simplified but give a clearer indication of what they are about and what direction they want to go in, however, the songs as a whole have been filled to the brim with surprises and breath-taking guitar solos which I would never have anticipated in a Carnifex album.
My personal favourite is Dark Days. This track really shines in terms of growth and citing their inspirations on their sleeves, is just truly incredible and I have not even started on the new production yet.
Signing to Nuclear Blast is the best move they have made. Their production has improved tenfold. The drums are twice as thunderous but still crisp, the new clarity in the guitars and bass is so much more gratifying than on previous productions and the vocals are just simply incredible. This album is a MUST for 2014.
Carnifex are here!
5/5
Paul Maddison
Carnifex online:
http://facebook.com/CarnifexMetal
http://twitter.com/carnifex
http://youtube.com/officialcarnifex
http://instagram.com/carnifex
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