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Biography
Carcass was first formed in 1985 by guitarist Bill Steer and drummer Ken Owen under the name Disattack. Joined by vocalist Sanjiv and bassist Jeff Walker, they changed the name of the band to Carcass; and in 1987, they recorded a demo called “Flesh Ripping Sonic Torment.” Shortly after, Sanjiv left the group so the remaining three members split vocal responsibilities for their album “Reek of Putrification,” which caught the attention of Radio 1 DJ, John Peel.
“Symphonies of Sickness,” their second album, was released in 1989 and featured more death metal than the previous album. While on tour for the album they had guitarist Michael Amott join them, eventually taking a permanent position in the band and helping with the composition of their next album, “Necrotism- Descanting The Insalubrious.” The band went through a bit of a sound change for their fourth album entitled “Heartwork” which was released in 1993. After its release they signed with Columbia Records. Starting in 1994 the band started to record their new album, “Swansong,” however, a controversy occurred between the label and the band causing the album to not be released until 1996. But the release of “Swansong” didn’t come before the band switched over to Earache Records and broke up for a brief time, but despite the success of “Swansong” the band could not continue together.
In September 2007 Carcass reformed with Amott, Steer, Walker and Daniel Erlandsson (who replaced Ken Owen). Their first show back in the public was the German heavy metal festival, “Wacken Open Air.” Their appearance was followed by a reunion tour around the world as well as appearances made at many festivals. In 2013 the band signed a deal with Nuclear Blast with a slated EP release of “Surgical Remission/Surplus Steel.”
Live reviews
British extreme metal band Carcass is not for everyone, and definitely not for the faint hearted; however, if you can handle their face melting, body crushing, completely mind-blowing music, you should definitely check out their live show, because it doesn’t even come close to the recorded versions of their songs. Despite having a few line-up changes, a short-lived disbandment and even a health scare, the band Liverpool band continues to travel the world to melt their fans faces off.
With Jeff Walker on bass and vocals, Bill Steer on guitar and backing vocals, Ben Ash on guitar, and Daniel Wilding on drums, the band is a completely unstoppable force once they get up on the stage. Their fans are just as wild as a pack of crazed, action filled followers who move and mosh so hard that it is almost dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. If you take a step to the side and watch, and take in the amazing sounds of the band’s music you will find yourself in a completely different world. The energy is unfathomable, both from the crowd as well as the band, and you can’t help but fall into all of at once.
Before beginning, I think it is worth mentioning that Carcass are a complete niche taste when it comes to metal shows. The Liverpool band is known for identifying with the genres of extreme metal and grind-core so the live show is definitely not for the faint hearted. The mood is set before you enter with an all black stage setup and some ominous illustrations hanging low. Before they step out a blistering strobe begins and signals the beginning of an intense evening.
Having taken a large hiatus between albums, there feels as though there is an invigorated energy in new conceptual release 'Surgical Steel' and the band are clearly 100% behind this album. It is just as extreme and menacing as its predecessors yet this is just how the fanbase like it as they thrash, jump and mosh along to new tracks including 'Unfit for Human Consumption' and 'Thrasher's Abattoir'. A finale of one of the older tracks 'Heartwork' unites the whole room beneath the sinister strobes as they all launch themselves towards the front of the stage.
Blown away. It was a great show by all bands, yet I was attending to see Carcass. I've been listening to them for twenty years and finally getting to see them live was a bucket list item. Incredible show guys. Thank you for making it all the way out here to play for us. I'm so grateful! Long live Carcass! I'll be a loyal listener until I'm lowered into the Earth. Keep on Rotting In the Free World!
Completely epic performance. Carcass is relentless. Be sure to see this tour this Inter Arma and Deafheaven. 3 very different styles of metal all done flawlessly. I have been a Carcass fan since the 90's and this was a lifetime event. Better than seeing them at a festival. This show was from the heart!
Great show. Awesome venue. Great people. No problems whatsoever, just people having fun. The way concerts should be. Great sounds. Great stage presence. Awesome service. Great security. Did not feel threatened at all. Thank you!
Honestly came to see Testament and Slayer but I thought Carcass was pretty on point and think they have a lot of potential. Great opening act and will stay tuned to see what they got coming up
Carcass was amazing, I had the opportunity to get on stage with the band! Night Demon, Ghoul & Crowbar were amazing as well. I really enjoyed this experience to see one of my favorite band.