Carcass: Torn Arteries (2021)

Seven years ago, I was fortunate to see one of the mightiest pairings ever at a metal gig, namely Carcass supporting Napalm Death, a line-up I never thought I would see in New Zealand. Most of the world see Shane Embury as the godfather of grindcore (and rightfully so), but on the stage that night there was only one person who had played on the almighty ‘Scum’, and that was of course Bill Steer. Along with co-founder, bassist and singer Jeff Walker, Bill has continued to push Carcass so that 35 years after their creation they are still showing younger bands how to do it. It when this was released in 2021 it was eight years since the excellent ‘Surgical Steel’, since when they and drummer Dan Wilding have been active on the touring front as well as releasing EPs and singles. On this album they were joined by guitarist Tom Draper who had been working with them for a few years but has since left.

What does one expect from Carcass? Melodic death of course, lyrics which often use medical terminology, complex musicianship, and a band who look back at what they have previously achieved yet also want to keep pushing forward. They have a breadth of influences and bring these when they make sense yet also ensure they stay true to their calling. I remember being sent Firebird’s ‘No.3’ to review back in 2003 and I could not believe it was the same Bill Steer as musically it was just so different to what I expected from him. That is still true today as he is an immense and highly influential guitarist who feels no need to stick to the type of solos expected from him if something more traditional is required to fit in with his mindset yet can blast away if that is the right think to do. Walker is as gruff and powerful as ever, uncompromising, and when the band provide the beautiful acoustic introduction to the lengthy “Flesh Ripping Torment Limited” it feels just right before we move into the metal which continues to evolve and twist throughout.

Carcass are a band who continually deliver, both onstage and on vinyl, and long may it continue. For fans of melodic death everywhere.

Rating: 9/10