Carnation – Cursed Mortality
Reviewed By: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 9.5
With their highly-anticipated third full-length album, Cursed Mortality, Belgian death dealers Carnation have managed to keep the authentic sound of true death metal while also raising the level of relevancy and keeping things fresh. This album is more of a rebirth, keeping true to their first two albums, Where Death Lies (2020) and their debut Chapel Of Abhorrence (2018), while adding more of a melodic progressive vibe to their signature death metal sound.
Band members Simon Duson (vocals), Jonathan Verstrepen (lead guitar), Bert Vervoot (rhythm guitar), Yarne Heylen (bass guitar) and Vincent Verstrepen (drums) have created a massive sounding album that immediately showcases how tight the band have become. The first track ‘Herald Of Demise’ features guest guitarist Andy LaRoque from King Diamond. The song has a really cool symphonic intro and then the track explodes into an all out assault with killer guitar riffs and dark aggressive vocals. The drums and bass pound the listener into submission.
‘Maruta’ is another heavy song that starts with a fast drum beat and guitar riff. This has an old-school death metal sound and what I like about it is how fast it speeds up. The heavy vocals on this track push a darker melodic vibe and this is one of two of my favourite tracks and would be an awesome live song. I can visualize aggressive crowd participation. ‘Metropolis’ continues the heavy sound and the track speeds up even more. The guitars on this track are fantastic – blistering fast at times while also invoking a sludgy doom vibe. This, again, would be another awesome live track.
‘Replicant’ has a more traditional sound, slowing things down, while also adding a mix of clean nad aggressive vocals that really sounds amazing. This is my second favourite track, creating a listening experience that brings a very cool twist to the realm of death metal. ‘Dutroux’ hits the middle of the album with a heaviness that also adds a touch of a melody. The track also has a very cool Entombed aggressiveness to it. ‘Submerged In Deafening Silence’ is where death metal meets doom, while also channeling a black metal-like vibe. This darker sound manages to create a very surreal soundscape that is totally captivating. Track seven ‘Cycle Of Suffering’ is another song that really pays homage to the old school death metal sound. It’s a great track that emits a pure evil vibe.
The last song, the title track, is the longest track on the album at seven and a half minutes and finishes the album off in style. The slower guitar intro has a cool rhythmic pounding that sets this song up very well. Again, another track with a mix of clean and death metal vocals that creates a sound that is fantastic. This song is a perfect way to end the album with a mix of vocal styles that manages to keep the listener totally engaged, never knowing what direction the song might go. Musically the tempo changes from slow to fast creating a sound that is their own. I love how the song fades out at the end.
It’s evident that Carnation wanted to create something unique to them while also staying true to that classic death metal sound, which they succeeded in doing. Musically and vocally the direction they took is authentic and relevant and showcases that they are more than a one genre band. It’s so refreshing when a band tweaks their formula and it pays off in spades.
I recommend this album for any true death metal fan as well as any traditionalist doom fans, and really just anyone looking for a superb, relevant album. This needs to be played at eleven.
Cursed Mortality drops on November 3rd via Season Of Mist.