Album Review: Carnation – Cursed Mortality (Season of Mist)

For the last decade, Carnation has been at the forefront of reviving old school death metal. However, the band’s third endeavour sees them traversing into daring new territory. ‘Cursed Mortality’ pulls the Belgian death dealers deeper into experimental new waters, taking risks as the band steps out of the shadows of its predecessors and comes into its own identity. ‘Cursed Mortality’s’ statement is clear: This is no longer simply a revival; this is Carnation’s rebirth. It will be released on November 3rd, 2023, via Season of Mist.

It speaks volumes about the quality of this album that Carnation can open it with something that is both cinematic and brutally heavy, and have King Diamond guitarist Andy Larocque guesting on it, and it not be the best thing on the album. Though, the track – Herald of Demise – isn’t far off, being an absolute barnburner of a start that showcases the evolved state of Carnation. Worry not though, this is undoubtably still the chaos-creators we all know and love.

The manic mayhem that puts a big smile on the faces of death metal fans is front and centre with Maruta. Carnation playing as though their lives depend on it but also delivering a focused chorus that is quite catchy. Followed then by the raging and savagely intense effort that is Metropolis, a track with a touch of blackness to it. Before they really switch the tone up with Replicant.

Let’s talk a bit more about this track as it’s quite different. It begins as though all hell is about to break lose, then the tempo slows, and it becomes quite melodic. Led by the guitars, there is a more ‘classic’ heavy metal vibe, backed up by powerful clean vocals. Yes, clean vocals, and they sound epic. Then it transitions into crashing noise and guttural territories, yet it still has a more melodic vibe overall. As the track goes on, the two different vocal styles and the melodic guitars, trade back and forth, resulting in a shockingly good track. This is a different Carnation, and most will be well and truly down for it.

Carnation are the kings of creating an environment of head-banging heaviness, no matter the style they employ, and that continues into the harshness of Dutroux. Yet don’t be surprised if you find your body grooving a bit to it, regardless.

Then along comes one of the meanest sounding tracks of all in the form of Submerged in Deafening Silence. The riffs in this track will put bloody hairs on the chest. Before the penultimate track, Cycle of Suffering pulverises the senses with a combination of speed and weight.

Which leads to the finale, the title track, and the grandest track of all. Carnation have been cleverly and carefully showing off their evolving sound across the entire album, but here they go for broke and it pays off in a massive way. A seven and a half minute effort that walks the line between heavy metal and death metal to perfection. It will leave you gobsmacked and so damn happy.

Carnation are moving forward and everyone will be on board this speeding train once they subject their ears to this new album.

Carnation – Cursed Mortality Track Listing:

1. Herald of Demise (feat. Andy Larocque)
2. Maruta
3. Metropolis
4. Replicant
5. Dutroux
6. Submerged in Deafening Silence
7. Cycle of Suffering
8. Cursed Mortality

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