EP Review: Carcass – Despicable (Nuclear Blast)

English metal legends Carcass return with their first collection of new music in 7 years. Called ‘Despicable’, the forthcoming EP features 3 brand new tracks as well as the previously revealed song ‘Under The Scalpel Blade’.

It will be released on October 30th 2020 via Nuclear Blast.

I think it’s safe to say that Carcass are one of the most beloved bands within the death metal genre. From the purists to those who occasionally dip a toe in, the British legends have solidified their reputation and rightfully belong at the top table. However, it’s not just because of their glory years. In fact the entity have been putting out some of their strongest stuff in the last decade. Previous album, Surgical Steel was a banger and the single, Under the Scalpel Blade was lauded all over.

A track that appears on this EP but first, it’s The Living Dead At Manchester Morgue and a Carcass that is as hungry and virulent as ever. A threatening riff and light symbol taps build upwards to an unstoppable eruption of volatile noise. Structured noise though that sees Carcass thoughtfully push out some fiery bursts of classic death intensity while shifting the tempo with ease and dropping in some classic metal soloing.

The Long and Winding Bier Road has a ton more urgency to it but the damn fine rhythmic riffs makes for a far catchier number then you might expect. Well, aside from the throaty scowl that comes from vocalist, Jeff Walker. Still sounding on top of his game.

Case in point, the aforementioned Under the Scalpel Blade where Jeff sounds possessed. Mind you, it’s not the only great thing about this track. The chuggy riffs are so filthy but you’ll want to roll around in the muck and the guitar solo is short but very sharp.

It’s Slaughtered in Soho that draws a bloody line under Carcass’ new EP and this is probably the least interesting of the three tracks. It’s still bloody great but it’s not got quite as many moments where you go ‘ohhhhh!’

Carcass – Despicable Full Track Listing:

1. The Living Dead At The Manchester Morgue
2. The Long And Winding Bier Road
3. Under The Scalpel Blade
4. Slaughtered In Soho

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook | Nuclear Blast