Album Review: Carcass - 'Surgical Steel'

In the past Carcass have made some well-received and influential albums, but in 1996, much to the fans dismay, Carcass called it quits. Now they are back with new album 'Surgical Steel' and with an 18 year hiatus behind them, there is much anticipation and high expectation.

'1985' is slick and melodic, a nice polished introduction to the album and a song to pay homage to the band's formation as Carcass. There may be changes in personnel, but the sound remains unaffected. Luckily, current drummer Dan Wilding (ex-Aborted) manages to pay respects to Owens drumming techniques as well as incorporating his own style. It's old-school, but with a hint of something new and invigorating.

'Surgical Steel' plunges right into the hard and heavy tunes as the abrupt beginning of 'Thrasher's Abattoir' contrasts heavily to the slower, melodic '1985.' This track is possibly some of the heaviest we have seen from Carcass since before their album 'Heartwork.' The song is heavy, grinding and also features Steer's deep growls. This particular moment is something that should please all Carcass lovers as the only downside being its time coming in at just under two minutes.

Throughout the full-length, Carcass have made an effort to try to incorporate some of their older sounds and techniques, with a little taken from each album to create the perfect Carcass blueprint. They have also taken a step back to the more gory themes and lyrics such as with songs, 'A Congealed Clot Of Blood.' With their previous release 'Heartwork' many listeners were upset with its mainstream qualities and dismissed the album. With 'Surgical Steel' the band have incorporated sounds from all throughout their years of creating music and have created a heavier album this time around, full of raw aggression and grinding vocals and guitar work. However, there are bound to be some disappointed fans who hoped Carcass might return to their grindcore roots.

That is not to say that this album is not worth a listen or isn't any good. The boys in Carcass have made a good comeback.

Closer, 'Mount Of Execution,' can be looked at two ways. It is a good song and sends the album out effectively as it is precise and brings clear riffs to the table. Although, if you wanted the release to go out with something spectacularly malevolent then this song maybe isn't for you. The technique and clarity is there, but the real heavy sounds end with 'Captive Bolt Pistol.'

Carcass have made a great comeback as they manage to create heavy and intricate death metal that also manages to include some deeply embedded melodies that give an extra dimension to the album. 'Surgical Steel' is an excellent album to maintain Carcass' legacy.

Carcass have managed to make a great return with heavy, as well as melodic, sounds throughout the album. With its precision and its killer riffs, if you are a Carcass or just a death metal fan this comeback album is worth the time to listen. 

1. 1985

2. Thrasher’s Abattoir

3. Cadaver Pouch Conveyor System

4. A Congealed Clot Of Blood

5. The Master Butcher’s Apron

6. Noncompliance to ASTM F 899-12 Standard

7. The Granulating Dark Satanic Mills

8. Unfit For Human Consumption

9. 316L Grade Surgical Steel

10. Captive Bolt Pistol

11. Mount Of Execution