There's a saying that goes something like "you can't keep a good band down"...or something like that. In the case of Poland's technical death metal upstarts Decapitated, after 2006's critically acclaimed Organic Hallucinosis, the band fell upon tragedy as a year or so later their tour bus crashed, claiming the life of drummer Vitek and putting lead singer Covan in a coma. After a few years of uncertainty, lead guitarist Vogg has put the band back together, with new drummer Krimh and new singer Rafal in place and a new CD out titled Carnival is Forever.
The results are quite good, and though you can hear some differences in sound & style, mainly due to the two new members, it's still Decapitated. Rafal sounds nothing like Covan, as he's more of a shouter/screamer than a death metal growler, which gives some of these songs a slight 'core' sound at times, and Krimh has a very technical, often times mechanical way about bashing his kit, and coupled with the crushing, stop/start riffs from Vogg, offer up a sound that is not too far from Meshuggah or Fear Factory. As such, the songs are quite brutal in their delivery, and sound less technical than material of the past. Vogg's solos though are still breathtaking (just check him out on the blistering "United"), and as a player he's obviously gotten better over the years. The production is massive, as a tune like the epic title track just jumps out at you with monstrous guitar riffs, pulverizing blast beats, and venemous screams, with so much power it will knock you right on your ass. "A View From a Hole" starts off with some great jazz-fusion/prog licks from Vogg and bassist Heinrich before some crushing progressive death metal ensues, in what is one of the strongest tracks on the CD.
Though perhaps not initially as jaw dropping as Organic Hallucinosis or even Nihility, Carnival is Forever has to be looked at as a new band and a new chapter in the story of Decapitated. As such, this is a very strong album from a band that I'm quite happy to have back.
Track Listing
1. The Knife 4:32
2. United 5:24
3. Carnival Is Forever 8:49
4. Homo Sum 4:33
5. 404 5:08
6. A View From A Hole 6:11
7. Pest 3:36
8. Silence 4:18
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