Carnifex is a band that, in their most recent years, has attempted to branch out of the so-called pidgeonhole related to the deathcore genre and scene. And, to that extent as well as to the surprise of many, this creative decision has worked out well for them for the most part. Given the band has released half a dozen full-lengths at least thus far, Slow Death happened to be the most eclective of the bunch due to its blackened ambiance and song structure overall. Now with the artists' Nuclear Blast-laden support and transition into a more blackened death composition, there might be some more merit to the whole Slow Death-esque blackened elements that have surfaced in recent years. Let's see how those additions stack up this time around.
In the band's earliest career points, the focus was on providing a fully deathcore sound to the mix. However, with the last two records, the influences have shifted greatly...and this shows with World War X abundantly because of its overall sound, production quality, guest features, instrumentals and more. This brand new nine song album that consists of approximately 35 minutes worth of extravagant as well as blackened death content is a wild ride from start to finish. And we are here to tell you all about it.
The album begins with a rather straightforward black metal type track in the form of the album's self-titled song. The intro is filled with some war-inspired sound effects and the majority of this song is filled with many symphonic elements mixed in with some traditional Carnifex breakdowns, melodies and distinct blast beats throughout. The following composition titled 'Visions of the End' is a slightly more techy Carnifex-esque destructive sound with some slams and a ton of fast riffs. 'This Infernal Darkness' is a more oldschool death metal styled track that I fully enjoy mainly because of its progression in addition to the types of riffs as well as the memorable piano interlude presented towards the end of the song.
Likewise, the Alissa White-Gluz guest spot halfway into the album is yet another high point of World War X that is worth mentioning because of how well it blends right into the overall track and the melodic value it gives to the already gloomy song. The Angel Vivaldi guest single was pretty solid as well and the rest of the album is moderately enjoyable to an extent because of the blackened death atmosphere and guitar solos being carried over throughout. Really, the only track that I didn't care for was 'Eyes of the Executioner' because it was a bit short compared to the rest. Even the outro track 'By Shadows Thine Held' had promise to it due to its insane and eclectic structure despite it being a lategame song.
Carnifex's newest offering is a solid plate of dark feels, atmosphere and musical talent that will attract even a few purists in the crowd. Despite it being from a once notable deathcore band, the change in sound for the five-piece is significant enough to even warrant them a spot in the modern blackened artists that influence the current progression of the blackened death phenomenon. They're atmospheric and equally experimental to boot, which gives a rather vivid form or core to the imagination of the band.
Fave Tracks: 'This Infernal Darkness', 'No Light Shall Save Us', 'By Shadows Thine Held'
For Fans Of: Belphegor, Thy Art Is Murder
**This release is available now here!**
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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