Swansong

Carcass's musical evolution from the primitive (and appallingly produced) grindcore of 1988's 'Reek of Putrefaction' to the melodic death metal masterclass of 1993's 'Heartwork' was nothing short of stunning. But if fans thought the band had finished experimenting with their sound, they were in for another surprise.1996's 'Swansong' saw Liverpool's finest take an even more melodic turn on a record that is similar in style to mid-period Megadeth. In fact, Jeff Walker's instantly recognisable vocals are all that remains of the original Carcass sound, but this is no bad thing. The songs are finely crafted, with punishing, but catchy riffs, impressive harmonies and some sublime leads, courtesy of Bill Steer and Carlo Regadas. Highlights like 'Keep on Rotting in the Free World', 'Tomorrow Belongs to Nobody', 'Child's Play' and 'Room 101' frankly put most mainstream hard rock bands best songs to shame.27 years after it's release, 'Swansong' remains a divisive album (the band themselves have all but disowned it), which is tragic as it is an excellent 'Death N' Roll' record that can be appreciated by fans of extreme and mainstream metal alike. Highly recommended to more open minded lovers of heavy music.

Death hadn't always been sure about metal in the 20'th centuriesbut he was fond of a good riff, his own march contained one of the most well known riffs of all time.Lately he'd had to spend 2 weeks at a metal wake in which the departed and subsequently nine of the mournersbecame his business.After two weeks of listening to Thin Lizzy, Metallica and Megadeath 24/7 however he'd become convinced of the need to commence a new genre of metal.He'd already laid down the blueprint with Heartwork, now it was time to go for the jugularTwin guitars, a properly recorded bass, louder than Heartwork, (none of your Napalm Death sheet of noise for him)and a precision hyperactive drummerwho understood light and shade---well loud and much louder.He would take the vocals with his rattling whisper and the guitars would define a melody the the punters could hum.But wait, the band was already there, called Carcass, a most suitable name. Death rubbed his bony hands together.He would call it melodic metal.It would be good.It would be indespensible.

goode value

The fact that I give this 4stars based on only half the tracks being any good shows you just how good those tracks are. Melodic death metal is a good descrption for carcass at this stage in their career. Very different from decanting... But all the better for that

AAA+++

Many Thanks

I like this carcass cd albumAlong with heartworkBoth very good

A fitting finale to a great band. A much more polished album compared to their earlier music. Room 101, keep on rotting, black star and child's play are my personal favourites.This album retains the guttural vocals, simple but effective riffs, blast beat drumming and technical solo's. Although Heartwork is much quicker and heavier than this album they are both excellent in their own ways. Enjoy