DECAPITATED - Carnival Is Forever CD Review

ARTIST: Decapitated
TITLE: Carnival is Forever
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Nuclear Blast
REVIEWED BY: Caroline Restiaux

After playing over 100 shows since January 2010 Decapitated headed into the studio to record their 5th album 'Carnival is Forever'. This is their first full length release in 5 years with Vogg being the only original member left in the band. The anticipation for this latest piece of work has finally paid off and I am more than happy with the results.

Decapitated continues to push new boundaries and have proven to be one of the most committed bands in the death metal genre. Aside from the album sounding a bit more technical than their other releases it is still just as up beat and exhilarating as before. There is a tremendous amount of energy that feeds through the 42 minutes of annihilation. The almost 9 minute title track 'Carnival is Forever' is a new stepping ground as to what great death metal should, in essence, be. From the devotion to the structure it is simply a magnum opus. I can't pick a favorite tune on the album because they all offer something that I like however I have replayed 404 and Pest several times more than the others. You will have to decide on your own what song is best for you, no help here!

Although the band is still breathing new air they make mention in their final studio report that some of the riffs were done in the days of the prior DECAPITATED. The lyrics were contributed by Jarosław Szubrycht (former vocalist for Lux Occulta) and drums were recorded with Daniel Bergstrand. The outstanding production was perfected by Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka with Arkadiusz "Malta" Malczewski.

Decapitated fans world wide will be more than satisfied with the new release. It offers something fresh, something old and something brutal. 'Carnival is Forever' proves that Decapitated is back and ready to regain their spot as one of the most promising death metal acts around. There is no question that not only has this been one of the most forthcoming metal releases for this year I am sure it will top many top 10 lists of 2011. I know it will top some of mine. Time to go replay and slay!

TRACKLISTING:

01. The Knife
02. United
03. Carnival Is Forever
04. Homo Sum
05. 404
06. A View From A Hole
07. Pest
08. Silence