Taking their name from the Old English Latin word for ‘executioner’, Carnifex wear their death metal influences pretty firmly on their collective sleeve. Their current lineup currently comprises just two original members - frontman Scott Lewis and drummer Shawn Cameron - as well as rhythm guitarist Cory Arford, bassist Fred Calderon and lead guitar player Jordan Lockrey. They formed in Fallbrook, California, and went onto release their debut album, ‘Dead in My Arms’, in July 2007.
That album sold over five thousand copies, despite enjoying no real widespread publicity, and that achievement in itself was enough to gain them a three-record deal with Victory Records, who would go on to put out ‘The Diseased and the Poisoned’ in 2008, ‘Hell Chose Me’ in 2010, and ‘Until I Feel Nothing’ a year later, in October of 2011. Musically, they’ve adhered pretty close to the deathcore crossover sound that characterized their early work, which in turn lends a genuine intensity to their live shows; they were part of the Never Say Die! tour in Europe in 2013. In 2014, they released their fifth studio album, and their first on the legendary Nuclear Blast - ‘Die Without Hope’. Signing to a label so important within their own genre is clear evidence of Carnifex’s current upwards trajectory.
With a name that derives from the Latin word for butcher or executioner and a sound that is deeply rooted in the intense genre of deathcore, it is fair to say a Carnifex show is not for everyone. In fact you have to be pretty dedicated to this San Diego band's music and mentality before stepping into the twisted world of their live performance. As the venue basks in an eerie red and black glow, the group files onto stage and the whole crowd erupts. It is clear that the majority present are dedicated fans who have been listening to Carnifex throughout their decade long career.
From the first instrumentals, the whole room begins to surge towards the stage as the quintet remain partially entranced in their instrumentals. As the percussion kicks in they begin to wildly head bang, long hair flying everywhere whilst the crowd mimic the actions. Scott Lewis leers at the audience and orders them to give their all throughout the short but severe setlist. There is moshing during 'Dark Days' whilst intense solos lead up to 'Hell Chose Me' and the whole room chants back the chorus at huge volumes.
sean-ward
In deinem Konto anmelden
