Carnation formed early in 2013 from a shared appreciation for death metal of the late ‘80s and early '90s, bands like Cannibal Corpse, Obitaury, Casket. These Belgians already sounded like they’d hit critical moss on their debut EP. But by the time they released their first full-length, they were off touring Japan and crushing Hellfest.
On their last album, Carnation assumed the crown of death metal overlords. Now, with ‘Cursed Mortality’, they’re forging into new territory.
The title track off their new album still sounds like death metal. There are plenty of blast beats and the riffs reign down on you like molten rock from a volcano. But while Simon Duson's death growl has only grown more sinister, "Cursed Mortality" is the first Carnation song to feature clean vocals. And at 7:40, it's also one of their longest, a reflection on growing old that's shadowed by gloomy synths, melancholic leads and life-long regrets.
"This song captures the essence of our musical evolution," says Duson. "It's an epic journey that explores a wide range of musical landscapes, all while looking back at life's pivotal moments. Am I happy and satisfied with how I've lived my life? Where did it go wrong or right?"
‘Cursed Mortality’ is out on November 3, 2023 via Season of Mist.