Artist: Carnal Forge
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 8/10/04
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Title: Aren't You Dead Yet? Artist: Carnal Forge Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 8/10/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
I don't know what else to say about Carnal Forge. This Swedish act has put out a string of quality albums at a very consistent pace, to the point that I almost feel like I'm taking them for granted. While some might say that the band hasn't grown, I think that they are missing the point. Sure, this band hasn't altered their sound much over the years, but I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
"One word review: Satisfying." Aren't You Dead Yet? is an enticing platter of Swedish death and thrash that has a melodic sway and a brutal undercurrent. Fans of this band will not be disappointed. The songwriting remains top notch, and the production is crisp and effective. The simple fact is that Carnal Forge have come out, yet again, with the exact album their fans want to hear.
The band continues to play to their strengths, writing songs that make you want to break things, but that are also easy to sing along to. The guitars churn out the riffs like a well-oiled machine, and the rhythm section shakes you to your bones. Despite the fact that this band hasn't 'grown' musically, they remain fresh sounding by paying strict attention to their craft. Carnal Forge delivers each and every time. After just one listen it's easy to see why this band's detractors gripe that their sound hasn't changed. And that is simply because it is the only thing they can gripe about and not sound stupid. One word review: Satisfying.
Death's Review:
I'm psyched that Carnal Forge are back. These guys know how to play metal the way it should be played: a full-on, riff-laden thrash attack firing on all cylinders at all times. I wish they would pepper this stuff with guitar solos, but I guess that's just not what they do and I can accept it 'cause it's my only complaint. Aren't You Dead Yet? crushes, with catchy riffs aplenty. And really, that's what you pop this band in for, to bang your head and metal out with not a care in the world for a while. There's nothing super unique happening here - this is Gothenthrash, nothing more, nothing less. But it is well-produced, well-executed, and at the end of the day, a hell of a lot of fun. Is it critical that you rush out and get this now? Probably not. Will you be missing out if you don't? Yes. This is one of those records that you'll be hearing and enjoying months down the road from its release. And at some point the band will come around to your town on tour, perhaps as part of some multi-act bill, and you'll hear this material again and go absolutely fucking nuts. The album will then get another few weeks of airtime. That's the kind of album we're talking about with Aren't You Dead Yet?. With the right Headbanger's Ball video, the right tour and the right promotional push, this should be a solidly received album here in the U.S., and should achieve above-average commercial success. No one is going to call this their favorite album or their favorite band, but lots of you will think it's pretty cool nonetheless.
"Aren't You Dead Yet? crushes, with catchy riffs aplenty."
Hel's Review:
Favorite track: "Inhuman"I hereby give Carnal Forget the prize for wittiest album title of the year. I laughed out loud when I first heard it, and it still brings a smile to my face when I think about it. And in truth, the entire album does as well. Recently, I have begun listening to whatever cds I own by a given band before completing my review of their newest effort. I continued this practice with Carnal Forge this week, starting with Who's Gonna Burn and working my way forward. I have to say this was an extremely pleasant trip down memory lane, and the material on the new album is stacking up nicely against its predecessors.
"Another fantastic effort from a fantastic band." The crystal clear production showcases the songs beautifully, and they are essentially along the same lines of what you generally expect from Carnal Forge songs. I believe one of the reasons I enjoy this band is the way they manage to be so uncompromisingly thrash, yet utterly death as the same time, successfully blending my two favorite genres of metal in a wonderfully entertaining way. I am also always pleased by the diversity of songs on their records; each always manages to have qualities are unique enough to set that song apart from the others. Aren't You Dead Yet? continues this trend in an extremely satisfying manner.
I am curious to see how the recent change in vocalists will affect the band, and I am still waiting for my chance to see them perform live. It seems amazing that after all these years, I have not yet had the pleasure, but my fingers remain crossed that they make it over to the States for a full tour in support of this record. Until then, I will placate myself by listening to this record several more times. I recommend you do the same. Another fantastic effort from a fantastic band.
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