The Classic Metal Album Review:
Title: Swansong
Artist: Carcass
Label: Earache Records
Release Date: 1996

Rating: 4 Skulls
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  • Read the Reviews of Symphonies of Sickness vs. Heartwork
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    • Kefka X's Review:
    I think Metal Judgment is getting to the point now that every Carcass album has been reviewed as a classic. When you think about it, it's only the right thing to do. I mean, come on man, it's Carcass. Nearly every aspect of metal was influenced by one of their albums. Their existence in music is undeniable. I like to refer to Carcass in the analogy of our solar system, in which they are the sun and every other metal band is a planet revolving around it. Except that Carcass didn't turn into a giant supernova and engulf all planets up to Mars...I've gotta stop having all these apocalyptic nightmares. Too many cookies before bedtime.

    Anyways this leads me into the classic review (or what will probably be more of an editorial, or a rant) of Swansong. I know, I could have chosen to review Reek or Necroticism, both albums that have had a more profound influence on the spectrum of metal as we know it, but I always like reviewing the oddball out when it comes to classic reviews around here, so Swansong it is. Here is the part where you, as the reader, start groaning. "Ohhh man, Swansong? That album sucks, man! It's like Carcass went down the tubes or somethin'! Heartwork was so much better, it sucks in comparison to Heartwork!"

    So here's my response to all of you bitter, sullen metalheads: STOP COMPARING EVERYTHING TO HEARTWORK. Stop comparing every Carcass album to Heartwork. Stop comparing Arch Enemy to Heartwork. Stop comparing Soilwork to Heartwork. Stop comparing the economy to Heartwork. Stop comparing fluffy, white kittens to Heartwork. You know what happens when you compare everything to Heartwork? EVERYTHING SUCKS. That's because you're taking what is arguably the greatest metal album to come out of last decade and comparing everything else on the planet to it.

    So what's wrong with Swansong? Probably nothing, to tell you the truth. In reality, there really isn't much of a significant difference between this album and Heartwork (I know I know, I've committed metal heresy). If anything, the melody is turned down a notch (I blame Michael Amott's departure from the band). Maybe the songwriting is a bit more accessible. And maybe there aren't any blast beats in any of the songs. But production-wise and in spirit, this retains the definitive Carcass sound that made them so pleasurable and refreshing in the early 90's. This is a catchy, well-written album that is proud to be the final composition of a legendary band.

    While Swansong is undoubtedly the least significant album in Carcass' discography, it's certainly not a bad album, at all. While not as influential as Reek or Symphonies, it's certainly far more tolerable of a listening experience for the common non-judgmental metalhead. So stop bitching. I'm right and you're wrong. So there. Nyah.
    4 out of 5

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