ALBUM REVIEW: Carcinogenesis – Viscera
The UK’s VISCERA released Obsidian in 2020 and while it flew under the radar for most, it was home to some of the best deathcore tracks released that year. Thankfully the band are back once more to try and put their stamp on the scene with an album that one-ups their debut in every which way possible. For those unfamiliar with the band, they feature former members of HEART OF A COWARD, MARTYR DEFILED and ABHORRENT DECIMATION, to name a few. There’s some serious talent on display here and they each bring their own skills to the table.
After an ominous orchestral intro you’re hit with the full force of the title track, Carcinogenesis. The first thing of note is just how beefy everything sounds. You can sense the power behind every instrument as the track steamrolls through. The drums swiftly attack with urgency as the guitars rain fire. There’s a crushing breakdown and ripping solo thrown in while Jamie Graham’s seismic vocals soar above all. And just listen to the brutality being spewed forth during the track’s conclusion. That’s how you start an album.
The band must continue that momentum into the next track and they do so with ease thanks to the meteoric Rats With Wings. Arguably one of the greatest moments in their career so far is the huge chorus penned for this one. It’s equal parts heavy and melodic and stands out early in the album as a major highlight. As soon as you hit track three, Layers Of Skin, you will realise you cannot call this album a straight-up deathcore record. The riffs in this song hark back to that classic 90s metal sound. There’s a sense of groove throughout and the circle pit moment towards the end will get the crowds moving without question.
The guitars have taken on a more prominent role on Carcinogenesis and for good reason. Just listen to the shredding/tapping on the frantic Omnipotence. Fans of THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER will feel at home with how the guitars sound here. If there was something to be picky about, it’s the fact that the tracks tend to follow a very familiar structure, especially with their choruses, and while the drumming speed is impressive, it would be nice for a bit more diversity here and there.
Sungazer is a great showcase of Graham’s truly powerful vocals. When he lets loose you can feel every ounce of emotion radiating from his voice. Ever since his SYLOSIS days, he’s been one of the most accomplished vocalists in the game. The same goes for his performance in the latter album highlight, Demon Queen. His ability to rapidly shapeshift from a snarling beast to a solemn singer is quite remarkable.
The closing epic, On Earth, As It Is In Hell, continues to add the orchestral elements that many modern deathcore bands are currently using. It works well with the space that the track is given due to the speed being turned down. It’s a very menacing track that concludes with a hulking authority. It shows off the power of the album’s production, which is incredibly satisfying throughout.
Carcinogenesis is a formidable follow-up to Obsidian, which was a brilliant and accomplished debut. Hopefully, with this album VISCERA will no longer be slept on.
Rating: 8/10
Carcinogenesis is set for release on March 3rd via Unique Leader Records.
Like VISCERA on Facebook.