Carnifex - Die Without Hope

Where is the journey of Californian death metal juggernaut CARNIFEX heading? With its predecessor “Hell Chose Me”, the band set the bar high for every “scene band”. Then, surprisingly, came a break of indefinite length. After a creative hiatus of two and a half years, I now have their fifth studio album “Die Without Hope” in front of me. After a short, dark instrumental intro, the bulwark charges forward without compromise in its usual style with “Salvation Is Dead”. Over the course of the album it becomes clear that the San Diego outfit has not forgotten where they come from! The opener “Salvation Is Dead” almost suggests that nothing has changed – disturbed yet well-crafted death metal. What stands out as the album progresses, however, is a clear urge towards more melody in the individual songs, largely underpinned by rhythmic guitar solos. Although every single song sounds extreme, one or two of the bruisers turn into real earworms! Not quite in proportion to the added melody, the album is pumped up with varied “sound effects”. It is a true pleasure to hear how the guys combine brutal breakdowns with deathcore and a few black metal passages. “Dragged Into Grave” will please every Carnifex fan, and the closer “Where The Light Dies” is well worth hearing – and hopefully soon seeing live.

I'm curious to see where and how the Californians' journey continues.

Release: 07.03.2014
Label: Nuclear Blast
Homepage: Carnifex on Facebook
Rating: 5/7 points

Tracks:
01. Salvation Is Dead
02. Dark Days
03. Condemned To Decay
04. Die Without Hope
05. Hatred And Slaughter
06. Dragged Into The Grave
07. Rotten Souls
08. Last Words
09. Reflection Of The Forgotten
10. Where The Light Dies

Running Time: 38:06