Swansong [Full Dynamic Range Remaster]

by Carcass

Overview

Although 1994's excellent Heartwork opus had already served notice of Carcass' increasingly commercial new direction, much of the group's loyal contingent of fans still viewed 1995's Swansong album not as a natural progression but as a huge betrayal. One of the leading lights of the British grindcore movement, Carcass had made a name for themselves with their unrelenting sonic fury and unbelievably disgusting lyrics. But on Swansong, much of that fury was reigned in to accommodate more conventional song structures topped with articulate, at times even humorous lyrics (see "Keep on Rotting in the Free World") from vocalist Jeff Walker. With axe men Bill Steer and Carlo Regadas trading scorching leads to pave the way, the band's technical mastery and newfound melodic sensibility come through like never before, resulting in a style reminiscent of latter-day Coroner, or even Megadeth's work in the early '90s. Memorable numbers like "Tomorrow Belongs to Nobody" and "Child's Play" highlight the quartet's keen sense of dynamics, and their desire to experiment with new sounds leads to such unexpected moves as employing acoustic guitars on "Firm Hand." Simply put, Swansong represents such a remarkable evolution (or de-evolution, depending, again, on your viewpoint) for Carcass that comparing it to their prior achievements leads to an interesting quandary. While it is easily the most accessible chapter of the band's career, the album hardly offers a fair introduction to the bulk of their brutal legacy. Therefore, while fans of unadulterated grindcore should approach with caution, listeners seeking out an excellent example of technical thrashing will love what Swansong has to offer. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Product Details

Release Date:	12/11/2020
Label:	Earache
UPC:	5055006516098

Tracks

1. Keep On Rotting In The Free World
2. Tomorrow Belongs To Nobody
3. Black Star
4. Cross My Heart
5. Childs Play
6. Room 101
7. Polarized
8. Generation Hexed
9. Firm Hand
10. Rock The Vote
11. Don¿¿¿t Believe A Word
12. Go To Hell

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Carcass   Primary Artist
Bill Steer   Guitar
Ken Owen   Drums
Jeff Walker   Vocals,Bass
Carlo Regadas   Guitar

Technical Credits

Jeff Walker   Composer,Arranger
Bill Steer   Arranger,Composer
Jim Brumby   Assistant Engineer
Nick Brine   Assistant Engineer
Ken Owen   Arranger
Stephen Harris   Engineer
Barney Herbert   Assistant Engineer
Gee   Paintings
Carlo Regadas   Composer,Arranger