Surgical Steel (2013) - Carcass

 

Surgical Steel by Carcass is the sixth studio album by the legendary death metal band, released in 2013. This album marked Carcass’s triumphant return after a 17-year hiatus, delivering a blend of their classic sound with modern production. Surgical Steel is a testament to their mastery of melodic death metal, seamlessly combining the brutality of their earlier work with the sophistication of their later years.

Tracklist:

  1. 1985
  2. Thrasher's Abattoir
  3. Cadaver Pouch Conveyor System
  4. A Congealed Clot of Blood
  5. The Master Butcher's Apron
  6. Noncompliance to ASTM F 899-12 Standard
  7. The Granulating Dark Satanic Mills
  8. Unfit for Human Consumption
  9. 316L Grade Surgical Steel
  10. Captive Bolt Pistol
  11. Mount of Execution

Surgical Steel showcases Carcass's ability to evolve without losing their essence. The opening instrumental, 1985, sets an ominous tone with its melodic lead guitars, leading directly into the blistering speed and aggression of Thrasher's Abattoir. From there, the album unfolds as a carefully constructed exploration of surgical precision in death metal.

Tracks like Cadaver Pouch Conveyor System and Noncompliance to ASTM F 899-12 Standard are filled with razor-sharp riffs and Jeff Walker’s signature snarling vocals, while A Congealed Clot of Blood highlights their knack for creating memorable hooks amidst the chaos. The lead guitars throughout the album, courtesy of Bill Steer, are a standout, with melodic flourishes woven into relentless heaviness.

The centerpiece, The Granulating Dark Satanic Mills, is a mid-tempo behemoth that combines groove-laden riffs with dark, satirical lyrics. The closing epic, Mount of Execution, spans nearly nine minutes and offers a dynamic journey through melodic interludes, crushing riffs, and a climactic finish, embodying the band's ability to blend technicality with emotion.

Surgical Steel is a masterclass in reintroducing a band to their audience while maintaining relevance in a modern metal landscape. The production is crisp and contemporary, yet it retains the raw energy that made Carcass a household name in extreme music.

My favorite tracks include The Granulating Dark Satanic Mills for its hypnotic rhythm and biting commentary, Unfit for Human Consumption for its relentless energy, and Mount of Execution, which encapsulates everything that makes this album a standout in Carcass's discography.

With Surgical Steel, Carcass proved they are not just a band of the past but a force to be reckoned with in the present. It’s an essential listen for both longtime fans and newcomers, blending nostalgia with innovation in a way few bands can achieve.

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