This is the third album from Belgian death metallers Carnation.
Carnation made a mark with 2018’s Chapel of Abhorrence and 2020’s Where Death Lies, so checking out what Cursed Mortality had to offer was mandatory. It seems like each Carnation album gets tighter and more refined, and Cursed Mortality is their most streamlined album yet – eight songs in a lean 35 minutes.
This is the third album this year where I’ve been forced to concede that despite my love of the old-school Swedish death metal style fading over the years, certain bands still make me feel it deeply. As was the case with Asinhell and Endseeker, so is the case with Carnation.
However, all has not remained static and unchanging in the Carnation camp. Amidst the Swedeath carnage you’d expect, you’ll also find forays into less expected waters – synths, and clean vocals make occasional appearances, for example, and overall there are a few more contemporary, melodic, and progressive influences at play. The vast bulk of Cursed Mortality is still crushing death metal though, but it’s now been enhanced with these additional elements. It’s both good and interesting that Carnation have added a few new weapons to their arsenal.
The well-written songs pack in hooks and memorable moments, making for an album that delivers an enjoyable rampage through Carnation’s world. For a relatively brief album like Cursed Mortality, there’s a lot of juicy content to be had across these eight tracks. Thick, chainsaw riffs and brutal growls are augmented by macabre melody and grim atmosphere; sometimes the latter can border on the beautiful too, which is uncommon for the style. The band’s changed focus can sometimes be subtle, but there’s no mistaking the progressive melodies and contemporary rhythms that power parts of this release.
Cursed Mortality is a strong record from Carnation that showcases a band unwilling to stagnate and remain the same. It essentially follows on nicely from their previous work, but contains a few new dimensions that add extra flavour to what was already a tasty recipe.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 