Carcass’s comeback album, Surgical Steel, garnered critical praise upon its 2013 release. Reviews lauded its blend of technical precision, melodic death metal sensibilities, and the band’s iconic dark humor. The album reached commercial success, hitting the Top 50 UK Album Charts, and further solidified Carcass’s renewed importance in the metal landscape.
Length: 47:06
Melodic death metal
September 13th, 2013
Nuclear Blast Records
Early 2013
Chapel Studios (Derbyshire, England)
Colin Richardson
Clinical Precision & Gore: As with previous Carcass work, there’s a fascination with gruesome medical details and imagery of surgery, butchery, and death. However, Surgical Steel approaches this with a chillingly cold, scientific vocabulary.
Industrialism and Mechanization: Titles reference tools and technical standards, suggesting a link between cold,uncaring industrial processes and the acts of violence and dissection described.
Dark Humor: Carcass’ trademark twisted humor is still present, even with the heavier themes. Over-the-top lyrics play with macabre imagery and ridiculous technical descriptions.
Technical and Aggressive: The dominant mood is one of sharp, surgical precision delivered with aggression. It’s not pure rage, but more like a controlled, focused intensity.
Sterile Atmosphere: The production and precise guitar work create a sense of clinical, mechanical detachment. This coldness amps up the unsettling impact of the lyrical themes.
Macabre Humor: Underneath the cold intensity, there are flashes of classic Carcass absurdity. Exaggerated song titles and absurdly technical lyrics introduce a sense of bizarre playfulness that cuts through the seriousness.
A Comeback Success: Surgical Steel was Carcass’s first album in 17 years, following their 1996 breakup. Its critical and commercial success marked a triumphant return for the band.
Daniel Wilding’s Drumming Debut: The album marked drummer Daniel Wilding’s full-length debut with Carcass. His technical precision and energy revitalized the band’s sound.
Colin Richardson’s Production Reunion: Colin Richardson, who produced Surgical Steel, had also been behind the boards for some of Carcass’s most iconic albums early in their career (ex: Heartwork, Necroticism). This reunion played into the album’s sense of continuity and renewal.
Ken Owen’s Involvement: Despite suffering a brain hemorrhage in 1999, original drummer Ken Owen contributed backing vocals to Surgical Steel, showing his continued presence in the band’s spirit.
September 13, 2013
Carcass’s 1988 debut album, “Reek of Putrefaction,” is a raw and unpolished introduction to the band’s signature goregrind sound. The album’s lo-fi production, fast tempos, and graphic medical-themed lyrics established the band’s aesthetic.
Carcass’s 1989 sophomore album “Symphonies of Sickness” further refined their signature goregrind sound with heavier production and more intricate songwriting. The album’s controversial lyrics and artwork solidified their status as grindcore pioneers.
Carcass’s “Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious” (1991) solidified their shift from grindcore to technical death metal. The album’s intricate instrumentation and graphic medical lyrics, though initially controversial, have earned it a revered status as a classic.
Carcass’s “Heartwork” (1993) marked a pivotal moment in their evolution. The album retained the band’s signature intensity while incorporating melodic elements, technical riffs, and guitar harmonies.
Carcass’s 1996 album “Swansong” marked a shift from their goregrind roots and technical death metal sound. This album embraced a groove-oriented approach, blending heavy rock with melodic hooks while maintaining their signature intensity.
Carcass’s 2013 comeback album,
Surgical Steel, garnered critical acclaim for its blend of technicality, melodic death metal, and dark humor.
Carcass’s “Torn Arteries” (2021) showcases the band’s technical mastery. Bill Steer’s intricate riffs and solos dominate, while Jeff Walker’s snarling vocals and morbid lyrics remain signature. Daniel Wilding’s relentless drumming underpins the sonic onslaught.