Carcass’s 1996 album “Swansong” marked a stylistic departure from the band’s goregrind origins and earlier technical death metal. This album displayed a more groove-oriented approach, blending heavy rock rhythms with melodic hooks while retaining the signature Carcass intensity.
Length: 49:45
Death ‘n’ roll
June 10th, 1996
Earache Records
February – April, 1995
Rockfield Studios (Monmouth, Wales) and Battery Studios (London, England)
Colin Richardson and Carcass
Social and political commentary: “Swansong” critiques consumerism, corruption, societal control, and a general disenchantment with the direction of the modern world.
Dark humor and satire: The lyrics use a blend of sarcasm, dark humor, and sometimes outright absurdity to tackle these themes.
Orwellian overtones: Some songs touch on topics like surveillance and social control, hinting at dystopian and Orwellian anxieties (the song “Room 101” is a direct reference to George Orwell’s novel 1984).
Defiant and cynical: The lyrics are filled with an anger directed towards society, institutions, and corruption. There’s a sense of rebelliousness and a refusal to accept the status quo.
Groove-oriented: Unlike some of Carcass’s earlier work with its blistering speed and technicality, this album has more of a heavy rock groove. It’s headbang-worthy but in a more deliberate, driving way.
Melodically tinged: You’ll find more distinct melodies and hooks in these songs compared to Carcass’s purely brutal phase. This creates a somewhat more accessible, catchier sound.
Touches of dark humor: While the themes are serious, the album still retains some of the dark humor and over-the-top imagery that Carcass is known for.
The last album before the breakup: Swansong turned out to be the band’s final studio album before their initial breakup in 1996. While unexpected at the time, it’s now seen as a fitting title for their farewell (until their reunion years later).
Carlo Regadas’ first and only album: Guitarist Carlo Regadas joined the band just before the recording of Swansong. This made it his only album with Carcass before the breakup.
Bill Steer’s bluesy solos: While known for technical, shredding solos, some of Bill Steer’s solos on this album lean heavily into a more blues-rock style, showing a different side of his playing.
“Room 101” reference: The song “Room 101” is a direct reference to George Orwell’s novel 1984, where Room 101 is the place where a person confronts their worst fears.
Fan division: Swansong has been a divisive album among fans, largely due to its more melodic and rock-influenced direction compared to earlier Carcass albums. Some fans love the newfound accessibility, while others pine for the band’s purely brutal roots.
June 10, 1996
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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.
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Surgical Steel, garnered critical acclaim for its blend of technicality, melodic death metal, and dark humor.
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