Zombies, Blood, and Guts

In the embryonic phase of Carcass, drummer Ken Owen was the primary lyricist, and his approach was more rooted in fantasy and gore. Think zombies, blood, and guts—the usual suspects in the realm of death metal. However, this was before the band took a turn towards a more unique and, dare we say, educational approach to their lyrics.

Ken Owen’s early lyrics were heavily influenced by the grindcore scene, as Carcass was initially more aligned with that genre. Bands like Napalm Death were a significant influence, and the focus was more on shock value and visceral imagery. Owen’s lyrics were a reflection of that ethos, aiming to unsettle the listener with graphic descriptions and nightmarish scenarios.

From Gore to Medical Jargon

Jeff Walker, Carcass’s bassist and lead vocalist, took a different tack when he assumed the role of the band’s primary lyricist. Instead of sticking to the fantastical gore that had characterized the band’s early days, Walker opted for a more grounded approach. His sister, who was studying to become a nurse, provided him with an old medical dictionary, and this became his lyrical bible.

His sister, who was studying to become a nurse, provided him with an old medical dictionary, and this became his lyrical bible.

Walker didn’t just skim through the dictionary; he delved deep into it, picking out obscure medical terms that most people had never heard of. This wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a deliberate effort to elevate the band’s lyrics beyond the usual death metal fare. Words like “necroticism” and “empyema” found their way into Carcass songs, adding a layer of authenticity and complexity that was rare in the genre.

The use of medical terminology also had a thematic resonance. Carcass’s lyrics began to explore the fragility of the human body, the inevitability of decay, and the cold, clinical aspects of death. This was a far cry from the fantastical violence of their early work, and it set them apart in a genre that often prized shock value over substance.

The decision to use medical terminology wasn’t just an artistic choice; it also had practical implications. The band’s unique lyrical approach caught the attention of critics and fans alike, generating buzz and setting them apart in a crowded field. It became a signature element of their identity, so much so that it influenced other bands in the genre to explore more complex and thematic lyrical content.

The Band That Made Fans Reach for a Dictionary

Take, for instance, a line from their track “Microwaved Uterogestation” on the album “Reek of Putrefaction”: “Fomentatious perflation hydrogenates your foetal cisterna/Coagulating haemorrhage and your congenital hernia”.

Let’s break that down. “Fomentatious perflation” isn’t your everyday phrase; it’s a term that could refer to the act of inflating or swelling something with heat or fermentation. “Hydrogenates your foetal cisterna” could imply the process of adding hydrogen to a specific part of the fetal brain. “Coagulating haemorrhage” refers to the clotting of bleeding, and “congenital hernia” is a hernia present at birth. These aren’t just words; they’re a deep dive into medical jargon, making their lyrics a lesson in anatomy and physiology.

The band’s use of medical terminology didn’t just make them unique; it also made them memorable.

This wasn’t a one-off experiment; it became Carcass’s signature style. The band’s use of medical terminology didn’t just make them unique; it also made them memorable. Fans and newcomers alike had to look up words, turning each song into a learning experience.

The medical dictionary wasn’t just a prop; it was a tool that elevated their art. It made them stand out in a genre that often thrives on pushing boundaries. And it wasn’t just about being different; it was about being intellectually stimulating while still delivering the raw power that death metal fans crave.