Artist: Carcass Album: Symphonies of Sickness

Year: 1989
Duration: 43:10

A Critical Review of the Album: Symphonies of Sickness by Carcass

Carcass is a British band that gained significant recognition in the metal music scene for their pioneering efforts in creating “grindcore” music and their unparalleled musical prowess. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Carcass’ second studio album, Symphonies of Sickness, to review its sound, style, and overall contribution to the music industry.

Symphonies of Sickness is considered by many as a groundbreaking album, and for a good reason. It is a fantastic showcase of the band's innovative approach to music, where they combine brutal and heavy sounds with intricate technicality. The album’s sound is characterized by loud and distorted guitars, blast beats, and growling vocals. It demonstrates Carcass’ style of music, which draws influence from death and thrash metal genres.

One of the best songs on the album is undoubtedly “Reek of Putrefaction.” The track is a perfect example of what the band was trying to achieve with this album, which is a mix of extreme metal with clever arrangements. The pounding percussion combined with the thrashing riffs creates a chaotic atmosphere that perfectly sets the tone for the album. The use of animal noises further elevates the level of intensity.

Another standout song on the album is “Exhume to Consume.” This track, in particular, has an infectious hook and haunting lyrics. The guitar solo in the middle of the song showcases the band's technical skill and adds to the overall heaviness of the track.

Symphonies of Sickness might be considered relatively outdated by some, but it deserves much more recognition than it currently receives. Carcass’ unique sense of rhythm and harmony is evident throughout the album. Their creativity and innovation have inspired many bands that are now household names in the metal music industry.

However, despite the album’s many positives, it doesn't come without criticism. One of the most significant drawbacks of the album is its production. The overall sound of the record is quite muddy, and the vocals can be quite challenging to decipher. But, this critique can be overlooked, as it is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things.

In conclusion, Symphonies of Sickness is a remarkable album that showcases Carcass’ exceptional talent and creative direction. Although there are some flaws in the production, it remains a significant contribution to the metal music scene. This album should be considered a must-listen to anyone who wants to explore the roots of the grindcore genre.