The undisputed masters of blackened deathcore have returned to ignite
sonic memories of albums past with the scorch of old school sound. Set
to be released in early Fall, 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records, CARNIFEX’s
GRAVESIDE CONFESSIONS is no stranger to the harsh world in which it
was created. While all of humanity experiences the turmoil of pain, weakness,
and betrayal, it is also deeply ingrained in our nature to keep these
notions closely protected; to keep them secret. Often as we approach
death, we feel an insatiable need to reveal these things to one another; to
confess. “‘GRAVESIDE CONFESSIONS’ is all the things you want to say,
but don’t; the things you carry with you a little too long, sometimes right up
to your deathbed. This record explores the spaces that we typically push to
the side, in an honest and vulnerable way,” explains founder and vocalist
Scott Ian Lewis. “There’s a release, a sense of humor, and a catharsis to be
found in going there, especially when you don’t go there normally.”
Songs like the title track present a direct link to these notions, examining
lyrical topics of raw reality, sonically bound by spite. “We’re gonna go
a lot of places, it may be funny, it may be profane, but we’re gonna go
there,” affirms Lewis. “This song was a blistering opener, the one we knew
would get you ready for the rest of the record.”
“ALIVE FOR THE LAST TIME” continues the album with a slight tinge of industrial,
esoteric melody. Having recently parted ways with their lead guitarist,
CARNIFEX in no way felt the need to find another member. Instead,
guitarist Cory Arford stepped up to the plate for this record and developed
a plethora of mind-bending solos. “There’s really great guitar work on this
album, it’s just presented in a different way,” describes Lewis. Becoming a
4 piece has also caused Fred Calderon’s basswork to be much more foundational.
The low trembles colliding with the searing guitar executes some
of the best tone that CARNIFEX has ever brought forth.
With elements of their discography spread throughout, “COUNTESS OF
PERPETUAL TORMENT” carries on the weighted tone of SLOW DEATH,
whereas the epic essence of “CARRY US AWAY” proclaims huge melodies
with soaring choruses and an almost numetal atmosphere.
GRAVESIDE CONFESSIONS arose just in time to aid in celebrating the 15
year anniversary of the debut CARNIFEX album, DEAD IN MY ARMS. The
band revisited their first album to re-record 3 songs, but now with huge advancements
in production technology. A return to their roots, these songs
act as the completion of a circle; a return to where things first began.
The writing process for GRAVESIDE CONFESSIONS also found the band
taking a step back in time; revisiting the notion of not knowing what to
expect, and not feeling the need to adhere to what anyone expected from
them. During the tumultuous year past, a new rawness arose, and examining
this rawness ended up being a form of retreat. “It was another set of
events that we couldn’t have predicted; sitting home, no alternatives other
than to look at your problems, and write some music. In that setting, you
get a very visceral version of us,” explains Lewis. “It makes for a very intense
album, not just through the writing process, but through the listening
journey, as well.”
With the engineering of the record completed in-house by drummer Shawn
Cameron, the band recorded the album almost entirely themselves with the
help of Mick Kenney for the mixing and mastering. This process, especially
compared to CARNIFEX albums of the past, developed a far more satisfying,
and concentrated artistic vision for the band.
For over a decade CARNIFEX have nurtured an outstanding artistic relationship
with unparalleled English artist, GODMACHINE. Having worked
with them on two albums prior, he was the obvious fit to design this next
installment of visual art for the Deathcore catalog. Already well aware of
how to speak to the CARNIFEX style, GODMACHINE required little instruction
