Viscera – Carcinogenesis
Release Date: 3rd March 2022
Label: Unique Leader Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Deathcore, Symphonic Deathcore, Blackened, Tech Death.
FFO: Decapitated, Fit For an Autopsy, Killswitch Engage, Gojira, Sylosis, A Wake In Providence.
Review By: Mike Leighton
UK deathcore juggernaut, Viscera, formed in the UK back in 2019. Viscera is comprised of former members of Heart Of A Coward, Abhorrent Decimation, Martyr Defiled, Nervecell, and Surfaces with Jamie Graham performing vocals, Ross McLennan on guitar, Adam Bell on guitar, David Archer on bass guitar, and Alex Micklewright on drums. Shortly after inception, and only two singles under their belt, both released in 2019, Viscera, released their debut album, Obsidian, in 2020 through Unique Leader Records. Fast-forward to current day 2023, and the boys are back and set to release their highly anticipated second full-length album, Carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis clocks in at right around 40 min, and damn does it go by way too quick. So, let’s jump right in!
Carcinogenesis: starts off with some quickly ascending orchestral and choral arrangements that are swiftly cut off by some absolutely crushing guitar riffs and pelting drums that are guaranteed to make you start headbanging! Their mixture of screamed/spoken word juxtaposed with the guttural vocals was very nicely placed. A refreshing change of pace from other genres (or even other deathcore releases) that use the singing/screaming pattern. The layering of elements in this track is perfect, you can hear everything all the way down to the atmospheric track behind it all. Every member of Viscera shines on this track, giving listeners just a taste of their capabilities before heading into the rest of the album, especially that down and dirty guitar solo we got!
Rats With Wings: Starts off with this crunchy yet clear guitar tone, and I am all for it. While this track is right in your face from the time it starts to the very end, it was not my favourite compared to some of the others. The vocal performance was the highlight of this track for me, as it reminded me a lot of some of the stuff that Fit For An Autopsy does on their tracks. Layers of Skin pulls you in slowly before introducing vocals with groovy guitar riffs. This track also follows a slightly predictable structure, but that doesn’t detract from it at all. It had me bouncing my head the entire time, and yearning for more when it was over. Got strong old school death metal vibes (Meshuggah) from this track, and it doesn’t surprise at all based on the inspiration these guys got for their music.
Resolver: starts off strong, almost like older August Burns Red, but regardless it was awesome! The mini bridge (clean and heavy guitars) about a minute in was absolutely phenomenal, and really highlighted this track as a standout from the rest so far, coupled with the whispered vocals I couldn’t stop but rewind a few times to relisten. Omnipotence: you know a track that starts off screaming “Dark angel” is about to be epic! Well, it was brutal, but not as epic as I thought. The guitars were an absolute delight throughout, but the rest felt kind of lacklustre. Sungazer starts off with some really cool synthetic elements that sound like you’re about to be abducted, and they seem to be an underlying audible theme throughout. The sung, almost-chorus, gave me the feeling of being floated up into a spaceship of sorts, but I will let other listeners be the judge. The bridge brought back the synthetic elements full force, paired with some awesome vocals and guitar riffs, making this song one of the more memorable on the album and one I will definitely be going back to!
Lex Talionis: this song brings everything presented so far and ramps it up! The guitars, the gutturals, the group vocals, the drums, everything is dialled straight to 11, and just beats you in the face until you’re limp while still making that nasty face you make when the breakdown gets slower (which is exactly what the end of the song does). Final track, On Earth As It Is In Hell, begins with a very eerie, ominous arrangement that builds, much like the intro track. This time, though, we see the track build into some dark, spoken word lyrics on top of some crunchy guitars and tight drum rolls. Throughout, we get a final show of the capabilities of all members of Viscera, and they have yet to disappoint! Overall, this track was the perfect blend of vocals and instrumentation…I was speechless by the end.
(3.5 / 5)
