Carcass (band)

Carcass

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1985
Headquarters	Liverpool , England
Products	Music albums, EPs, demos, videos

Carcass is a death metal group originating from Liverpool, England, established in 1985. Over time, the band experienced multiple personnel changes, with guitarist Bill Steer and bassist-vocalist Jeff Walker remaining as the sole continuous members. The band ceased activity in 1996 but reunited in 2007, although original drummer Ken Owen was unable to participate due to health issues. Their discography comprises seven studio albums, two compilation records, four EPs, two demo tapes, one video album, and six official music videos.

Significantly, Carcass stood out as one of the rare extreme metal bands to secure a contract with a major label; their fourth studio release, Heartwork (1993), was distributed in North America by Columbia Records. Globally, distribution was managed by Earache Records, which handled all releases up to Swansong (1996).

Formation and Reek of Putrefaction era (1985–1989)

Carcass initially formed as a school band created by Bill Steer and Ken Owen, but this early lineup quickly dissolved. Subsequently, Steer joined the D-beat outfit Disattack, which included drummer Middie, bassist Paul, and vocalist Pek. After putting out the four-track demo A Bomb Drops ... in 1986, Paul departed and was replaced by Jeff Walker, who had previously been guitarist and vocalist for the Electro Hippies. Around this period, vocalist Andrew Pek adopted the name Sanjiv following a trip to India. Meanwhile, Steer became part of Napalm Death, succeeding Justin Broadrick, and contributed to their debut album Scum, with Walker designing its cover art.

As their musical style evolved, Disattack transformed into Carcass, accompanied by a new drummer joining alongside Ken Owen. In April 1987, they recorded the demo Flesh Ripping Sonic Torment, the only recording featuring Sanjiv on vocals before his departure. For their debut album, vocal responsibilities were shared among Walker, Steer, and Owen. Although Reek of Putrefaction (1988) suffered from rudimentary production that left the band dissatisfied, it caught the attention of BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel. This exposure led to Carcass’s inaugural Peel Session in 1989, where they previewed tracks intended for their sophomore album. The session was later issued as an EP with band members adopting pseudonyms: K. Grumegargler, J. Offalmangler, and W.G. Thorax Embalmer. That same year, Steer and Walker appeared as part of Lister's fictional group Smeg and the Heads in an episode of Red Dwarf.

Symphonies of Sickness and Necroticism period (1989–1992)

Released in 1989, their second album Symphonies of Sickness showcased enhanced production quality under Colin Richardson’s guidance and introduced more structured death metal elements with lengthier and slower compositions. Midway through the supporting tour, second lead guitarist Michael Amott joined the lineup; bringing prior experience from Carnage, he contributed to their third album.

During 1989, Carcass participated in the Grindcrusher tour across Europe alongside bands such as Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, and Morbid Angel.

The 1991 album Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious featured even more complex songwriting paired with polished production and sophisticated guitar solos. While Amott provided lead guitar parts and composed one riff, rhythm guitar duties remained with Bill Steer. The band extensively toured in support of this release, including the Earache 'Gods of Grind' tour across Europe and North America with acts like Cathedral, Entombed, and Confessor. To coincide with this tour, they issued the Tools of the Trade EP in 1992.

Later that year, Carcass embarked on a US tour named Campaign for Musical Destruction alongside Napalm Death, Cathedral, and Brutal Truth.

Signing with Columbia and the Heartwork Era (1993–1995)

The band's fourth studio release, Heartwork, debuted in the UK in October 1993, followed by its US release three months later. This album represented a stylistic change, eliminating Steer's guttural vocals and graphic lyrical themes in favor of more straightforward song arrangements, while still maintaining intricate musicianship. During recording, Steer took on all rhythm guitar parts after Amott missed sessions due to losing his passport in Israel.

After Heartwork, Carcass secured an international contract with Columbia Records targeting broader commercial appeal; the label even encouraged Jeff Walker to refine his vocal abilities. Shortly after completing the record, Amott exited the group and was temporarily replaced by Mike Hickey, then succeeded by Carlo Regadas.

In mid-1994, Walker produced a remix of "Inside Out" for a Die Krupps remix compilation, preserving much of the original track but adding drum samples from Heartwork and conducting additional mixing at Parr Street studios.

Work on their debut major-label album commenced with early live performances of "Edge of Darkness" and "Firmhand" during a December 1994 UK tour, both reflecting a simpler songwriting approach. By late 1994, seventeen songs had been composed, and the band invested their $200,000 advance to record with producer Colin Richardson at Rockfield studios in early 1995. Despite Columbia withdrawing support—citing a need for more material and suggesting Terry Date as producer—the band proceeded independently. Jeff Walker noted a classic rock influence permeating the album’s sound, featuring drums, bass, and dual guitars reminiscent of Thin Lizzy, partly due to Bill Steer’s reduced focus on complex guitar layering.

During the sessions for Swansong, Carcass reinterpreted Björk's "Isobel", retaining only her vocal tracks. This rendition was released in March 1996 on Björk's "Hyperballad" single.

Swansong Release and Disbandment (1996–2006)

Delays related to Columbia/Sony label issues postponed the album's release from late 1995 until June 1996. During this interval, Carcass returned to Earache Records and dissolved prior to issuing Swansong. Walker described their Earache comeback as "the second great rock and roll swindle," since they effectively received payment twice for the same record. The album featured twelve of the seventeen recorded tracks; Walker later expressed that a double album would have been preferable, noting that some excluded songs were stronger than those included. Additionally, Carcass remixed Killing Joke's "Democracy", with Regadas on guitar following Steer's departure in early 1996. The "Rooster Mix" appeared on Killing Joke's Democracy. Upon Swansong's release, Carcass announced their breakup without undertaking a farewell tour—a decision anticipated by fans given the album’s title.

Although unsupported by touring, Swansong achieved significant success, dominating the UK Indie Rock Chart for several months and outperforming acts such as Placebo. It is rumored that lucrative touring opportunities in 1995—including opening for Iron Maiden's "X-Factour 95"—were declined due to delays with the album's release, which might have enhanced sales and longevity.

A post-breakup compilation titled Wake Up and Smell the... Carcass was issued in October 1996, compiling rare tracks, EP exclusives, and live recordings. A companion video/DVD featured promotional clips along with live performances from Grindcrusher 1989 and Gods of Grind 1992 tours; however, audio quality was subpar.

Following this period, Owen, Walker, and Regadas formed Blackstar, financed by Earache’s second advance from Swansong. Blackstar disbanded after Owen suffered a severe cerebral hemorrhage. Meanwhile, Amott initiated hard rock outfit Spiritual Beggars and melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, whereas Steer pursued a different musical direction with his Eric Clapton-influenced rock group Firebird.

Reunion Phase (2007–2012)

In June 2006, Walker mentioned potential plans for a Carcass reunion but noted Owen’s inability to participate due to his cerebral hemorrhage. By September 2007, Amott revealed clandestine rehearsals involving Steer, Walker, and Daniel Erlandsson, who replaced Owen for an anticipated reunion tour. Initial intentions to perform at summer festivals were postponed.

In October 2007, Carcass confirmed scheduled appearances at Germany's Wacken Open Air and Finland's Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in 2008. Their reunion tour commenced on 6 June 2008 at Sweden Rock Festival and included appearances at Hellfest Summer Open Air and Metalcamp festivals. The band subsequently toured Australia, New Zealand, North America, and South America throughout 2008. On 15 November that year, Carcass headlined the Danish Metal Awards; Steer presented an award while Ken Owen made a guest drum solo appearance. Their first UK performance in fourteen years occurred at the Damnation Festival in Leeds.

Carcass reissued their entire back catalogue during 2008 via Earache Records with added bonus content. When questioned about new material, Steer expressed doubt but did not dismiss the possibility entirely.

Touring continued through 2009–2010 with headline slots at Bloodstock Open Air and Vagos Open Air. At Hellfest 2010 they performed the entire Necroticism album live. In 2012 both Amott and Erlandsson departed to concentrate on Arch Enemy activities.

Surgical Steel Period (2012–2019)

Following reunion shows, Steer and Walker began composing new material only if it felt genuinely representative of Carcass’ identity. They recorded Surgical Steel in 2012 featuring drummer Daniel Wilding, who replaced Erlandsson; original drummer Ken Owen contributed backing vocals. Guitarist Ben Ash joined in March 2013.

This lineup debuted live at London’s Camden Underworld in March 2013 and performed at festivals including Chile’s Metalfest and Maryland Deathfest XI. In May 2013 they signed with Nuclear Blast Records, with Trooper Entertainment managing Japanese distribution.

Released in September 2013, Surgical Steel garnered favorable reviews and reached the US Billboard Top 50 chart. After its release, Carcass headlined Damnation Festival before joining Europe’s Defenders of the Faith Tour alongside Amon Amarth and Hell. They also played events such as 70000 Tons of Metal (2014) and Agglutination Festival.

In a 2014 interview Walker indicated interest in producing another album if inspiration arose. Later that year Carcass released an EP titled Surgical Remission/Surplus Steel, containing previously unreleased tracks from the Surgical Steel sessions.

Touring extended through festivals like Download Festival (2015) and the "Deathcrusher 2015" European tour alongside Napalm Death, Obituary, Voivod, and Herod; Steer occasionally joined Napalm Death onstage during this run. In early 2016 they supported Slayer’s Repentless tour along with Testament.

Guitarist Ben Ash left in March 2018; Tom Draper took over live guitar duties. Carcass supported Slayer on their final global tour from late 2018 through mid-2019 playing festivals including Hellfest.

Torn Arteries Era (2019–present)

On 13 December 2019, Carcass unveiled "Under the Scalpel Blade," their first new composition in six years. The band announced that their seventh studio album would be released on August 7, 2020; shortly thereafter guitarist Bill Steer revealed its title as Torn Arteries, named after Ken Owen’s teenage demo tape.

Due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affecting manufacturing and distribution channels,the album's release was indefinitely postponed in April 2020; subsequent reports indicated a planned launch in 2021.

On August 21, 2020, Carcass issued a four-track EP called Despicable, featuring unreleased songs from recent recording sessions including "Under the Scalpel Blade."

The lead single from Torn Arteries, titled "Kelly's Meat Emporium," premiered on June 18, 2021; the full album followed on September 17—marking an eight-year gap since Surgical Steel. To support it,the band embarked on their first North American headlining tour in six years during spring 2022 with backing acts Immolation and Creeping Death.They also supported Arch Enemy and Behemoth on their European co-headlining trek that fall as well as Amon Amarth during their North American tour.

Touring activities extended into early 2024 with North American dates alongside Sacred Reich and Municipal Waste; shows in Japan and Australia featured support from The Black Dahlia Murder. Additionally,the band joined Hatebreed’s thirtieth anniversary tour during autumn of that year.

In March 2024 Steer stated that although no new material is currently being developed due to extensive touring commitments through year-end,future recording will depend on mutual enthusiasm within the group.

Musical Style, Influences & Legacy

Carcass is widely acknowledged as a foundational force within grindcore and melodic death metal, regarded among pioneering bands shaping these genres.<ref> Their earliest work is often labeled "splatter death metal" or "hardgore," characterized by graphic lyrics and disturbing artwork. Their fourth album,Heartwork (1993), is considered a landmark release within melodic death metal. Dubbed "goregrind's screaming birthers," they drew inspiration from death metal/grindcore groups such as Death, Repulsion, Master, Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Macabre, as well as bands like Slayer, King Diamond, Cryptic Slaughter, Discharge, Siege, N.Y.C. Mayhem, and Diamond Head.<ref><ref>

Their early lyrics extensively incorporated medical terminology described as "Gray's Anatomy set to music," often employing dark humor rather than gratuitous gore.<ref><ref> Guitarist Bill Steer stressed that their shocking content was deliberately humorous.<ref><ref>

Frontman Jeff Walker’s vocal delivery has been characterized as "serrated."

Carcass’ use of medical jargon influenced other artists such as black metal act Botanist.<ref> Ben Weinman of The Dillinger Escape Plan cited them as an important influence.<ref> The late Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder credited Carcass for shaping his vocal style.<ref> Numerous bands across deathcore/metalcore genres—including Bring Me the Horizon, Whitechapel, All Shall Perish,Killswitch Engage,and All That Remains—also recognize Carcass’ impact.<ref><ref> Canadian rock group Sum 41 acknowledged them as an influence,<ref> alongside deathgrind act Cattle Decapitation<ref> and post-rock ensemble The Fierce and the Dead.<ref>

In Popular Culture

Members Steer and Walker appeared portraying childhood versions of themselves as part of "Smeg and the Heads" in an episode of Red Dwarf.<ref> They were also referenced humorously in an episode of Friends, indicating mainstream cultural presence.<ref>

Current

• Bill Steer – guitar, vocals (1985–1996;2007–present)
• Jeff Walker – bass guitar,vocals (1985–1996;2007–present)
• Daniel Wilding – drums, backing vocals (2012–present)
• James 'Nip' Blackford – guitar (2021–present)

Former

• Ken Owen – drums,vocals (1985–1996; guest appearances post-2008)
• Sanjiv Sumner – lead vocals (1986–1987)
• Michael Amott – guitar, backing vocals (1990–1993; reunion:2007–2012)
• Carlo Regadas – guitar (1994–1996)

Live Members

• Mike Hickey – guitar (1993–1994)
• Daniel Erlandsson – drums (2007–2012)
• Ben Ash – guitar (2013–2018)
• Tom Draper – guitar (2018–2021)

Timeline

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Colors =

id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals
id:backing value:pink legend:Backing_vocals
id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar 
id:bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:live value:yellow legend:Live_member
id:album value:black legend:Studio_album
id:bars value:gray(0.9)
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at:12/01/1988 color:other
at:12/02/1989 color:other
at:12/04/1989 color:album
at:01/01/1990 color:other
at:10/21/1991 color:album
at:01/01/1992 color:other
at:06/23/1992 color:other
at:02/01/1993 color:other
at:09/01/1993 color:other
at:10/18/1993 color:album
at:06/10/1996 color:album
at:11/12/1996 color:other
at:11/26/1996 color:other
at:10/27/1997 color:other
at:05/24/2004 color:other
at:09/13/2013 color:album
at:11/11/2014 color:other
at:10/30/2020 color:other
at:09/17/2021 color:album

BarData =

bar:Sanjiv text:"Sanjiv Sumner"
bar:Steer text:"Bill Steer"
bar:Amott text:"Michael Amott"
bar:Hickey text:"Mike Hickey"
bar:Registeras text:"Carlo Regadas"
bar:Ash text:"Ben Ash"
bar:Draper text:"Tom Draper"
bar:J.Blackford text:"James Blackford"
bar:T.Walker text:"Jeff Walker"
bar:E.Owen text:"Ken Owen"
bar:E.Erlandsson text:"Daniel Erlandsson"
bar:D.Wilding text:"Daniel Wilding"

PlotData=

width:11
bar:Sanjiv from:start till:05/01/1987 color:vocals
bar:Steer from:start till:end color:guitar
bar:Hickey from07/01/1993 till01/31/1994 color:guitar width :3 live 
bar:Registeras from01/02/1994 till06/01/1996 color:guitar 
bar:Ash from03/26/2013 till03/05/2018 color:guitar width :3 live 
bar:Draper from03/05/2018 till11//01//2021 color:guitar width :3 live 
bar:J.Blackford from11//01//2021 till:end color:guitar 
bar:A.Moott from03//01//1990 till06//30//1993 color:guitar 
bar:A.Moott from09//01//2007 till10//01//2012 color:guitar 
bar:T.Walker from:start till:end color:bass 
bar:T.Walker from:start till:end width :3 vocals 
bar:E.Owen from:start till06//01//1996 color :drums 
bar:E.Owen guest appearances post-2008 
bar:E.Erlandsson from09//01//2007 till10//01//2012 color :drums width :3 live 
bar:D.Wilding from12//01//2012 till:end color :drums width :3 backing 

</timeline>

Discography

Main article: Carcass discography

• Reek of Putrefaction (1988)
• Symphonies of Sickness (1989)
• Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious (1991)
• Heartwork (1993)
• Swansong (1996)
• Surgical Steel (2013)
• Torn Arteries (2021)

External links

• Carcass on Earache Records