Album Review: Decapitated-Carnival Is Forever

It's been five long years since Decapitated has made a record. After the tragic death of drummer Vitek and paralysis of vocalist Covan in a bus accident in 2007, some thought Decapitated would never make music again. After a couple of years, lone original member, guitarist Varg, found a guitarist and drummer to continue Decapitated. Decapitated has done Vitek and Covan proud with Carnival Is Forever.

Unlike a certain legendary death metal who made a terrible comeback record after a lengthy hiatus (** cough cough Morbid Angel**), Decapitated make a hell of a return with Carnival Is Forever. I was kind of nervous after the Morbid Angel debacle last month and the weird album title and cover art, but Decapitated proved me wrong. Carnival Is Forever does stumble a little bit out of the gate with the album's weakest track "The Knife", but after that Decapitated reminds the listener how good Decapitated is. From the straight-up,relentless, heaviness of "United" and "Pest" to the atmospheric vibes of "A View From A Hole" and "Carnival Is Forever", Decapitated makes every song exciting and unique. Varg did a damn good job with writing the music and the riffs throughout are memorable. The new guys, vocalist Rasta and drummer Krimh do a great job of filling the voids left by Vitek and Covan. Varg made the perfect choices when finding replacements. On top of all that, this might be the best production on any record I've heard this year. Everything is so clear in the mix and it just sounds amazing.

Carnival Is Forever is a triumphant return for Decapitated. They have not slowed down,sold out, or gotten sloppy during their hiatus. Varg is still one of a hell guitar player and the new vocalist and drummer are great. This is the Decapitated that everyone remembered and loved in the extreme metal community. Decapitated has kept their legacy alive and well with Carnival Is Forever.

4/5 Stars
Standout Tracks
1.A View From A Hole
2.United
3.Pest