Review : CARNIFEX – “Hell Chose Me”

Carnifex- Hell Chose Me
released February 16, 2010 on Victory Records

Carnifex is a deathcore band from California made up of Scott Lewis (vocals), Fred Calderon (bass), Corey Arford and Ryan Gudmonds (guitar) and Shawn Cameron (drums). At first listen, I was able to detect elements of Deicide, The Acacia Strain and The Black Dahlia Murder. A more detailed analysis follows.

Intense drumming dominates the title track with intense blast beats and just a hint of dark, sludgy and distorted guitar/bass work underneath that’s followed up by the growls of Lewis. Track 2 builds upon the blast beats of the title track but the time signature incorporates breakdowns, especially at the 1:00 mark and this continues throughout the rest of this song. The intensity of Cameron’s drumming never seems to wane. Track 5 is used to showcase the guitar work of Arford and Gudmonds with a melodic feel to start followed by intense drumming that kicks in the middle of the song. Track 10 continues the intensity and at 3:20 in, takes on a slower, melodic feel to close off this album.

Overall, an album chock full of intensity and competent drumming. It feels a bit repetitive in spots and left me wanting to see them expand upon their slow, melodic chops. Worth a try otherwise.

FCC: 4,5
Try: 2,3,10

01. Hell Chose Me
02. Dead Archetype
03. Entombed Monarch
04. Names Mean Nothing
05. Heartless
06. Sorrowspell
07. The Scope Of Obsession
08. By Darkness Enslaved
09. The Liar’s Funeral
10. Genocide Initiative

3.5/5