It’s still January so we can still bring up New Year’s resolutions. And it seems like Carnal Forge has made one as well. Because this month, after twelve long years, the band released a new album. That’s a time period comparable to how long we’ve been waiting for a new Tool album. But let’s say the album was worth the wait. The guys didn’t forget how to write great songs, nor how to give a great performance. And thus this new work gives us the perfect mix of thrash with a touch of melodic death metal.

Great sound, even better sound quality

One thing which I immediately noticed when listening to this album was how the sound quality had improved compared to Testify For My Victims (their last album, dating back to 2007). Where on Testify For My Victims the overall mix, and especially the guitars, had some kind of ‘dull’ sound, this album will blow you away with its great production alone. Of course, great production is not the only thing which makes a good album. It takes good songwriting and great performance. And they didn’t let us down. Is it because they have a new singer which gave a change of pace ? Maybe, maybe not. It might have to do with their hiatus, which gave them time to freshen up their songwriting-procedure. Or it could just be the fact that good bands deliver good albums.

The songs are a perfect combination of hard and fast parts, while allowing some time to take a breath. And just when you’ve come around again, there’s the harshness again. It’s a little bit like listening to the love-child that Slayer and At The Gates had one night. But alas, every rose has its thorns. In the case of Gun To Mouth Salvation, I’d say there are parts where a complete stylistic break is made, and suddenly you’re listening to Linkin Park. Which is not really a problem if you like them, but it’s not something you’d want or expect when listening to an album of this caliber. If you want to understand what I’m getting at, have a listen to the fifth track Bound In Flames. You’ll get what I mean.

All in all, they did an outstanding job. And I’m sure there’s no greater way to come back after all those years than with an album like this. It seems like they have found a new workflow which works for getting great recordings, and together with their new singer, I wish them all the best.

Release Date : January 25th, 2019
Label : Vicisolum Productions
Tracklist :
1. Parasites
2. Reforged
3. Aftermath
4. Endless War
5. Bound In Flames
6. King Chaos
7. The Order
8. Hellride
9. State Of Pain
10. Sin Feast Paradise
11. The Stench