Just listened to "Heartwork" by Carcass
- 10 10 10 10. This album is peak. For starters, the classic rock n' roll-infused death metal style of the album is phenomenal. I love how the two genres play off each other throughout the songs. And it really does a good job of creating contrast when a more bluesy, rock-inspired riff gives way to classic death metal drumming and grindy riffs. It honestly accentuates the lyrics of the album, which are beautifully dystopian. Imagery of human flesh ravaged and consumed by cold and callous machinery fit perfectly with the album's sound. And speaking of flesh and machines, what better artist to work with for this album than the legend H.R. Giger himself? I've always maintained that great art deserves great presentation, and the cover art for Heartwork not only looks incredibly, but is thematically relevant. Giger has always been the king of biomechanical hellscapes, and the poetry of Jeff Walker feels like they were written while admiring his fascinatingly morbid gallery. Now, when I say poetry, I mean poetry. Another thing I find very important outside of an album's actual songwriting are the lyrics. The lyrics on Heartwork are masterful. Very imaginative, vivid storytelling of a world in ruin, with plenty of musical puns to boot. Classic examples of the wordplay include the titles, "Arbeit Macht Fleisch," and "Blind Bleeding the Blind." Great shit. It feels very Terry Gilliam's Brazil in a way, where depictions of societal atrocities are intertwined with humor and wit. This album was great, the songwriting was so catchy yet crushing, the solos were ear candy, and the chorus for Death Certificate might be one of the best I've ever heard. There's no way anyone on this sub hasn't already listened to Heartwork, but if you haven't, you probably should.
u/TheTimothyHimself — 6 days ago