Carcass didn’t invent death metal, but they helped perfect it. The didn’t ascend to the pantheon of the death and goregrind genres overnight either. Their earlier work, especially their debut Reek of Putrefaction, Symphonies of Sickness, and Tools of The Trade and a few EP’s were all growers. The band had a penchant of shifting genres and styles within songs and albums, owing to their talent, but displeasing some of the more ardent fans. They likely didn’t think about this or even discuss it, just musically going wherever the evil spirits guided at the time. This kept their growing fan base agitated, but interested to see what the band would do next in the burgeoning underground scene. So when Heartwork was unleashed on the world (Earache) in 1993, it seemed like all of these elements coalesced.
Ranging from grindcore, straight ahead death metal, speed metal, and even some thrash and heavy metal elements, Heartwork is just a wild ride of an album. Sonically the album is tight, with all the instruments sounding great, but not too pretty thanks to producer Colin Richardson (Gorguts, Cannibal Corpse, Fear Factory, Slipknot) Certainly the best sounding album the band has had up until their comeback album Surgical Steel (Nuclear Blast). The album also had the distinctive H.R. Giger artwork that would go on to influence the bands’ videos, merch and stage aesthetic, inspiring other bands in the process.
Musically the band never sounded stronger. Jeff Walker’s insane snarling vocals, marching gun drums, and razor-like riffs. Michael Amott and Bill Steer wrote great material running the gamut of styles. Amott’s final album with the band sure was memorable. Ken Owen also had his finest moments behind the kit on this album whether it was non-stop blasting, rabid tempo shifts, or laying down a groove.
From blazing fast grind, chugging death riffs, and gorgeous melodic heavy metal harmonies, Heartwork has a plethora of exciting moments. Not only are the best-known tracks incredible, but the deep cuts are so good, there really isn’t a weak moment on the album. Heartwork is without a doubt the most complete Carcass album, now regarded as one of the best. Diverse and moody, but still brutal as fuck. Definitely essential.
KEITH CHACHKES