Carnal Redemption

One of the post-millennium underdogs of Greek Death Metal, CARNAL REDEMPTION was originally conceived in a rehearsal studio around November 2000 by Nick (vocals, bass), George R. (guitars) and Nondas (drums – EDxKEMPER, FLESHART). Having spent some good time bashing out covers of bands like CARCASS, DEATH and MORBID ANGEL, the trio decided to form a band and soon began writing their own material which was subsequently performed on Athenian live stages.

About a year after formation, the trio recorded their debut demo CDr “The Limits of Persistence” (2001). Consisting of three thoroughly-written compositions reminiscent of old school North American Death Metal infused with a European sense of melody, “The Limits of Persistence” draws in the listener not so much on pure brutality (well, there’s plenty of that too), but through clever sequencing of riffs, attentive drumming and surprisingly articulated vocals that for once can be deciphered without a lyrics sheet! The latter aspect was further accentuated by the relatively clear, although somewhat flat production. Allegedly, the demo was received positively by both the public and fanzines and there was even some label interest at the time. Unfortunately, the band was forced into a three-year period hibernation in the wake of the demo release. The reason? Well, obligatory military service of course!

Despite the unfavorable situation, the trio managed to do some gigging with local stalwarts such as INVERACITY and FLESHART. They also began to work on their second release: 2005’s “Cerebral Chaos” EP released on CD. Proceeding in a roughly similar direction compared to its predecessor, “Cerebral Chaos” nonetheless brought further experimentation with song structuring – with three of the tracks exceeding the six-minute mark – and also a certain technical flair. The EP was also graced with a more powerful production.

Roughly around this time (2004-2005), CARNAL REDEMPTION decided to expand the lineup, adding a certain Marios as vocalist – thus allowing Nick to focus on his bass duties. Several live shows were allegedly executed with this extended four-piece lineup, but for one reason or another it didn’t last long as both Marios and guitarist George R. left the band in 2005. It should be noted here that while these changes took place in 2004/05, it appears as if the previously “Cerebral Chaos” EP was recorded with the original trio-lineup and not as a quartet.

The following years was marked with difficulties, such as trouble in finding time for rehearsals, etc. and the band was even on the verge of breaking up. Fate would have it otherwise though, as remaining members Nick and Nondas found a new guitarist in an old friend of theirs, George L., while Nick resumed his role as vocalist/bassist. More live shows followed, despite the lack of new released material, until George (the 2nd) also split the band. A new guitarist was found Dimitris/Jim M. – undoubtedly a skilled guitarist judging by the material shared on his personal Soundcloud page. The arrival of Jim to the ranks worked as a creative catalyst for the group, and soon enough work began for the recording of CARNAL REDEMPTION’s first proper full-length album.

Interestingly, the band made the decision to release the album by themselves rather than opting for a label deal, which could lead to unwanted limitations. Being a 100% DIY product, “Utter Depression” (2014) measures up well to contemporary label-backed DM releases. In terms of sound/production and style, the album is somewhat of a different beast than its predecessors. While “The Limits of Persistence” and the “Cerebral Chaos” EP emphasized flowing song development, “Utter Depression” comes across as more of a high-impact and semi-chaotic listening experience with shorter songs, more abrupt phrases, lots of blast-beats and high-velocity passages (not that it doesn’t have its fair share of complexity, though). For this writer, the most captivating track on the album is closing number, “Victim of the Cybervoid” – a re-recording of the third track off the band’s debut demo, performed in the more forceful style of the band’s later years.

At current, “Utter Depression” remains as the latest CARNAL REDEMPTION release, but judging by posts made public by the band they are still more or less actively working on new material. It’ll be interesting to see if they will continue in a similar direction, or maybe attempt a merging of their earlier, semi-melodic/progressive style with the full-on assault of “Utter Depression” as on the previously mentioned re-recording of “Victim of the Cybervoid”…? Either way, we’ll stay tuned!

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