Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

Before heading into the article, this is the third review of six (Melkor‘s reviews). Like Temple of the Fallen, and Wasteland Requiem. Carnificina is another project from sole and foundered artist Melkor. Unlike Temple of the Fallen (symphonic death) and Wasteland Requiem (doom death). Carnificina is more old-school death metal band.

When the listener hits the play button, the listener is immediately welcomed by the brief audio introduction, from the opening piece Metal Lusitano, setting the stage before launching into a powerful onslaught of instrumentals and vocals.

Soon as the listener continues their journey with the second piece, Olhos na Escuridao, and the remaining four pieces. This forbidden fruit of art is not like Melkor’s previous work (we reviewed) Temple of the Fallen and Wasteland Requiem. Carnificina is no walk in the park or for the faint of heart. The listener will embark on the journey through this collection of six tracks spanning twenty-four minutes, providing the listener with an exploration of themes of gore, splatter, and death. This is reflected in their intense and visceral sound.

Carnificina unleashes a whirlwind of ferocity, embodying the very essence of extreme metal with its relentless pace and heavy brutality. For a full twenty-four minutes, listeners are engulfed in an unyielding barrage of sound, where every note is a testament to the genre’s most intense offerings. The music is a fruit of art-chaotic symphony of death, provided by an unholy devilmanship that delivers aggressive guitar riffs, intricate fretboard arrangements, and a drumming assault that propels the music forward. All of this is underpinned by thunderous bass lines that resonate deep within.

The vocals, delivered by the enigmatic The Beyonder, add a chilling layer to this sonic onslaught. Known for his collaborations with various bands, including a fan-favourite of mine, Filii Nigrantium Infernalium, he brings a haunting presence to the mix. The Beyonder piercing and demonic screams and guttural growls pierce through the heavy instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and terrifying, ensuring that every listener is captivated by the sheer intensity of the performance.

Again, this relentless musical journey is not for the faint of heart; it is a celebration of the extreme, designed to thrill those who crave the raw power of brutal music. Carnificina stands as a beacon for extreme metal devotees, offering a visceral experience that leaves an indelible mark. With its unrestrained energy and fruit of art devilmanship, it promises to satisfy even the most discerning fans of the genre, inviting them to revel in its dark and chaotic beauty.

We now turn our attention to the sound recording and the missing track. Carnificina first emerged in 1995, releasing their sole EP titled Portuguese Massmurder Memorabilia, which featured seven tracks. Among these was the seventh song, a cover of V12 called Negócio das Almas. Unfortunately, this track was lost due to technical difficulties with the computer. Fast-forward to September 2024, and the album has undergone a remastering process, showcasing a more evolved sound. This new version captures every breath, note, beat, and raw intensity that resonates within the music, bringing a fresh life to the music.

If you fan and crave music, that’s brutal, aggressive, and extreme, characterized by demonic vocals and thunderous guitar and bass riffs, then this is for you. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey that promises relentless headbanging from the very first note to the last!