Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Carcass
- 11
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 587k
- Last.fm listeners
- 27M
- Last.fm plays
About
Carcass, From Liverpool's grindcore roots to melodic death metal evolution.
Carcass emerged in Liverpool in 1985, initially delving into goregrind and grindcore with their first releases like "Reek of Putrefaction" and "Symphonies of Sickness." Founding members Jeff Walker and Bill Steer provided vocals and instrumentation, while the band evolved towards melodic death metal in subsequent albums. Notably, "Necroticism - Descanting the Insalubrious" marked a shift with more complex musicianship. "Heartwork" further refined their sound, leaning into death metal with melodic influences, becoming a foundational release for the style that would influence Scandinavian death metal.
The band later released "Swansong," exhibiting a more streamlined metal approach before disbanding.
Discography
Carcass discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Wake Up and Smell the… Carcass
Carcass
- Vinyl 2
- CD 2
- Cassette 2
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
HeartworkHeartwork · 1993 - 02
1985Surgical Steel · 2013 - 03Buried DreamsHeartwork · 1993
- 04No Love LostHeartwork · 1993
- 05
Black StarSwansong · 1996 - 06Carnal ForgeHeartwork · 1993
- 07This Mortal CoilHeartwork · 1993
- 08Keep On Rotting in the Free WorldSwansong · 1996
Essentials
3 Carcass albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1991A pivot from grindcore to a more technical death metal approach, featuring complex structures and intense performances.
8 tracksEarache labelMultiple vinyl pressings1991 release
#2 · 1993Remastered edition of the pivotal album that ushered in a melodic death metal style, with tighter compositions and thicker sound.
10 tracksEarache labelRemastered 2022Gatefold edition
#3 · 1996Their final studio album before initial breakup, mixing melodic death metal with groove elements, released on Earache.
12 tracksEarache labelOriginal 1996 UK pressingMultiple reissues
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Carcass
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Shift to melodic death metal on "Necroticism"
The 1991 album "Necroticism - Descanting the Insalubrious" featured guitarist Michael Amott joining Carcass as a second guitarist, contributing to a richer, more technical death metal sound while retaining grindcore elements.
1993 "Heartwork" recording sessions
Recorded as their fourth album, "Heartwork" marked a stylistic shift with more melodic and less complex structures, influencing the Scandinavian death metal scene. Michael Amott left after this album, replaced by Mike Hickey for live shows.
Upper parting before "Swansong" release
Bill Steer left Carcass before the release of 1996's "Swansong." The album was delayed due to artistic disagreements with a major label, leading the band to reclaim their recordings and release through Earache Records.
2007 reformation and festival appearances
Carcass officially reformed in October 2007, playing major festivals like Wacken Open Air in 2008 and Hellfest, but without original drummer Ken Owen due to health issues; he remained financially supported by the band.
"Our songs use medical themes with technical terms, often with a sharp sense of humor."— Jeff Walker, vocalist
Original and limited Nuclear Blast pressings of "Torn Arteries"
"Torn Arteries," released in 2021 by Nuclear Blast, is available as original and limited edition LPs at 45 RPM pressed across USA and Europe, with catalog numbers 5369 and 27361 53681 respectively.
Carcass vinyl discography
See allTORN ARTERIES
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2025-06-06NUCLEAR BLASTFrom$35.98
2 offersEleanor Rigor Mortis
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-03-17CHURCH OF VINYLFrom$54.00
2 offersHEARTWORK/REPRESSAGE REMASTERISE/FULL DYNAMIC SOUND
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2022-04-15EARACHEREEK OF PUTREFACTION/REMASTERISE
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2022-04-15EARACHEFrom$55.00
1 offerSymphonies of sickness
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2021-01-08EARACHEFrom$91.00
1 offerNecroticism - Descanting the insalubrious
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2020-08-07EARACHEFrom$29.85
1 offerSURGICAL STEEL (COMPLETE EDITI
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2018-01-01NUCLEAR BLASTFrom$63.99
1 offer
Carcass CDs
See allTorn Arteries
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2024-03-22Nuclear BlastFrom$18.52
2 offersSurgical Steel
Carcass
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2018-01-01Nuclear BlastFrom$19.08
2 offers
Recommended accessories
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View on AmazonBig Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack, Acid Free Paper | Heavyweight Construction, Safe for Long Term Storage, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When did Carcass form and where?
Carcass formed in 1985 in Liverpool, United Kingdom, becoming pioneers of extreme metal subgenres.
What genres does Carcass cover?
The band spans genres including goregrind, grindcore, death metal, melodic death metal, and death 'n' roll.
Which Carcass albums are key for vinyl collectors?
Essential vinyl includes "Necroticism - Descanting The Insalubrious" (1991), "Heartwork" remastered editions, and the original 1996 pressing of "Swansong."
Are there notable vinyl pressings of their latest albums?
Yes, "Torn Arteries" (2021) and "Surgical Steel" (2013) have multiple original and limited vinyl pressings, especially in Europe and the USA.
What is special about Carcass vinyl releases in France?
France offers official reissues of albums like "Necroticism", "Symphonies of Sickness", and "Swansong" on vinyl through collaborations and local distributors.
Where can I find rare Carcass vinyl editions?
Rare editions often come from original UK Earache pressings and limited European runs, which can surface on specialized vinyl marketplaces.
Do Carcass songs feature specific themes?
Their songs commonly feature medical themes using technical terminology combined with ironic or humorous undertones.
How does Carcass’s music fit into the broader metal scene?
Carcass helped define the goregrind and melodic death metal subgenres, influencing later bands in Scandinavia and globally.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.