Carcass' show at Carioca Club in São Paulo on May 15th was a true auditory carnage for death metal fans. The British band, iconic for its graphic lyrics and grindcore influences, returned to Brazil with a performance that mixed classics and more recent tracks, reinforcing its reputation as masters of the genre.
On a Thursday night, the event attracted an excellent crowd, filling the venue to witness what became an unforgettable night of sonic brutality. With a setlist that navigated through different eras of the band's discography, Carcass did not disappoint, delivering an intense experience that blended technical precision with the band's characteristic brutality.
Carcass made a big impact.
The current lineup, consisting of Jeff Walker (bass and vocals), Bill Steer (guitar), Daniel Wilding (drums), and James Blackford (guitar), opened with "Unfit for Human Consumption," making a huge impact immediately. The opening riff, sharp and precise, echoed through the Carioca Club, causing the audience to form their first mosh pit within seconds.
Next, “Buried Dreams” and “Kelly's Meat Emporium” maintained the frenetic pace, with Bill Steer and the other band members demonstrating impeccable chemistry. The performance was marked by flawless sound production, which highlighted the blast beats and Jeff Walker's guttural vocals, creating an aggressive atmosphere that transported the audience to the relentless universe of the band's lyrics. It was evident how much Carcass dominates the stage, even after decades of career.
As the setlist progressed, the variety of songs added layers of interest to the performance. Tracks like “Incarnated Solvent Abuse” and “No Love Lost” brought a more raw and fast grindcore sound, contrasting with the complexity of “Tomorrow Belongs to Nobody / Death Certificate”. Here, Carcass showcased their musical evolution, incorporating technical elements that captivated even the most demanding fans.
“Dance of Ixtab (Psychopomp & Circumstance March No. 1 in B)” was a highlight, with its more elaborate structure and touches of experimentalism, which not only energized the audience but also served as a breather before the avalanche of heavy riffs. The show flowed organically, maintaining high energy and demonstrating why the band is a reference in extreme metal.
A death metal masterclass
At the heart of the setlist, songs like “Black Star / Keep On Rotting in the Free World” and “Genital Grinder” raised the intensity to insane levels. These tracks, loaded with heavy riffs and precise solos, incited the audience to mosh like there was no tomorrow. “Pyosisified (Rotten to the Gore)” and “Tools of the Trade” followed the same path, with the band interacting more directly with the fans, encouraging more mosh pits.
It was impressive to see how Steer and Walker maintained their technical precision even amidst the chaos, proving that Carcass isn't just about noise, but about skillful execution. The Carioca Club vibrated with chaotic energy, turning the show into an underground ritual.
As the main set drew to a close, with “The Scythe's Remorseless Swing”, “316L Grade Surgical Steel” and “This Mortal Coil”, the audience was already exhausted, but ecstatic. “Corporal Jigsore Quandary” closed the main part with a brutal climax, masterfully blending speed and groove.
At this point, the band demonstrated maturity, balancing the legacy of the 90s with more modern elements, and the audience reciprocated, giving the band a standing ovation. The sound equalization was well balanced – in quick transitions, everything was very clear, allowing for a high level of interaction in the performance.
The encore was the highlight that crowned the night, starting with “Captive Bolt Pistol” and continuing with “Ruptured in Purulence / Heartwork” and “Carneous Cacoffiny.” These classic tracks reignited the euphoria, with the audience singing along and the mosh pit returning in full force. Carcass ended in epic fashion, leaving everyone wanting more.
As a result, the show at Carioca Club was a death metal masterclass; little talking and lots of brutality proved that the band remains relevant and powerful after more than three decades. If you're a fan of the genre, don't miss the opportunity to see Carcass live – it's an experience that goes beyond the music, entering the territory of the visceral and unforgettable.
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