Text by Marcelo Gomes
With 18 years in the business and a recently released album, Necromanteum (2023), the American band Carnifex finally landed in Latin America for their first headlining tour. Known for being one of the pioneering names in the deathcore scene, the band crossed borders and made their debut in São Paulo at Fabrique Club on the 2nd, with a special appearance by Fim da Aurora.
The night began with the talented Fim Da Aurora, a band from Jundiaí. With over 10 years on the road, they performed well-known songs such as “Intolerância”, “Eleitos Pela Mentira”, “Pelo Vale Da Morte”, among others. They also made room for a new song, “Ritual”, which is yet to be released and was very well received. It's worth noting that from the first song, a great mosh pit opened up, predominantly made up of women, who represented very well indeed. They closed with “Dinheiro Sujo” and “Espiritos”, the latter with vocalist André Bairral throwing the microphone to a fan in the audience who sang part of the song in a triumphant farewell.
Right on time at 7pm, although the venue wasn't packed but had a good crowd, Carnifex appeared on the Fabrique Club stage like a sonic storm about to devastate everything in its path, and the fans were treated to an avalanche of brutal songs that showed why Scott Lewis (vocals), Cory Arford (guitar), Neal Tiemann (guitar), Fred Calderon (bass) and Shawn Camaron (drums) are one of the biggest names in the genre.
The set began with the devastating “Dark Days,” establishing a dark atmosphere that lasted all night. The melody of the song's beautiful solo contrasted with everything else, but it was short-lived, giving way to the usual brutality. On the dance floor, a large mosh pit opened up, hinting at the intensity of the performance. The visceral energy intensified even further with “Pray For Peace,” driving the fans wild.
Going back to 2008, they brought the track "In Coalesce With Filth And Faith," proving to be one of the highlights of the night with all its aggression and virtuosity, which drew much applause. The title track from their most recent work was also present. "Necromanteum" brings together everything that made the band famous in the genre. Another great work from the guys to show that they are more alive than ever. The fans didn't disappoint, doing their part like true devotees.
One of the most celebrated songs was “Hell Chose Me,” where the vocalist constantly called for circle pits, but it wasn't even necessary; the audience reacted by turning Fabrique Club into a veritable hell on earth. The band showed no intention of letting up, and three more explosive tracks followed: “Torn In Two,” “Heaven And Hell All At Once,” and “Lie To My Face.” The combination of Scott's guttural vocals and the band's immense heaviness unleashed an unrestrained brutality that was difficult to contain.
They maintained the destruction with “Collaborating Like Killers” and “Die Without Hope,” each note sounding with an inexplicable intensity, seemingly unleashing the bestiality of Americans. The dichotomy between light and darkness was redefined next with “Dark Heart Ceremony” and “Drown Me In Blood.” The sonic devastation unleashed by the band exalted the technical skills of each member while the audience fed on the inexhaustible energy emanating from the stage. A perfect symbiosis that lasted until the end. The night reached its boiling point with the fantastic “Hatred And Slaughter” and “Slit Wrist Savior,” in a farewell that brought a true sonic cataclysm, leaving fans drenched in sweat and joy.
In just over an hour, Carnifex transformed the performance into a visceral and decidedly intense experience. The band's ability to combine powerful riffs with fast parts culminated in an explosive response from the fans who rocked out from the very first notes of the show. Certainly a journey into the depths of extreme metal that will remain in everyone's memory for a long time.
