Belgian death metal juggernauts CARNATION have unveiled a brand-new guitar playthrough video for their crushing first album single “Kingdom Of Dreams”, offering a closer look at the intricate riff work and razor-sharp musicianship behind one of the tracks from their forthcoming full-length record “Symphony In Flesh”, set for release on October 16th, 2026.
CARNATION about “Kingdom of Dreams”: “Kingdom of Dreams stands out as a very deliberate choice for the first single because it offers a unique perspective on the album. Musically, it’s built around a compelling mid-tempo groove, driven by a memorable main riff that immediately sticks after the first listen. It has a certain weight and catchiness that makes it both accessible and powerful. At the same time, the track showcases a different side of the band’s songwriting. It leans more into atmosphere and dynamics, giving listeners an early glimpse of the album’s depth without revealing everything at once, making it an ideal introduction to the new material.“
Tracklist: 01. Blackmouth 02. Flesh-Eating Frenzy 03. Symphony in Flesh 04. Kingdom of Dreams 05. Labyrinth of Silence 06. Towards Death 07. Twisted Visions 08. Boundless Pathways 09. Legacy of the Forefathers
With their upcoming album “Symphony In Flesh”, CARNATION consciously reconnect with what made them stand out in the first place: tight songwriting, memorable riffs, and uncompromising intensity. At the same time, they elevate every aspect of their craft. The songwriting is more deliberate, the arrangements more dynamic, and the overall flow more cohesive than ever before.
The album doesn’t just revisit their roots, it sharpens them. It combines the raw energy of their early material with the experience and production strength they’ve built over time, resulting in a record that feels both immediate and fully realized.
“Going into this album, we wanted to reconnect with our roots. Not just musically, but in the way we present the band,” CARNATION states. “At the same time, we pushed ourselves to write tighter, stronger songs and to bring everything – sound and visuals – to a higher level. This is the most complete version of CARNATION so far.”
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Yarne Heylen at Project Zero Studio / Y-Productions, with album artwork by Peter Sallai, “Symphony In Flesh” will be out onOctober 16, self-released by the band, and is now available for pre-order HERE
Death metal force CARNATION continue their relentless return to pure, unfiltered extremity with the release of their new single “Flesh-Eating Frenzy”, taken from the upcoming album “Symphony In Flesh”, due out October 16th, 2026.
Following the release of “Kingdom Of Dreams”, the band now raise the intensity even further; delivering a violent burst of unfiltered death metal that channels CARNATION’s rawest and most aggressive instincts into one crushing assault.
CARNATION comments: “If you’re looking for a pure example of old-school Death Metal energy, this track delivers exactly that. It’s the shortest song on Symphony In Flesh, but also one of the fastest and most relentless, packed with shredding guitars, intense D-beats, and vocals driven by sheer anger and hatred.“
The band further shares insights into the song’s lyrical concept and accompanying video: “The main character gains insight into others’ thoughts and experiences by consuming parts of their bodies. The song takes this concept into darker territory, reimagining it through the lens of a serial killer obsessed with experiencing life through others.“
Tracklist: 01. Blackmouth 02. Flesh-Eating Frenzy 03. Symphony in Flesh 04. Kingdom of Dreams 05. Labyrinth of Silence 06. Towards Death 07. Twisted Visions 08. Boundless Pathways 09. Legacy of the Forefathers
With “Symphony In Flesh”, CARNATION consciously reconnect with what made them stand out in the first place: tight songwriting, memorable riffs, and uncompromising intensity. At the same time, they elevate every aspect of their craft. The songwriting is more deliberate, the arrangements more dynamic, and the overall flow more cohesive than ever before.
The album doesn’t just revisit their roots, it sharpens them. It combines the raw energy of their early material with the experience and production strength they’ve built over time, resulting in a record that feels both immediate and fully realized.
“Going into this album, we wanted to reconnect with our roots. Not just musically, but in the way we present the band,” CARNATION states. “At the same time, we pushed ourselves to write tighter, stronger songs and to bring everything – sound and visuals – to a higher level. This is the most complete version of CARNATION so far.”
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Yarne Heylen at Project Zero Studio / Y-Productions, with album artwork by Peter Sallai, “Symphony In Flesh” will be out onOctober 16, self-released by the band, and is now available for pre-order HERE
Death metal band CARNATION return sharper, heavier, and more focused than ever. Today, they unveil their new single “Kingdom Of Dreams”, alongside a high-impact video, and announce their fourth full-length album, “Symphony In Flesh”, set for release on October 16th, 2026.
“Kingdom Of Dreams” is CARNATION stripped to its essence; razor-sharp riffs, relentless drive, and a suffocating atmosphere. It’s a deliberate return to the band’s core sound, but executed with a new level of precision and control. Every section hits harder, every transition feels intentional; this is the band at their most direct, but also their most refined. Fans of Obituary, Entombed, Bloodbath, Cannibal Corpse etc will not be disappointed.
Visually, the band follows the same philosophy. The video abandons excess in favor of a darker, more deliberate aesthetic: minimal, unsettling, and visually stronger than anything they’ve done before. It’s a clear step forward, it’s more cinematic, more focused, while staying true to the band’s identity.
With “Symphony In Flesh”, CARNATION consciously reconnect with what made them stand out in the first place: tight songwriting, memorable riffs, and uncompromising intensity. At the same time, they elevate every aspect of their craft. The songwriting is more deliberate, the arrangements more dynamic, and the overall flow more cohesive than ever before.
The album doesn’t just revisit their roots, it sharpens them. It combines the raw energy of their early material with the experience and production strength they’ve built over time, resulting in a record that feels both immediate and fully realized.
Lyrically, the album remains vivid and focused. The title track, “Symphony In Flesh”, explores the mind of a serial killer through disturbing, detailed imagery. “Twisted Visions” confronts modern addiction and its psychological grip, while “Legacy of the Forefathers” expands into an ambitious near 12-minute closer, pushing the band’s songwriting further without losing its impact.
“Going into this album, we wanted to reconnect with our roots. Not just musically, but in the way we present the band,” CARNATION states. “At the same time, we pushed ourselves to write tighter, stronger songs and to bring everything – sound and visuals – to a higher level. This is the most complete version of CARNATION so far.”
Tracklist: 01. Blackmouth 02. Flesh-Eating Frenzy 03. Symphony in Flesh 04. Kingdom of Dreams 05. Labyrinth of Silence 06. Towards Death 07. Twisted Visions 08. Boundless Pathways 09. Legacy of the Forefathers
Blending raw aggression with sharper songwriting and a more defined visual identity, “Symphony In Flesh” captures CARNATION at a crucial point: back to their core, but evolved in every direction that matters.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Yarne Heylen at Project Zero Studio / Y-Productions, with album artwork by Peter Sallai, “Symphony In Flesh” will be out on October 16, self-released by the band, and is now available for pre-order HERE
Renowned death metal titans DECAPITATED are thrilled to be kicking off their “Infernal Bloodshed Over Europe Tour” next month. Featuring a potent lineup with heavyweights CRYPTOPSY, WARBRINGER, and CARNATION, this high-octane tour promises to deliver an unmissable experience for metal fans across the continent.
The detailed schedule of the tour is as follows:
May 1: Kopervik, NO @ Karmøygeddon Metal Festival*
May 3: London, UK @ Incineration Festival
May 4: Exeter, UK @ Phoenix
May 5: Birmingham, UK @ Asylum
May 6: Newcastle, UK @ Anarchy Brewery
May 7: Glasgow, UK @ Slay
May 8: Manchester, UK @ Academy 2
May 9: Swansea, UK – Sin City
May 10: Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms
May 11: Norwich, UK @ The Waterfront
May 13: Lille, FR @ The Black Lab
May 14: Enschede, NL @ Metropool
May 15: Munich, DE @ Backstage
May 16: Aarau, CH @ Kiff
May 17: Lindau, DE @ Vaudeville
May 18: Vienna, AT @ Szene
May 19: Budapest, HU @ Durer Kert
May 20: Prague, CZ @ Fuchs2
May 21: Schweinfurt, DE @ Stattbahnhof
May 22: Dresden, DE @ Blauer Salon
May 23: Krakow, PL – Hype Park
May 24: Warsaw, PL @ Proxima
May 26: Berlin, DE @ Hole44
May 27: Aarhus, DK @ Voxhall
May 28: Hamburg, DE @ Logo
May 29: Vechta, DE @ Gulfhaus
May 30: Dortmund, DE @ Junkyard
May 31: Sint-Niklaas, BE @ Casino
June 1: Paris, FR @ La Machine
June 2: Luxembourg Esch sur Alzette @ Kulturfabrik
June 3: Frankfurt, DE @ Das Bett
June 4: Karlsruhe, DE @ Substage
June 5: Milan, IT @ Legend Club
June 6: Bologna, IT @ Locomotiv
June 7: Lyon, FR @ Lions Metal Fest
June 8: Maastricht, NL @ South Of Heaven*
In addition to the main tour, DECAPITATED will perform at two of Europe’s most iconic metal festivals later this summer. In July, the band will perform at the legendary Wacken Open Air in Germany. Following this, they will appear at Denmark’s DØDSGANGEN in Albertslund in August.
Tickets for all shows, including the festival dates, are now available HERE. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to witness this monumental tour.
Winter is now in full swing across most of the US, but Carnation are gearing up for the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise.
Packed in with their bomber jackets and corpse paint, the Belgian band are bringing aboard their new album to go along with more of their classic old-school death metal. “Cursed Mortality is a clinic in relentless riffage and ravenous drive,” writes Angry Metal Guy. “This latest release proves that Carnation is one of the best in the business”.
Carnation aren’t the only Season of Mist artist that are setting sail for warmer climates this month. Saor is also joining 70,000 Tons of Metal for some hellishly good fun under the sun.
70,000 Tons of Metal heads out on January 29 from Miami, Florida. Metalheads will enjoy shore excursions, clinics and workshops with fellow musicians, a belly flop contest and plenty of hard-rocking riffs as they cruise down to the Dominican Republic.
Carnation have been bringing back old-school death metal for the past two decades. On Cursed Mortality’ the Belgian band are still deadly serious about inflicting maximum corporeal punishment. “Maruta” is named after an especially brutal army unit, while “Cycle of Suffering” pumps thunderous double bass kicks over a solo that grabs you by the throat.
But Cursed Mortality also shows off Carnation’s range – literally. “Replicant” flexes clean vocals. Even “Metropolis”, which barrels ahead like a train with its brakes cut, comes with a personal touch; the band are all too familiar with the relentless pace of modern life after vocalist Simon Duson had the life sucked out of him by his last job.
The album’s title track now stands as Carnation’s magnum opus, a nearly eight-minute long reflection on growing old that’s shadowed by melodic leads, gloomy synths and tortured growls.
“This is definitely my favorite record from Carnation”, says A&P Reacts. “It feels like a more natural and focused album”.
Cursed Mortality isn’t a revival. It’s a bold step into the future for one of the most brutally innovative bands in all of death metal.
CARNATION Lineup: Simon Duson: Vocals Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar Vincent Verstrepen: Drums
CARNATION recently released their third full-length album ‘Cursed Mortality’ through Season of Mist. A true testament to the versatility the band can offer to the death metal realm, with brutal vocals, blasting drums and absolutely filthy riffs.
Now, CARNATION prepare themselves to embark upon a journey of brutal ‘black death‘ destruction together with PESTILENCE and BODYFARM in Europe in April, 2024. Not a single venue won’t be shaken to its core.
Black Death over Europe Tour 2024 3 April: Munich, DE @ Backstage 4 April: Trier, DE @ Mergener Hof [TICKETS] 5 April: Berlin, DE @ Orwo Haus 6 April: Krakow, PL @ Kamienna 12 7 April: Jaromer, CZ @ Narodak [TICKETS] 8 April: Ostrava, CZ @ Barrak [TICKETS] 9 April: Kosice, SK @ Collosseum [TICKETS] 10 April: Vienna, AT @ Viper Room [TICKETS] 11 April: Budapest, HU @ A38 [TICKETS] 12 April: San Donà di Piave, IT @ Revolver [TICKETS] 13 April: Milan, IT @ Legend [TICKETS] 14 April: Marseille, FR @ Jas Rod 15 April: Barcelona, ES @ Sala Boveda [TICKETS] 16 April: Madrid, ES @ Revi Live [TICKETS] 17 April: Lisbon, PT @ RCA Club 18 April: Porto, PT @ Hard Club 19 April: Zaragoza, ES @ Sala Lo Intent [TICKETS] 20 April: Limoges, FR @ C.C.J. Lennon 21 April: Antwerp, BE @ Zappa [TICKETS]
For the last decade, Carnation has been at the forefront of reviving old school death metal. There’s something to be said about the artfulness of taking something so primitive and walking that fine line between keeping its classic authenticity without sounding tired or dated. Carnation has always teetered this line, injecting a fresh and contemporary approach without losing the genre’s time-honored traditions. However, the band’s third endeavor sees Carnation erasing those boundaries entirely and abandoning any and all conventions as they traverse into daring new territory. ‘Cursed Mortality’ pulls the Belgian death dealers deeper into experimental new waters, taking risks as the band steps out of the shadows of its predecessors and comes into its own identity. ‘Cursed Mortality’s’ statement is clear: This is no longer simply a revival; this is Carnation’s rebirth.
“We still play death metal and we still identify as such” explains frontman Simon Duson. “But we know that this is also our second decade performing it. And while it is very important for us to stay true to the old-school style, we know we had to open things up a bit and reach out to those who might be interested in extreme metal, but aren’t that much into the old aspect of it. It also feels fresher to us because we’ve decided to change our visual approach, with a new logo, a new look on stage and so on. In a way, it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter for Carnation.”
Album number three is much more than just a new chapter, but rather feels like a sequel to an already storied career, punctuated by press accolades, an impressive history of live performances, and a lauded discography consisting of several EPs, splits, and two critically acclaimed full-length albums.
With the debut of its first EP in 2015, Carnation quickly garnered the attention of fans, media, and most notably of all, record label Season of Mist, who quickly noticed the band’s potential and picked them up without hesitation. Upon forming this union, the band dropped its first full-length, ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ in 2018. Angry Metal Guy astutely noted that the Belgians’ debut album was “one of the best death metal debuts of the year, and Carnation have earned their place as one of the most promising new bands in the genre” while Distorted Sound Magazine echoed these remarks, calling ‘Chapel of Abborhance’ “one of most brutalizing, well executed and, above all, fun, death metal releases of 2018” in its 9/10 review of the album.
Carnation’s momentum only seemed to pick up from there. The band kept busy on the road, performing a variety of tours with their death metal brethren in Deserted Fear, Schirenc Plays, Pungent Stench, and Pestilence, while headlining stages in Japan and Brazil. Upon conquering the live circuit and laying waste to audiences across three different continents, the band unleashed its 2020 opus, ‘Where Death Lies,’ which broke them out from the underground with the kind of seismic force that most bands can only dream of. If the critics liked ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ ‘Where Death Lies’ was the moment they fell in love, enamored by Carnation’s relentless brutality and crushing precision.
While touring had been halted that year, Carnation never stagnated nor waivered. The band’s tenacity paid off with their sophomore effort being named among one of the best records of the year by The Pit, Chicago Music Guide, Pandemonium Metal, and many more, while the single “Iron Discipline” was singled out by Loudwire as one of the best songs of 2020. Legacy outlet Kerrang! also took notice, ranking the band among the “50 Greatest Death Metal Bands Right Now,” cracking the top 20 picks.
While the Belgian slayers still stay true to their roots, they step outside of their comfort zone with more groove, melody, and progression, showcasing their versatility as musicians and clearly defining their own unique sound. ‘Cursed Mortality’ sounds darker, with passages of melancholic melodies that compliment the heaviness.
Most bands might feel anxious about making such dramatic changes, especially to incorporate clean vocals within such extreme music, Carnation embraces the unknown and does not fall victim to fear or monotony. “As artists, it’s something natural,” explains Verstrepen about why the band has shifted direction. “Doing the same thing over and over again doesn’t inspire us. We love to create and we love to explore new paths. We knew some people wouldn’t like clean vocals in death metal, but we don’t want to think of that too much. We stand 100% behind our music and we really like what we did here. Some people will drop out, but there will definitely be others joining! As Lemmy would say, ‘You win some, you lose some.’”
Indeed, a personal metamorphosis is always a risk, but one that historically has paid off. The first records of bands like Black Sabbath, Carcass, Death, or even Bathory sound nothing like the mid-late era offerings of those very same artists, and yet, those records that strayed off the beaten path are regarded as some of the most seminal albums in the history of metal. Playing it safe sounds easy, but it isn’t always a part of a legend’s origin story. And Carnation isn’t here to play by the rules; the band is ready to take a leap of faith and redefine an era.
Biography: Katy Irizarry
Tracklist: 1.Herald of Demise (04:03) feat. Andy LaRocque) 2.Maruta (04:07) [WATCH HERE] 3.Metropolis (03:24) [WATCH HERE] 4.Replicant (03:49) [WATCH HERE] 5.Dutroux (03:48) 6.Submerged in Deafening Silence (04:26) 7.Cycle of Suffering (04:05) [WATCH HERE] 8.Cursed Mortality (07:30) [WATCH HERE]
CARNATION Lineup: Simon Duson: Vocals Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar Vincent Verstrepen: Drums
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