Looking at my latest reviews I realized that it has been some time since I last listened to a good Grindcore release, except the new DYING FETUS masterpiece and the latest LENG TCH'E full-length effort. It is more than obvious that the Grindcore scene has become weak and the bands lack of new ideas. Only a few bands manage to release good stuff and show that Grindcore is not just some guys creating noise, but a form of art! CEPHALIC CARNAGE is a band that I always admired and their music always managed to avoid certain music rules. Let's see if these guys can keep on impressing me...

CEPHALIC CARNAGE was formed in 1992 in Denver, Colorado, USA. The band's first work was the 1994 demo Scrape My Lungs (they showed their intentions right from the start, huh?). After one more demo release, CEPHALIC CARNAGE managed to sign a contract with Headfucker Records and released their debut album Conforming To Abnormality in 1996. This was just the start of a whole new era for the band since they have up to now done many things. They have released some split CD's and EP's as well as three more full-length albums, they are a part of Relapse's roster and they have shared the stage with the likes of NECROPHAGIST, DEEDS OF FLESH, DESTRUCTION and KREATOR to name a few.

The band's new full-length effort is entitled Xenosapien (do not ask me what this word means; I have no clue). So, after the - in my humble opinion - fucking incredible 2005's Anomalies, the band returns with an album that can be described as dynamite! I don't know if you will like this album more or less from Anomalies, but I think both albums managed to earn an equal place in my Metal heart! The band delivers eleven songs full of insane riffing and relentless rhythms! CEPHALIC CARNAGE were always able to present their incredibly high level of technique without sounding boring or just posers. This band is one of the few bands that know how to use technique in such a great way that you just try to realize what the fuck hit you! Their unique technical Death Metal/Grindcore style may remind you of NECROPHAGIST some times, but do not think even for a moment that those two bands look alike! CEPHALIC CARNAGE have developed a unique sound that knows no boundaries! Their music contains elements that range from technical Death Metal and Grind to post Metal stuff like MASTODON and ISIS. This may be the only band that has achieved to mix melody, psychedelic stuff and brutality in such a great way! If you are a fan of the band you will have already noticed that they have played many different styles including Sludge and Hardcore/Metalcore (in the way Metalcore was defined by bands like MISERY INDEX, not the current shitty stuff).

So, I will try to summarize what you will face upon purchasing this album. Xenosapien contains extreme, brutal, technical, yet a bit melodic Death/Grind that will blow your brains to the wall! Except from the holy-sweet-Jesus incredible riffing, you will also find some stuff that resemble to MASTODON's low tuned riffing with clean psychotic vocals. Not only these, but this album will also be definitely one of your best choices for 2007! I really mean it! CEPHALIC CARNAGE just entered my favourite bands list and if they keep up like this, they will never leave it! No big words! Buy the album and see for yourselves!