Carnifex (band)
Encyclopedia
Carnifex is an American deathcore
band from San Diego, California
. Formed in 2005, they are currently signed to Victory Records
and have released four studio albums. The band's name is derived from the Old English Latin
word Äúexecutioner; literally meaning, "executioner
".
, with a recording lineup of Scott Lewis (vocals), Shawn Cameron (drums), Rick James (guitar) and Kevin Vargas (bass). A self-titled demo
was recorded and released featuring five tracks and distributed through Enclave Records, made with the intent of searching for a larger record deal. In September 2006, Rick James and Kevin Vargas left. Shortly after, Steve McMahon joined on bass, as did Travis Whiting on guitar.
Carnifex released an EP before the end of 2006, titled Love Lies in Ashes, which was released through Enclave Records. It was sold exclusively at shows as well as online stores such as iTunes
before the group began work on their full-length debut album.
, with yet another member change. The band though was still a four-piece outfit but with current guitarist Cory Arford replacing Rick James in March 2007. The line-up during the recording of Dead in My Arms was Scott Lewis (vocals), Shawn Cameron (drums), Cory Arford (guitar) and Steve McMahon (bass guitar).
Dead in My Arms was released on July 12, 2007. Carnifex began touring full time with the release of this record. Touring gutarist Jake Anderson was recruited as a second guitarist from July 2007 until November. During this time, the band found themselves touring with groups such as Emmure
, Whitechapel
, MyChildren MyBride
among others. The reasonable success of Dead in My Arms, and the prevalence of the deathcore
genre as a whole, attracted the attention of Victory Records
. In November 2007, after the departure of Steve McMahon (bass) and Jake Anderson (guitar), Carnifex signed a deal with Victory with now current members Fred Calderon (bass) and Ryan Gudmunds (guitar).
was released on June 24, 2008, and reached #19 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart.
Since the release of The Diseased and the Poisoned Carnifex toured over 22 countries with such bands as The Black Dahlia Murder, Despised Icon
, Obituary
, Unleashed
, Finntroll
, Warbringer
, Parkway Drive, Unearth
, Architects
, Whitechapel
, Protest the Hero
, Bleeding Through
, Darkest Hour, and Impending Doom
.
, which lead to its release on February 16, 2010. The record sold more than 3,100 copies on its first week within the United States alone. The group played the 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour in support of the album and toured with Unearth
, All That Remains
and As I Lay Dying
in September 2010. On January 26, 2011, vocalist, Lewis announced, that the band were in the process of writing a new record; "We've been working hard on the new record. We know we have to top Hell Chose Me and were NOT letting you down! Heavier, darker and more pissed in every way (sic
)." On February 3, 2011, Carnifex embarked on a full U.S. tour dubbed the Names Mean Nothing Tour where the band was supported by the extreme metal acts, Oceano
, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza
and Within the Ruins.
On August 24th, 2011, Lewis made another announcement, confirming that the title for the new album would be Until I Feel Nothing
. He stated that its sound was inspired while listening to the band's three studio albums and felt like combining all of its style to one record.
Former
EPs
Demos
Deathcore
Deathcore is an extreme metal music genre that combines elements of death metal with elements of metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It is defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns...
band from San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
. Formed in 2005, they are currently signed to Victory Records
Victory Records
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
and have released four studio albums. The band's name is derived from the Old English Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
word Äúexecutioner; literally meaning, "executioner
Executioner
A judicial executioner is a person who carries out a death sentence ordered by the state or other legal authority, which was known in feudal terminology as high justice.-Scope and job:...
".
Formation and early recordings (2005–2006)
Carnifex was founded during late 2005 in Fallbrook, CaliforniaFallbrook, California
Fallbrook is an unincorporated community in northern San Diego County, California. The Fallbrook census-designated place population was 30,534 at the 2010 census, up from 29,100 at the 2000 census....
, with a recording lineup of Scott Lewis (vocals), Shawn Cameron (drums), Rick James (guitar) and Kevin Vargas (bass). A self-titled demo
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
was recorded and released featuring five tracks and distributed through Enclave Records, made with the intent of searching for a larger record deal. In September 2006, Rick James and Kevin Vargas left. Shortly after, Steve McMahon joined on bass, as did Travis Whiting on guitar.
Carnifex released an EP before the end of 2006, titled Love Lies in Ashes, which was released through Enclave Records. It was sold exclusively at shows as well as online stores such as iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
before the group began work on their full-length debut album.
Dead in My Arms (2007–2008)
Carnifex was signed to underground label This City Is Burning Records in March 2007 and recorded their debut full length Dead in My ArmsDead in My Arms
Dead in My Arms is the debut album by American deathcore band Carnifex. It was released on July 12, 2007 through This City Is Burning Records.-Background:...
, with yet another member change. The band though was still a four-piece outfit but with current guitarist Cory Arford replacing Rick James in March 2007. The line-up during the recording of Dead in My Arms was Scott Lewis (vocals), Shawn Cameron (drums), Cory Arford (guitar) and Steve McMahon (bass guitar).
Dead in My Arms was released on July 12, 2007. Carnifex began touring full time with the release of this record. Touring gutarist Jake Anderson was recruited as a second guitarist from July 2007 until November. During this time, the band found themselves touring with groups such as Emmure
Emmure
Emmure is an American band formed in 2003, originally based in Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York. The group has a total of seven releases...
, Whitechapel
Whitechapel (band)
Whitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The group comprises vocalist Phil Bozeman, guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade, Zach Householder; bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Ben Harclerode. Their band name is derived from a district in the built-up inner city of London, known...
, MyChildren MyBride
Mychildren Mybride
MyChildren MyBride is an American Christian metalcore band originating from Madison, Alabama. They are signed to Solid State Records after being noticed by extensive constant touring, including various dates in European countries.-History:...
among others. The reasonable success of Dead in My Arms, and the prevalence of the deathcore
Deathcore
Deathcore is an extreme metal music genre that combines elements of death metal with elements of metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It is defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns...
genre as a whole, attracted the attention of Victory Records
Victory Records
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
. In November 2007, after the departure of Steve McMahon (bass) and Jake Anderson (guitar), Carnifex signed a deal with Victory with now current members Fred Calderon (bass) and Ryan Gudmunds (guitar).
The Diseased and the Poisoned (2008–2009)
Carnifex's second album, The Diseased and the PoisonedThe Diseased and the Poisoned
The Diseased and the Poisoned is the second album by deathcore band Carnifex. It was made in 2008 and was released on June 24 of the same year...
was released on June 24, 2008, and reached #19 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart.
Since the release of The Diseased and the Poisoned Carnifex toured over 22 countries with such bands as The Black Dahlia Murder, Despised Icon
Despised Icon
Despised Icon was a Canadian deathcore band from Montreal, Quebec. Formed in 2002, the band is notable for the use of two vocalists; Alexandre Erian, takes use of a mid-range screaming technique, and Steve Marois for the low growling vocals, and high pitched screamed vocals...
, Obituary
Obituary
An obituary is a news article that reports the recent death of a person, typically along with an account of the person's life and information about the upcoming funeral. In large cities and larger newspapers, obituaries are written only for people considered significant...
, Unleashed
Unleashed (band)
Unleashed is a Swedish death metal band that was formed in 1989 by Johnny Hedlund. Viking culture, recollection of a pre-Christian world, and Norse folklore are common themes found in the band's songs. A number of their recent songs also contain references to J. R. R. Tolkien.-Biography:Unleashed...
, Finntroll
Finntroll
Finntroll is a folk metal band from Helsinki, Finland. They combine elements of black metal and folk metal. Finntroll's lyrics are mostly in Swedish, the only exception being the song "Madon Laulu" on Visor Om Slutet...
, Warbringer
Warbringer
Warbringer is an American thrash metal band. The band formed in 2004. Warbringer is signed to Century Media Records. Century Media signed Warbringer after seeing them at a local show in LA. Originally, a Century Media rep was at the show to see another LA thrash metal band but decided to sign...
, Parkway Drive, Unearth
Unearth
Unearth is an American metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released five studio albums. Their fourth record, The March was released on October 14, 2008 meeting with high positive reception by many...
, Architects
Architects (British band)
Architects are an English Metalcore band from Brighton, England, formed in 2004. The band went through several name changes before they decided upon Architects. Their first name was Inharmonic, which was swiftly changed to Counting the Days...
, Whitechapel
Whitechapel (band)
Whitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The group comprises vocalist Phil Bozeman, guitarists Ben Savage, Alex Wade, Zach Householder; bassist Gabe Crisp and drummer Ben Harclerode. Their band name is derived from a district in the built-up inner city of London, known...
, Protest the Hero
Protest the Hero
Protest the Hero is a Canadian progressive metal band from Whitby, Ontario. Originally named Happy Go Lucky, the band line-up has remained the same since their formation in 1999. The band changed their name to Protest the Hero shortly before releasing their debut EP, Search for the Truth, in 2002...
, Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California. Formed in 1999, the band blends influences stemming from modern hardcore punk, symphonic black metal, and melodic death metal...
, Darkest Hour, and Impending Doom
Impending Doom
Impending Doom is a Christian deathcore band from Riverside, California.-History:Brook Reeves and Manny Contreras started the band in 2005 with ex members Chris Forno, Isaac Bueno, and Jon. After releasing the The Sin and Doom of Godless Men EP, Greg Pewthers joined on third guitar after leaving...
.
Hell Chose Me and Until I Feel Nothing (2009–present)
On November 28, 2009, Carnifex finished recording their third full length album Hell Chose MeHell Chose Me
-Personnel:Carnifex* Shawn Cameron - drums* Scott Lewis - vocals* Ryan Gudmunds - guitar* Cory Arford - guitar* Fred Calderon - bassProduction*Produced by Carnifex and Zack Ohren*Engineering, tracking, mixing and mastering by Zack Ohren...
, which lead to its release on February 16, 2010. The record sold more than 3,100 copies on its first week within the United States alone. The group played the 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour in support of the album and toured with Unearth
Unearth
Unearth is an American metalcore band from Winthrop, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released five studio albums. Their fourth record, The March was released on October 14, 2008 meeting with high positive reception by many...
, All That Remains
All That Remains (band)
All That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, which formed in 1998. They have released five studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and have sold nearly 800,000 records...
and As I Lay Dying
As I Lay Dying (band)
As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. Founded in 2000 by Tim Lambesis and having completed their first Line-up in 2001, the band consists of vocalist Tim Lambesis, drummer Jordan Mancino, lead guitarist Nick Hipa, rhythm guitarist Phil Sgrosso, and bassist Josh...
in September 2010. On January 26, 2011, vocalist, Lewis announced, that the band were in the process of writing a new record; "We've been working hard on the new record. We know we have to top Hell Chose Me and were NOT letting you down! Heavier, darker and more pissed in every way (sic
Sic
Sic—generally inside square brackets, [sic], and occasionally parentheses, —when added just after a quote or reprinted text, indicates the passage appears exactly as in the original source...
)." On February 3, 2011, Carnifex embarked on a full U.S. tour dubbed the Names Mean Nothing Tour where the band was supported by the extreme metal acts, Oceano
Oceano (band)
Oceano is an American deathcore band from Chicago, IL formed in 2006. The band signed to Earache Records and released their debut album, Depths on April 7, 2009. Their second album, Contagion was released on November 9, 2010.-History:...
, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza
The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza
The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza is an American extreme metal band, from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Founded in 2004, the group derived their name from celebrity Tony Danza, upon one of his professions being tapdancing...
and Within the Ruins.
On August 24th, 2011, Lewis made another announcement, confirming that the title for the new album would be Until I Feel Nothing
Until I Feel Nothing
Until I Feel Nothing is the fourth full-length album by American deathcore band Carnifex. It was released worldwide on October 24, 2011 through Victory Records...
. He stated that its sound was inspired while listening to the band's three studio albums and felt like combining all of its style to one record.
Band members
Current- Shawn Cameron – drums, keyboards (founding member)
- Scott Lewis – lead vocals (founding member)
- Cory Arford – guitar (since 2007)
- Fred Calderon – bass guitar (since 2007)
- Ryan Gudmunds – guitar (since 2007)
Former
- Rick James – guitar (2005–2007)
- Kevin Vargas – bass guitar (2005–2006)
- Steve McMahon – bass guitar (2006–2007)
- Travis Whiting – guitar (2006)
- Jake Anderson – guitar (2007)
Discography
Studio albums- Dead in My ArmsDead in My ArmsDead in My Arms is the debut album by American deathcore band Carnifex. It was released on July 12, 2007 through This City Is Burning Records.-Background:...
(This City Is Burning, 2007) - The Diseased and the PoisonedThe Diseased and the PoisonedThe Diseased and the Poisoned is the second album by deathcore band Carnifex. It was made in 2008 and was released on June 24 of the same year...
(VictoryVictory RecordsVictory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
, 2008) - Hell Chose MeHell Chose Me-Personnel:Carnifex* Shawn Cameron - drums* Scott Lewis - vocals* Ryan Gudmunds - guitar* Cory Arford - guitar* Fred Calderon - bassProduction*Produced by Carnifex and Zack Ohren*Engineering, tracking, mixing and mastering by Zack Ohren...
(Victory, 2010) - Until I Feel NothingUntil I Feel NothingUntil I Feel Nothing is the fourth full-length album by American deathcore band Carnifex. It was released worldwide on October 24, 2011 through Victory Records...
(Victory, 2011)
EPs
- Love Lies in Ashes (This City Is Burning, 2006)
Demos
- Carnifex (Enclave, 2005)
Videography
| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Lie to My Face" | Robby Starbuck |
| 2008 | "Answers in Mourning" | Scott Hansen |
| 2010 | "Hell Chose Me" | Jacob Avignone |
| 2010 | "Sorrowspell" | Jacob Avignone |
| 2011 | "Until I Feel Nothing" | Scott Hansen |