Carnivore

Carnivore performing live at Wacken Open Air in 2006
Background information
Origin Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres Crossover thrash, thrash metal, hardcore punk
Years active 1982−1987, 2006−present
Labels Roadrunner
Associated acts Fallout
Type O Negative

Carnivore is an American crossover thrash band formed in Brooklyn, New York by Peter Steele (later of Type O Negative fame), and was formed out of the ruins of the Brooklyn hard rock group Fallout in 1982.

Contents

[edit on Wikipedia] Brief history

The band released two albums: Carnivore in January 1986 and Retaliation in September 1987. Soon after the second album was released, the band broke up and Peter Steele formed a new band called Subzero, which would later be renamed Type O Negative. According to the sleeve notes of the "Top Shelf Edition" of their second album, the first Type O Negative album, Slow Deep and Hard was composed largely from material originally written for Carnivore. Despite being disbanded for many years, the band has been reactivated on several occasions, including a brief tour in 1996 and a longer one (which included a European leg) in 2006-2007.

[edit on Wikipedia] Musical style

The first Carnivore album was heavily influenced by the contemporary New York metal scene. It also drew inspiration from Black Sabbath and 1970s Judas Priest, whereas the second album had significant crossover influences. The 'post-apocalyptic' theme that dominated the first album and was carried onto parts of the second album, was apparently inspired by a dream Pete Steele had and which became the basis for the lyrics of "Predator", the first song from the original album. The lyrical theme was then expanded on to describe human society (or the lack of one) between an imaginary World Wars 3, 4 and possibly 5 (as referenced in the song 'World Wars 3 & 4'). Other lyrical themes included nihilism, anti-religious sentiment, racism, cynicism, and explicit but tongue-in-cheek depictions of gore and despair. Song titles such as "Jesus Hitler", "Race War", and "God is Dead" reflect these themes. Some commentators misinterpreted the intended meanings and deliberate ambiguities of certain lyrics, leading to accusations of racism and misogyny that would also dog the early years of Type O Negative's career.

[edit on Wikipedia] Reformation

The former members of Carnivore performed sporadic concerts in New York during the 1990s, but no formal tours or new releases were undertaken. However, a new lineup of the band performed at the Wacken Open Air in 2006 at the request of the promoters and subsequently undertook an extensive international tour. Peter Steele has since stated that there may be a new Carnivore album and supporting tour in 2009.

[edit on Wikipedia] Members

[edit on Wikipedia] Original line-up

update: Keith Alexander died on July 11th 2005 in a cycling accident.

[edit on Wikipedia] From Retaliation until split-up

[edit on Wikipedia] 2006 reunion line-up

[edit on Wikipedia] Discography

[edit on Wikipedia] Studio albums

All albums were released on the label Roadrunner Records.

[edit on Wikipedia] Trivia

[edit on Wikipedia] References

  1. ^ Blog entry about Keith Alexander's fatal accident

[edit on Wikipedia] External links