Carnivore (band)
| Carnivore | |
|---|---|
 Carnivore performing live at Wacken Open Air in 2006 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Genres | Crossover thrash, hardcore punk, thrash metal, speed metal |
| Years active | 1982−1987, 2006−2010 |
| Labels | Roadrunner |
| Associated acts | Type O Negative, Crumbsuckers, Agnostic Front, Fallout |
| Past members |
Peter Steele Louie Beato Keith Alexander Stan Pillis Marc Piovanetti Paul Bento Steve Tobin Joey Z. |
Carnivore was an American crossover thrash band from Brooklyn, New York by singer and bassist Peter Steele, and was formed out of the breakup of the Brooklyn metal group Fallout in 1982.
History
Carnivore released their self-titled debut album Carnivore in January of 1985. For this album, the band spelled their names in what they thought were "exotic" ways. In September of 1987 they released their second album, Retaliation. Soon after their 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.
Reformation
Despite being disbanded for many years, the band had been reactivated on several occasions, including a brief tour in 1996 and a longer one (which included a European leg) in 2006-2007. 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 died April 14, 2010, thus ending the reunion.
Musical style
The first Carnivore album was heavily influenced by the contemporary New York metal scene. It also drew inspiration from Black Sabbath and early 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 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, 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.
Band members
- Final lineup
- Peter Steele − lead vocals, bass guitar (1982–1987, 2006–2010)
- Paul Bento - guitar (2006–2010)
- Steve Tobin - drums (2006–2010)
- Joey Z. - guitar (2006–2010)
- Former members
- Louie Beato − drums (1982–1987)
- Keith Alexander - guitar (1982–1986)
- Stan Pillis − guitar (1982–1983)
- Marc Piovanetti - guitar (1987)
Discography
Studio albums
- Carnivore (1985)
- Retaliation (1987)
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Carnivore (band). |
- Official website
- Carnivore on Myspace
- Album review in Rock Hard issue 16 (in German)
- Album review in Rock Hard issue 22 (in German)
| ||||||||||||||||||||