History and metal collide in a way not heard since the lessons taught by the almighty Iron Maiden on Carrion Vael’s new album, Slay Utterly — a mercilessly vicious anthology of atrocity that explores the more criminally insane side of humanity in all its gory glory (see what I did there — haha). From the Black Dahlia to Jack the Ripper himself, the eight tracks on this album each represent a separate, significant, sadistic story drawn from the sociopathic underbelly of society.
Personally, I couldn’t stand history in high school. It was taught from a book by a teacher who never really gave a shit about what they were teaching. It sucked. It wasn’t interesting. It was straight-up boring, to be frank. Then Iron Maiden came into my life and made history and stories from antiquity more fascinating than ever before, because of the way they told tales of the past in a way I could actually relate to. All of a sudden, history wasn’t so boring — I wanted to learn more.
Enter Carrion Vael some 30 years later, with their brand-new album Slay Utterly, resurrecting mysterious murders and tales of torturous torment from the past while blending brutal melodic death metal with hysterical history once again.
Each song concentrates on a different murder or scandalous event from our recent past and turns it into metal heaven for the ears.
The opening track, “19 (Fucking) 78,” layers crunching technical riffs with thunderous intensity. Vicious vocals — occasionally clean — see Travis Lawson Purcell tear into the tune with gusto, opening the door for the remaining seven songs. This track, based on the Hillside Strangler, had me hooked instantly. Incredibly intricate drumming, guitars that grab you by the neck, slap you in the face, then choke you to death — what’s not to like?
“Truth or Consequences” opens and closes with Spanish guitar arpeggios representing the New Mexico desert where the Toy Box Killer, David Parker Ray, built a soundproof bunker on his property — a place where he took kidnapped women and committed the unthinkable. His murder count remains unknown and likely always will.
Carrion Vael have a sound all their own — a difficult feat to accomplish in today’s metal market. They’re brutal, tighter than an ant’s poop chute, and goddamn heavy.
On a hot June night in “1912,” the horrific axe murders of two adults and six children were committed in Villisca, Iowa. Nobody knows who perpetrated this heinous nightmare, and the lyrics explore the possibilities and rumours surrounding the crime. Heavy as fuck, with a clean vocal opening, it’s an epic where insanity meets technicality. Fast drums, vocally brilliant performances, and guitar solos you can feast on for a week. There’s also a killer film clip — check it out if you haven’t already.
If Carrion Vael could be summed up in a single track, it would be “30 on 9.” Named for the date of the murders of two women at the hands of Jack the Ripper — September 30 — the song explores the mystery of his identity and the bloody detail of his crimes. Blast beats, guttural guitars, and vociferous vocals bring the legend of Jack the Ripper to life in an incredible way. Heavier than a pallet of bricks, this one is essential listening.
“40 Echoes Upon the Parlour” is a straight-up ball-tearer from the very first note. Axe murders abound, focusing on the infamous Lizzie Borden case of 1892. Riffs fall from the sky like bullets, exploding until the final second, with lead sections that will blow your fucking mind. Matt Behner’s performance behind the kit deserves special praise — drilled with the skill and precision of a veteran far beyond his years.
Opening with solemn piano, clean vocals, and water dripping in the background, “Lord of ’74” soon erupts into utter chaos and fury. The song tells the story of Joseph Kallinger, a schizophrenic cobbler from Philadelphia who believed God commanded him to kill every soul on Earth. Spoiler alert — he failed.
“Bisection 47” recounts the infamous Black Dahlia murder of Elizabeth Short. Found bisected at the waist, her killer was never identified. Carrion Vael transform this chilling story into a technical masterpiece, each band member performing flawlessly. The dreary fate of Elizabeth Short becomes a magnificent metal monument — and it deserves no less.
The final track, “Black Chariot,” originally appeared on God Killer (2020) and has been re-recorded here due to its fan-favourite status. And what a job they’ve done — this version would tear paint from your walls. Heavy, unyielding, and the perfect closer.
Carrion Vael have been active for nine years and have now released five mesmerising albums exploring true crime themes — a niche few can pull off successfully. From their independent debut Resurrection of the Doomed (2017) to Slay Utterly today, they’ve honed their sound to perfection. If you’re into true crime, horror, history, and metal, you simply can’t go wrong.
Great albums like Slay Utterly don’t come along often. This is lightning in a bottle — a diamond in the coal mine. Once you hear it, you’ll know you’ve found something truly special that, unlike the people they write about, will never die.
Simply fucking brilliant.
ORDER/STREAM HERE: http://orcd.co/SlayUtterly
CARRION VALE is:
Travis Lawson Purcell – Vocals
Alex Arford – Bass
Trenton Limburg – Guitar
Ryan Kurder – Guitar
Matt Behner – Drums
