World War X
With Fit For An Autopsy leaving the stage, you didn't quite get the sense that the level of anticipation and fervour for Carnifex was as high, but their showing across their 50 odd minute set triggered what felt like a crowd response that developed more and more as they went along. It's somewhat odd to an extent that they do have to work so hard for the same level of reaction - but perhaps being squeezed in between Fit For An Autopsy and Thy Art Is Murder could have that effect on anyone.
The stage production and theatrics of it all is definitely still there with Carnifex - absolutely huge shout out to their road crew for the insanely quick turnaround both before and after their set - and whilst many may criticise them and such for it, at the very least they're attempting to inject something a bit different in to the scene and you could certainly pinpoint who exactly their diehards were dotted across the crowd. Slamming straight in to World War X and Slow Death the band sounded tight and the venue's earlier errant sound problems seemed to have dissipated. Particular shout-out to drummer Shawn Cameron who relentlessly became the quiet puppet master in the background whilst Scott Lewis concentrated everything on amping up the crowd as much as possible. Calling for nearly every kind of pit under the sun it didn't take Lewis long to have seemingly full control and by the end left to a rousing reception. It was quite easy to become quite thankful that the band had such an enigmatic character bouncing around as by the end of the set it all felt quite samey musically.
Whilst it felt like Carnifex had to work a lot harder than their direct peers on the night to generate a similar level of buzz, it paid off as the band displayed a level of energy you sometimes feel like they struggle to achieve on record. The live stage is definitely home turf for Carnifex to be completely in their element.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 1 available.