CARVED IN FLESH was a short-lived outfit from the US, which was founded in 1994 and put on hold in the late 90s. In 1997 they self-released their one and only album “As Seen Through Tears” which is finally released properly via Vic Records. The opening track ‘Sick’ delivers US-styled technical Death Metal with heavy influences from OBITUARY, SIX FEET UNDER but also more technical outfits like ATHEIST or CYNIC. The vocals are presented as a mixture between grunts and caws but fit quote well to the material. ‘Hell I’ve Made’ has some DEICIDE vibes paired with the groove of SIX FEET UNDER. The material is pretty matured and I am astonished that they perished in the mass of releases back in the days. Maybe the time was a bit unlucky as Black Metal was the thing in 1997 and also melodic Death Metal and Gothic Metal were the thing. Anyway Vic Records were right as the material is too good, to keep it in a shelf even though they do not deliver anything, what has not been delivered by the mentioned bands. ‘Tears For The Wasted’ is pretty enjoyable as it is a fast and groovy uptempo wrecking ball, sounding like a fater version of CANNIBAL CORPSE. The drum-work is excellent and the bass-work is incredible and could easily have fitted onto any of the DEATH releases. ‘Reduced To Nothing’ starts with some acoustics before a more Industrial / Thrash side appears like a Death Metal version of SEPULTURA. ‘Gone’ sounds a bite weaker soundwise, like from another recording session while the material is far more in the vein of DEICIDE. ‘Into Depression’ sounds stronger again, with far more grooves and Thrash Metal vibes until ‘When The Wicked Dream’ closes the album with some SEPULTURA styled Thrash Metal. ‘Life Is Done’ is a bonus track sounding like a rehearsal recording and again offers some solid Death / Thrash. I guess with a proper record deal back in the days, CARVED IN FLESH could have been a bit more popular as their songwriting was solid and quite enjoyable. Underground lunatics and fans of the mentioned bands should give this hidden little gem from the ’90s a chance. More info at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063485232579