Carnage

was i not paying attention? as this meteor of love, hope, beauty, and unrestrained ugliness dropped with a startling thud in front of me? you have my attention now!almost seedless, but not needless, this is a quite magnificent piece of work, nick cave and warren ellis combine to forge forward into newer environs, whilst completely retaining and reinforcing the essence of the bad seeds. the ghosteens of the past (in 40 odd years it's the only album of his that i have no time for), blown away, leaving a clean surface to build on. and build they have...........synth driven, in an entirely different way to its predecessor, with elements of ellis's inspirational violin, guitar, loops etc, skillfully wrapping themselves around the words and the voice, adding further urgency and sympathy to the pieces. i can find no fault here, it's an entirely cohesive and complete album, but the one folks'll talk about initially is 'white elephant' - outstanding song, from the first few seconds identifies itself as classic, and fitting to sit with his best work, as it builds to a huge crescendo reminiscent of the 'abattoir blues' period - you'll think you recognize this piece, but you won't! it's that good! and if you don't agree, 'i'll shoot you for fun'!the whole is the result of two talented individuals, open and honest with each other, and willing to take things forward, not content to stand still or rest on the laurels of a (truly magnificent) back catalogue - what's the point?i think this may prove to be his/their finest work.............................so far.ok, the above is how i reviewed the album in february when the download/streaming thing became available, and now in possession of the physical product in june, have to say i stand by every impression i had then. i deliberately listened to the album only a few times, then stopped dead, resolving not to again until the 'proper'? release arrived. i am so glad i did this, as it smashed me right in the teeth upon re-commencing - this is a work of rare beauty and rare brutality.nick cave has opened his albums with some brilliant 1st tracks, and 'hand of god' is up there with the very best of them - easily engenders 'the dennis hopper (in blue velvet) effect, the hairs on the back of my neck (such as they are) stand on end even if i just think about the song! in an album of killers, the biggest killer is still 'white elephant' (described above), it soars, it soars!i didn't expect anything else, but for me this is crammed with the element nickcavium that was sorely missing from (i.m.o.) the awful 'ghosteen' - i know, i know! - however, this and 'idiot prayer' - the best use of lockdown? you betcha, carnage creators!

A Cave Ellis masterpiece with White Elephant being one of Cave's most wonderful achievements - some praise given his immense back catalogue. Seeing the Carnage Live tour (Stockton-on-Tees on Tees) was a huge highlight in almost 30 years as a Cave devotee, and about a dozen gigs. Carnage for me is Cave's last great album, in the same bracket as Skeleton Tree and Push the Sky Away - and When the Boatman Calls. And (just) No More Shall We Part. If you prefer Ghosteen and Wild God to those four, ignore my review.

..anything they’ve done.Eight beautiful songs, flawlessly performed by the greatest songwriting duo working today. If you can catch them on the current tour then it’s a must see, and possibly the last opportunity you’ll get to see them play venues as small as Blackpool Opera House or The Globe Theatre in Stockton. Go on, treat yourself.

I like Nick Cave, some CDs more than others. This one is very good but not quite great.

Love the album.. a very serious work.. sheer beauty, with gorgeous strings... recommend without hesitation..

Nick Cave improves with age, sad family tragedy has galvanised inspirational lyrics.

Just simply a stunning storyteller, the images he conjures up are vivid and beautiful.

Not as good as Ghosteen but very closeAll Nick Cave fans will love it