Carnifex

Carnifex is an American deathcore band from San Diego, California. Formed in 2005, they are currently signed to Victory Records and have released three studio albums. Their band name literally translates to "executioner" from Latin.

History

Formation and early recordings (2005–2006)

Carnifex was founded during late 2005 in Fallbrook, California, with a starting lineup of Scott Lewis and Shawn Cameron, with Rick James (guitar) and Kevin Vargas (bass). A self-titled demo was released featuring five tracks in search for a label. A second demo was released and sold at local shows and was titled Hope Dies. In September 2006, Rick James and Kevin Vargas left. Shortly after, Steve McMahon joined on bass, as did Travis Whiting on guitar. Carnifex released an EP before the end of 2006, titled Love Lies in Ashes, which was released through Enclave Records. It was sold exclusively at shows as well as online stores such as iTunes before the group began work on their debut full-length.

Dead in My Arms (2007-2008)

Carnifex was signed to underground label This City Is Burning Records in March 2007 and recorded their debut full length Dead in My Arms, with yet another member change still a four-piece but with current guitarist Cory Arford replacing Rick James in March 2007. The line-up during the recording of Dead in My Arms was Scott Lewis (vocals), Shawn Cameron (drums), Cory Arford (guitar) and Steve McMahon (bass guitar). Dead in My Arms was released on July 12, 2007. Carnifex began touring full time with the release of this record. Touring gutarist Jake Anderson was recruited as a second guitarist from July 2007 until November. During this time, the band found themselves touring with groups such as Emmure, Whitechapel, MyChildren MyBride and many others. The reasonable success of Dead in My Arms, and the prevalence of the deathcore genre as a whole, attracted the attention of Victory Records. In November 2007, after the departure of Steve McMahon (bass) and Jake Anderson (guitar), Carnifex signed a deal with Victory with now current members Fred Calderon (bass) and Ryan Gudmunds (guitar). December 2007 through January 2008 was spent writing their second album while half of the members of Carnifex were homeless.

The Diseased and the Poisoned (2008-2009)

Carnifex's second album, The Diseased and The Poisoned was released on June 24, 2008, which reached #19 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Chart.
Since the release of The Diseased and The Poisoned Carnifex has toured over 22 countries with such bands as The Black Dahlia Murder, Despised Icon, Obituary, Unleashed, Finntroll, Warbringer, Parkway Drive, Unearth, Architects, Whitechapel, Protest the Hero, Bleeding Through, Darkest Hour, Impending Doom as well as many others.

Hell Chose Me (2009-2010)

On November 28, 2009, Carnifex finished recording their third full length album Hell Chose Me, which lead to its release on February 16, 2010. This record is said to be the heaviest and well put together effort that Carnifex has put out so far. It shows that this band still has the hate and aggression needed in a hopeless music scene. They may be regarded as Deathcore but this release has fallen more on the Death Metal side showing the raw talent Carnifex has to offer." Carnifex supporter, Chris "The Face" Baker stated "This album has it all. Insane double-bass and solid drum fills brough by Shawn Cameron. Earth shaking bass by Fred Calderon and destructive guitar riffs, licks and solo's by dueling guitarists Ryan Gudmunds and Cory Arford. Finally, Scott Lewis' vocals are those of Satan himself and shatter bone everytime they are heard by a mortal man. Hell Chose Me is the best album of 2010 and let no one down. It one up's their sophomore album the Diseased and the Poisoned easily without having distinct genre disputes."
The group played the 2010 Summer Slaughter Tour in support of the album and toured with Unearth, All That Remains and As I Lay Dying in September 2010.On January 26, 2011, Lewis announced, via Carnifex's official Facebook, that they're writing a new record. "We've been working hard on the new record. We know we have to top Hell Chose Me and were NOT letting you down! Heavier, darker and more pissed in every way. We will be posting a video blog updating you on everything we have going on soon. Stay sick \m/" said Lewis. Five days later a status was posted notifying fans to "garb" some merch from their band-owned merch site to help out with the new record. There is no set release date or set title as of now. On February 3, 2011 it was announced via Carnifex's official Facebook that they will be going on a full U.S. tour. Dubbed the "Names Mean Nothing" tour, Carnifex shall headline and are followed with supporting bands Oceano, The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza and Within the Ruins.

Band members

Current

• Cory Arford – guitar (since 2007)
• Fred Calderon – bass guitar (since 2007)
• Shawn Cameron – drums (founding member)
• Ryan Gudmunds – guitar (since 2007)
• Scott Lewis – lead vocals (founding member)

Former

• Jake Anderson – guitar (2007)
• Rick James – guitar (2005–2007)
• Steve McMahon – bass guitar (2006–2007)
• Kevin Vargas – bass guitar (2005–2006)
• Travis Whiting – guitar (2006)