Thirty years into a career defined by defiance, Body Count is back and better than ever on their new record Carnivore.
In a time of uncertainty, it’s good to know that some things never change. Body Count — comprised of Ice-T, Ernie C, Sean E Sean, Vincent Price, Ill Will, Juan of the Dead, and Little Ice — is the same relentless heavy, unabashed band they were in 1990. That isn’t to say they have not evolved because they’ve done that many times over, but the group has never conformed to expectations or industry pressure. They are a middle finger to those who claim the blueprint for music success requires people to look or sound a certain way, and they stand for everyone’s rights to be whoever they want to be (as long as you don’t wish harm on anyone else).
Carnivore, the band’s seventh full-length record, continues Body Count’s reputation for speaking their minds on the state of the world. It’s an album about taking life by the reigns, taking responsibility for your actions, and working to create the world you want to see. Body Count has grown tired of people complaining, especially when they’re not doing anything to influence change, so they use this record to ignite our collective desire to fight for a better life. They believe nothing happens unless you work to make it happen, and they use this record to urge listeners to take action.
Carnivore also takes aim at those who hide from reality. Body Count rarely calls out a specific person or group, but there is an undeniable sense of frustration against anyone who uses their platform to assume false positions of power under the guise of sensitivity. The band knows the world is dangerous, and that anyone can be eaten alive at any moment. Death is inevitable, and since we have no idea what comes after, why shouldn’t we allow ourselves to lead the lives we want? Who is anyone to condemn the lifestyle or actions of others unless those people are causing harm?
The aggression and unabashed honesty on display throughout Carnivore should give hope to artists around the world who dream of using music to speak their minds. There is power in speaking your truth, and Body Count is proof that power can be harnessed for decades. It also helps to have some strong songwriters and the brilliant production of Will Putney at your side, of course, but the point remains. Body Count is the type of band the world desperately needs right now, and we’re happy to see them thriving after all the time.
Carnivore is available everywhere starting today, March 6. Stream the album on Spotify below or click here to order the record on vinyl.
