CARNIVORE A.D. are set to release their debut EP "Transmutation" on March 27, marking the first-ever studio recording under the CARNIVORE banner since the crossover thrash/metal project was left dormant following the death of founding member Peter Steele in 2010. The EP was announced on January 29 and has generated considerable discussion within the metal community.
Steele, who passed away at 48 from heart failure, was best known as the towering frontman of TYPE O NEGATIVE but founded CARNIVORE in the early 1980s as a vehicle for his raw, confrontational brand of crossover thrash. The band's self-titled debut and "Retaliation" remain cult classics of the genre.
CARNIVORE A.D. features original drummer Louie Beato, providing a direct link to the band's classic era, alongside guitarist Marc Piovanetti, drummer Joe Branciforte, and bassist/vocalist Baron Misuraca. The project has been explicit about its intentions from the outset, stating it exists "not to replace the original legacy, but to continue its spirit."
The "A.D." designation itself — meaning "after death" — acknowledges the absence of Steele while signaling that the musical vision he established continues to resonate with the remaining members. It is a delicate balancing act that legacy continuation projects must navigate, honoring the past while creating something that justifies its own existence.
"Transmutation" is being self-released by the band, giving them full creative control over the material. While details about the EP's specific track listing and runtime remain under wraps, early indications suggest the music stays true to CARNIVORE's aggressive, politically incorrect crossover roots.
The release arrives 16 years after Steele's death, offering a new chapter for one of metal's most uncompromising projects.