In a recent interview with Trooper Entertainment during CARCASS’s Japanese tour, vocalist/bassist Jeff Walker and guitarist Bill Steer shared their thoughts on the band’s newest member, guitarist James “Nip” Blackford. Blackford joined the band in 2021, replacing Tom Draper. Steer expressed his satisfaction with Blackford’s contribution, noting that the band was in a difficult position with guitar players due to Draper’s green card issues. Steer mentioned that Blackford was his first choice because they were already friends, and he knew Blackford was a skilled player. However, Blackford’s integration into the band went beyond musical compatibility; he also fit in well on a personal level. Steer praised Blackford’s quirky sense of humor and described him as a team player who performs excellently on stage.
Walker added that Blackford was initially very nervous about joining the band, fearing he might make mistakes. Walker advised him that making mistakes was not the issue; it was how one recovered from them that mattered. He emphasized the importance of continuing to play and perform, even if mistakes were made. Walker acknowledged that the band was not perfect every night, but their performances were still enjoyable.
Walker also compared Blackford to the band’s previous guitarists, Ben and Tom, stating that while both were great in their own right, Blackford seemed to be a better fit for the band at this time. He clarified that this was not a slight against the former members but rather an acknowledgment of Blackford’s unique compatibility with the band.
Steer chimed in, noting that fitting into CARCASS was not an easy task due to the band’s long history and the members’ unique personalities. He acknowledged that the band members were of a certain vintage and not “normal guys,” making it challenging for new members to integrate. Despite this, Blackford managed to fit in seamlessly.
Walker continued, pointing out that drummer Daniel Wilding, who is only 35, must find it strange to deal with the older band members. However, the generation gap does not seem to affect their dynamic. Steer agreed, describing Wilding as the most well-adjusted person in the band, helping to keep things balanced.
CARCASS’s latest album, “Torn Arteries,” was released in September 2021 through Nuclear Blast Records. The album was recorded in various locations, with Wilding doing session work in Sweden at Studio Gröndahl with David Castillo. Guitars were recorded at The Stationhouse with James Atkinson in Leeds, England. The band eventually returned to Studio Gröndahl in Sweden to finalize vocals, bass, and other guitar work in a relaxed atmosphere with Castillo.
The album title, “Torn Arteries,” references an old demo created by original drummer Ken Owen in the 1980s. The album artwork, created by artist Zbigniew Bielak, features a time-lapsed set of photos showing vegetables shaped like a heart, rotting over time on a white plate. This artwork was influenced by Japanese Kusôzu, which means “painting of the nine stages of a decaying corpse.”
Overall, the addition of James “Nip” Blackford to CARCASS has been a positive change for the band. Both Walker and Steer are pleased with how well he has integrated, both musically and personally. Blackford’s presence has brought a new dynamic to the band, making him a valuable member of CARCASS.
