And the mystery is over, ta-da! Grindcore/death metal legends Carcass have signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records for the world excluding Japan for the release of Surgical Steel, the band's first studio release since their 1996 album Swansong. The band had announced they had conversations with a few labels and now the decision has been made. Better luck next time, all other labels.

Surgical Steel was produced by Colin Richardson (Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Gorefest, Cannibal Corpse) and mixed/mastered by Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Accept, Exodus, Testament). Joining guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker in the band's current incarnation are new drummer Dan Wilding (Aborted, Trigger The Bloodshed) and guitarist Ben Ash (Pig Irön, Desolation, Liquefied Skeleton). Expect some guest vocals from original sticksman Ken Owen as well, when Surgical Steel is released this fall worldwide.

Carcass released this statement: "We are pleased to announce that we have found the perfect home for Surgical Steel, the first Carcass album for, what, eighteen years?! We've inked a deal with Nuclear Blast for our new baby. We have to thank Markus Staiger for his enthusiasm and belief in what he heard, but mostly his ability to take advantage of Jeff with a bad hangover when he visited the office in Stuttgart to let him be the first to hear the rough mixes. Nuclear Blast has managed to secure this release despite interest from all the main players in what remains of the metal 'music industry.'

We're also looking forward to working with our pals in the US Office, who have done favors for us behind the scenes over the last few years. On a personal note, Jeff looks forward to his and label manager Gerardo Martinez' friendship to come crashing down in flames and tears in a few months. As long as we don't mention 'The War' we think we're going to do just fine with our new Teutonic home!"

Commented Nuclear Blast owner and founder Markus Staiger: "One of my all-time favorite UK Metal Bands signed recently to Nuclear Blast - it feels like a dream come true. When Jeff Walker let me listen to the new record I knew immediately that Carcass made one of their best albums ever! It is a perfect mixture of Heartwork and Necroticism with a massive production to boot. The album is without a doubt just as perfect and lethal as surgical steel itself, and exactly what both old and new fans have waited for eagerly all of these years! I am very proud to say, Carcass - welcome to the Nuclear family. It is an honor to work with this legendary metal band."

Adds North American label manager Gerardo Martinez: "First of all, apologies to the many that were wondering where that signing statement was the other day. Well, we didn't anticipate the prenuptial agreement to take this long but here we are, and about to release to the world what many people said would never happen: a new Carcass record! All joking aside, this is a dream come true. All I can say is that even the biggest critic, Señor Walker himself included, will find this to be one of the best Carcass albums. It already sounds like a classic and I can't wait for people to hear it. 'Time to die, die in pain'!"

Source:	nuclearblast.de
Band profile:	Carcass