The first album is more traditionally metal-sounding, drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath, Motörhead and 1970s Judas Priest, while the second has significant hardcore punk/crossover influence. Both are fit neatly into the speed thrash genre, however. The lyrical themes include nihilism, anti-religious sentiment, a mockery of racism, intolerance, and general human stupidity, a heap of cynicism, and explicit tongue-in-cheek depictions of gore and despair. For example, this line from "Ground Zero Brooklyn" sums up the band fairly well: "I shit my pants as I wait for the reaper!". Song titles like "Jesus Hitler", "Race War", and "God is Dead" are also representative.
The first Type O Negative album, Slow Deep and Hard, was partially composed from material originally written for Carnivore.
Several reunion shows took place over the years. One of the shows was at Wacken Open Air 2006, where they had an 1.25 hour setlist.
Original Carnivore guitarist Keith Alexander died in a biking accident on July 11, 2005.
Peter Steele died on April 14, 2010, at the age of 48.
Legion of Doom
Carnivore Lyrics
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The 1200 I got between my knees
My hog helps me to spread the disease
People don't understand hair,
And leather but I'm telling you I couldn't be living better
I don't fear nothin' with my brothers on my side
Fuck with us and it's suicide
Live your life by your will learn to be an animal
By the light of the moon beware the legion of doom
We only ask to be left alone
Having good times getting stoned
Pulling some broad and guzzlin' buds
Riding high into the sun
To serve in heaven might suit some wall
Me and the boys would rather rule in hell
Looking for trouble I'm warning you
You'll be dealing with the casket crew
In this song, Carnivore depict a gang that rules the streets after dark. They move fast and silently like a shark. They ride their motorcycles and spread the disease - whatever that may be - wherever they go. The singer states that people don't understand their lifestyle of leather and wild hair, but he couldn't be happier. He doesn't fear anything when he is with his brothers. The gang warns others not to mess with them because the consequences will be fatal.
The second verse shows that the gang is all about living in the moment. They just want to have good times, get high, pick up girls, and ride off into the horizon. The gang doesn't want to serve in heaven because they'd rather have control and power in hell. The singer warns others that if they get in trouble with them, they'll be dealing with the casket crew.
Overall, this song portrays a gang that is unapologetically wild, rebellious, and fearless. They don't care about societal norms or moral codes, they just want to live their life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
We rule the streets after dark fast silent like a shark
We dominate the streets when night falls, stealthy as a predator.
The 1200 I got between my knees
My motorcycle, a 1200cc bike, is always with me.
My hog helps me to spread the disease
My motorcycle enables me to spread our influence.
People don't understand hair, and leather but I'm telling you I couldn't be living better
Some folks don't comprehend our lifestyle, but it's how I want to live.
I don't fear nothin' with my brothers on my side
I'm invincible because I stand with my fellow gang members.
Fuck with us and it's suicide
Anyone who challenges us is asking for death.
Live your life by your will learn to be an animal
Lead your life as you wish, and adapt to survive like an animal.
By the light of the moon beware the legion of doom
In the moonlight, watch out for our fearsome crew.
We only ask to be left alone
We desire only solitude and independence.
Having good times getting stoned
We indulge in pleasures like smoking weed.
Pulling some broad and guzzlin' buds
We pick up women and drink alcohol.
Riding high into the sun
We ride our motorcycles boldly and unafraid.
To serve in heaven might suit some wall
Some individuals might choose to serve in heaven.
Me and the boys would rather rule in hell
But our gang prefers to rule over the underworld.
Looking for trouble I'm warning you
We seek out conflict, so beware.
You'll be dealing with the casket crew
If you mess with us, you'll end up in a coffin.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER THOMAS STEELE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind