Carnifex Returns to SOMA

On April 3, Carnifex returned to SOMA in San Diego for a hometown show that felt like a full-circle moment. It was the band’s first time playing the venue since 2015, and the energy in the room made it clear the wait had been worth it. Joined by friends Whitechapel and Rev3rent, the night carried the kind of intensity that only a San Diego crowd can bring.

The setlist gave fans a strong mix of the band’s past and present, moving from staples like “Die Without Hope,” “Lie to My Face,” and “Hell Chose Me” to newer material like “Necromanteum.” The response to every era of the band showed just how deep Carnifex’s catalog runs and how much their sound continues to connect live.

Formed in San Diego County in 2005, Carnifex has grown into one of deathcore’s most enduring names. Now signed to Nuclear Blast after an earlier era with Victory Records, the band has built a lasting legacy through nine studio albums, relentless touring, and a lineup anchored by founding vocalist Scott Ian Lewis and drummer Shawn Cameron. Rounding out the current roster are Cory Arford on rhythm guitar, Fred Calderon on bass, and Neal Tiemann on lead guitar.

That momentum is not slowing down anytime soon. With Chaos & Carnage ahead, plus festival appearances at Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple, Carnifex has a stacked schedule in front of them. At the same time, they’ve been in the studio working on a new album that is already shaping up to be one of their heaviest yet. One thing is clear: Carnifex is still pushing forward, and they are not going anywhere.