Origin: Serbia
Formed: 2002
Location: Belgrade
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Themes: Pain, Misery, Death, Suffering
Carnival of Flesh is one of Serbia’s most distinctive extreme metal projects, blending symphonic black metal with theatrical, emotionally charged storytelling. Formed in 2002 by vocalist Dachaz and keyboardist Damjan Dobrila, the band emerged during a period when symphonic black metal was rare in the Serbian scene. Their approach—cinematic, dramatic, and rooted in themes of suffering, decay, and existential torment—set them apart from the rawer, more traditional black metal acts of the era.
The original incarnation of Carnival of Flesh operated until 2008, developing a sound built around orchestral keyboards, harsh vocals, and a dark, theatrical atmosphere. Although they did not release a full‑length during this first period, the band cultivated a cult following through live performances and early recordings that circulated in the underground.
After a six‑year hiatus, the band was resurrected in 2014 with a new lineup but the same core creative duo—Dachaz and Damjan. This second era marked a significant leap in production quality, ambition, and compositional depth.
Their long‑awaited debut full‑length, Stories from a Fallen World (2015), showcased a mature, cinematic approach to symphonic black metal. The album blended orchestral arrangements with aggressive riffing and emotional intensity, earning strong underground recognition.
In 2021, Carnival of Flesh released their second full‑length, Anthems of Extinction, a darker and more expansive work exploring themes of ecological collapse, human suffering, and existential dread. The album demonstrated a more modern, polished sound while retaining the band’s signature theatricality.
Carnival of Flesh stands out for:
They remain one of Serbia’s few symphonic black metal acts with a consistent, evolving discography and an international‑leaning sound.
Dachaz – Vocals (2002–2008, 2014–present)
Damjan Dobrila – Keyboards (2002–2008, 2014–present)
(Also in Ne tamo, Škofja Loka, ex‑Acid Rain, ex‑Esgaroth)
Vojin Ratković – Drums (2014–present)
(Also in Deadly Mosh, Neters Shrine, Epilog, KBO!, Totalni promašaj, ex‑Crno Sunce, ex‑Darkshines, ex‑Claymorean [live], ex‑Oathbringer [live])
Marko Ilić – Lead Guitars (2016–present)
Jake O’Bayne – Guitars, Bass (2014–2016); Bass (2018, 2021)
Alex – Rhythm Guitars (2016–2018)
Nenad – Bass (2018)
(Also in Tethyal)
Alen Habek – Rhythm Guitar (2018)
(Also in Tethyal, Analizator, Lednik, ex‑Neman, ex‑Defilement, ex‑Stormageddon, ex‑M.A.D: Goya, and others)
Carsten Lygteskov – Bass (2016)
Jake O’Bayne – Bass (2018, 2021)
Stories from a Fallen World (2015)
Anthems of Extinction (2021)