Carnivore is an American crossover thrash band from Brooklyn, New York. It was founded by singer and bassist Peter Steele out of the breakup of the heavy metal band Fallout in 1982. The original lineup consisted of Steele, guitarist Stan Pillis, and drummer Louie Beato.

History

Carnivore released their self-titled debut album Carnivore in November 1985.

Peter Steele died April 14, 2010, thus ending the reunion.

Carnivore A.D.

thumb|Carnivore A.D. at [[Hellfest (French music festival)|Hellfest 2018]]

In August 2017, it was announced that Carnivore would officially be reformed as Carnivore A.D., featuring original drummer Louie Beato and guitarist Marc Piovanetti along with secondary drummer Joe Branciforte sharing drum duties and also introducing new member Baron Misuraca as the bassist/vocalist.

After a live performance at the 2017 Black N Blue Bowl pre-party in May, Piovanetti announced that the group would reform out of great respect to Peter Steele's legacy while simultaneously distinguishing themselves from past incarnations of the band. They played their first show with Misuraca on October 31 at Bowery Electric in New York City dubbed "A Halloween SteeleTacular". The band then made their live festival debut at the 2018 edition of Hellfest.

On January 29, 2026, the band announced they would be releasing their first ever EP, Transmutation, on March 27.

Musical style and influences

Greg Prato of AllMusic described Carnivore's sound as "much more straight-ahead thrash metal than Steele's future goth outfit Type O Negative."

The first Carnivore album was heavily influenced by the contemporary New York hardcore scene. It also drew inspiration from Black Sabbath and early Judas Priest, whereas the second album had significant crossover influences. The 'post-apocalyptic' theme that dominated the first album and was carried onto parts of the second album was apparently inspired by a dream Pete Steele had and which became the basis for the lyrics of "Predator", the first song from the original album. The lyrical theme was then expanded on to describe human society (or the lack of one) between imaginary World Wars 3, 4, and possibly 5 (as referenced in the song "World Wars 3 & 4"). Other lyrical themes included nihilism, anti-religious sentiment, cynicism, and explicit-but-tongue-in-cheek depictions of gore and despair. Song titles such as "Jesus Hitler", "Race War", "Thermonuclear Warrior", and "God Is Dead" reflect these themes.

Band members

;Current members

  • Baron Misuraca – bass, lead vocals (2017–present)
  • Chuck Lenihan – guitars (2019–present)
  • Joe Cangelosi – drums (2021–present)

;Former members

  • Peter Steele − bass, lead vocals (1982–1987, 1994–1996, 2006–2010; his death)
  • Stan Pillis − guitars (1982–1983)
  • Louie Beato – drums, backing vocals (1982–1987, 1994–1996, 2017–2022)
  • Keith Alexander – guitars, backing vocals (1983–1986; died 2005)
  • Marc Piovanetti – guitars, backing vocals (1987, 1994–1996, 2017–2019)
  • Paul Bento − guitars (2006–2010)
  • Steve Tobin − drums (2006–2010)
  • Joey Z. − guitars (2006–2010)
  • Joe Branciforte – drums (2017–2020)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

  • Carnivore (1985)
  • Retaliation (1987)