Carcass has decided to postpone the release of their upcoming album, Torn Arteries, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was originally slated to hit shelves on August 7. 

The band wrote in a statement made to their Facebook page Thursday (April 2).

“Well there’s no way our new album is gonna get release in August now, what with the ongoing pandemic, CD & vinyl manufacturers have closed and label distribution has been put on hold for the foreseeable future.” 

Torn Arteries is Carcass’ seventh studio album. The band released their last album, Surgical Steel, back in 2013. An EP of songs that were written during the sessions for that album, ‘Surgical Remission/Surplus Steel,’ was released in 2014.

The band released their first new song in six years, “Under The Scalpel Blade,” in December 2019. A link to the track was included with Thursday’s statement.

A new release date has not been announced yet.

“There’s more pressing things to be concerned with right now, correct? Bunker down, look after yourselves, let’s see the next few months through and we’ll get the album released as soon as there’s some kind of return to “normality”…”

Carcass has also announced that their April 17 & 18 shows at Switzerland’s Caves du Manoir Martigny have been postponed, as the venue has shut down until April 30. “Many of you were looking forward to our next events,” reads a statement on Facebook.

“We will do our best to move those who can be and will communicate the new dates to you in a timely fashion. Tickets can be refunded from Petzi. Our thoughts to all the artists, technicians and all the staff that revolves around the world of the show. In order to be able to welcome you again as soon as possible, we invite you to respect the hygiene and caution rules in force.”

“Take care of yourself! We will miss you!”