Blackstar

The Profile

English hard rock/heavy metal band formed in the late 1990s by former Carcass members; released Barbed Wire Soul before disbanding.

Formed by ex-Carcass members Jeff Walker, Ken Owen and Carlo Regadas, joined by Mark Griffiths. Also known as Blackstar Rising. Active in the late 1990s and released the album Barbed Wire Soul. The band ceased activity after Ken Owen’s serious brain hemorrhage in 1999.

Blackstar is an English heavy rock project formed by ex-Carcass members, pivoting from extreme metal to hard’n’heavy. The reviewed album, Barbed Wire Soul, blends 70s-flavored riffs, raw vocals, and mid-to-up-tempo grooves, earning strong praise. Highlights include Rock’n’Roll Circus, Waste of Space, and Sound of Silence. Overall verdict: a compact, aggressive, and melodic record—four stars.