Cry of the Carnarium
Sorcery
All creatures get -2/-2 until end of turn. Exile all creature cards in all graveyards that were put there from the battlefield this turn. If a creature would die this turn, exile it instead.
If your ears bleed, it's a party. If your eyes bleed, it's a Rakdos party.
Strategy & Gameplay
Cry of the Carnarium is a powerhouse removal spell that offers exceptional value in the right strategic context, making it a versatile inclusion for black-focused players across multiple competitive formats. This black sorcery functions as both a board wipe and graveyard interaction tool, providing immediate creature damage while simultaneously addressing one of Magic's most common resource engines. The card's flexibility shines through its layered effects: the initial -2/-2 sweeps away small to medium creatures and weakens larger threats, while the exile clause prevents opponents from leveraging their graveyard as a secondary resource pool. This dual functionality makes Cry of the Carnarium particularly valuable against creature-heavy strategies, token decks, and any archetype relying on graveyard synergies such as reanimation strategies, flashback mechanics, or delve strategies that have become increasingly prevalent in modern Magic. The card finds homes in control, midrange, and tempo-oriented black decks that benefit from both creature removal and graveyard hate rolled into one efficient package. Its three-mana cost is reasonable for the comprehensive effect it provides, and the sorcery speed, while restrictive compared to instant-speed alternatives, doesn't significantly limit its application in most matchups. Across formats from Pioneer through Legacy and into Commander, Cry of the Carnarium serves as a legitimate sideboard consideration and occasional maindeck inclusion, depending on metagame composition. Players seeking flexible removal that simultaneously answers graveyard-centric threats should seriously consider this card as a strategic solution.
Illustrated by Johann Bodin