There is atleast two bands known as Impaler.

(1) Impaler is a Shock Rock/Speed Metal band from Eagan, Minnesota. Formed in 1983, the band is known for their over-the-top lyrics and horror-based theatrical live shows, complete with cages, pyro and extreme amounts of blood.

(2) Impaler were a Death Metal/Grindcore band from Leamington Spa, England, originally forming under the name Carnage and releasing their first demo tape "Total Carnage" in 1988. The 3-track demo was enough to establish Carnage in the growing UK underground extreme music scene and gigs with bands such as Bolt Thrower and Arbitrater got them further attention.

In 1989, Carnage changed their line up to their most settled formation (up to late 1991) which was Edd Patrick (Vocals), Paul Mariotti (Guitar), Chris Drew (Guitar), Paul Bad (Bass) and Nick Adams (Drums). The band's second demo tape "Impaler of Souls" was unleashed in 1990. After changing their name to Impaler (to avoid confusion with the Carnage from Sweden) the band gigged around the UK as support to Carcass, Entombed, Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Cancer, Benediction as well as several headline gigs of their own. Impaler soon reached the attention of Peaceville Records who promptly offered them a recording contract.

The album "Charnel Deity" was recorded towards the end of 1991 with producer Paul Johnson in Leamington Spa. It was released on Deaf records in 1992. With the band now a four piece (with Edd now on bass and vocals) they toured as support to Pestilence. However, by the middle of the year Impaler had disbanded altogether with material for a second album incomplete.

Edd subsequently went on to form and join many other bands including D.I.S.C., Magick Pink Mission and Actual Size. Paul (ex-bass player) continued playing guitar with Pulp Grind (later becoming Headcage) until December 1995. The other original members (Paul, Chris and Nick) moved away from playing in serious bands to concentrate on other projects.