FUNERAL RITES
Necroeater
(Painkiller Records)
41:23min

FUNERAL RITES are no newcomers to the scene anymore, cause their origin already dates back to 1994. Ever since they managed to unleash three demo tapes (“Demo I” – 1995, “The Wintermoon” – 1996 and “Weird Tales” – 1997) and in 2000 finally finished the recordings of their debut album “Necroeater”, which recently got picked up by Belgium’s Painkiller Records. This fourpiece hails from the land of the rising sun (Japan) and plays a very atmospheric form of Black / Death Metal. While the vocal delivery is still pretty much in the raw (not shrieky though) and almost Black Metal type vein, the music itself seems to be heavily inspired by traditional Heavy Metal as well as moody soundtracks (just listen to the track ‘Disenchantment’ to fully experience the real beauty of it). Unlike many other acts, FUNERAL RITES mostly play their stuff in a very midpaced manner, probably in order to focus on the emotional aspects a lot more, rather than coming up with the usual blastbeat inferno. They are not even afraid to incorporate melodic piano parts (like in ‘Lost Misery’ or ‘At The Warend’ for instance) and continue on with a straight ahead, speedy and more aggressive 9 1/2 minutes long track (’13th Disciple’), which makes them a rather special act, with very unique ambitions. In a way, kinda like their countrymen from SIGH, but not as weird in the songwriting. So, if you’re sick and tired of the usual norsecore and open minded enough to experience a mixture of aggressive Metal and melodic elements, you shouldn’t hesitate to give these guys a listen. A very interesting release, destined to grow on you with every listen. www.painkiller-records.com

Frank Stöver

Frank Stöver

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