FUNERAL - NORWAY

FUNERAL - FROM THESE WOUNDS - TABU/CANDLELIGHT  
It has been several years since the world heard from the Norwegian procession called Funeral. It would not be unjustified to say that many rightfully thought that the band was dead and buried. The group has undergone a major line-up overhaul, but is back nonetheless with an album that could be described as gothic doom. The band’s experience and maturity is apparent, although fans have to note the absence of the term 'metal' when describing the group. In fact, most of the material comes across like a mixture of goth and Gregorian chanting. At any rate the band’s new line-up and the introduction of a new singer, namely Frode Forsmo of Minas Tirith (the band not the place), has meant an improvement in that department and the banishment of growls and female vocals.
Strangely enough, the album begins with a song called This Barren Skin, which has a distinct melody reminiscent of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters. The pattern is repeated in the song The Architecture Of Loss. The songs are long and last up to nine minutes each. Each track is a saga and a story unto itself. Pendulum is slightly heavier and has harsher vocals. The aforementioned The Architecture Of Loss is also heavier than average and probably the album’s best song. Vagrant God is a relatively upbeat song, which in Funeral’s case means it is merely depressing. Finally, the Candlelight Records’ American edition features a bonus song called Breathing Through You extending the album past the one-hour mark.
There is a little metal, a lot of atmosphere and much agonizing amidst the doom and gloom here. From These Wounds though is an acquired (bitter) taste which heavy metal fans should approach selectively. - Ali “The Metallian”