On to another metal sub-subgenre I haven't yet explored: Funeral doom. Doom metal comes with its own set of stylistic divisions like Black-doom, Death-doom, Gothic-doom, Epic doom, Progressive doom, Sludge doom, Stoner doom or Drone doom. Emphasis on the doom here. Characteristics of doom metal are slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, repetitive rhythms and a lyrical focus on, well - doom. Funeral doom in particular is a form of death doom. Very slow, dark ambience and mournful vocals, often growls. So far, my only contact with doom metal was Konvent and Nocturnal Depression (if you consider DSBM a subdivision of doom metal). I found both musical styles easy to get into, so I was very curious to dive into funeral doom.
The album V - Oceans (2017) by funeral doom band SLOW was recommended to me. It took me about 2:34 minutes to fall in love with this album. That is when the vocals kick in. The first two and a half minutes are reserved to soft ambient sounds, setting a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The guitars join in gently and melodic. The vocals - a deep, deep growl. So raw, so desperate, so utterly disillusioned. The lyrics are performed ultra slow, matching the music. The song is over ten minutes of utter despair and yet it is so beautiful in its simplicity.
"Moving into deep waters / Wading in the dark / Limbs numb / Dim heart / Dim
The light in the distance / Last fragments of horizon / Gathered in my eyes / Turned to grey
Remaining rays of light fade / Emerge with the ocean for good"
SLOW was started by Olmo "Déhà" Lipani as a project in 2007. Déhà has released four albums as sole band member, since then Lore Boeykens has been part of the project. Apart from SLOW, Déhà is part of many other projects. He also works as sound technician and producer. With SLOW he has by now released six albums, the latest album VI - Dantalion in 2019.
I fully understand that topics of suicide and death are not everybody's cup of tea and many might not be able to see any beauty in this. I am not sure why I do, to be honest. I find this complete album, all 55 minutes of it, to be a great comfort. This is music to calm the voices inside your mind, the inner critic, the inner child, the alter ego. When I listen to this album, my mind goes silent and there is calmness. A true keeper.
Kommentar schreiben