Funeral Mass

I've been a fan of "Fear Of Eternity" for many years (since I stumbled upon it around 2011). At first listen, this might sound a little too basic and plain, but please give it time. This is music that has to set in. You can't just skip through the tracks and expect to get a good feel for it. Let the CD play and you will understand much better that it's all about tone and there is intentially nothing flashy going on.

I do enjoy some of his other stuff but the "Funeral Mass" Demo remains my absolute favorite offering. The version I have heard is the 2007 re-release, but I'm sure it sounds pretty much the same as the original from 2001. It doesn't say anywhere that it was remastered so I assume the two versions are identical. And for a Demo, the sound quality is actually on par with all the full-lenths. It doesn't need to be remastered. The clarity of all instruments and vocals are fantastic! There is nothing sub par at all... Guitars are not too buzzy and the drum machine is always right on the money. Everything is very consistent throughout the whole demo.

When you put this on for the very first time you may think that all the songs sound the same, but upon repeated listens you will begin distinguishing them and appreciating each track's unique melodies. I think this stuff is considered to be Black Metal, but it doesn't really fit into that category. For example, there are no blast-beats what-so-ever. The percusion is very mid-paced, even quite slow at times, in a doom/dirge kind of way.

What I noticed right off the bat is the prominent use of keyboard. This is the main idea across the entire demo. The keyboard is the lead and the guitar is secondary, prividing steady rhythym. If you are a fan of Symphonic style music then you will really like it. The sole member plays keyboard over every song, very carefully measured and repetitive. Other than the drum programming, I don't think there are any loops though. All the keys sound like playing in real time, which is what a musician should do.

Now, about the vocals... If you like Dagon from Inquisition, then you might be very receptive to this, having heard good metal with a similar type of croaking. Otherwise, it does take a little getting used to. Alright, honestly, it's "frog vocals." You know exactly what I'm talking about... The guy sounds like a constipated frog. I'm poking fun, but it fits the music extremely well. Obviously, you cannot understand a single word, but you're not supposed to. I suppose you could dig up the lyrics somewhere, if you are that curious, but instead just focus on the keyboard and harmony progession.

Fear Of Eternity is not your typical black metal. It's not what you would expect... No furious tempos, no high-energy screaming, not even tremolo picking that I'm aware of. It all sounds very even and balanced, setting a somber/gothic mood. Since I found this release, I kind of have a tradition where I listen to it every year around Halloween time. All-in-all, Funeral Mass is very simple in it's execution, but that's just fine. I give this Demo a solid 89% (just shy of 90% because it isn't a "must have" by any means). I happen to really like it, but many people may find it boring and unispired.

I would have to say that my favorite track is the second to last one, "Inseparable Body." There is a short piano part towards the middle acting as a birdge that just gets me everytime. I always think to myself, "This guy can play!" Although the overall feeling is very dark and sluggish, there are a few moments of pure beauty, almost like these are love songs, in a way. He has clearly "romanticised" these compositions and you get the notion that he's probably a nice guy in real life.

One final opinion... Anyone who is into Dungeon Synth is going to like Fear Of Eternity. Anyone who enjoys neo-classical or even soundtrack music might find something endearing about this plodding, piano-driven method.

As I write this, I just ordered my copy of "Funeral Mass" on CD from Discogs. Can't wait to add this gem to my collection. This stuff is perfect if you just wanna chill and have a glass of wine. If you wanna investigate the full-lengths, by all means DO. But you need to start right here with Funeral Mass.