From These Wounds

by Alex HendersonNo one has ever accused doom metal of being optimistic. Its outlook is one of gloom and doom, and in the case of Norwegian doom band Funeral, there has been a lot to be gloomy about in the 21st century. First, longtime bassist Einar Frederiksen committed suicide in 2003; then, in 2006, guitarist Christian Loos was found dead in his home. But despite those tragic events, Funeral continued -- and From These Wounds is the band's first official post-Loos album. This 2007 release finds Funeral unveiling a new lineup that includes Frode Forsmo on lead vocals and bass, Kjetil Ottersen on guitar and keyboards, Mats Lerberg on guitar and background vocals and Anders Eek on drums. After Frederiksen and Loos' deaths, fans had no idea what to expect from Funeral; some of them no doubt expected the band to break up for good. But in fact, this 64-minute CD is excellent. Along the way, Funeral's sound has evolved with their many lineup changes; From These Wounds is best described as a melancholy, pessimistic doom metal/gothic metal outing that rocks aggressively but is highly melodic and intricate -- even ethereal a good bit of the time. When the word ethereal is used in connection with underground metal bands, there is often a female vocalist involved; Funeral has had female lead singers in the past, but on From These Wounds, all the lead vocals are handled by male singer Forsmo -- and his performances are quite expressive on sorrowful tracks like "Red Moon," "This Barren Skin" and "The Architecture of Loss." It's sadly ironic that a band calling itself Funeral saw two of its members die in the 2000s, but the Norwegian combo bounces back nicely on From These Wounds.