Funeral Mass - Nightborn Perdition

I discovered Funeral Mass on the day "Nightborn Perdition" premiered via Black Metal Promotions' YouTube channel, and I'm incredibly grateful for it.

As a keen admirer of black metal that leans into its melodic facets, particularly in the guitar work, I believe Funeral Mass has excelled with the "evolved sound" presented on this EP. Rather than dissecting every single track, this review will highlight some standout moments and my personal favorites from the release.

Track 2: "Hymn to Veles"

Following the atmospheric "Starseed (Intro)," this track immediately plunges in with a powerful introduction. Right from the start, I was hooked by the guitars' incredible tone and the song's overall tempo, confirming my interest in the album. I particularly appreciate how the drums transition from intense blast beats into a more controlled 4/4 rhythm as the initial chaotic section gradually subsides. The chords ring through with remarkable clarity, and there's a pleasingly prominent bass presence throughout.

The subtle integration of pick scrapes during brief musical pauses was a fantastic touch, adding a cool layer of depth to the sound. Just past the halfway mark, the song takes a dramatic turn, shifting into a more soft and methodical pace. This transition was highly enjoyable, showcasing the band's impressive ability to craft alluring ambient sections. The continuous high-string guitar playing over these parts adds a beautiful layer, making the guitar feel as though it's singing its own bittersweet melody. This track was very distinct, and I admired the skill displayed in creating such awesome melodies.

Track 3: "Noc Gryfa"

To be honest, this was probably my favorite track on the EP, the one that impacted me the most. It possesses a distinctly darker sound. The cool chord progressions that ascend and descend the neck create beautiful layers, and you can discern each guitar with clarity. As the track settles into its standard black metal blast-beat pace, the preceding tremolo-picked section felt perfectly placed and was incredibly catchy. The main riff and melody for this track are remarkably clean-sounding and feature many memorable hooks. I also appreciate how it introduces that amazing, "triumphant" sounding chord progression. The vocal delivery on this song is equally standout, offering a brutal assault of growls that are well-pronounced and genuinely powerful, perfectly suiting both the darker and more uplifting sections by skillfully contrasting the voice. This track was absolutely bad-ass; seriously, excellent work. I hope to hear more like this in the future!

Track 4: "Nightborn Perdition" (Title Track)

The title track was absolutely off the hook and, in my opinion, the most musically technical piece on the EP. I'd also say this track embodies the most nightmarish sound of the entire release. All the techniques employed are spot on. Again, a huge shout-out to the guitarist on this track; the playing is immaculate and conjures a feeling of dark dread and allure. I loved the opening riff and appreciated the quick triplet or quad picks interspersed between the slowly ringing clean chords. The drumming in the first section is also very punctual, adorned with well-placed cymbal hits that subtly enhance the overall sound. Once the initial section concludes, you're met with a driving riff that compels you to headbang, a true "driving force riff." The closing moments were surprisingly calming, providing an excellent way to end the track, which was a unique and effective idea given the nature of Track 5 (a softer song).

Track 5: "Soulcairn"

Wow, what can I truly say? I genuinely can't believe how good this piano-oriented track was. Seriously, from start to finish, you're taken on a masterclass of image-conjuring playing. It features numerous twists and turns, oscillating between foreboding, bittersweet, and melancholic moods. For me, this track would fit amazingly well in a black and white macabre or vampire-style film. This piece was a fantastic addition to the EP, beautifully breaking up the mix. It showcases great musicianship, complemented by subtle background ambience.

Check the video here

Overall, I believe this EP demonstrates amazing skill from each member of Funeral Mass. The guitarists' playing and their ability to create very catchy melodies are highly impressive. The vocals are distinct and easy to hear, exhibiting great contrast. The drums are prominent and possess a really good sound that provides a sturdy backbone; I'm also a fan of how the drummer transitions between blast-beat sections and slower segments. The bass guitar consistently adds nice, rich layers to the mix. Also, the inclusion of pianos is an amazing addition to the EP in general, with the skill shown on Track 5 being particularly outstanding. All in all, I'd give this album a solid 8.5/10.

Great job, guys; a truly excellent EP!

Bran - BlackenedSoundscape