For some of us, the first time any of us read the lyrics to a Cannibal Corpse song, we might have thrown up a little, let alone when we looked at the artwork to some releases.
Yet that didn't stop us secretly listening to the music, making sure our parents never found those album covers, because it was dark, and it was heavy. Lyrically, it was the musical equivalent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. That's what you get with Funereality; straight up, no-holds-barred, old school death metal, with plenty of widespread influences for good measure.Funereality is a one-man band featuring Joachim Eversholt. Started as a side project, he has released two E.Ps since 2010, and “Bloodsucking Freak” is the combination of the two of them. As Joachim himself claims, the project is “Totally unabashed AUTOPSY-worship!” He’s damn right with this one, and I have to give him credit on it. That doesn’t mean though that you should go listen to Severed
Survival though. Maybe Joachim doesn’t realize it, but there’s plenty on this album keeping things fresh.
Opening with the sounds of rape and ultraviolence on “Funeral For A Fuck” we kick into some thick guitars, thrashing drums, and gore-drenched lyrics. Setting the tone for the album, it’s a simple but effective start.
As the album continues, the song structures become slightly more complex, becoming reminiscent of the great Chuck Schuldiner’s writing style. The album also takes influence from outside the death metal scene. Note particularly “Master Of The Foul Arts.” Hinting at early Norwegian black metal juxtaposed with a doom metal bridge. Don’t light that bong just yet though, ‘cause we’ve still got plenty of riff carnage to get through, which truly shines through on “A Grave Vacancy.”
The album’s production is its only letdown, although for some, this may well make it more interesting and nostalgic. At any rate, it’s certainly not so bad that it will start to bother you. I’m also a huge fan of the one-man band concept, which just makes this all the more impressive.
Overall, this is a great album. If you love sick, gory lyrics for the sake of… well, sick, gory lyrics, then you’ve got it. The bone-breaking riffs, interesting song structures, and genre diversity all make this a sick release; and for $6.66 (about four squid for the UK) you can’t complain!
Rating: 7/10 skulls
Available from:
http://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/bloodsucking-freak
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FunerealitySWE
Reviewed by Calum McCorkell