Ephemeros: All Hail Corrosion

I was recently asked if I liked funeral doom music. Of course I do! Doom metal is one of my favorite styles and I also happen to enjoy the even slower, moodier, pace of funeral doom. For those unfamiliar with the style, just imagine minimally structured music played at a very slow pace mixed with low vocal growls. At times, the music takes on an atmospheric, almost trance-like, quality. Instead of moshing, funeral doom concerts inspire a slow grooving of the neck and torso, just enough movement so that others know others are awake and alive.

The point here isn't really to create whatever real funeral music could or should really be, but to capture the spirit of loss and despair that comes from trauma, death, and sadness. If it sounds depressing, it is; the point, though, is to explore the darker avenues of human musical expression and not necessarily to writhe in pain. This is cerebral music, an opportunity to reflect.

The key to good funeral doom is the musicians' willingness to play at a slow pace. Some players—especially some guitarists and drummers—just can't handle a metronome click below 180. Funeral doom, however, sets things down around 40-50 and never moves an inch above. Fortunately, the guys in Ephemeros play at just the right tempo, knowing when to sustain certain notes and when to move things forward.

This album—three songs that take up just over 40 minutes—is really quite good. Some listeners may not like how deliberate the whole thing is. The music moves very slowly, developing its chord changes and progressions for over 10 minutes at a time. For those willing to sit back and enjoy the slow pace, this style of music can be very rewarding. I should point out that funeral doom music is not the same as drone music, though they both share a fascination with slow movement and musical development.

For those new to this style, I recommend this album as a solid introduction to the genre. The first track, "All Hail Corrosion," is especially good at establishing the larger mood and atmosphere common to this style. For those readers already convinced, they'll enjoy this album for largely the same reason. These guys are masters of mood and deliver on the promise of a strong and gloomy debut.

Track Listing:
1. All Hail Corrosion
2. Stillborn Workhorse
3. Soilbringer

Added: August 17th 2013
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1747
Language: english

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