|
By JEFF MAKI
“Crucify Kill Rot!” That's the lyric that opens the album of the same name by Cincinnati, Ohio's Rose Funeral. These lyrics and song titles such as “Sledge Hammer Face Lift” and “State of Decay” bring Cannibal Corpse to mind and their brand of gore metal. “As you suffer. You bleed to death. Your skull is fractured. Ahhhhhhh!” And so on. You get the idea. I wouldn't call this gore-metal or even pure death metal, but the band incorporates elements of both sub-genres. Rose Funeral relies more on breakdowns and sledgehammer riffs than pure speed, though the band surely rips, as they show on “The Well” or “Under a Godless Sky.” Interestingly, two instrumentals appear back-to-back in the middle of the album, “Intereo Diu” and “Dawning the Resurrection,” giving listeners a needed breather after the violent first portion of the album. Lead vocals range from a high-pitched wail to a deathly Lamb of God-style growl. Every song is packed with enough breakdowns to warrant either manic hardcore dancing or a deadly pit. I guess that's to be decided when the band hits the road in support of the album.
One has to appreciate the raw production; though purposely done, it adds a great deal to the recording. The guitars and feedback often feel like they're about to tear through speakers like on old death metal records. Rose Funeral has a simple approach lyrically, with all the cliches inked in their lyric book, but it works. You don't always need to write in metaphors, which some bands fail to realize. Especially for younger fans, it helps to at least somewhat understand what's being said. That being said, Rose Funeral should appeal to both old schoolers into Cannibal Corpse or Deicide and younger metal fans of Bleeding Through, The Black Dahlia Murder and As I Lay Dying. An excellent and deadly debut.
|
