Originally emerging under the moniker Levial in 1994 as a death metal act, Spain’s Ouija reshaped their vision a year later, embracing the chilling embrace of black metal while infusing it with a striking melodic edge. Hailing from Huesca in the autonomous community of Aragon, the band was profoundly inspired by the surging black metal movement that swept through Europe in the early to mid-'90s, particularly the Scandinavian scene. That influence is undeniable in their sound—ferocious, raw, and sinister—yet imbued with a haunting melodic touch that distinguishes them from their peers.
Their seminal full-length, Riding into the Funeral Paths, arrived in 1997 via Repulse Records, marking a formidable debut that showcased a band fully attuned to the genre’s atmospheric and aggressive hallmarks. More than just an echo of black metal’s formative years, the album carved its own spectral path, weaving together icy tremolo-picked riffs, spectral melodies, and a relentless rhythmic assault. Its reissue on cassette by Davao Hellbangers Productions in 2020 reaffirmed its enduring impact, offering a fresh perspective on its chilling grandeur for a new generation of listeners.
From the opening moments, the record immerses the listener in a cold, spectral realm where every note pulses with spectral energy. The guitar work here is exceptional—blistering yet precise, conjuring a dense, immersive soundscape that brims with eerie grandeur. The riffs possess a spectral, almost hypnotic quality, balancing aggression with melody to craft an atmosphere that is both menacing and enthralling. Rather than merely adhering to the genre’s primal rawness, Ouija refines it, allowing each composition to breathe and unfold with calculated intensity.
Vocally, Riding into the Funeral Paths stands apart from many of its contemporaries. Rather than relying on sheer abrasiveness, the vocal delivery is commanding yet controlled, ensuring that the record’s evocative lyrics remain an integral part of the experience. Thematically, the album plunges into classic black metal motifs—existential dread, mysticism, and the arcane—yet does so with a poetic finesse that elevates it beyond mere nihilistic proclamations. It is an album that revels in storytelling, using both lyrical depth and instrumental grandeur to craft an immersive narrative journey.
Production-wise, Ouija finds an impressive equilibrium between rawness and clarity. While many black metal records of the era leaned into lo-fi aesthetics, this album achieves an enviable balance—harsh and unyielding in its intensity, yet mixed in a way that allows every melodic nuance and rhythmic shift to resonate powerfully. The result is an album that retains the uncompromising spirit of ‘90s black metal while presenting a sonic clarity that heightens its emotional and atmospheric weight.
A hidden gem in the pantheon of ‘90s black metal, Riding into the Funeral Paths remains an essential listen for those seeking an album that embodies the era’s fervent spirit while offering a unique melodic sensibility. Ouija’s ability to harness both intensity and atmosphere ensures that this release stands the test of time, earning its place among the cult classics of the genre.
