| Step into the mythical realm of Finnish Death Metal with this iconic 1990 demo from the legendary Funebre. The B-side features a stunning silkscreen print of the cover artwork, adding a unique artistic flair. The insert is a treasure trove, showcasing the original demo cover, band interviews, photos, flyers, and show posters—a comprehensive journey into the band's early history.
In their second demo, aptly titled Demo '90, Funebre undergoes a remarkable transformation from their raw and super-primitive Cranial Torment release, exhibiting a significant leap in both musicality and overall sound quality. Released almost a year after their initial demo, Demo '90 introduces three new members—Sami Uusitalo on lead guitar, Toni Uusitalo on drums, and Erikki Hellen on bass—elevating the band's instrumental prowess and reshaping their sonic identity. With Esa Vähäsöyrinki transitioning to rhythm guitar, the only remaining constant is Jari Heinonen, whose distinctive ultra-low growls now find a more fitting backdrop within this refined musical landscape.
The infusion of fresh talent results in a departure from the primitive Hellhammer influences, presenting Funebre as a cohesive and formidable death metal force. The three tracks on this demo, each under four minutes, demonstrate a discerning approach, incorporating influences from Autopsy and Carcass while maintaining a more focused and leaner sound. The bass, now more prominent and seamlessly integrated with the guitar, adds a refreshing layer to the overall sonic tapestry.
One standout track is Grip of Insanity, which introduces punk elements and features a crushing slow section, making it one of the heaviest moments in death metal. The final riff, a mid-paced section reminiscent of Convulse, adds an extra dose of intensity. While the other two tracks may not match the sheer power of Grip of Insanity, they still deliver solid early death metal with commendable riffs and transitions.
This demo marks Funebre's evolution into a genuine death metal band, leaving behind their earlier Hellhammer imitations. The raw, heavy, and atmospheric nature of the songs offers a compelling experience for those who appreciate the sinister qualities of old-school death metal. Funebre's influence on the burgeoning Finnish death metal scene is unmistakable, foreshadowing the deep, chasmic sound that would come to define the region. While their subsequent LP took the band in a different direction, Demo '90 stands as an essential piece of Finnish death metal history, deserving of recognition and praise for its contributions to the genre’s development.
|
