The debut full-length from Greek band Automaton is weighty, sludgy, coffin-lid-slamming Doom perfection.
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Formed in 1993, Cemetery of Scream were initially a somewhat generic doom/death outfit. Each successive release saw them moving away from their doom root...
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Marche Funèbre : Norizon (EP)
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| Marche Funèbre has coined the new term 'Norizon' - defined by them as "the absence of a point of destination, the absence of a horizon" - seemingly to verbalize a special kind of nihil. Hope does indeed dwindle, and desperation increase, as a result, in tune with the metaphorical point of destination; which is why I think the term is so spot on in describing a part of the human condition. The music reminds me of Wraith of the Ropes in that it blends the Worship kind of extreme depression with a sound that is both sad and eerie. However, Marche Funèbre is clearly influenced by the most aggressive moments of the demo eras of My Dying Bride, Anathema, Katatonia and Cathedral. Some weeping guitars can be found, but the doom/death found here isn't the least romantic. Nor is it all that melodic. In fact, it's not all that deathy either as they include a fair bit of black metal elements. The end product reminds me quite a bit of the relatively unknown Polish band Apostate, although it is "chuggier" and slightly more extreme. So, how can one sum up what 'Norizon' sounds like? A riff based structure veiled in a thin cover of darkness with - despite avoiding the 'melodic' description - much in common with bands who cross Peaceville Three doom/death with doom/black. Examples include the aforementioned Apostate as well as Mythological Cold Towers, Syrach and Otkroveniya Dozhdya. But, with the exception of Syrach, neither of those bands add the slightly twisted and sick touch that Marche Funèbre add to their music. I've done a lot of name-throwing in this review but I would caution the reader not to think of the band as copycats. Indeed, the band does belong grouped among those I've mentioned, but the bands who make up this corner of the doom metal world all seem (to me) to enter it from different directions and usually because the taste of the different bandmembers diverge. Personally I consider 'Norizon' to be a very respectable debut with high quality musicianship and lots of promise. |
| Tracklist : 1. The March 2. The Silent watcher 3. Benighted 4. On Wings of Azrael Duration : Approx. 29 minutes. Visit the Marche Funèbre bandpage. |
