| From funeral skies (Demo) | 2002 | No Label |
This project chooses the difficult path of long-winded song structures, non-melodic leads, infrasonic deep grunts and unrelentingly slow tempo's. The three monolithic, lengthy tracks on this demo clock at about 42 minutes: 'nuff said. The minimal use of violin, organ and piano is a welcome addition to this monstrous heaviness, forcing the listener out of his lethargic mental state created by the omnipresent wall of sound. Moreover, the minimal use of (programmed) drums gives some times a drone feel to parts of the tracks. Also the ambient element is present here, especially in the mesmerizing, trance-like guitar lines that accompany those three compositions.
The Ethereal has definitely its own unique feel and mysterious essence. Yet, there are some resemblances to other underground doom deities, like f.i. Worship (because of the use of a continuously ongoing lead guitar) and Funeral 'Tristese' era (because of the long, nihilistic song structures). However, The Ethereal seems to be taking the limits of extreme doom even further.
These are exciting time for fans of unrelenting, extreme doom. Projects like The Ethereal, Until Death Overtakes Me, Black Beyond Void, Hierophant and Catacombs compete for the creation of the most extreme, unsettling and desolate music ever. Only time will show it this unholy quest shall lead somewhere or, like the music itself, shall vanish into emptiness, darkness and utter nothingness after a long, meaningless journey.
1. Beyond all dreams
2. Your creation
3. Wish
Approx. 42 minutes
| From Funeral Skies [Re-recording] (CD) | 2004 | None |
Originally everyone believed The Ethereal had one mysterious main member and that Stijn merely did guest vocals and violins on the album, and had lent his Templa Libitina studio for its recording. It later turned out that the ever illustrious Stijn was merely playing tricks on us, even doing a few interviews from the "mysterious guy's" perspective. Since then it has been silent around the project.
Enough looking into the past though, as The Ethereal is once again at large. Recently, Stijn, now revealed as the mastermind of yet another project, re-recorded 'From Funeral Skies' and one additional track, which now is the title track. The idea was, after a relative succes with Until Death Overtakes Me's release on Firebox Records, to get this album released as well. A deal with Totentroll Records was made, but sadly the release has never seen the light of day so far.
And that is a pity. I was already greatly impressed with the cold, bleak style of the original, but that feeling is multiplied several times over on this reworked version. The elements praised in the above review are all there, of course, but they all benefit greatly from the vast improvement in production that is present on the album. Everything, particularly the guitar, sounds clearer, and that only heightens the feeling that this music is meant to tear straight through you. Besides that, the different accompanying instruments such as piano and violin are more clearly distinguishable on the new version.
The addition of the title track is also a good thing. The new song pushes the album towards the 60-minute mark, which is always a good thing in doom. The song follows in suit with the rest of the tracks, but stands out clearly and makes the new version interesting to those who already own the original release.
This new version is definitely an improvement, compared to the older version, and by no means reduntant. I'd say the difference in quality is greater than is the case with many other re-releases.
As a last thought, I'd like to urge interested underground labels to pick this one up, as it will definitely make a fine release. This is one of the heaviest things Stijn has ever recorded, and definitely the most "doom-metal". Contact Stijn through his website at www.nulll-void.com.
[Reviewer's note: This album has now been signed, and will be officially released in late 2005 by Marche Funebre productions.]
1. Beyond All Dreams
2. Your Creation
3. Wish
4. From Funeral Skies
Approx. 58 minutes