A bit different, STILL not for humans!
Michael E. Mitchell | Minocqua, WI USA | 04/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You may read other reviews saying how Funeral Mist (AKA main-man Arioch, AKA Mortuus, current vocalist of Marduk) SOLD OUT with "Maranatha". I defy these elitist whiners to listen to the previous "Salvation" and then this unexpected new release back-to-back and explain exactly WHY. "Salvation" hit the unwary listener like a too-large-to-wield warhammer; now we are prepared for what Funeral Mist sounds like, so in comparison "Maranatha" has a semblance of familiarity. That is THE only reason disdain can be cast upon it! I'll describe "Maranatha", trying to keep comparisons to "Salvation" to a minimum (though some comparisons will be necessary).
The album starts off with another Black Plague reference; Arioch has a great fondness for the Black Plague, and it continues throughout the album (as it does other albums he is involved with!). Though it may become redundant and cliche' within the context of his art, what subject could be more gruesome and apropos to Black MeTal? Except maybe WWII? You will hear all sorts of ripping MeTal riffs on this album, many of which have unexpected little nuances that some may not even notice at first (there is quite a lot going on, even within some seemingly "boring" or pedestrian parts). The most peculiar "White Stone" is the album's stand-out, if not best, track. Maybe it IS the 'best', but you will certainly notice the exceedingly odd structure of the song. What I feel to be the absolute nadir of the album is the centerpiece, "Blessed Curse", which drags on and on...and ON... for nigh unto 12 minutes, with little drama or change, showcasing a medicine-show preacher's fire and brimstone sermon that, like such prechers themselves, quickly becomes tiresome. HOWEVER, "Salvation" had a pointlessly long song on it, as well! This makes one appreciate the last 3 songs even more, perhaps it was a trick to make them sound more impressive...anyway, it works! In the end, you've gone though 53 minutes of Hell, as ugly as the unspeakably disturbing album cover.
This album does sound a wee bit different from "Salvation"; it has a more dry production; the guitars can be heard quite well, though there is a dark obscurity over the whole. The playing isn't "razor-sharp", but not sloppy and punkish, either. The instruments clearly portray what the songs were meant to. There are no blistering solos or maniacal drumwork here(the drumwork is a slightly noticeable step down from "Salvation", though the drumming on here is not crummy or anything)...the instantly identifiable thing about Funeral Mist is, of course, the vocals. Arioch sounds utterly demented, gargling thick bile and/or blood and vomiting it forth in the form of words. Sneering disdain for human sheep and then cackling hideously as they meet their deserved fate. There are a few more "noises" added to his arsenal on this; you must hear them to fully appreciate (or be disturbed by) them.
Here's a track listing, since there isn't one here on Amazon:
1)Sword of Faith 2)White Stone 3)Jesus Saves!(NOT the Slayer song!) 4)A New Light 5)Blessed Curse 6)Living Temples 7)Anathema Maranatha 8)Anti-Flesh Nimbus (cool, huh?).
This is utterly disturbing Black MeTal, especially for those who are not accustomed to the darkness it can ultimately be. Though there are some unusual elements on here, it is NOT "progressive" and it is by no means minimalistic, either. There is quite a bit of variety on here, different tempos, etc, but the entire thing comes together and works as a whole...yet another journey back to the gleeful frolicking that was the Black Plague.
"
Not another Salvation, which is great.
Michael Wood | Colorado, USA | 12/05/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't let the above statement fool you. Salvation is what got me into Funeral Mist. It is indeed an incredible album. But, the hype surrounding Maranatha was that people were expecting and wanting an exact follow up to the debut. I ask.....why? If you want to listen to Salvation, then listen to the actual album. This addition takes Salvation and simply evolves from that initial paiting, creating something new, adding different colorings and hues, but retaining and not sacrificing the originality that we first heard. Some of the greatest vocals EVER placed on any black metal record, along with fantastic drumming, and more 'ambience' like Salvation offered. All in all, another incredible album from the one man genius of Sweden.
On a sidenote, if you find yourself being rather impressed by Arioch, then DO NOT hesitate to track down the two most recent Marduk albums. I myself could have cared less for any Marduk album because they were a non-stop borefest to me. However, both ROM 5:12 and Wormwood (which just came out this year) have Arioch on vocals, and the listener will definitely be able to tell he not only contributed vocally, but musically as well. That's why I can be satisfied when listening to any of the four albums mentioned above and be in complete black metal ecstasy.
"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
