Wounded Funeral is a Shamanic Black Metal band from Canada, that was conceived in 2015 and located in Quebec. On May 25th, 2024, the band released their third studio album, Skaalp. The album was co-released with Satanath Records, Australis Records (Chile) and Futhark Records (Canada)
Introduction:
Wounded Funeral, Skaalp: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Skaalp
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Wounded Funeral and their album, Skaalp.
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Features aggressive riffs with a heavy atmosphere and melodic sections. It also includes additional sweeping keys and sorrowful flutes. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Vocals consist of whining, ferocious snarls, and screams, like some wild animal in the wilderness. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Intense and relentless assault of the drums, with blasting drum work and blast beats.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion: Black metal, all interwoven with shamanic and dark legends of the First Nations
As soon as the listener presses the play button, the opening song, Howling For Glory, welcomes the listener with warm melodic riffs, the sound of bones and spell casting, and chanting whippers. It follows suit with raw, heavy, aggressive instrumental and vocal serge, setting the stage for the album’s exploration of the concept of Skaalp.
As one embarks on their ‘Sharman journey’, a symbolic exploration of the album’s themes and sounds. The second piece, The Frozen Sun Ceremony, and the remaining five pieces, where Wounded Funeral, drag the listener into a world of Indigenous atmospheres and shamanic extreme metal.
As I delve into Wounded Funeral, I’m struck by its unique fusion of atmospheric black Metal from the United States, depressive black metal, and Norwegian black metal, all interwoven with shamanic and dark legends of the First Nations. This distinctive blend is sure to pique the interest of any black metal enthusiast.
The ‘dark legends of the First Nations’ refer to a rich and diverse collection of oral traditions, myths, and stories passed down through generations among the indigenous peoples of North America. These legends often explore themes related to creation, nature, spirits, heroes, and cosmic forces. For example, the typical emblem of the project revolves around the world of the great Wendigo, Skinwalkers, and The Thunderbird. These legends bridge the spiritual and natural worlds, conveying wisdom, warnings, and cultural values. They continue to inspire art, literature, and contemporary storytelling, preserving the rich heritage of First Nations peoples.
The sound quality for the recording is excellent and done in a modern, professional manner. The composition within the music and instrumentation are raw and unpleased, embodying the atmospheric and depressive elements that fans of this genre appreciate. Skaalp is a well-put-together and written release that would undoubtedly please atmospheric and depressive black metal fans, particularly those interested in exploring music with shamanic and Indigenous influences.
The instrumentation and devilmanship are not just well composed; they are solid and bleak, resonating with intense tones and an atmosphere that immerses you in the music. The guitar work is heavy and atmospheric, with moments of melodic sections, sweeping keys, and sorrowful flues. The drums drive the music with blasting drum work and blast beats.
The vocals, comprising whining, ferocious snarls, and screams, add a layer of intensity to the music. Every aspect of the music is dark, magical, and mystical, pulsating with the spirit of nations’ peoples, creating a vivid and captivating musical experience for the listener.
Wounded Funeral is the fruit of an art release that is more than black metal or extreme; this is something else, something of its own. This would satisfy fans of Wolves Of The Throne Room, Shining, Panzerfaust, Hate Forest, and Watain, as it shares similar atmospheric and depressive elements while also offering a unique blend of shamanic and indigenous influences.
The album comes to an end with the last two songs, Wiindigookaanzhimowin and Esprit Vengeur. The sixth track offers the listener over four minutes of atmospheric soundscape, tribal drums, whispers, and instrumental calls of ancient spirits. It concludes with an aggressive and melodic surge in the final piece, Esprit Vengeur, providing a perfect ending to Skaalp.
We want to give a shoutout to Satanath for letting us review Wounded Funeral and their album, Skaalp. Now, we’re going to wrap it up by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
You’re Listening to “Wolfden”
PlayThe Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins, our thoughts on Wounded Funeral and their album, Skaalp
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia: I was captivated by this release; the repeat button has become my new best friend. The band’s music skillfully captures an atmospheric soundscape with its raw and aggressive sound, delving into the dark legends of the First Nations. Kanibaal’s vocals are a forbidden fruit of art, sometimes embodying the music’s theme. This album has left a profound impact on me, and I believe it will do the same for any listener who appreciates the unique blend of musical styles and thematic elements it offers.
I encourage you to explore the album further, especially the fourth song, Wolfden. This track is a complex and intricate piece, blending various styles and moods to create a haunting yet exhilarating experience. (for some reason, Wolfden, gives me goosebumps and vibes of Mayhem’s song Freezing Moon). The vocals are intense, ranging from shrieking and roaring to wailing, adding to the overall captivating and mythical atmosphere.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The artwork perfectly captures the essence of the music and the lyrical theme. It’s mesmerizing and a fruit of art!
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Wounded Funeral, and their album Skaalp.
This concludes the Wounded Funeral, Skaalp review.
Track-Listing:
- Howling For Glory
- The Frozen Sun Ceremony
- Wakani
- Wolfden
- The Wrecking of the Crypts
- Wiindigookaanzhimowin
- Esprit Vengeur
Wounded Funeral is:
- Kanibaal – vocals, guitars bass, keys lyrics & artwork
- Sim Diamond – guitar solo (track 7)
- Myrdynn – drums
