Funeral doom, a subgenre of doom metal, is known for its slow tempos, heavy atmosphere, and mournful, crushing sound. It blends the melancholic elements of traditional doom with an emphasis on despair, darkness, and an almost haunting slowness that is at the core of the genre. The music often features low, rumbling guitars, slow drumming, and guttural vocals that convey an overwhelming sense of grief and desolation. Funeral doom has gained a loyal following since its inception in the early ’90s, and many of its most iconic tracks have become staples for fans of extreme metal. In this article, we will explore 12 funeral doom tracks that highlight the depth and emotional power of the genre.
12 Essential Funeral Doom Tracks You Can’t Miss!
1. Skepticism – “The March and the Stream” (1996)
Skepticism’s “The March and the Stream” is a defining track in the funeral doom genre. From their Stormcrowfleet album, this song captures the essence of funeral doom with its slow, plodding rhythm and crushing heaviness. The song begins with a solemn organ melody that sets a somber tone, followed by deep, resonant guitar riffs and low, guttural vocals. The track’s slow progression adds to its haunting atmosphere, as it builds to moments of intense sorrow. The track’s melancholic nature perfectly represents the themes of grief and despair that are central to the funeral doom style.
2. Evoken – “Embrace the Emptiness” (2005)
“Embrace the Emptiness” by Evoken is a mournful journey that showcases the band’s mastery in funeral doom. From their Quietus album, the track features a slow, crushing guitar riff that resonates with despair. The vocals are deep and guttural, adding to the track’s funeral-like atmosphere. The drumming is deliberate and methodical, reflecting the overwhelming sense of doom in the music. As the song progresses, the melancholic riffs slowly evolve, giving the song a sense of both desolation and beauty. “Embrace the Emptiness” is a prime example of how funeral doom can evoke deep emotion through its heaviness and slowness.
3. Ahab – “The Hunt” (2009)
Ahab’s “The Hunt,” from their The Giant album, combines funeral doom with a nautical theme, drawing inspiration from Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. The song opens with a deep, rumbling bassline and slow, steady drums that lay the foundation for the rest of the track. The vocals are guttural and haunting, delivering a sense of both anger and sorrow. As the song progresses, the band introduces atmospheric elements that enhance the sense of melancholy, while still maintaining a crushing heaviness. “The Hunt” is a slow, epic journey through sound, capturing the essence of both the ocean’s vastness and the crushing despair of the protagonist.
4. Loss – “To Weep Once More” (2011)
Loss’s “To Weep Once More” is a sorrowful anthem of loss and mourning. From their Despond album, the song is marked by its slow pace and heavy atmosphere. The song begins with a mournful guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track, accompanied by deep, guttural vocals. The lyrics explore themes of grief and regret, with each note adding to the feeling of sorrow. As the track progresses, the band weaves in moments of desolation, building toward an intense, emotionally charged climax. “To Weep Once More” is a deeply emotional piece that exemplifies funeral doom’s ability to convey sadness through music.
5. My Dying Bride – “The Cry of Mankind” (1995)
My Dying Bride’s “The Cry of Mankind” is a classic in the funeral doom genre. The song opens with a slow, somber guitar riff that is both haunting and beautiful. The vocals, a mix of growls and clean singing, deliver lyrics that reflect themes of longing, suffering, and despair. The track’s deliberate pacing and heavy atmosphere draw listeners into a world of mourning and loss. The combination of crushing guitars, mournful melodies, and anguished vocals makes “The Cry of Mankind” a standout track in both the funeral doom and death-doom subgenres.
6. Bell Witch – “Mirror Reaper” (2017)
Bell Witch’s “Mirror Reaper” is an epic funeral doom track that clocks in at over 80 minutes in length, making it one of the longest tracks in the genre. From the Mirror Reaper album, the song’s slow, atmospheric buildup sets the stage for a journey through grief and despair. The haunting guitar work and somber drumming create an immersive atmosphere, while the sparse vocals add to the track’s meditative quality. The song’s slow, deliberate pace allows the listener to reflect on the themes of death, loss, and mourning as they unfold over the course of the track.
7. Funeral – “As the Light Does the Shadow” (2003)
Funeral’s “As the Light Does the Shadow” is a landmark track in the funeral doom genre, showcasing the band’s ability to blend crushing heaviness with a sense of atmosphere. From their In Fields of Pestilent Grief album, the song begins with a slow, ominous guitar riff that gradually builds in intensity. The vocals are deep and haunting, reflecting the sorrowful lyrics about despair and longing. The track’s slow, deliberate pace allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in its mournful atmosphere. “As the Light Does the Shadow” is an essential funeral doom track, representing the genre’s emotional and musical depth.
8. Saturnus – “I Am the Darkness” (2006)
“I Am the Darkness” by Saturnus is a track that defines the funeral doom genre with its haunting atmosphere and slow, crushing rhythms. From the Veronika Decides to Die album, the song opens with a mournful guitar melody that sets the tone for the track’s melancholic journey. The deep, growled vocals add to the sense of despair and loss, while the slow pacing allows the heaviness to resonate with each passing note. The song’s dark, introspective lyrics explore themes of existential crisis and hopelessness, making it an essential track for any funeral doom fan.
9. Tyranny – “The Descent” (2010)
Tyranny’s “The Descent,” from the album Tyranny, is a dark, atmospheric piece that highlights the genre’s ability to convey deep sadness and doom. The song opens with a slow, heavy guitar riff that sets the stage for the track’s unfolding atmosphere. The vocals are deep and guttural, conveying a sense of despair and hopelessness. The track’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of tension and release, as it progresses toward its sorrowful conclusion. “The Descent” is a masterful example of funeral doom, capturing the genre’s essence through its heavy, immersive sound.
10. Worship – “Doomed” (2015)
“Worship’s “Doomed” is a quintessential funeral doom track that emphasizes the genre’s slower tempos and dark atmosphere. From the Doomed album, the song begins with a slow, dirge-like riff that immediately sets a somber tone. The guttural vocals echo the despair expressed in the lyrics, creating a sense of existential dread. The song’s progression is slow and deliberate, with the music building intensity as it moves toward its bleak conclusion. “Doomed” is a standout track in the funeral doom genre, perfectly encapsulating the sorrow and despair that define the style.
11. While Heaven Wept – “The Drowning Years” (2010)
While Heaven Wept’s “The Drowning Years” is a beautiful yet sorrowful funeral doom track that captures the essence of the genre. From the album Fear of Infinity, the song begins with a mournful guitar line that sets a melancholic mood. The vocals, a combination of clean singing and growling, add emotional depth to the track. The slow, deliberate rhythm creates an atmosphere of both sadness and contemplation. “The Drowning Years” is a testament to the power of funeral doom to evoke deep emotion through its slow, heavy sound.
12. Mournful Congregation – “The Key to My Grave” (2011)
Mournful Congregation’s “The Key to My Grave” is an essential track in the funeral doom genre, known for its slow, oppressive atmosphere and devastatingly heavy sound. The song opens with a mournful, drawn-out guitar riff that sets the mood for the track’s dark journey. The deep, guttural vocals add to the sense of despair and hopelessness, while the track’s slow progression allows the listener to fully immerse themselves in its heavy, sorrowful atmosphere. “The Key to My Grave” is a defining moment for Mournful Congregation, showcasing their ability to create emotional depth through funeral doom’s slow, crushing heaviness.
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Conclusion
Funeral doom is a genre defined by its emotional depth and crushing heaviness. These 12 tracks represent the pinnacle of funeral doom, capturing the essence of the genre through their slow tempos, atmospheric soundscapes, and themes of despair and grief. Each song showcases the power of funeral doom to convey complex emotions through its heavy, mournful sound. For fans of doom metal, funeral doom offers an immersive experience, taking listeners on a journey through sorrow and loss. These tracks are essential listening for anyone looking to explore the darkest corners of the doom metal spectrum.
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