Funebre - Children of the Scorn (1991/2004)

Funebre was a short lived band from Turku, Finland who among Abhorrence, Xysma and Belial were more than likely the very first death metal band to rise out of Finland having formed as early as 1988. From '89 through '90 they released two demos and an EP before releasing their debut, 'Children of the Scorn' through Spinefarm Records, which happened to be just the second album on the label too. Personally I own this 2004 re-release, which has an alternate cover as well as the aforementioned two demos included.

Funebre

Barring the much more custom atmospheric intro track, Funebre brings on the punishment early as 'Waiting for Arrival' plows out of my speakers in that classic early 90's death metal style we (well, most of us) know so well before moving towards a doom-death metal sound and back again. If truth must be spoken Funebre had a darker sounding approach though they still crafted frantic remorseless death metal, which may very well have influenced both Incantation and Immolation as well as hordes of others. The occasional inclusion of sound effects are also present to add a chilling sense to their work, as well a few flashy solos, which shred pretty hard, but may very well been influenced by producer Timo Tolkki's presence and some thrashier parts are to be found on this record that up the intensity and make things all the more crazy. Keyboards are also included to enhance the darkened mood further and are used fully as an interlude on the song, 'Spirits Bewail.'

Both guitarists have a heavily distorted and nasty tone to their weapons that attack relentlessly throughout this ten song thirty eight minute album, while the drummer shows off his moves quite well and doesn't rely entirely on blastbeats to get the job done. Even with the old school production the bass guitar is still decently heard and even has a few moments of rumbling brilliance while the vocalist unleashes guttural roars that were definitely among the most brutal at the time.

The demo material, although slightly rough in production, shows a band trying to figure out their sound, but even through these eight songs we see a band with a lot of promise, which was obviously fulfilled by '91. Curiously Funebre seems far more chaotic during their demo days and the vocals are even more deep.

Although Funebre has their status as the first or one of the first Finnish death metal bands it seems like they've always been in the shadows and that could be because the album wasn't re-released until 2004 or simply because not a single member of this band went on to other projects. Nevertheless, 'Children of the Scorn' is an enjoyable dosage of early 90's death metal and since the album was re-released again last year it should be fairly easy to track down.