Prepare to embark on a musical journey that will leave you contemplating the depths of human emotion and the mysteries of life's final chapter.
Lone Wanderer's Exequaie: A Funeral March for the Soul
In the realm of funeral doom, a genre that explores the very essence of death, Lone Wanderer emerges as a captivating force. Their latest offering, Exequaie, is a Latin term for 'funeral rites,' and it's an album that demands your attention and respect.
The band, with over a decade of experience, has finally found a home with High Roller Records, and their third album is a testament to their artistic vision. But here's where it gets controversial: they consider their 43-minute debut an EP! Their follow-up, The Majesty of Loss, is only slightly longer, leaving us to wonder about the fine line between an EP and an LP in this genre.
Exequaie is a beast of an album, clocking in at a whopping 72 minutes, and it's a journey that will take you through a range of emotions. From the gentle to the crushing, this album is a masterclass in funeral doom.
The opening track, 'To Rest Eternally,' is a 24-minute epic that showcases Lone Wanderer's ability to build tension and create an immersive experience. With deep, rumbling vocals and glacial drum beats, it's a slow burn that leaves an indelible mark. The song's melody develops gradually, like a funeral procession making its way through a foggy landscape.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Exequaie offers moments of tranquility and even a hint of hope. 'Anhedonia' is a prime example, with its memorable riffs and a journey through sorrow that ultimately leads to a peaceful closure. It's a song that guides you towards acceptance, a gentle reminder of the inevitability of death.
The album's religious undertones are hard to miss. From the tolling of bells in 'To Rest Eternally' to the mournful organs and arpeggios in 'Epistemology of the Passed,' Lone Wanderer creates a sacred atmosphere. The vocals of Bruno Schotten add to this, with his low, thunderous rumbles creating an omnipresent, god-like presence. The spoken word segments, often a nuisance in other genres, fit seamlessly here, adding an air of authority and formality to the proceedings.
While the album's length may be a challenge for some, it's a testament to the band's ability to craft exquisite compositions. 'Existence Nullified' and 'Epistemology of the Passed' offer brief moments of increased tempo, reminiscent of early Swallow the Sun, adding a layer of variety to the overall experience.
In the end, Exequaie is a masterpiece that transcends its genre. It's a soundtrack to life's final moments, offering a unique blend of melancholy, peace, and hope. So, don't be intimidated by its length; set aside some time, and let Lone Wanderer's music transport you to a place of calm and reflection.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Will you agree with this rating? Or do you think the album deserves a higher score? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the art of funeral doom!
