I don’t know when or how it happened, but the universe has conspired to make 90s Death/Doom cool again. More and more bands are rehashing this clearly underrated style, and I welcome it with open arms. Bring back the era of alienated pain! Marche Funèbre isn’t new to the sorrow game. The band has been delivering for more than a decade, always offering what angsty Metalheads need, which is why I approached After the Storm with uncalled optimism. So, let’s see how this is going to hurt me!
Well, first of all, it’s going to hurt you how you like it, probably. I hate always summoning it, but My Dying Bride is the example to follow in this sub-genre, and After takes all the usual tropes of the style to its familiar places. However, it’d be honest to say that there’s not much crushing Doom here, but a clear sense of loss that mimics the melancholy shown by other bands like Officium Triste or Novembre (so, more MeloDeath). It’s not as inaccessible despite the tracks being fairly long; otherwise, it’d become Décembre Noir. Though I love that band too, I understand editing is a difficult art to master.
Luckily, I do feel After manages to balance memorable moments with a runtime that is acceptable. I didn’t feel the tracks dragged much, and that’s an achievement in a style where we all ponder our own misery a bit too long. Marche Funèbre remains committed to delivering a dynamic and almost catchy formula of Death/Doom that’s not afraid of using as many clean vocals as necessary to convey its message.
If you love this slow and depressing stuff, not much of what I say is going to deter you from binge-listening to this album as if it were 3:00 AM. However, I’d say After is safe in its approach and isn’t trying anything Death/Doom hasn’t seen before. Its extra vulnerability is appreciated, but I wouldn’t say it’s an album that defies expectations. It’s exactly what I wanted from my Death/Doom with Gothic details sprinkled over it. But if you don’t already love this genre, it won’t convert you to the angsty faith.
So, don’t fear the upcoming harsh seasons (if you live in the North; otherwise, enjoy life, mate!), because tons of new albums are ready to give you loyal companionship in the tough times to come. One of those is After the Storm, and though at first it might seem like it visits too many common places in Death/Doom, I found it enjoyable and easy to return to despite how sad everything about it is. It’s paradoxical how an album that is supposed to tear me to pieces actually cheers me up. We’re a masochistic bunch for sure!
Label: Ardua Music
Release date: 27 September, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MarcheFunebreDoom
Country: Belgium
Score: A cold and silent lake, or 3.5/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 