I bet many of you know the story of Moby Dick that traumatized Ahab and eversince Ahab swore to lead this whale to its doom for all the suffering it caused him, yet the only doom that was lurking was his own and his men that followed him in this dreadful journey in the shadows of the sea, to finally find themselves in the depths of the ocean, in oblivion. But how would it seem to you if a funeral doom metal band covered musically and lyrically this story? I believe it would seem obscure to most of you, but not until you listen to Ahab's debut album, "The Call Of The Wretched Sea". All the answers lie in there and all the signs lead to only one conclusion, this German trio knows how to create overwhelming funeral doom that will strike you down to the lowest parts of the sea.
Have you ever sat in your back yard at night staring up at the stars when you suddenly come to the unfortunate realization that your life is completely pitiful and insignificant? What? You haven't? Then I assume you have never heard this album!
Funeral doom... that's that really boring genre with no face-melting solos and the guitars going too slow, right? Wrong! The name of the game here is atmosphere, and never have I heard a band set up such a perfect atmosphere. Being a man who generally appreciates ferocious riffs above anything else, the word "atmospheric" generally doesn't attract me to an album, but after hearing "The Call Of The Wretched Sea" my eyes were opened to a whole new power some music can have. The tranquil, yet ominous, grandiose guitar leads, interspersed with the occasional heavy chugging "heave-ho!" type rhythm based sections would have made a great instrumental album on its own, but it doesn't end there. Laced in between the fantastic guitar work is some grotesque (albeit fairly unremarkable) growls, and some Gregorian-chant like clean vocals, that both really do justice to the type of scenes they are trying to portray. Now lets not forget the drumming! Though it usually plays its part effectively, yet fairly predictably - slow and thundering, occasionally you'll hear some great speed put into the drum work, while managing to maintain the tempo at a crushingly depressing crawl.
Probably one of the most accessible Funeral Doom albums out there that somehow manages to lose none of it's crushing power. Very highly recommended, especially if you're not already familiar with the genre. Perfect mix between melody and extremity.
Probably one of the most accessible Funeral Doom albums out there that somehow manages to lose none of it's crushing power. Very highly recommended, especially if you're not already familiar with the genre. Perfect mix between melody and extremity.
Agreed. Doom is definitely not my top genre pick, but...well, I think my review for it says it all.
Surprisingly, I think that doom in general is a very demanding genre. You have very little means to keep listeners' attention. You can't flood them with solos, millions of riffs etc. It takes immense talent to create something truly riveting and engaging. Ahab excelts at that on both albums.
Easily among of 10 best doom bands that have ever graced the face of the earth.
Surprisingly, I think that doom in general is a very demanding genre. You have very little means to keep listeners' attention. You can't flood them with solos, millions of riffs etc. It takes immense talent to create something truly riveting and engaging. Ahab excelts at that on both albums.
Easily among of 10 best doom bands that have ever graced the face of the earth.
"The Hunt" - this song haunts me continuously for several days. I hear it everywhere - in the shop, in the cinema, while a lecture, in a toilet.. Am I going to crazy or is this music simply outstanding? Or maybe a both..
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