Yeah okay, might be stupid to review an old demo after the band have already released their debut full length album 'Genocide Ad Nauseam' (2004). However, 'Hategifted', Funeral Feast's (FF from now on) fourth demo, includes songs released nowhere else.

'God Pronounced Dead' starts with an dark intro not featured on the debut album version. Soon the song explodes into death metal with black metal influences. That's what FF basically do, and do it with taste, because their music is memorable. First four songs are more on the fast side, while the first exclusive song, 'Sadistic Lovesong (Secret of the Meadows)', is a slow-paced piece and while not crap, still not as good as the first four. 'Born To Blaspheme' and 'Embracing the Winds of Fire' make their second appearance, since the two featured on the previious demo, 'War-torn' (2001). More on the black metal side, especially the latter. 'Exitus' is an atmospheric outro. The songs featured on the debut also are much better on it, simply because they sound way more punishing while there's no much of differencies in the compositions.

The production is thin, very demo-style, which might appeal to black metal people more than to death metallers. Rhythm guitar is heavy (I mean in this context) while there's more black-style leads. Drums are more death metal with pounding bass drum and thick snare. It's nice to hear the bass, too. Vocals come from both worlds, with demonic screams and low growls. Some clean vocals add dark aura. The demo comes with color-printed cover and lyrics (at least my copy had 'em printed on A4).

A must for FF fanatics, of course, but now as the debut album is out, others should grab it. I really mean it; if you enjoy some punishing blackish death metal, you really should grab 'Genocide Ad Nauseam'. You won't be disappointed.

Reviewed by Lane
07/01/2004 16:34