Band: Funeral Storm
Album: Chthonic Invocations
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Greece
Label: Hells Headbangers Records
Released: 10 May 2024
Introduction
Funeral Storm, a Greek black metal band, released their sophomore album, Chthonic Invocations, today. Active since 2002, according to Metal Archives, the band’s initial foray into the scene was a 2012 split record with Mortuus Sum, titled Inverted God. Their debut album, Arcane Mysteries, dropped in 2019—a release I unfortunately missed. Notably, the band features Stefan Necroabyssious from Varathron as their frontman and vocalist, a fact that adds a layer of anticipation for fans familiar with his work. The latter also goes for me. I’ve been listening to Varathron for many years now, and it’s one of my favourite Greek black metal bands.
Greek black metal, a longstanding and integral pillar of the genre, is celebrated for its distinctive sound. Since it’s been five years since Funeral Storm’s well-received debut, and Chthonic Invocations arrives with the promise of building on that foundation. But let’s see if that promise holds true.
About the Album
Chthonic Invocations delivers eight tracks, totaling 37 minutes of authentic Greek black metal. Here’s a glance at the track list:
- Whispers from the Beyond (Intro)
- Behold the Dark
- The Void
- Funeral Pyre
- The Epitaph of the Dead
- The Covenant of Old
- Mistress of the Night (The Gathering Begins)
- The Calling of the Father
Expect a classic Greek black metal experience when you first spin this record. The album kicks off with an intro, Whispers from the Beyond, which crafts an ominous atmosphere with eerie whispers that, and that eerie feeling bleeds into the subsequent tracks. That eerie feeling that’s what I like most about Greek black metal, for me, they are the masters of it. Perhaps it’s the ancient Greek blood that ruins through their veins, but it works, that’s for sure.
Album Highlights
The third track, The Void, stands out with its guttural vocal onset and relentless, trance-like drumming—creating an immersive atmosphere. Fans of Varathron will recognize Stefan’s distinctive voice, but his vigorous delivery adds a fresh dynamic that enhances the album’s appeal.
The album consistently offers atmospheric black metal tracks characterized by compelling riffs and powerful drums. The overall ambience is almost ritualistic, complemented fittingly by the album’s artwork.
Conclusion
Chthonic Invocations is a solid recommendation for enthusiasts of Greek black metal seeking a straightforward, no-frills approach. The album boasts a well-crafted atmosphere and coherent structure. Looking ahead, one can only hope it won’t take another five years for Funeral Storm to release their next creation.
BMZ rating: 7 out of 10
You can listen to the album by clicking the video below, or you can support the artist by buying the album, which can be done via the Bandcamp link (below the video).
Support the artist here: https://funeralstormgreece.bandcamp.com/album/chthonic-invocations
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