Roaring in the New Year

No Rest For The Wicked

The New Year opens not so much with a bang as with a blood-curdling roar followed by a massive explosion. Cincinnati, Ohio natives, Rose Funeral, will be releasing their first full length studio album in time for the President Obama’s Inauguration, next Tuesday.

Rose Funeral have quite an established following since releasing their first demo, in 2006. They spent most of the last 2 years touring in support of their EP ‘Crucify Kill Rot’ before going into the studio to record ‘The Resting Sonata’.

‘The Resting Sonata’ is a collection of eleven violent, powerful, technically complex Metal tracks, punctuated with the shrill screams and demonic roars of vocalist Tim Russel. The subject matter and song titles alone are enough to garner controversy, and seem designed for shock value.

But beyond the obvious pandering to the all-important outcast demographic, this album’s music is mighty and intense, demonstrating a love of the genre as well as a respect for the elements that define Metal excellence.

The only real flaw is the unoriginal lyrical content; we’ve heard these particular rants and raves before. Granted, it may be hard to explore new ground within the Metal genre, but obvious talents such as Rose Funeral are hampering themselves by making safe choices.

Still, as a whole ‘The Resting Sonata’ is well worth listening to and is a great start to 2009. Watch out for this band; they’re going to make some waves.

Rose Funeral: The Resting Sonata
Metal Blade
Steve’s Rating: 8/10