Faal – Desolate Grief (Review)

Faal are a blackened doom band from the Netherlands and this is their third album.

Mixing elements of black and post-metal into their dark, atmospheric doom, this is grim, unfriendly music, but doesn’t lack in appeal because of this.

The funeral doom style can be heard in Faal’s sound, as well as elements of reflective post-metal. This is all wrapped up in a blackened influence that can almost always be felt in the background, (and occasionally more overtly), helping to coat the material in a patina of bleak decay and icy depression.

Rich, mournful melodies are used to really drive the suffering home. Piano and synths are included to add further depth to the music, concentrating on adding layers of despondency and sadness.

The songs are textured and expressive. The combination of heavy rhythm guitars, rich melodic leads, and background synths all work in collaboration to create compelling atmospheric doom.

With black metal’s virulent streak running through everything the songs have a dangerous edge to them in addition to the core misery-drenched heart of the band. This feeling is backed up by the monstrously inhuman growls and screams that form the main vocal delivery.

These songs are affecting and emotive, and have clearly been crafted by individuals that know a thing or two about the style. Desolate Grief is an aptly named and well-realised release, one that provides an immersive listening experience.

Very highly recommended.