This is the debut album from German doom metal band Fvneral Fvkk.

Fvneral Fvkk play darkly epic doom metal that’s heavy, melodic, and big on emotive depth. Featuring a member of the mighty Ophis, the band have outdone themselves with their songwriting, delivery, and overall quality of this album.

Wreathed in funereal vibes, melancholic to the core, and full of sorrow and woe, this is powerful music. It’s pure and true doom metal in many ways, although imagine this grafted with the mournful weight of My Dying Bride at their best, and you’ll begin to understand just how affecting the music on this superlative album can be. This is an exceptional exemplar of doom metal; Carnal Confessions takes all of the strengths of the style and discards any of the weaknesses.

Slow and deliberate, each of these songs knows exactly what it wants to do and does it extremely well. The tracks are instantly striking and memorable, but it’s over time that the crunchy riffs, effective songwriting, and flawless vocals really work their magic. Each song here is the type of song that would be a standout track on a weaker album, but here that high level of quality is the norm.

The vocals are the stars of the show, at least, they would be if the music wasn’t so good. They’re definitely worthy focal points, however. They consist of deep cleans that sound commanding and drip with emotion. The singer’s voice is the perfect accompaniment to the power of the music, never once letting the side down in any quarter.

Well, what an unexpectedly stunning album. I haven’t enjoyed doom metal this much since the amazing last album by King Goat. This is an unreservedly essential listen.