What’s in a name? Are you the type to disregard a metal band due to a dubious moniker? Germany’s Fvneral Fvkk would probably fit into the category if you were so inclined to feel that way. Is this a lo-fi piss-take black metal act or novelty metal band? If you thought you had the band pinned before delving in, you were probably dead wrong, both on what Fvneral Fvkk are about stylistically, and the astounding quality of the work within. Fvneral Fvkk play a meaty, muscular and melancholic style of doom, riddled with despondency, heavy and disturbing subject matter, and hooks that penetrate deep into your tortured soul and refuse to let go. I stumbled across their debut EP Lecherous Liturgies a couple of years back and was impressed by the brief two song effort. Now locked and loaded with a debut LP under their belts, Fvneral Fvkk deliver of their potential in a big fucking way.

Comprised of underground scene veterans, Fvneral Fvkk take a deadly serious approach to their craft. Carnal Confessions is a sorrowful, haunting and highly addictive opus of epic magnitude, an album with a deeply immersive and shattering emotional core that gets under the skin in a bleak yet wonderful way. Lyrically themed around the disturbing sexual abuse sins from members of the clergy, Fvneral Fvkk use their hefty blend of epic, traditional and modern doom tropes in darkly expressive ways, condemning the vile acts that have occurred against the innocent and voicing their disdain towards the church. Powerfully constructed and consistently gripping album from start to finish, Carnal Confessions is an album that stays with you long after the haunting final notes subside.

Ominous and disturbing opening intro “Omnia Ad Dei Gloriam” feeds into the chunky riffs and mournful leads of “Chapel of Abuse,” an early showcase for the album’s addictive, ironclad riffage, pounding rhythm section, and soulful, stately cleans of singer Cantor Cinaedicus. The one-two gut punch of “A Shadow in the Dormitory” and “Alone with the Cross” are harrowing melodic doom beasts with killer all round performances and some of the most striking melodies and addictive hooks of the year. Shorter than the generally epic lengths of most tracks, “The Hallowed Leech” is a riffy delight with sombre lead work and another showstopping vocal performance. There’s nothing on the album that represents a misstep or weak link, the impressive opus coming to a suitably dark, gloomy and strikingly melodic note on closer “When God is Not Watching.”

Despite the constantly dreary tone and heartbreakingly emotive mood, I don’t find the album a slog to get through or the kind of depressive listen that can deter high rotation. The addictive melodies and simple power of the sturdy riffs consistently grip, especially when coupled with Cantor’s striking vocal melodies and the often lengthy yet dynamically structured and engaging compositions. The rhythm section lays down a mighty foundation, but special mention goes to guitarist Decanus Obscaenus for his elegant, no-frills performance and seemingly endless supply of addictive riffs and tear-jerking melodic embellishments. Complimenting the excellent song-writing is the excellent production. Carnal Confessions sounds huge and is a beautifully rendered mix of almighty heft, breathable dynamics and overarching warmth and clarity.

Carnal Confessions is not only a highlight for the 2019 doom scene, but a towering release that stands imposingly alongside the cream of the metal crop of the year. Fvneral Fvkk may have fooled some listeners with their chosen moniker, yet make no mistake, Carnal Confessions packs a wallop and is an essential slice of gut wrenching doom.

[Visit the band's website]

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