I’ve hit a rash of Asian music of late having only recently discovered envy along with the likes of Vampillia, Tengger Calvary, Maximum the Hormone and even non metal like Radwimps.  However, Japan’s Funeral Sutra, like COHOL a couple of years ago, was recommended and sent to me by a long time teethofthedivine forum reader, and even features that member in it’s ranks on vocals.

Like the aforementioned COHOL, Funeral Sutra is metalcore/screamo with a dash of  black metal, so there are a few obvious nods to envy,  but Funeral Sutra is a little more brittle, and also add some atmospherics in the mix on this 4 song, 21 minute Sutra themed (“Emptiness”, “Hope”, “Time”, “Death”) release.

With a philosophical and  largely Buddhist theme based on the likes of Dogen, Deshimaru Taisen, Suzuki Shunryu, the music is expectedly artful and emotional, with jangly blast beats drenched with emotion and distant, pained screams. The production is somewhat thin with a gently throbbing bass in the background, but it suits the riffs and themes rather well. And some of the riffs are really good, envy styled, rending riffs such as the two standouts, the short but sweet “Hope Sutra” and the draining closer 7 minute closer ‘”Death Sutra” . 

Though a promising, teasing release, I would have really enjoyed some more full on ethnic atmospherics, like say Birushanah (speaking of which, when will we get another Birushanah album?)  to go with the Buddhist leanings as heard on the  throat singing on opener “Emptiness Sutra”  that combined with the heartfelt riffs, would really make these guys stand out as far more than an envy meets black metal band for hopefully future releases

[Visit the band's website]

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