Funebrarum Interview (Daryl Kahan)

Funebrarum is an American band that, since the late 90s, has always leaned towards that Finnish sound. What's curious about the band is that before 2010 they released two tremendous albums, which are considered gems by Death Metal collectors because they are difficult to find. The strange thing is that the band disappeared from the scene in terms of full-length releases after their last album in 2009. They are one of those bands that could have gone very far with their sound and a promising vision for the future. Sure, they released an EP in 2016, but that doesn't really indicate they were active in the scene. So now, after 17 years without a full-length release and 10 years since their last EP, we have their new studio album called "Beckoning the Void of Eternal Silence" released through Pulverised Records.  

Para leer la entrevista en español: Entrevista a Funebrarum 

Metallerium: Welcome Daryl to Metallerium pages, it’s a great pleasure to speak with you. Let’s start asking how are you? And how is the band during these days for the release of the new album  

Funebrarum: Hello Metallerium, I am doing well thank you. The band is looking forward to our album’s release date on May 29th. A lot of work culminating to this point. We look forward to finally sharing the album with the world and getting back on tour.  

Metallerium: It’s been 17 years since The Sleep of Morbid Dreams. What was the "spark" that finally made the timing right for a third full-length album, and how does it feel to finally break the silence with Beckoning the Void of Eternal Silence?  

Funebrarum: The line-up who played on “Sleep of Morbid Dreams”, dissolved shortly after the album’s release due to members moving away to different states (in the US.). It was my intention to continue the band but formed other bands and projects during this hiatus, including Disma and Darkened. In 2016, I found younger musicians interested in playing Death Metal in our vein, who are skilled and have the work ethic needed. We all have other bands and projects but it is now time for Funebrarum to return.    

Metallerium: Though the album is being released in May 2026, it was reportedly recorded back in 2019. What led to the decision to wait until now to unleash it, and how does it feel to finally see these songs reach the public?  

Funebrarum: Several factors contributed to the delay, including the pandemic, caring for older family members, corporate jobs, other bands etc... Ultimately, I took my time with the oil paintings and layouts for "Beckoning the Void of Eternal Silence”. It feels great. To finally have it released. We have received positive feedback on our two singles released last month. The album, as a whole, is our darkest and most dynamic. We are proud of the infernal work.    

Metallerium: Over nearly two decades, the Death Metal scene has changed drastically. How do you feel Funebrarum’s sound has evolved (or remained intentionally primal) compared to your early days in the early 2000s?  

Funebrarum: I haven’t checked out many newer Death Metal bands lately but will. Funebrarum, in my opinion, have remained true to our roots and the essence of the band. We play what comes natural to us and what we want to hear since 1999. Heavier, darker, faster and more atmospheric. I have a solo-project brewing, which will satisfy the desire for those elements.  

Metallerium: Since the band members are now spread across different cities and even continents, how did you manage the songwriting process for the new record? Did the distance add a new layer of "coldness" or "isolation" to the music?

Funebrarum: Our current and definitive line-up has existed since 2017. We wrote the album over several writing sessions in Portland, Oregon, NYC, NJ and while on tour in Europe and in Mexico. I would not say so, regarding cold isolation, we knew what needed to be done and did it.  

Metallerium: The current lineup features heavy hitters like Phil Tougas and Charles Koryn. What do these musicians bring to the table that helped define the atmosphere of the new tracks?  

Funebrarum: They were not heavy hitters when they joined but given the time that has past, they are now more well-known, which is great. Both guys as well as the other members of Funebrarum are highly skilled and suited to the band. Everyone in the band brought something to the table on our new album, which is best, in my opinion.  

Metallerium: The new record features guest leads from Patrik Fernlund of the legendary Swedish band Gorement. How did this collaboration come about, and what do you think his style adds to the Funebrarum "sepulchral intensity"?  

Funebrarum: In 2003, I came up with the idea of releasing a discography CD of Patrik’s old band Gorement. I designed and mastered the CD entitled “Darkness of the Dead”. After the CD, we remained friends. When it came time to record our Funebrarum album, I approached Patrik with the idea to contribute a few leads on the album, which he did. His leads are brilliant and add a great dimension to the two tracks he played on. We aim to have Patrik join us on stage when we next play in Sweden.  

Metallerium: "Anhela Odor Mortuorum (The Adepts)" was recently revealed as a standout track. Can you walk us through the lyrical concept of this song and the "occult journeys" it describes?  

Funebrarum: For these lyrics, to our bassist’ Winslow’s song, I used my original concept for our album artwork which surrounds the interior of an occultist’s dark chamber in the 1800s, where a symbolic and extreme journey inward takes place, using ritual ceremonial magick, communing with the dead.  

Metallerium: Daryl, you’ve handled the paintings and design for the new album yourself. How important is it for the band to have a unified vision where the music and the art come from the same source?  

Funebrarum: I feel it is very important. I had a very specific idea for the album visually in relation to the music. Drawing, painting and designing layouts are things I still enjoy but only do it for our bands and a few friends. When designing for your own band, opposed to others, it can take longer than usual . If you are bothering to make and release an album, take the time to make it something worth remembering.  

Metallerium: Funebrarum is often cited as a pioneer of the "cavernous" and "pútrido" style of Death Metal. How do you feel about being "godfathers" to a sub-genre that has exploded in popularity during your hiatus?  

Funebrarum: That is Interesting. I am unfamiliar with the "pútrido" style haha.. Cavernous, ugg that is maybe something for the younger guys? For us, we play Dark Death Metal. No sub-genre needed. It is satisfying that people enjoy what we do, as a band.  

Metallerium: With recording sessions split between Portland, Oregon and Edison, New Jersey, how did you maintain a cohesive atmosphere? Was there a specific "sonic target" you and engineer Steven Di Acutis aimed for to capture that classic cavernous weight?  

Funebrarum: We tracked the drums and clean guitar stems in Portland. In New Jersey, we transferred the drum tracks to analog tape and re-amped all the guitars, vocals were recorded and additional leads, mixing were done at Sound Spa Studios in New Jersey. Myself, Winslow and Phil guided our producer Stephen, as too what we were looking for sonically and as a composition. I feel we achieved what we were going for.  

Metallerium: You’re set to perform at Kill-Town in Copenhagen this September. After such a long break from the stage, what kind of atmosphere are you aiming to conjure for the live audience?  

Funebrarum: We have performed at Killtown twice now over the years so in familiar territory. Expect our new album tracks performed live with more aggression and extremity, as well as a choice selection track list from our earlier records. Pure Death Metal Darkness!  

Metallerium: Now that the "seal is broken" with this new album, should fans expect a more active era for Funebrarum, or do you prefer to let the music emerge only when the time is absolutely right?  

Funebrarum: Yes a new era of Funebrarum. We will follow Killotwn with a month long European tour and are planning for Asia ,Australia etc..  

Metallerium: After 27 years since your formation in 1999, what keeps you motivated to continue "desecrating stages worldwide"? Is there a specific legacy you hope Funebrarum leaves behind for the next generation of Death Metal fans?  

Funebrarum: I suppose it is in our blood. We still live and breathe Death Metal, not simply as a passing phase for trendy youngsters but a WAY OF LIFE!! We still enjoy it playing music and are lifers in the Death Black Metal scene. There is a universe to explore within, creatively. We encourage younger fans and musicians to carry the torch and keep the flames of the Underground alive!  

Metallerium: Well, thank you very much for your time and this new record it is a great one. Congratulations on this. Do you wanna add something for your latin fans and Metallerium followers.  

Funebrarum: Gracias amigo! Hails to our friends and supporters in Latin America! We hope to play there one day. Mucho brutalico amigos. DIE HARD!!