Funeral Nation ‎"After The Battle" CD

The band's first full-length album released in 1991.

By the year 1991, thrash metal had nearly burnt itself out. Having reached its climax between 83 and 89, the number of classic albums remained few and far between in the times that followed. Sure, there were a number of classics after 89, but as a whole, the genre produced very little in the way of lasting material. Simply put, the well of ideas had run dry. Death metal became the “norm” for extreme metal, and many of the classic thrash albums released in the early 90’s had elements of death metal to breathe new life into the dying art form (see Demolition Hammer).
Funeral Nation is a relatively obscure black/thrash band from Chicago that apparently split due to numerous internal conflicts. The band didn’t receive much exposure: lack of originality and a flooded genre was no doubt the culprit. However, Funeral Nation did produce a solid effort with After the Battle-solid, though not phenomenal. Funeral Nation decided to follow in the footsteps of bands like Slayer (early) and Infernal Majesty, incorporating viscous, satanic material, and dark riffs to produce a satisfying album, that nevertheless falls short of its classic predecessors.
The title track sets the stage for this dark thriller-a slightly under produced somewhat primitive collection of evil riffs and Discharge style drum patterns. Immediately, two things become apparent. First, the guitars; while delivering (basically) in the thrash riff category, lack punch and seem too muddy-basically, the guitars are not heavy enough to install feelings of being sonically raped. Had this album been released in 1984, the flaw would not be so obvious. Second, the listener will no doubt have an overwhelming feeling of déjà vu. No, it’s not the fact that a thousand thrash albums came before After the Battle-something different is amidst.
When the barking vocals kick into gear, realization takes effect. The title track sounds a lot like one of the godfathers of extreme metal-Venom. Funeral Nation pay homage to the classic British band in style; however, when the massive thrash break snaps the neck, it become obvious that Funeral Nation is a lot more technical and precise (not to the level of Devastation or Sepultura though). “In God We Trust” has a nice, semi-catchy chorus of mockery towards all that claim to be “holy.” A few scattered riffs break the Venom-like trend, offering a style more akin to early Razor or Exciter. Funeral Nation seems to have their ducks in a row when it comes to influence, but they lack a certain identity of their own.
The entire album is played in a competent manner, with decent solos and fitting vocals to the genre. Unlike many thrash albums, the bass guitar is audible, giving After the Battle a somewhat unique flavor. The drumming is “stock,” with standard thrash beats and slower, driving patterns during the breaks. Lyric wise, Funeral Nation spews hatred towards Christianity like a satanic pep rally. In terms of blatant violence and anti-social ranting, After the Battle delivers lyrically.
All in all, After the Battle is simply not good enough to compete with the likes of “Torment in Fire” or “Hell Awaits”-even forgetting the fact the album came 5 or 6 years too late. The album does deserve a pretty good rating for the band’s spirit and excellent combination of classic influence. Subtle changes in tempo from speedy attack to orgasmic moshing prevent the album from slipping into boredom. After the Battle makes a fine addition to any thrash collection.

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...