The Funeral Portrait: For The Dearly Departed (2014) EP Review

Today I bring you a sensationally beautiful album For the Dearly Departed by The Funeral Portrait. I have so many wonderful things to say about this EP! From the chilling, crisp, powerful vocals to the creepy, sizzling music, this album delivers a masterpiece of lyrical genius.

The five piece rock band has signed with North Carolina record label Revival Recordings (owned by Shawn Milke of Alesana). For the Dearly Departed is the band’s debut with the label. It’s a short and sweet six song EP produced by Mike and engineered/mixed by Neil Engle at Adelaide Recording Studios in Raleigh.

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[Editor’s Note: We are well aware that we shone a less-than-favorable light on The Funeral Portrait earlier today, however, that was more of a reaction to the comment made by another music journalist. We never said that this band was no good. Also, we embrace varying opinions from our writers.]

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When the EP launches on September 23rd the band will be on the Chaos Is A Ladder tour with sensational acts Alesana, Megosh, and The Things They Carried.

The band consists of Lee Jennings on vocals, Juergie Landstrom on guitar and vocals, AJ Pekarek on guitar, Chris King on bass, and Stephen Danzey on drums. The band is based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

I’m giving For the Dearly Departed five skulls all the way! What I look for in rock is creativity, originality, and passion, and this band delivers all of that in spades. Vocalist Lee Jennings stands out for me, but vocals are my weak spot. I love the vocal range, the raw emotion, and the blending of harsh and rough screamo. The band holds true in blending rock and roll, heavy metal, and theater opera antics. I love the dramatic feel to the songs. As an avid lover of the theater and opera, I find myself taken into a high-paced journey in every song.

Strong emotions have always fueled music, and with this album specifically I feel so much loss and grief, which is very reminiscent of operas, but it’s delivered in such a hauntingly beautiful manner you don’t completely realize you are listening to such a sad message. The album reminds me of Saosin, and older Alexis on Fire. I am also brought into tones influenced by strong opera-metal bands such as Nightwish.

You can keep up with The Funeral Portrait on Facebook.

The Verdict:

I get goosebumps listening to the music, and I absolutely recommend that you go get this EP as soon as it’s released. It’s hands down the best short burst of passionate musical creativity I’ve heard all year. I cannot wait to see what else this extremely talented group comes up with next. They are going places. Keep your eye out for my interview with the band coming very soon.