Norway’s Funeral have long stood as one of doom metal’s most genuine voices, and with Gospel of Bones, drummer and founder Anders Eek takes that honesty to its rawest form. Written in isolation and rooted in personal loss, the album feels like an emotional autobiography set to music – heavy, heartfelt, and painfully real. We spoke with Anders about turning grief into sound, keeping Funeral’s spirit alive after three decades, and why doom metal still speaks the truest language of sorrow.
Hi Anders! What does the title Gospel of Bones mean to you personally? How did it evolve from your own life experiences?
It’s a deeply personal autobiography, and deals with different topics related to loss and sorrow. The english lyrics are non linear and depict different scenarios of the story. The Norwegian lyrics are linear and tell the essence of all the English lyrics.
You’ve described this album as a personal autobiography. What has been the hardest part of turning such personal pain into a public expression?
The work process itself. Re-opening of old wounds, and doing my best in composing music to the said topics. It was sometimes heartwrenching and really pushed me to another level emotionally.
The lyrics on Gospel of Bones are deeply personal. How do you hope fans will connect to your own experiences?
Its emotions and experiences that everyone will encounter during their lives. Maybe my music and lyrics can help people understand them better, and find some kind of comfort in that you are not alone.
Do you see Gospel of Bones as a form of closure for past struggles, or is it part of a larger journey you’re expressing through your music?
Its none of the kind I believe. I never really plan what to write. I follow my instincts, and this time around this story felt like being told again on a much more personal level than previous. One gets older. One harvests more sorrows and burdens. I also wanted to invite the listener into something genuine from my personal life. It gives more meat to the bone I believe.
Do you think doom metal creates a unique space for both artists and listeners to explore these darker aspects of life?
Certainly more natural because of the heaviness and melancholy within the music. I think the lyrics should reflect the music and vice versa in all aspects, all genres. For me it’s just obvious truths.
One instrumental track features only the Harding fiddle and church organ, creating a somber, almost sacred feel. What inspired you to focus on these particular instruments, and what atmosphere were you hoping to create?
A little breather halfway through the record, plain and simple. And the love for instrumental classical folk music and church organ. I find that to be very spiritual. We finally could record something like this after recruiting Sareeta as a violin player.
Guest musicians Øyvind Rauset from Folque and Espen Ingierd from Beyond Dawn brought their own backgrounds into the mix. How did their perspectives shape the album’s final sound?
Well, they both have their very own style, competence and uniqueness, which certainly shines through on the album. I am a fan of both their bands, and wanted them to do something in that vein, but make it sound like Funeral. I am very satisfied with the result and think they both really pulled that off.
With Eirik Krokfjord’s classical training, did you encounter any challenges or surprising synergies blending operatic vocals with Funeral’s doom style?
The entire recording process went very smooth. There were some issues with the sheer volume of his voice regarding where the mic should be in the room, technical issues like that. Artistically flawless.
This album was largely composed during the pandemic. How did that period of isolation shape the themes and creative direction of Gospel of Bones?
It gave me a lot of time and space to really dig deep within myself and get the true emotions channelled. I could go into my bubble and really stay there for days. Because of that I could use the momentum and not ruin it by daily logistics.
Songwriting has been a constant for you, even in difficult times. How has writing helped you work through struggles, especially while making Gospel of Bones?
It’s a perfect way for me to channel hard emotions. To get things out of the system, down on paper and onto a record never to be seen again 😉 No really, when I am done with an album I am DONE. And of course having so much time on my hands during lock-down I was able to come up with stronger material I believe. One should remember that every song has about 10 different versions. I also wrote a lot of songs that did not appear on “GoB” that we are working on now for our next release.
You’ve worked with Børge Finstad at Toproom Studio for years. How has this collaboration shaped Funeral’s sound?
Its great! He is both very competent and a fan, really, and knows me and my work very well. And he is very good at communicating. So we had long calls during the night.( I was not present in studio for GoB) He has his own way of working, his own dogma. Using both very old crappy speakers, headset, fantastic speakers etc. He’s a sound nerd, really. And humble.
Loss has deeply influenced Funeral’s music. How has grief impacted the way you approach composition and storytelling, especially with this album?
When one plays in a band called Funeral, it sort of lays it out in the card. The bandname should reflect the music and lyrics. As mentioned, this particular album is a very personal one. I had the time and effort, and momentum, to really dig deep, so yes, it definitely impacted GoB for sure.
Looking back, how has Funeral’s sound evolved since those early days in Drammen?
Not very much I think. It’s the same basis, same emotions.Only with 30 more years in my life, and thus more experiences. Of course being a bit more competent as a musician and composer is probably the one thing one could hear. Hopefully!
Funeral has endured lineup changes, industry challenges, and personal tragedies. What has motivated you to keep the band going through it all?
Passion for playing, writing and composing.
What about Gospel of Bones do you think will resonate most with long-time fans, and what aspects might surprise them?
It’s a very different vocal approach, which probably old fans could find challenging. But it should come as no surprise really, as we have played with it earlier, at least with female singers. I think the riffing and drumming is the backbone of all our albums. And I sincerely hope fans will acknowledge that.
Where do you see Funeral heading next? Thank you for your time!
New album in the loop. About 10 songs. This time around also featuring Espen Ingierd on 2 tracks. And even more gigs abroad. We are playing in the UK and Italy next year, and hopefully many more countries. Come and weep with us.
https://orcd.co/funeralgospelofbones
https://www.facebook.com/funeralnorway/
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