Old Funeral Members, Gear & Sound

Old Funeral was a seminal Norwegian metal band, originating from Bergen and active primarily from 1988 to 1992. Known for their raw and aggressive sound, Old Funeral played a critical role in the early Norwegian metal scene, bridging the gap between death metal and the burgeoning black metal movement. The band notably included members who would go on to form or join influential acts such as Immortal and Burzum. Key members included Olve "Abbath" Eikemo (vocals, bass), Harald "Demonaz" Nævdal (guitar), Jørn Inge Tunsberg (guitar), and Varg "Count Grishnackh" Vikernes (guitar), with Padden (vocals, drums) and Tore Bratseth (guitar) also contributing to their limited but impactful discography. Despite their brief existence, Old Funeral's legacy in the metal community remains significant due to the later achievements of its members.

Old Funeral's sound is characterized by its uncompromisingly raw and aggressive sonic profile, embodying the unpolished intensity that defines early death and black metal. The band's music features fast, tremolo-picked guitar riffs and blistering, high-speed drumming, creating a relentless auditory assault. To emulate this sound, musicians should focus on distorted guitar tones, achieved through high-gain amplifiers and overdrive effects, to capture the gritty and abrasive guitar textures. The bass lines in Old Funeral's recordings are typically deep and driving, supporting the chaotic guitar work with a powerful low end. The drum work is frenetic and dynamic, often utilizing blast beats and rapid double-kick patterns to enhance the intensity. Overall, Old Funeral's sound can be recreated by prioritizing raw energy and speed, channeling the unrefined vigor that defined the early Norwegian black and death metal scenes.