After a redefinition of what Doom Metal would be in the future during the 90's, many subgenres appeared. One of them is called Funeral Doom Metal, a gene that has no midterm: you'll love or hate a release with the same intensity. And let's say that the Romanian trio MOURNERS will cause it on those who listen to "Act I: Tragedies", their first release.

They can't be labeled simply as Funeral Doom Metal. It's clear that those funeral slow tempos and low grunts are presented on the album (as the genre can be said as a subdivision of Doom Death Metal), and with oppressive ambiences and a melancholic feeling as well. But the difference is that the trio seems to use some elegant elements from Gothic/Doom Metal as well is such oppressive and crude approach. And it works in a very good way. Besides the band still has to mature a bit more, they're in the right track, and did a very good work on their first coming.

Daniel N. mixed and mastered the album, and did a good work. The band prefers a clean and defined approach to express their musical work, so everything can be understood easily and with no further traumas, and the instrumental tunes were chosen wisely. Maybe an external producer could help them to improve a bit more next time.

The trio uses long songs to express their musical ideas, and maybe it can sound boring for those who aren't used to Funeral Doom Metal. But the crude energy and oppressive feeling of "The Way of Darkness" (very good keyboards and pianos parts contrasting with the harsh set of guitar riffs), the funeral melancholic touch shown on "Souls Breathing Nothingness" (the keyboards and vocals are fine, but maybe a not so low set of tunes on voices would be perfect for the band), and the elegant slow paced ambiences of "Ansu Enthroned" and "Journey in Fear" (both with good rhythmic work from bass guitar and drums) show their musical potential.

Of course, "Act I: Tragedies" is just their first release, but it points that MOURNERS can be a relevant name in the future.