JESTERS OF DESTINY — Fun at the Funeral (review)

JESTERS OF DESTINY — Fun at the Funeral album cover Album · 1986 · Alternative Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Time Signature
God told me to...

Genre: very early alternative metal

Heralded as the first alternative metal band ever, Jesters of Destiny apparently beat the likes of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden to it, having released their debut (and, so far, only) album, "Fun at the Funeral", in 1986.

Now, some people might take this to indicate that Jesters of Destiny sound like Alice in Chains or other 90s alternative metal bands. They don't. in fact, "Fun at the Funeral" is only vaguely reminiscent of what we know as alternative metal. Still, I can understand why their music was called 'alternative metal' back then. Just like 90s alternative metal was characterized by importing elements from its contemporary alternative rock scene, Jesters of Destiny incorporated element from non-mainstream rock music into their brand of heavy metal. In particular, "Fun at the Funeral" draws on the 80s alternative rock subgenre often referred to as 'neo-psychedelia', but there are also elements of post-punk and electro-rock as well traces of sludge rock.

Musically, the album is pretty good, actually, with the heavy 'Digging that Grave' being particularly compelling, both because of its main riff and the catchy vocal melody in the chorus, while 'God Told Me To' features spacey effects and melodies as well as an almost taunting chorus. 'I Hate Bruce' combines classic hard rock riffage with a punky bridge, while 'End of Time' is an uptempo metal attack with a slight oriental feel and touches of noise rock. The first half of the album appeals to me more than the second half, which strikes me as rather bland and uninspired. One reason is that the riffs are simply stronger on the first half, and the spacey and psychedelic elements work much better. One thing that can't be taken away from the entire album, however, is that it's wholly innovative and original.

The album was reissued in LP format via Ektro records, so, if you're interested in original and quirky metal with psychedelic elements, and you are a vinyl collector, why not add this album to your collection?
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