The name Ahab is commonly associated with the Moby Dick character that
is obsessed with hunting and killing a great whale. The German funeral
doom metal band that adopted the name is not after any whales, but
their music will remind people of the doomed ship captain's relentless
demeanor.
In looking at the liner notes, Ahab's members include Daniel Droste and
Christian Hector of the folk metal band Midnattsol. However, Ahab is
not to be considered a Midnattsol clone, as throughout the seven track
death march, the Call of the Wretched Sea does not have even the
slightest hint of Midnattsol in their sound. Clearly, Ahab is well versed in
the funeral doom metal genre despite only having been in existence for
a few months. Sure, there are the usual emphasis on the bass, low end
growls, and slow rhythyms, but Ahab offers so much more. Despite the
characteristics mentioned, their sound is not too sludgy, as the guitar
rhythyms are very distinct and add to the death march feel. There are
also clean vocals, which are barely audible when the volume is
tolerable, but it is not to be taken as a negative. Rather, it creates a
haunting atmosphere that at any moment, could swallow the listener much in
the same way Captain Ahab was taken under by Moby Dick. In each song's
composition, there are calm parts, which only serve to make the sound
more violent.
Overall, Ahab makes a funeral doom metal album about as perfect as one
can get. It will be interesting how their sound will translate to the
live setting. Being able to live up to expectations is one thing, but
making a concept such as Moby Dick come alive in a dark manner can only
help Ahab's reputation as a band. The Call of the Wretched Sea is
funeral doom metal the way it was meant to be played.
