Before I review this CD, I must tell you that “The Funeral Album” will be the last release by SENTENCED, as the band will soon part ways. Sentenced released their first demo back in 1990 when the band played death metal. Through the years, the band went in a different direction reaching the heavy metal/power metal status.

This latest release is their eighth full-length CD and a great one. “May Today Become the Day” has raspy vocals with great hooks and a fantastic song to start off a new CD. “Ever-Frost” is a totally kick-ass tune, and regardless if you’re into the raspy vocals or not you must listen to this tune.

“Despair-Ridden Hearts” sounds like a Bon Jovi tune with heavy overtones. Hold up! There you go! I knew Sentenced didn’t go soft, after about thirty seconds “Despair-Ridden Hearts” rips into it, banging out in proper Sentenced style.

“Vengeance is Mine” will blow you away. The last track on the CD is called “End of the Road” which is a dark song with lyrics telling you a story about the life of Sentenced and that it is coming to an end.

I am really saddened about this group breaking up. There is not one song that will let you down on this CD. It has it all. Great lyrics, great musicians, and every song is melodic with heavy overtones.

From the Sentenced press release quote: “Our wish was always to go out with style and at the peak of our so-called success. I think with “The Funeral Album,” we will do exactly that.” I will have to agree with the press release this CD is a mark in the music history of Sentenced. I applaud you guys!!!

It is truly sad a band like this has to disappear into the wilderness. This is my first time hearing Sentenced and the new release “The Funeral Album” is a masterpiece. But everything comes to an end. Let’s just hope we hear from the members in the future.