When most people think about funeral doom, they are reminded of the extremely slow tempos, walls of hazy distortion, and relatively low growling. As is the case with most genres, these characteristics are abused by most bands, sacrificing the will for originality in favor of depressing atmospheres. Loss however, are on a different page; while the ghoulish vocals and glacial tempos still remain intact, they make full use of their two guitarists by weaving together melodies that actually seem to move. As a result, Loss' music is melancholic without being overly mawkish.
Following a feedback-laden intro, the funereal doom metal arrives with "Conceptual Funeralism Unto The Final Act (Of Being)". Mike Meacham and Timothei Lewis' harmonize beautifully, creating a bleak atmosphere that leaves abundant space for Meacham's excruciatingly low vocals; it seems like he was growling directly into the microphone, phlegm and all.
We are offered another aptly-titled gem in "Cut-Up, Depressed and Alone"; the suicidal themes are pretty obvious at this point. ("Carving my skin reveals the face of tragedy"). Loss mix it up with an enjoyable clean interlude that is feather-light and uncharacteristically gentle. This simple yet affective change in style keeps the song from becoming stagnant, and gives the illusion that the closing section is heavier than it really is.
The reissue includes two sloppy, unnecessary, and lousily recorded live bonus tracks; if you thought Katatonia couldn't get any worse, don't bother with their cover of "Brave." The inclusion of songs previously included on split releases would have been a much better decision, but other than this minor complaint,
Life Without Hope... Death Without Reason is an exceptional release. Let's hope that Loss get around to actually recording a full-length album in the near future and get some of the acclaim that they deserve.
