This debut full-length album, “We Are Doomed,” by the death/doom duo Seið hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, clocks in at just over 30 minutes. The journey begins with the formidable sludge of “The Sentry,” a seven-minute behemoth that surprises with unexpected melodic intricacies in its guitar work, while the drums confidently find their place in the mix.
Vocally, Seið could delve into murkier realms, but the over-the-top screams, remarkably decipherable, add a positive layer to the sonic landscape. Derek Avery on vocals and Zack Olander (handling guitars and bass) avoids falling into a monotonous drone. While firmly rooted in doom metal with gravelly vocals, the album incorporates traditional elements in its guitar chords. The infusion of a death metal gallop, intertwined with solid guitar work, adds a dynamic edge. Session drummer Joe Arida‘s contribution amplifies the overall release with a thunderous vibe.
“Odinic Evokation Rite/Bog Witch” presents a more foreboding atmosphere, with the amalgamation of bass, guitar, and drums creating a potent sonic blend. The vocals take on a deeper trajectory, harmonizing with the steady pace of the song, oozing intensity without dragging. “In Good Company” introduces a touch of black metal, providing a refreshing variety, while “Pariah” shifts the tone back to the death/doom arena.
The nearly eight-minute opus “A Hymn to Freyr/Blessing of the Indica Fields” feels like a colossal monolith pressing down on your chest, thanks to its dense chugging.
“We Are Doomed” stands as a demonstration of the desolate allure of death and doom, resonating with a haunting decay. In a musical landscape crowded with bands claiming to capture the essence of the world’s demise, Seið from Virginia authentically achieves this apocalyptic atmosphere. As their tectonic riffs contribute to the inevitable decay of our planet, listeners can immerse themselves in the immersive journey, embracing the cathartic glory of the sonic cataclysm that unfolds.
"We Are Doomed" stands as a demonstration of the desolate allure of death and doom, resonating with a haunting decay.
