British Columbia’s Seer has exhibited immense lyrical talent among their swampy metal grooves from inception and has returned with their second full-length album Vol. III & IV: Cult of the Void (Art of Propaganda). The album not only stuns the listener with harsh beauty beneath the sadness, it also entices with ghostly lyrical themes.
The album starter ‘Ancient Sand (Rot Preacher)’ may initially put-off some listeners as the intro comes off elementary: the structure and riffage sound a bit standard and don’t particularly stand out among the plethora of metal bands trying to get their name out there. But when the two-minute mark hits, it unfolds into a more memorable groove of doom and desolation reminiscent of early The Obsessed in their gloomiest moments. Lyrically, ‘Ancient Sand’ touches on themes of the occult and evil surrender most apparent in Bronson Lee Norton’s desperate plea to “Kneel where the Rot Preacher stands”.
The following track ‘Acid Sweat’ is bound to please the average metal fan due to its zero-bullshit fiery riffage and emphasis on throaty oblivion. With the ever-so-suiting lyrical theme of murder, decay, and burials, it’s easily a favorite on Vol. III & IV: Cult of the Void. Additional heavy tracks worth mentioning certainly include ‘They Used Dark Forces’ and ‘Burn Offerings’ in all of its post-metal glory.
‘Tribe of Shuggnyth’ marks the melodic entrance into the sombre half of the album that signifies a complete atmospheric shift into the cold forest of isolation with naked harmonious guitars at the forefront of all the remaining tracks. It’s quite an intriguing transition into stripped-down thought-provoking pieces of music as the longing relies mostly in the borderline silence. What’s most peaceful about all of these unplugged compositions is the use of natural soundscapes such as in the final track `संसार`. One can distinctly hear the sound of a crackling fire pit as the rhythm acoustics creep in along with cavernous vocals singing of surrender and sacrifice.
The balance between high-octane and stillness that Vol. III & IV: Cult of the Void represents is a testament to how Seer progressed musically for the better and can potentially continue to do so. Despite the rough start, Vol. III & IV: Cult of the Void is absolutely worth lending your ear.
8.5/10
EBONIE BUTLER