Seid (Sweden): “Darkness Shall Fall”

Seid are another excellent representative of the Stockholm area scene. This project was born back in 1992 by the mind of Seiðr (also in Serpent Omega) to spread eeriness in the world, but it was actually launched only in 2009. As suggested by the moniker, the band are inspired by Norse occultism and shamanism; their first album The Woods was digitally released in 2016, while the sophomore album Darkness Shall Fall was released the following year. With a lineup of experienced and top-notch musicians, it is no surprise to me that Darkness Shall Fall displays a high-quality musicianship and a great deal of maturity in songwriting. Seid know exactly what they want and how to do, just think that mastermind Seiðr is an established sound producer. Musically speaking, as a Sweden-based band, Seid tap into and pay tribute to the Swedish tradition, you will hear it in the polyphonic riffs; but at the same time, they, so to speak, deconstruct it with dissonances and chromatic passages: a random example is “Carnal Journey”. As to the production, it is very well balanced and clean even though not over-polished; the sound has some thickness and a bit of rawness that match perfectly the lyrical themes. To conclude, Seid might not have revolutionized black metal, but have found an originality of their own and a personal style that is unique in its kind. Highly recommended.
 
Notes:
Darkness Shall Fall was released on December 17 2017. Both the digital album and the vinyl can purchased through the Bandcamp player below.
Band’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SeidSthlm
 
Personnel:
Seiðr – Vocals, Guitars, President of SEID
Arant – Drums, Vice President of SEID
Alex – Bass, Sgt. Of Arms of SEID
 
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com