As one of the original bands that showed me what all was possible from the world of funeral doom metal, this is a return that I have been anticipating for years now. It has been far too long since we last heard new material from Usnea with it being six years since their last outing, and there were plenty of questions as to what would come about when the act would come back around to show us again what they’re capable of. Those six years were clearly well-spent as it is with their newest effort that they have shown yet again that they are not to be trifled with in the slightest as their very power is overwhelming to the highest extent with not a shred of mercy in sight for the entire creation.

What has always captivated me about Usnea in past performances is the undeniably diverse sound that has a truly tenacious nature that never once stays in one place for too long, incorporates many elements in a well-balanced execution, and knows precisely the right time to strike every single time without fail. Their previous two creations were absolutely magnificent to lose yourself in for all that they managed to bring to the table and deliver in exquisite fashion, and it would be an outright insult to even claim that “Bathed in Light” doesn’t continue that legacy in no less than pure magnificence. With six tracks that offer nothing short of cosmic evisceration with the proper amount of grandeur and gorgeous visages to capture the attention of any who find themselves before such glory, Usnea has done nothing but claim absolute victory yet again! Like an ant before an ancient monolith calling to the void, we are powerless before the might of Usnea. For every given moment of “Bathed in Light”, nobody is spared the utterly unforgiving presence of Usnea with the metal on display here adeptly pulling from the worlds of black and doom metal to make for a vicious and potent concoction that never once lets up, leaves any room for survival, and refuses to offer respite. Even as the very cosmos seems to open up once Usnea pulls back, the impending collision when everything comes smashing back down reminds us that “Bathed in Light” is not an experience that is to be taken lightly in any form.

The heaviness, the power, and the know-how of how to wield it all in terrifying fashion is a big part of what has always made Usnea an act to be respected from day one with this release only further cementing that in every possible way. “Bathed in Light” stands as a contender for the band’s most eviscerating and captivating work to date, but I feel such a thing is near pointless with a name like Usnea. Always batting at the top of their game and never once letting us down, how could we have expected anything less from one of the underground’s most fascinating gems?

LISTEN to “Bathed in Light” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Usnea on Facebook here.