Even after finding myself almost twelve years deep into doing these reviews, I still find myself pleasantly surprised often enough that I am perpetually kept on the edge of my seat for I’ve truly no idea what sort of excellence is to come next. So far, this year has been exceptional when it comes to offering us great works out of sounds that usually aren’t given enough representation or justice. While I figured it would be folk metal that would easily take the crown in such circumstances, the rise of atmospheric sludge metal demands to be hailed for what it has accomplished lately. As if to prove my point, it’s with their new album that Chicago’s Farseer adds credence to the concept.

As it is with many things in music, it’s very easily to fathom a work that is able to walk the line between heaviness and ethereal atmospheres in such a way that’s compelling and undeniably magnetic. It requires only the finest of musicians to be able to come together and offer their voice to a cauldron that’s bubbling with a lot of different flavors, nuances, and contrasting factors. In lesser hands, it can effortlessly fall apart and become an indignant stain upon the floor. With practically every factor of “Portals to Cosmic Womb”, Farseer shows us they are nothing if not more than suited for this delicate task. After simply laying your eyes upon the cover art, you should have a good idea as to just how expansive and grand in scope Farseer sought to make this record. It would be an insult upon everything brought forth in these six tracks to say that they did anything less. Singularly riveting in its massive presence and never once missing an opportunity to bless the listener with gorgeous visions of a cosmos rend asunder whilst ensuring madness is the reward for beholding such magnificence, “Portals to Cosmic Womb” is undeniably spectacular to watch unfold as Farseer holds an unmistakable level of mastery over their personal brand of post-sludge metal. Able to throw down riffs as easy as they elevate the human consciousness to terrifying new heights, this is a creation that takes itself seriously, knows precisely what it wants to be, knows how to achieve its lofty goals, and looks just wondrous in bringing it all together. Farseer seizes its destiny with this album, and the very heavens cannot help but shatter in response to such might!

The sheer potential when we’re combining the sounds of sludge and post metal are so astronomically high that it’s almost a crime that we haven’t seen more try their hand to bring it about in such a way that is a real treat for the senses. Farseer proves itself to be more than competent at this craft. For everything that it offers, “Portals to Cosmic Womb” leaves nothing to chance and always hits to make for an overwhelming experience that demands several spins lest you miss out on a glorious morsel that offers naught but greatness.

LISTEN to “Portals to Cosmic Womb” on Bandcamp here.

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