Album Review: Seum / Temple of the Fuzz Witch – Conjuring (Black Throne Productions)

Seum, the bass-only sludge band from Montreal, Canada, are back. After releasing two albums, ‘Winterized’ in June 2021, ‘Double Double’ in February 2023 and multiple EPs while playing shows in Canada, US and Europe, the band is about to release ‘Conjuring’ on February 21st, a split album with occult kings Temple of the Fuzz Witch on Black Throne Productions.

On face value, these bands seem to have very little in common and them sharing a split album is odd. However, this has just meant both bands have had to try and be a bit creative. Experimenting with their sounds and exploring new, exciting locales. This is certainly more evident on the Seum side of things, but that might be because I’m more familiar with the dirty sludge sound.

Here, we get three tracks from the bass-loving trio and its three absolute bangers. First, Dead Air, which brings monolithic heaviness, slowly evolving into something even darker and more chaotic, but surprisingly hypnotic. Then, Problems, where you can really feel the power of the bass via a stripped back, psych-infused, and daring attempt to be catchy. It might be the strangest Seum track to date, but it’s really good stuff. As is their last track, Efrit, a track with industrial vibes and fair amount of fuzz. Honestly, they’re such an excellent band.

Temple of the Fuzz Witch are no slouches, but they’re up against it here. Thankfully, they have the likes of Effigy and Eternal Lamentation on show. The former, a lethargic display of dark doom covered with a sludgy occultist feel. The latter, more rhythmically pleasing, but with demonic vocals that howl in horrifying fashion.

Their third, and the finale of the album, is particularly special though. Beginning with rumbling bass, then kicking into a higher and heavier gear with crashing drums and pugnacious riffs. The vocals arrive to add that familiar layer of horror, and with that, Temple of the Fuzz Witch have you in their grip.

Great stuff from both bands.

Seum / Temple of the Fuzz Witch – Conjuring Track Listing:

1. Seum – Dead Air
2. Seum – Problems
3. Seum – Efrit
4. Temple of the Fuzz Witch – Effigy
5. Temple of the Fuzz Witch – Eternal Lamentation
6. Temple of the Fuzz Witch – Fool of Shades

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