Metalcatto
Black/Doom isn’t a thing, right? They seem to contradict each other in practice. However, Suffering is a band that’s trying to embody the most disturbing parts of Halloween. Things Seen But Always Hidden is an album aimed at those of you who love the occult, the macabre, and the idea of sacrificing stuffed animals at the altar of the unholy one. I approached this review with fascination but also caution. So many things felt new yet familiar that I couldn’t make up my mind at first, but now it’s time.
Well, Suffering keeps its word: the album feels foggy, perverse, and deeply mysterious, as if we’re witnessing an occult ritual from a hidden spot. It begins with a traditional Black Metal feel, but as the tracks progress and lengthen, the more atmospheric Doom side starts shining through. There’s no doubt the band can balance these usually contradictory influences well enough to offer the proper pagan experience. There’s plenty of human suffering in Things Seen But Always Hidden, and the kind that makes you want to listen once or twice just to confirm what hit you.
Varied vocals, long pauses, and the right production choices are the protagonists here. Yes, there are moments of blasting and melody, but they all work as a single unit that swallows all light. I wish the last spooky mansion I visited at Gröna Lund had this soundtrack — it would actually feel scary for once. Normies would run away under the stress of such a sonic assault. However, patience is necessary to fully enjoy this album, which is why now I’m going to talk about the least creepy things we witness this time.
Conceptually, everything in Things Seen But Always Hidden feels intriguing and captivating for lovers of the occult. However, for someone who wears more than black (your humble servant), the writing feels safe to a degree. As usual, I want the band to step into weirder, less explored territory. The chops are there, so why not try it? What if they alienate their base? Better that way — they’d get more clout. Jokes aside, I was left wanting an explosion of ideas and riffs that never quite arrived the way I hoped. And that’s life, I guess.
Anyway, Halloween is gone, but I know some of you are deeply depressed about that. Fortunately, Suffering can prolong your agony with an album that has its issues but ultimately offers a distinct experience. It’s been a year of weird Black Metal, and that trend seems determined to continue until the end. Better that than more of the static noise some of you send and expect us to review in a week!
Label: Apocalyptic Witchcraft
Release date: November 28, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Suffering.ukmetal/
Country: UK
Score: 3.0/5.0
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