Here’s a bold statement: Feral Darkness by Brooklyn’s Tombs is a sonic journey that’s as captivating as it is divisive—and it’s about to challenge everything you think you know about blackened sludge metal. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the album showcases the band’s signature swagger and versatility, it also stumbles into moments of monotony that might leave some listeners questioning its overall impact. Let’s dive in.
This isn’t my first encounter with Tombs, but it’s my first time reviewing them. Every year, the hype surrounding their releases reignites my fascination with their sludgy, blackened sound—a style they’ve mastered over the years. Five years after the polarizing Under Sullen Skies, Feral Darkness arrives as a worthy successor, blending the groovy aggression of Black Royal, the vitriol of Oathbreaker, and the post-metal grit of Inter Arma. The result? A record that hits hard, driven by a burbling bass, stomping drums, and vocals that oscillate between frightening howls and haunting chants. It’s like summoning eldritch forces à la Sulphur Aeon, but with a crunchy, moldy fuzz that envelops your senses in a strange warmth.
And this is the part most people miss: While the sound is undeniably powerful, the songwriting doesn’t always capitalize on its potential. The album starts strong with three riff-heavy, mid-paced tracks that pack a punch. But somewhere between the gloomy ‘Granite Sky’ and the charred ‘Last Days,’ monotony creeps in. The lack of pace variation and creative spark in the middle section feels like a missed opportunity, making the 50-minute runtime feel bloated. In moments where time is precious, it’s hard not to wonder if the album could’ve been tighter.
Yet, patience pays off. ‘The Wintering’ arrives like a violent awakening, injecting much-needed velocity and energy. Tracks like ‘Black Shapes’ and ‘Wasps’ double down on Tombs’ blackened roots, layering tremolos and striking energy to create an ashen, formidable presence. It’s here that Feral Darkness truly shines, building a scale and intensity that momentarily erases earlier gripes. But then comes ‘Nightland,’ a seven-minute track that feels uninspired and out of place, dragging the momentum back down.
Tombs clearly pulled out all the stops for this album, and their versatility is commendable. The result is enjoyable, though a bit uneven. The standout tracks save Feral Darkness from mediocrity, but they arrive almost too late. If the band had trimmed the fat—cutting tracks like ‘Nightland,’ ‘Last Days,’ and the superfluous outro ‘Glaeken’—this could’ve been an unstoppable force. As it stands, it’s a solid offering for die-hard fans and genre enthusiasts, but it might not win over skeptics or casual listeners.
Here’s the question I’ll leave you with: Is Feral Darkness a masterpiece held back by its flaws, or a testament to Tombs’ potential waiting to be fully realized? Let me know where you stand in the comments.
Rating: Good
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Redefining Darkness (http://www.redefiningdarkness.com/)
Websites: tombscult.bandcamp.com (http://tombscult.bandcamp.com/album/feral-darkness) | facebook.com/TombsBklyn (https://facebook.com/TombsBklyn)
Releases Worldwide: October 17th, 2025
