Once upon a time it seemed that every band coming out of Japan was little more than a Loudness soundalike. Not anymore, with bands such as Zeni Geva and Church Of Misery making their mark on the noisier end of the metal spectrum, and now there's this here band called Sigh, one of the oddest bands to emerge from anywhere in quite some time. Others have found it difficult to describe exactly what Sigh sounds like, and this is quite understandable. Though the core of their sound isn't hard to fathom (semi-black metal vocal rasps, and (a heavy, 80's-inspired affair with riffs that alternately might remind one of the more experimental side of Celtic Frost, at other times perhaps old Mercyful Fate (guitars, not vocals)), the trio constantly throws in oddball riffs, instruments, and interludes, from odd female backing singing to weird piano breaks, to hand clapping, jazz breaks, country (!) interludes, and a host of various where-did-that-come-from sounds that can often baffle the listener. Sometimes these only serve to distract, but more often they intrigue and draw the listener in, just to find out what might come next. Though the last three albums in particular are not dissimilar from each other in style, the ever-broadening outside influences make each song, and each album, unique in itself. This is truly a band for those who want and seek out the unexpected. Highly recommended.