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.
