SIGH „Hail Horror Hail”

Wow…where should I begin? For starters, the warning label on the back of the cd states that, “…every sound on this album is deliberate, and if you find that some parts of this album are strange, it isn't because the music is in itself strange but because your conscious self is ill-equipped to comprehend the sounds produced on this recording.” As open minded as I am, and as strange of metal bands I listen to, even I didn't expect such a diverse masterpiece from this Japanese trio. Sigh's third full length, released on Cacophonous Records, is one of the most unique pieces of metal that I have ever heard.
Part black metal, part classical music, a hint of 80's thrash, a dose of jazz, all coming together to form an elaborate soundtrack like album. Innovative is the least that could be said about Hail Horror Hail. This is defiantly not for everyone's liking, but give the album a chance and it will grow on you and perhaps even become one of your favourites. Thrashing, haunting, heavy as hell; an album that will have you throw your fists in the air and be in total awe by the music projecting out from your speakers. If you're a fan of inventive bands pushing the limits of metal, like Arcturus (La Masquerade Infernale) and Dodheimsgard (International 666), then you should start saving your pennies so that you too can experience that which is Hail Horror Hail. I suggest checking out the tracks “The Dead Sing”, “Invitation to Die” and “Curse of Izanagi”, to even begin to grasp that madness that is Sigh.

note: 9.5 / 10