SIGH „“Imaginary Sonicscape” Reissue”

Music: Avant-Garde Black Metal
Country: Japan
Web site: www.myspace.com/sighjapan


Cool Songs: A Sunset Song, Bring Back the Dead, Scarlet Dream, Requiem—Nostalgia

Although they hail from opposite corners of the Earth, Japan’s SIGH are one of the longest standing and distinctive black metal groups on the planet. SIGH has released nearly twenty EPs, demos and full lengths through a wide assortment of respected labels including Cacophonous, Baphomet, Red Stream, Century Media and The End Records, and was one of the first bands to sign with Euonymus’s DSP Records. Their current label, The End Records soon will release (January 20th) SIGH’s sole album through Century Media Records—“Imaginary Sonicscape.” The said album has received a makeover that includes three bonus tracks, reworked artwork by cover artist extraordinaire, Stephen O'Malley (SUNN O))), Southern Lord Records, and remastering by James Murphy (OBITUARY, TESTAMENT, DEATH).

The End could not have chosen a better record to reissue than “Imaginary Sonicscape.” This album represents a transitional period for the band into the style that best describes their current sound. SIGH started as a traditional black metal group with a touch of occult atmosphere, which the group expanded with each ensuing release. “Imaginary Sonicscapes” expounded on the keyboard-generated atmosphere, but incorporated random style changes. Each song takes drastic turns from metallic styles such as black metal, thrash and heavy metal into classical music, jazz, traditional Eastern hymns and even a touch of disco.

SIGH mastermind, Mirai most common uses a mid-range black metal voice, but utilizes a number of electric effects, morphing his voice in unusual ways. One of his greatest vocal contributions comes during the final track “Requiem—Nostalgia.” Besides using a voice box modulator to create a 1970s robotic vibe, he also introduces the chorus line with a whistle that follows the dramatic harmony Then he sings the chorus’s words in a robust-yet-subdued operatic voice.

Of the tracks from the original, 2001 album version, “Nietzschean Conspiracy” is one of the more memorable tracks. Foreboding music, haunting vocals and psychedelic synthesizers relate the scientific dictatorship-themed lyrics penned by ex-EMPEROR, current BLOOD TSUNAMI drummer—Bard Faust. The previously unreleased track, “Voices” is a progressive mind fuck filled with programmed beats, cosmic synth, beautiful keyboards and electronically distorted voices. “Born Condemned Criminal,” which was only appeared on the Japanese version, contains a similar, harmonious sentiment. “Bring Back the Dead” contains all the symphonic majesty and metallic groove of the original, but this version plays on longer and the verse lines seem slower.

Those accustomed to easily comprehending the art they ingest may find the schizophrenic style of SIGH a bit hard to fathom. Traditional black metal fans might find earlier SIGH releases such as “Ghastly Funeral Theatre” and “Scorn Defeat”a bit easier to take. Those albums were straighter forward in their delivery of atmospheric occult metal. Not to say that the albums from “Imaginary Sonicscape” onward were not of a dark character, but the inclusion of multiple styles won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. For those on the artier side, especially dark art, “Imaginary Sonicscape” is a compulsory listening. Besides, black metal needs bands like SIGH; otherwise, the scene will become a homogenous blend of blast beats and tremolo riffing!

note: 9/10

Tracklist

01. Corpsecry – Angelfall
02. Scarlet Dream
03. Nietzschean Conspiracy
04. A Sunset Song
05. Impromptu (Allegro Maestoso)
06. Dreamsphere (Return to the Chaos)
07. Voices
08. Ecstatic Transformation
09. Born Condemend Criminal
10. Slaughtergarden Suite
I. At Dawn
II. The Dead Are Born
III. Destiny Divided
IV. Slaughtergarden
V. Aftermath
11. Bring Back the Dead
12. Requiem – Nostalgia

#7 – previously unreleased
#9 – previously available on Japanese version only
#11 – extended version

Line-up

Mirai Kawashima – Vocals, Keyboards, Sampling, Programming, Vocoder, guitar, bass
Satoshi Fujinami – Drums, tambourine, triangle, bongo, handclap, suspended cymbal, bar chimes, vibraslap
Shinichi-Guitars