Sigh - Scenes from Hell

January 28, 2010

Reviewer: J. A. Burt

Sigh is a band that the metal world is really lucky to have, though many may not fully appreciate this fact.  Few bands have contributed as much to the expansion and development of the metal genre as a whole while also creating and maintaining an almost mystical sense of uniqueness.  From the raw black metal of their early releases, to the experimental, schizo dirges found on Hail Horror Hail and the impressively evil Scenario IV: Dread Dreams, to the fuzzed out psychedelia of career high point Imaginary Sonicscape, to whatever the fuck Gallows Gallery (thoroughly enjoyable despite its off-the-charts oddity) was, Sigh has kept us guessing with their unpredictability and has kept us fulfilled with their incomparable style and class.

Following the charmingly bizarre Gallows Gallery, Sigh returned to a more extreme metal sound on 2007 album Hangman’s Hymn, an album laden with symphonic orchestrations and grandiose choral vocals.  It was a major style shift, but certainly not one that fans of a band known for deviation couldn’t stomach.  Scenes from Hell continues in this symphonic vein, but manages to far surpass its predecessor in nearly every way.  There have been a few changes in the band, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention perhaps the biggest change in the addition of Dr. Mikannibal on backing vocals and alto saxophone.  I try not to delve too far into the depths of ill-natured skepticism when pondering her addition to the band, but it gets admittedly difficult not to do so when she is displayed so prominently in all of the band’s promotional photos.  She undoubtedly adds a flair of sensuality to the live performance, but more important are her contributions to the band musically.  Vocally her surprisingly healthy death growl engages band leader Mirai in an intense call and response style, contrasting nicely with his accomplished rasp.  Elsewhere a few solo opportunities showcase her saxophone prowess.  At this time, please note the classiness of my ability to refrain from making a tasteless and misogynistic “sax appeal” joke. 

Whereas the orchestration on Hangman’s Hymn was largely, if not completely, synth-generated, Scenes from Hell features organic string and brass instrumentation.  These orchestral lines are very prominent and are mixed quite loudly. The effect can be jarring and a bit overwhelming at first as the songs, which sometimes advance through several mini-movements,  have a great deal going on within them.  Upon initial listening, I felt as if the metal elements were fighting to be heard amongst the symphonic elements, but that sense of disharmony actually diminished greatly over the course of repeated listens.  These repeated listens are a pure joy as the songs simply get subsequently better and better in a manner that I’ve never experienced with any other metal album.  “The Summer Funeral” is probably the most heavily-orchestrated song Sigh has ever done.  With its lush strings and bold brass, it is their best execution of the melding of metal and classical music.  Refreshing glimpses of the classic Sigh sound come through now and again in the beginning of “The Red Funeral” (perhaps the most straight-forward song here), the organ- employing middle portion of “The Soul Grave”, and “Vanitas”, which features an unbelievable Shinichi Ishikawa guitar solo.  His fantastic, 70s-rock-inspired solos have always been one of the band’s strong points, and they are thankfully still utilized quite substantially.  I only hope that the symphonic extremes towards which the band seems to be venturing will always leave room for his sorcery. 

Mirai Kawashima and Sigh have created an amazing album in Scenes from Hell.  At once bombastic, chaotic, fierce and beautiful, the album is truly a masterpiece in a catalogue with masterpieces to spare.  Bravisimo!!!

Release Date: January 19th, 2010
Label: The End Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Prelude to the Oracle
2.  L’art de Mourir
3.  The Soul Grave
4.  The Red Funeral
5.  The Summer Funeral
6.  Musica in Tempora Belli
7.  Vanitas
8.  Scenes from Hell

Total playing time:  43:16

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: