Japanese black metal act SIGH seem ready to embark on a takeover of the world with their seventh release Hangman's Hymn, a wild, maniacal, avant-garde affair that is sure to garner plenty of attention amongst metal fans who like their music on the extreme side. This is surely not for the faint of heart, as SIGH's music drips with violent aggression and over the top black metal theatrics, sort of like early Cradle of Filth, as well as Emperor or Mayhem. The CD is broken down into three Acts, the most brutal and blood-thirsty being Act 2, which contains the killer "Dies Irae / The Master Malice", an absolute crusher of blast beats, venemous vocals, choirs, chants, symphonic keyboards, and monstrous guitar riffs. Things don't let up on the blistering "The Memories as a Sinner", which features some of the most vile vocals around, as well as incredible drum and guitar work, yet it's all tempered by some wonderful keyboard orchestrations. When Act 3 begines, things get even more hectic and brutal, so much so that you'll need to hit the pause button to take a brief reprive from all the cacaphony and brutality. The closing final/title track is a symphonic treat of black metal excellence, with some of the best keyboard work on the album, as well as a real tasty guitar solo.
If you like your black metal with plenty of bombast and a keen sense of the theatrical (Cradle of Filth or Bal-Sagoth anyone?), then Hangman's Hymn from Japan's SIGH will certainly fit the bill nicely for you.
Track Listing
Act 1
01. Introitus / Kyrie
02. Inked in Blood
03. Me-Devil
Act 2
04. Dies Irae / The Master Malice
05. The Memories as a Sinner
06. Death With Dishonor
07. In Devil's Arms
Act 3
08. Overture / Rex Tremendae / I Saw The World's End
09. Salvation in Flame / Confutatis
10. Finale: Hangman's Hymn / In Paradisum / Das Ende
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