Progressive Black Metal: Ska+Death & Gogol Bordello?
avgvstvs | Omaha NE | 02/03/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The first thing I notice when kicking this album up is the lo-fi production. The drums are mixed in the background with a distinctly thin garage feel. This is a bit of a turn-off for me as I was used to the ultra-clean production from "Imaginary Sonicscape."
Musically the first track integrates Spanish horns... this is probably the first time I've ever heard a black-metal type band do this. I don't personally find this a bad thing, but purists should probably steer clear here as the rest of the album continues to explore odd musical territory like this.
The second track mixes in some east-European gypsy elements similar to what you'd expect to hear from acts like Gogol Bordello. This continues on to track three, as they borrow elements from classical Russian compositions. (Not sure which, but it is distinct.)
I stopped in my tracks towards the end of "Musica in Tempora Belli." A haunting poem recited by someone (not from the band) with some exquisite lyrics that give the perfect backdrop into the next song, "Vanitas." This was a turning point for me on this album.
Track 4 breaks from the eastern euro elements, grabbing in a feel that is distinctly ska in flavor, ending with another Spanish horn fiesta. Track 5 recreates the old dirge "Lower the Casket." I love it and though its probably the slowest track, it is familiar from a Sigh standpoint and I like it accordingly. Towards the end there's an awesome bluesy solo that was unexpected to the classical tinges of this track.
Overall this band has gone into what I would consider completely uncharted territory... enough so that its hard to really place it amongst the catacombs of metal. However, I'm not 100% on the execution... the ideas are generally good but they feel devoid of any real passion. Production quality has an effect on this, I'm sure; I don't know why they chose to go low-budget with this release when they're established enough to not need to.
For fans of wildly progressive music only. Black metal purists will hate this!"
Scandinavians, eat your heart out!
B. MYERS | California | 02/27/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Totally original, totally rockin'. Who said soul-wrenching, evil, extreme metal had to come from Europe?! It's a shame more metal fans haven't heard of Sigh because these guys do a good job at shaking up the status quo, especially this time around. These guys have cooked up a true masterpiece--one that makes you say: "I haven't heard anything quite like this!" An entertaining, provocative listen from start to finish!"
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1