Metal Storm logo
Sigh - Graveward review




Bandcamp music player
Reviewer:
9.4

127 users:
7.61
Band: Sigh
Album: Graveward
Release date: April 2015


01. Kaedit Nos Pestis [feat. Kelly Simonz]
02. Graveward
03. The Tombfiller [feat. Kelly Simonz]
04. The Forlorn
05. The Molesters Of My Soul
06. Out Of The Grave [feat. Matt Heafy]
07. The Trial By The Dead
08. The Casketburner [feat. Frédéric Leclercq]
09. A Messenger From Tomorrow [feat. Metatron & Niklas Kvarforth]
    1 - The Message
    2 - Foreboding
    3 - Doomsday
10. Dwellers In A Dream [feat. Kelly Simonz & Sakis Tolis]
11. Graveward Suit [Japanese bonus]
12. The Tombfiller [Alternate guitar solo version] [Japanese bonus]
13. The Forlorn [Europe/US original version] [Japanese bonus]
14. The Molesters Of My Soul [Alternate version] [Japanese bonus]
15. Out Of The Grave [Previously unreleased demo version] [Japanese bonus]
16. Dwellers In Dream [Alternate guitar solo version] [Japanese bonus]

Hey, Wintersun. Listen up. You want to know how to make a proper, full-length album with hundreds upon hundreds of tracks over ten songs in only three years without constantly bitching about not having your own private studio/living space/jacuzzi, AND while still challenging both yourself and your fans with a multifarious jewel of avant-garde perfection? Take note, because Sigh have that totally locked down.

From the first brazen assault of guitar solos in "Kaedit Nos Pestis," performed by special guest Kelly Simonz, Graveward sets a frenetic pace and a very high bar. Guitarist You Oshima, replacing Shinichi Ishikawa, steps into his role with electrifying speed and energy, immediately establishing Graveward as one of the most intense and vibrant albums in Sigh's discography and bringing the guitar a bit further to the front than usual. I really liked In Somniphobia, and I am loathe to speak to its detriment, but Graveward sounds much livelier and more colorful - like something trapped in between Imaginary Sonicscape and Hangman's Hymn: Musikalische Exequien. It features heavy orchestration: piercing, staccato Psycho strings and deep, foreboding, Reapers-have-just-entered-the-star-system brass, complemented by fantastic guitar work from Oshima, Simonz, and another guest, DragonForce's Frédéric Leclercq. What band of twisted madmen puts those guys alongside Trivium's Matt Heafy, Shining's Niklas Kvarforth, Rotting Christ's Sakis Tolis, and the enigmatic Metatron all together on one album? The same bunch of magnificent bastards who wrote "Slaughtergarden Suite" and "Hail Horror Hail," that's who.

All this without addressing the contributions of Dr. Mikannibal, whose ever-increasing presence does Sigh no end of favors. Maybe I'm biased as a fellow saxophonist (technically speaking, anyway), but I believe that they have only become stronger as a band since her addition, and the good doctor's plentiful vocal parts on this album overflow with flavor and constitution. With the new addition of the talented Oshima, Sigh are sounding better than ever - the same eerie, thoroughly unorthodox atmosphere and adventurous songwriting, but with a surge of adrenaline.

Graveward has so many layers it would be impossible to uncover them all before its successor comes out, and it feels utterly absurd trying to describe it in anything less than a dictionary-sized analysis - which I guess is where that "dancing about architecture" thing kicks in. Sigh defies description like few other bands, dumping so many genres into one work of art. In any one song, the action moves swiftly between disconcerting, funky, anguished, uplifting, mystifying, jazzy, horrific, and classically transcendent. Alien keyboards, purely haunting vocals, stuttering electronics, bombastic symphonies, and a creeping, metallic edge all melt together into a fantastic experimental wonderland. "A Messenger From Tomorrow" is one of the greatest epics Sigh have ever unleashed, and "Out Of The Grave" manages to be incredibly catchy amongst the thunderous layers of deathly thrashing. Indeed, every song is a highlight, and it almost seems unfair to single out a few individual ones.

Sigh are truly masters of their own sound. Never could they be mistaken for anyone else, nor could they fail to deliver an album fascinating for its density alone. Listening to Sigh is the aural equivalent of what would happen if The Teenage Mutant Ninja Ju-on took place on the ship from Alien, and the future ghost of John Carpenter fused with Bach's evil cyborg twin directed it.


Rating breakdown
Performance: 10
Songwriting: 10
Originality: 10
Production: 8





Written on 26.04.2015 by I'm the reviewer, and that means my opinion is correct.


Comments

Comments: 28   Visited by: 472 users
26.04.2015 - 06:52
Shmyt

Quite the glowing review, I shall give them a listen; I haven't listened to much out of Japan in a while.
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 09:18
Rating: 10
PocketMetal

I need this in my life. Nice review btw.
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 09:54
Nunzie 69

Could never get in to these guys for some reason but I'll give them one more shot!
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 10:32
DahliaRock

All my worries have been put to rest after the initial listen... Sigh still rocks my socks off. Has a nice little Imaginary Sonicscape-y madness aura that surrounds each song, the typical Sigh sound we have gotten used to especially in the last few albums (unlike the cleanliness of HH) yet oh so fresh!
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 11:52
Rating: 8
LasseMomme

Such an awesome record. One of the best of the year so far, for sure.
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 13:01
paragraph7

We shall see if the jacuzzi Mäenpää needs to write his music should have been used by Sigh as well. The track released by Candlelight Records on youtube was really good though. Now if I could only find where to order the vinyl.
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 15:31
Ras

I like that I knew this was a ScreamingSteel review after the first sentence. Testament to consistent (and very good) style.
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 16:09
K✞ulu
Seeker of Truth
10 to everything but production. I have to listen to this. I have been procrastinating all these years, but I will not ignore this.
----
Savor what you feel and what you see
Things that may not seem important now
But may be tomorrow

R.I.P. Chuck Schuldiner

Satan was a Backstreet Boy
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 16:47
Rating: 9
flightoficarus
Stamp Tramp
Great album.
----
Daily underground metal recommendations at Metal Trenches.
Listen to the Trench Talk podcast.
Loading...
26.04.2015 - 23:54
Vombatus
Potorro
Always good to see some Jari bashing

On topic, this review reminds me that I should really get to do a deep Sigh investigation. I'm always so lazy to listen through all their stuff, limiting myself to random songs here and there.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 01:03
Rating: 7
Karlabos
Meat and Potatos
Written by Vombatus on 26.04.2015 at 23:54

Always good to see some Jari bashing

On topic, this review reminds me that I should really get to do a deep Sigh investigation. I'm always so lazy to listen through all their stuff, limiting myself to random songs here and there.

Listen to Imaginary Sonicscape. The whole thing. If this doesn't get you into Sigh nothing will =p
----
"Aah! The cat turned into a cat!"
- Reimu Hakurei
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 03:01
Lethrokai

Written by Karlabos on 27.04.2015 at 01:03


Listen to Imaginary Sonicscape. The whole thing. If this doesn't get you into Sigh nothing will =p


I dunno... Imaginary Soniscape was a fine album for me, but it was In Somniphobia that really sold me on the band personally.
----
Sometimes you just need to roll the dice and look away.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 03:17
Rating: 10
ScreamingSteelUS
Editor-in-Chief
Written by Lethrokai on 27.04.2015 at 03:01

Written by Karlabos on 27.04.2015 at 01:03


Listen to Imaginary Sonicscape. The whole thing. If this doesn't get you into Sigh nothing will =p


I dunno... Imaginary Soniscape was a fine album for me, but it was In Somniphobia that really sold me on the band personally.

I started with Scorn Defeat, then the Gallows Gallery reissue. I definitely find Imaginary Sonicscape their best work, but the thing about Sigh is that every album, and even every song, has its own distinct feeling, style, and atmosphere. No two are alike. It's great as a fan, but it means that sometimes there isn't any clear inroad without just listening to a lot of their music, so it can make it a bit complicated to get into. In Somniphobia might be as good a place as any to start, but I think it definitely takes at least a couple of albums to really get a sense of how you feel about them.
----
"Earth is small and I hate it" - Lum Invader

I'm the Agent of Steel.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 09:44
Rating: 7
M C Vice
ex-polydactyl
Written by Lethrokai on 27.04.2015 at 03:01

Written by Karlabos on 27.04.2015 at 01:03


Listen to Imaginary Sonicscape. The whole thing. If this doesn't get you into Sigh nothing will =p


I dunno... Imaginary Soniscape was a fine album for me, but it was In Somniphobia that really sold me on the band personally.

Any of the 'I' albums. They're the standout from each album-name cycle. Or Hangman's Hymn.
Hopefully this one is better than their last 'G' album.
----
"Another day, another Doug."
"I'll fight you on one condition. That you lower your nipples."
" 'Tis a lie! Thy backside is whole and ungobbled, thou ungrateful whelp!"
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 11:40
Vombatus
Potorro
Written by Karlabos on 27.04.2015 at 01:03

Listen to Imaginary Sonicscape. The whole thing. If this doesn't get you into Sigh nothing will =p


I remember listening that album long ago, and loving A Sunset Song, but never went back.

Listening to it now and it's great, I knew I had to like Sigh but never found the moment to dedicate them time.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 14:24
toxx
Supreme being
I really enjoy this album! So many layers!
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 16:16
Rating: 7
ColdRail

Written by Lethrokai on 27.04.2015 at 03:01

Written by Karlabos on 27.04.2015 at 01:03


Listen to Imaginary Sonicscape. The whole thing. If this doesn't get you into Sigh nothing will =p


I dunno... Imaginary Soniscape was a fine album for me, but it was In Somniphobia that really sold me on the band personally.


Yeah I also got into them with 'In Somniphobia', but since I used to listen Unexpect before Sigh, I think it was easier for me to get into the band, and this album keep proving that they are stronger than ever.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 18:37
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Fucking LOVE this band. Haven't gotten on this one yet, but your review just reminds me that I need to even more so.
By the way, how's that track with Metatron?
----
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 18:54
Rating: 10
ScreamingSteelUS
Editor-in-Chief
Written by Auntie Sahar on 27.04.2015 at 18:37

Fucking LOVE this band. Haven't gotten on this one yet, but your review just reminds me that I need to even more so.
By the way, how's that track with Metatron?

Very creepy, plodding, and psychedelic. Quite Meads-y, actually, with a fantastically dramatic build-up in the last minute or so. It's competing for one of my favorite Sigh songs, although to be honest Metatron's part is really small, more for brief atmospheric effect than a blatant guest spot, I'd say; if I had one complaint about this album, it's that it needs more Metatron.
----
"Earth is small and I hate it" - Lum Invader

I'm the Agent of Steel.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 19:46
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Written by ScreamingSteelUS on 27.04.2015 at 18:54

Very creepy, plodding, and psychedelic. Quite Meads-y, actually, with a fantastically dramatic build-up in the last minute or so. It's competing for one of my favorite Sigh songs, although to be honest Metatron's part is really small, more for brief atmospheric effect than a blatant guest spot, I'd say; if I had one complaint about this album, it's that it needs more Metatron.

Everything needs more Metatron
Sounds pretty ace, though. By the way, is there some issue with the release date for this? Here it says April 18, but the Candlelight Bandcamp says May 5, and I can't find a full stream for it
----
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 19:59
Rating: 10
ScreamingSteelUS
Editor-in-Chief
Written by Auntie Sahar on 27.04.2015 at 19:46

Written by ScreamingSteelUS on 27.04.2015 at 18:54

Very creepy, plodding, and psychedelic. Quite Meads-y, actually, with a fantastically dramatic build-up in the last minute or so. It's competing for one of my favorite Sigh songs, although to be honest Metatron's part is really small, more for brief atmospheric effect than a blatant guest spot, I'd say; if I had one complaint about this album, it's that it needs more Metatron.

Everything needs more Metatron
Sounds pretty ace, though. By the way, is there some issue with the release date for this? Here it says April 18, but the Candlelight Bandcamp says May 5, and I can't find a full stream for it

April 13th is the European release date and May 5th is the American release date, which seems like a bit more dramatic a gap than usual. Vinyl release won't be for a few months, apparently. Before I got the full download, I only found "Out of the Grave" streaming on the Candlelight USA Bandcamp and about half the album on the UK Bandcamp, although I believe it's available in full on Spotify.
----
"Earth is small and I hate it" - Lum Invader

I'm the Agent of Steel.
Loading...
27.04.2015 - 20:09
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Written by ScreamingSteelUS on 27.04.2015 at 19:59

April 13th is the European release date and May 5th is the American release date, which seems like a bit more dramatic a gap than usual. Vinyl release won't be for a few months, apparently. Before I got the full download, I only found "Out of the Grave" streaming on the Candlelight USA Bandcamp and about half the album on the UK Bandcamp, although I believe it's available in full on Spotify.

It's up on Youtube, good enough for me for now. Pretty good so far, although the vocals come off as really alternative rock-ish. Not a bad thing, but I don't really remember them sounding much like that before... might have to go back and give the past few albums some re-spins now.
----
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
Loading...
29.04.2015 - 23:15
SoUnDs LiKe PoP

I'm not saying that the production on this album is bad by any means, but this definitely doesn't have the squeaky clean production that Jari is going for.
----
I lift weights and listen to metal
Loading...
10.05.2015 - 06:21
Rating: 10
ScreamingSteelUS
Editor-in-Chief
Written by Ras on 26.04.2015 at 15:31

I like that I knew this was a ScreamingSteel review after the first sentence. Testament to consistent (and very good) style.

Wow, I was actually so stunned that I forgot to acknowledge this until now. I'm sincerely flattered.
----
"Earth is small and I hate it" - Lum Invader

I'm the Agent of Steel.
Loading...
11.05.2015 - 16:33
barnesy

This is a testament to prove wrong the age old adage- "it's all been done before". Sigh has taken that whole philosophy, whipped it with a bull whip, pissed on it's head, and lofted it off a cliff. Good work!
Loading...
15.05.2015 - 19:48
Rating: 9
ErikBraun

I love this album. I haven't heard anything like this before! For me, this is a strong competitor for avant garde album of the year. Although DHG's "A Umbra Omega" is also a strong competitor. I will have to keep listening to both and see which one resonates more as I live with them for a while.
Loading...
16.05.2015 - 01:09
Introspekrieg
Totemic Lust
FINALLY! A return of the wackiness that made Imaginary Sonicscape so great.
Loading...
24.07.2015 - 01:54
Rating: 7
Dream Taster
The Enemy Within
Fantastic review! Another Sigh album I need to listen to. I have been a fan of their unpredictable albums for a long long time.
Loading...

Hits total: 8232 | This month: 12