Sigh is a band I have always been meaning to listen to but have never actually gotten around to it. So when I noticed they had a new album coming out I finally found the perfect reason to give the band a listen. Goh-Ka is Sigh’s newest release via Peaceville Records. This is the 13th release by Sigh in over 30 years of existence. Starting more as a traditional black metal band in the 90’s their sound has evolved over time fusing more avant garde, progressive, and experimental elements. And for it being my first time venturing into new waters with this band I must confess that I was thoroughly surprised by how good this album is.
Whatever expectations you may come into this album with, just go ahead and toss them to the side. From the opening notes on “Kuso-shi 1, 2, 3” that key this album in you are struck with the full (albeit unusual) grandeur that Sigh seems to have mastered perfectly. Featuring everything you would expect such as symphonic elements from keyboards and guitar harmonies. To less traditional instruments found on a black metal album such as a surigane and a Shamisen.
When I say everything comes together perfectly on this album I truly mean it. Mirai Kawashima’s vocals are delivered with the perfect ghoulish insanity sound you would want on this wild ride of a record. When Goh-ka wants to be heavy it succeeds without losing too much of the progressive feelings that build the framework of this album like on the song “Jinmenjushin”. Speaking of the folk influences the shine brilliantly, tracks like “Kushukankyo” feature beautiful melodies that add levels of depth to the soundscape on this album. Tracks such as “Kuso-Shi 7” and “Shoso” venture into dark ambient territory which add to this feeling.
Some of Sigh’s most recent records (Hangman’s Hymn, Shiki, etc) have explored deep concepts such thoughts before execution, the changing of seasons and their relation to mortality, and the realm between sleep and consciousness. Goh-Ka is no different, this album follows themes regarding the famous Buddhist paintings Kuso-zu which depicts the decomposition of a body after death. The songs of this album are meant to convey themes of impermanence in life and that no matter how beautiful you are, we all die and rot the same.
I can easily say this was by far one of the best artists i’ve picked up listening to this year (which is why i’m kicking myself for not listening years sooner) and Goh-Ka is a testament to this. This album works on every level perfectly. If you want crazy and off the wall black metal with experimental overtones and a dark but honest theme then look no further.
