Genre: Avant-garde / Black Metal
Line Up:
The word "Shiki" contains multiple meanings: the four seasons, ceremony, direction to follow, and time to die ... on the basis of this contemplation of the cycle of life, which has been repeated incessantly for millennia, the new studio work of the Japanese Sigh is born, an authentic living legend of Japanese Black Metal, already noticed at the time by Euronymous's Deathlike Silence Productions who, entranced by their sound, produced their debut album "Scorn Defeat".
For this twelfth studio episode, historians Mirai Kawashima and Dr Mikannibal collaborated with Kreator's Frédéric Leclercq and US drummer Mike Heller (Fear Factory and Raven), as well as longtime member Satoshi Fujinami on bass.
“Kuroi Kage”, with his funereal intercede, takes us on a long and mysterious journey full of dark mysticism; sonorities that stylistically approach Mortuary Drape and Abysmal Grief.
"Shikabane" veers strongly on the most powerful Thrash Metal of the 80s, but with fusion and hypnotic influences supported by remarkable drumming, developed by the talented American musician. "Satsui Geshi no Ato" presented by an aggressive, persuasive video clip, based on the symbolism linked to the red colour, best embodies the band's musical research intent, that is, to bring together the Japanese musical tradition with the sonic extremism developed in the west over the past forty years.
The use of traditional oriental instruments such as the Shakuhachi and Shinobue flutes are fascinating.
“Fuyu Ga Kuru” introduced by a mantra, continues supported by a courtly female singing that suddenly turns into a thrash metal outburst with first diabolical, then desperate, finally almost robotic voices. The result is incredible!
"Shouku" has a guitar riffing that would not disfigure in the new productions of Kreator but also in this case the voice of Mirai transforms it into a demonic anthem that will creep devastatingly into your psyche already tormented by the previous songs.
"Mayonaka no Kaii" the curtain falls on a work that will hardly leave the listener indifferent, the video clip is amazing, commissioned by an absolute genius of its kind, Costin Chioreanu.
“Shiki” proves that Sigh is still a band in great shape and that after thirty-two years they still allow us to approach their music enthusiastically! Hail Sigh!
Fulvio JK
