Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing cannot be denied and that Sigh is one of the most inventive metal bands out there and every one of their albums are creative masterpieces. Even with their more straightforward black metal releases ("Scorn Defeat", "Infidel Art") they had their own touch, their own flare that made these black metal albums unique and different. It wasn't until the release of the EP "Ghastly Funeral Theatre" that they moved away from the traditions of the genre and create something entirely different that would seal their name into popularity with the release of "Imaginary Sonicscape".
But I'm here to talk about an album that is in my opinion is much, much more deserving of praise, "Hangman's Hymn"
This is the band's seventh full length released in 2007, two years after 2005's "Gallows Gallery" an album that has been the target of alot of bashing by Sigh fans due to the album's complete abandonment of alot of what made the band so unique instead going for this black metal influenced power metal. Not that the album was bad on its own, I found it a bit enjoyable myself, but in retrospect, when comparing it to the band's total discography, it didn't have much to offer and fell short in alot of aspects. Two years later we have "Hangman's Hymn" an album that not only goes back the old style but went back in a big, big way, creating a much more symphonic and more violent, yet very catchy, sound.
A very creative and powerful atmosphere echos through the epic sound of melodic riffs and blast beat drumming, and a much heavier use of choir, like on the track "Dies Irae - The Master Malice" which makes the overall sound that much more exciting. The vocals have also been imrpoved alot. Getting rid of the pretty simple clean vocals from "Gallows Gallery" (although cleans will pop up from time to time) and goes back to the "Imaginary Soniscape" black metal style, but sounding much more rough, more aggressive, more passionate and just soudning much better than the vocals preformed on "I.S".
Despite the album's violent and chaotic nature, the songs don't sound like noise, instead they are very memorable and catchy. In fact this is obvious when the album starts out with "Introitus/Kyrie" which just immediatlly starts kicking your ass yet is also leaves an instant impression with the "Born again! Born again!" chorus. And pretty much every track has something to like about it. Yes some are better than others, but there isn't a song on here that I can say "skip it".
Going back to the symphonics a bit, it sounds fantastic and is not at all overpowering. The horns, the piano, the violin, the choir, all is mixed into the sound in a very healthy amount, so its not overdone and doesn't sound like a black metal version of nightwish. It all leaves enough room for the rest of the music to shine through. It also might be worth mentioning that this album is a bit more accessible than their other albums compared to the more experimental releases, like lets say "Scenario IV: Dread Dreams" or "Hail Horror Hail" but its still very progressive and still avant garde enough to where it will appeal to people looking for people looking for an experimental "not your average" type album.
Overall very good release. In my opinion, one of their best albums.
