Anyone that has spent time in Asia will tell you there's an overwhelming sense of busyness woven into the culture. This sense of urgency comes through loud and clear in the music of avant-garde Japanese black metal band, SIGH. It punishes a listener one moment with unrelenting violent brutality and engages with Wagnerian symphonic compositions the next. "Scenes From Hell" is an aural workout, often sounding like at least two records are battling it out. But surprisingly, both sounds manage to work in unison.

The blastbeats and hobgoblin black metal vocals in "Prelude to the Oracle" are countered with a number of short orchestral bites. "L'art De Mourir" demonstrates a stronger classical lean, Satan's minions use a symphony orchestra that adds weight to the sheer metallic heaviness that rushes through. An eerie effect is created through the narration opening the three-part opus, "Musica Tempora Belli". Part two, "The Summer Funeral" moves close to black metal opera territory with the slow, moody classical violin aiding the low audibility of the vocals. Final sequence "Musica Tempora Bella" starts out fast and metallic before more narration breaks it up, the roller coaster ride continuing with a surprising sax coming in, hinting at more unexpected twists in store for those who have gained admission.

If there's a complaint with "Scenes From Hell", it's the fact that the vocals could be a little clearer. But honestly, while it's all too easy to second-guess the next chord progression, drumbeat or lyrical phrasing of so many bands, the unpredictability of SIGH serves as welcome relief. The busy bustle of the record will almost certainly demand repeat listens, as it's too difficult to resist simply scratching the album's surface; SIGH's hidden sonic treasures are plentiful and will beg for excavation.

- Carr

OFFICIAL SITE: www.sighjapan.com

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