CoC : Sigh - Scenario IV: Dread Dreams : Review

Sigh - _Scenario IV: Dread Dreams_
(Cacophonous, 1999)
by: Paul Schwarz (9 out of 10)

Cacophonous' past history of signing the likes of Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir before promptly losing them, and watching them become black metal superstars soon afterwards, would suggest that Sigh's best move, commercially speaking, would be to leave the label. However, Sigh are not only the exception by virtue of their long tenure with Cacophonous; they are also far more innovative than either of the more successful aforementioned bands -- and the vast majority of black metal bands, for that matter. Sigh take big helpings of Celtic Frost and stir in first the melodic leanings of traditional heavy metal, then the sweeping orchestration of soundtrack-styled classical compositions, and finally fleeting borrowings from unexpected genres like funk-styled jazz and twangy country and western. Sigh create a truly confusing mix which they somehow mould into a solid and convincing musical whole. The amount of courage, conviction and success Sigh have with innovation pushes them to the forefront of the black metal scene alongside the likes of Emperor and Satyricon. Let's hope that more people start taking note of the brave steps this band is taking.

(article published 9/12/1999)

ALBUMS
3/4/2012	J Carbon	9	Sigh - In Somniphobia
7/23/2011	J Carbon	9.5	Sigh - Scorn Defeat
5/29/2010	K Sarampalis	9.5	Sigh - Scenes From Hell
7/4/2007	K Sarampalis	9.5	Sigh - Hangman's Hymn
10/3/2005	J Montague	8.5	Sigh - Gallows Gallery
1/1/1998	S Hoeltzel	7.5	Sigh - Hail Horror Hail