Sigh is a Japanese extreme metal band who have been around since the early '90s. The band was first signed by Euronymous of Mayhem to the label Deathlike Silence Records and frontman Mirai Kawashima had extensive contact with the Norwegian black metal scene back in the day. Since then Sigh's sound has evolved from straight ahead black metal to incorporate many different influences. Each album sounds different, and their latest is no exception.
Hangman's Hymn is blackened thrash metal with a lot of symphonic elements. It's a combination that works. The lightning fast thrash riffs and solos are really complemented by the symphonic and classical sounding strings and keyboards. It adds a majestic sound to the band's extremity without being cheesy or pretentious.
Kawashima's harsh vocals return on this album after being absent on 2005's Gallows Gallery. His black metal rasps fit perfectly with the music on this CD, and there are some melodic vocals as well. Overall, Hangman's Hymn is a very well constructed, diverse and engaging album.
