The world renowned extreme metal legend Sigh was formed in
May of 1990 in Tokyo, Japan, and originally stated that they formed in
1989 so they would be viewed with serious consideration as an experienced
band. During this time, the trio consisted of Mirai Kawashima who played
bass, and sung the vocals, Satoshi Fujinami, who played guitar, and Kazuki
who played the drums. All three met each other through the school they
were attending at the time. Their primary influence drew mainly from the
1st wave black metal/thrash acts Venom and Celtic Frost. Following, were
more well-known acts like Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath. These musical
influences can be heard in the band's music throughout their
near-seventeen year history. The other primary influence of the band
dwelled in the realm of horror films and the soundtracks that accompanied
them.
Prior to forming Sigh, the three were only playing covers just for fun,
however beginning in the summer of 1990 they started writing original
material. The three track demo tape, "Desolation" was released in June of
that year, a little more than one month after forming. The demo's three
tracks would all later find themselves rerecorded in some way later on in
their career. At this time front man Mirai believes that the music
produced on this demo was very childish and he doesn't even own a copy of
it anymore.
Shortly after the "Desolation" demo was released Kazuki left Sigh due to a
conflict in musical interests. Mirai and Satoshi wanted to continue
writing new material, getting more involved with Sigh, while Kazuki had
declined his interest in a band created out of fun. With this lack of
interest and different musical taste (Kazuki preferred bands like Paradise
Lost over Von), and departed from the band. Nowadays, Kazuki isn't even
involved in music anymore, although it is important to know that he was
the one who drew the Sigh logo, which is still used today.
Despite Kazuki's departure, Mirai and Satoshi kept Sigh alive. In December
of 1990 their second demo tape "Tragedies" was released. At the time of
release, Hideyuki Okahara, from the speed metal band, Beyond Description,
was supposed to join Sigh, however in the end he never did. He did however
appear in the group photo for the demo, and even played in a show with
Sigh (Another guitarist joined in at this show, but his name is not
remembered). For the demo, Mirai performed the vocals, keyboard, bass, and
piano, while Satoshi played both guitar and drums. When first released,
"Tragedies" featured a new band logo (Which was only used on this demo)
and 4 tracks. "Tragedies" was also the first Sigh recording where the
piano was used, which would later play a more prominent role in their
music.
Sigh remained silent for a while, as "Tragedies" was reissued by Wild Rags
Records in 1991, which featured the addition of an extra track (A
rerecorded version of "Weakness Within" from the first demo tape) and
full-color packaging. The cost to produce this Wild Rags release was high,
but the band's intentiond were to spread the name of Sigh as far as
possible, so profit was definitely not expected. However, it wasn't until
Sigh's release of the "Requiem for Fools" EP in 1992 on both cassette and
vinyl that they truly got some attention. The three track EP was recorded
with the same lineup as "Tragedies" still consisting of Mirai and Satoshi.
It is also worth noting that this was the first Sigh recording that Mirai
was satisfied with. "Requiem for Fools" caught the attention of the
legendary Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth), guitarist of Mayhem, and leader of
the Norwegian black metal scene, and this led to Sigh signing to his
label, Deathlike Silence Productions (DSP). Mirai had originally sent the
EP to Mayhem's vocalist, Dead, to listen to and review. Yet, due to his
suicide, it was Eurynomous who responded to his letters. Of all the people
out there Mirai had contacted, Eurynomous who was the only one who
expressed interest in a metal band from the far east. Thus the signing of
the band to his label was quick and easy. This was also the beginning of
Mirai's frequent contact with Eurynomous and other members of the black
metal scene (He did also write letters to Varg Vikernes of Burzum, and
Samoth of Emperor).
At the time, Sigh was not even considered a source of income, so both
Mirai and Satoshi had to keep day jobs (and still do). Mirai was still in
school at the time and was being paid to teach English to younger Japanese
students.
In the Summer of 1992 Mirai and Satoshi held an audition to find a
full-time guitarist. After several auditions, it was decided that Shinichi
Ishikawa was to join Sigh as their new guitarist. Of all the people who
auditioned, it was only Shinichi who had named Venom as one of his
influences. The new lineup consisted of Mirai on vocals, piano, keyboards,
and bass, Shinichi on guitar, and Satoshi moving over to drums. With this
new lineup, Sigh was finally ready to record their first full-length album
entitled "Scorn Defeat."
Recorded in March of 1993, "Scorn Defeat" featured eight tracks. The album
was released on the Voices of Wonder label, which took over Deathlike
Silence Productions after Euronymous was murdered by Count Grishnackh (Varg
Vikernes). Sigh dawned corpsepaint for "Scorn Defeat" obviously taking
some influence from the late Euronymous and his impact on the Black Metal
scene as a whole. The album was dedicated in his name. The original cover
art for the album was supposed to have been done by Snorre Ruch of Thorns,
but never happened due to his arrest for accompanying Varg Vikernes when
he killed Eurynomous. Instead, Sigh left the design of the cover art to
Voices of Wonder, and the end result left the band unsatisfied. The cover
was replaced with a grim photo of Shinichi on re-releases due to harsh
criticism. The album was embraced by many as a definitive black metal
classic, and proved that Japan was well capable of entering the
underground metal scene. One of the tracks of off "Scorn Defeat" ("Ready
for the Final War") was later featured on a UK compilation CD called
"Blackened." "Scorn Defeat" would be Sigh's only album on Voices of
Wonder, due to label's failure to promote the band. Sigh, however, has no
regrets on releasing the album under Deathlike Silence Productions in
honor of Euronymous. This, in turn, would eventually spread the name of
Sigh quite farther than they had expected.
In January of 1994 Sigh entered the studio once again to record a track
for a compilation organized by the Japanese legends of black metal, Sabbat,
which featured the best underground bands of the Japanese scene at the
time, called "Far East Gate In Inferno." The song was a faster, rawer
version of "The Zombie Terror", a song which would also appear on their
2nd album. A few months later in April, Sigh recorded two tracks, one
being "Schizo", a cover of the Venom classic, and the other, "Suicidogenic",
another song which would reappear on their 2nd album. The songs were
recorded for a 7" split with the Greek band, Kawir. This Split was Sigh's
first release on the British Cacophonous label, a label which would later
cause Sigh many grievances.
Sigh began preparing for the release of their second full length album,
"Infidel Art." They entered the studio for five months, from February to
June of 1995 to record the album. Musically, "Infidel Art" was much more
of a progression from "Scorn Defeat." The album featured more keyboards
and synthesizer, and each of the album's six tracks were epic in one way
or another. Another standout was the length of the songs, most extending
over nine minutes. The album art featured the famous ancient samurai
Tairanokiyomori who is being attacked by the spirits of people he had
killed. The cover was chosen by Mirai who first saw the drawing at an
exhibition. The album is still hailed as a black metal classic alongside
"Scorn Defeat" and is a very rare, but must-have find these days.
A small German label named Voices From the Dark Side Productions released
a bootleg with Sigh playing covers of Venom live in October of 1994. The
bootleg was released on a tape and featured six tracks. The tape was
entitled "To Hell and Back", after the Venom classic, and is considered
not only a great Venom tribute, but a great quality one as well. The
tribute has since gone out of production.
In 1996 a fourteen track live rare bootleg of Sigh from 1992 through 1996
was released. It contained original Sigh material alongside covers from
Venom and Death and was entitled "The Eastern force of Evil: Live
'92-'96." The bootleg also featured an early version of "Shikigami", a
track from the mini-CD Sigh was preparing to release...
In 1997 Sigh had made plans to release a split CD with fellow friends who
have called themselves the most evil band in Japan, Abigail.
Unfortunately, Abigail's record label, Modern Invasion, would not allow
them to associate with other record labels, so the plan never
materialized. Sigh then decided to release the split with the Swedish band
Vergelmer, but that deal also fell through. Instead, the material was
released as a mini-CD entitled "Ghastly Funeral Theatre." The mini-CD was
Sigh's first recording dedicated entirely to Japanese occultism. The
mini-CD has great production, and is considered by some to be Sigh's
heaviest work to date even though it is only twenty-four minutes in
length!
Sigh had a few unreleased tracks by this point; three to be exact. Two
were Venom covers, and the third was an original song entitled "Shadowking."
These songs were for an EP, however this EP was never released. "Shadowking"
was primarily an expriment to test the capabilities of MIDI, which was
what Mirai had planned for using on the third album. The only thing really
known was that Mirai had planned to write details of Japanese occult
meanings in English in the booklet, but never got around to it. All three
tracks would eventually find themselves released on compilations.
Nobody was prepared for what Sigh would release next. Their third
full-length album entitled "Hail Horror Hail" was released later in 1997
and was proof how far Sigh had progressed in seven years. The album
follows the theme of being a "horror movie without pictures," and follows
this theme from start to finish. "Hail Horror Hail" was also Sigh's most
unusual album by conventional standards, to the point where a warning
explaining the nature of the CD was included on the back of the album
case. Also, Sigh permanently removed their corpsepaint prior to the
release of "Hail Horror Hail." By this time it was apparent to Sigh that
corpsepaint had set itself as a trend, being adopted by countless
forgettable bands in their struggle to be more evil than the others. Sigh
did not wish to be associated with this group, and thus the corpsepaint
was dropped for good. The nine track CD is considered one of Sigh's best
albums, also receiving a high honor from Terrorizer Magazine as one of the
most important metal albums of the 1990s. "Hail Horror Hail" would go on
to become a classic in its own league, which many would consider Sigh's
definitive work, but of course there was more to come.
After the release of "Hail Horror Hail," controversy began to arise with
Cacophonous Records. The band was very dissatisfied with their poor
performance, which was also shown by other Cacophonous bands such as Bal-Sagoth,
Dimmu Borgir, and Cradle of Filth, and their decisions to leave the label.
Cacophonous was doing very little to promote Sigh, and failing on keeping
their word, such as releasing the past Sigh catologue on vinyl, which the
had agreed to do. Cacophonous also attempted to convince Sigh to remove
their musically softer songs such as "Invitation to Die" off "Hail Horror
Hail" from the album entirely, which Sigh refused. After "Hail Horror
Hail" was released, Sigh attempted to leave Cacophonous while searching
for a new label, but Cacophonous was threatemed to legally sue the band
unless they held up their end of the four album contract. Sigh knew they
had no choice but to wait until after their next album was released to
before they could leave Cacophonous behind. It is from these controversies
that Mirai has renamed the label to "Craphonous," which sums up his hatred
for this label which cheated not only the band, but all of the fans as
well.
The next studio album, "Scenario IV: Dread Dreams" followed a different
theme than "Hail Horror Hail." Released in 1999, "Scenario IV: Dread
Dreams" followed the concept of the dream, creating an album in which none
have ever attempted. "Scenario IV: Dread Dreams" is an unpredictable tour
where melodies often randomly shift to something completely different,
making the listener possibly question the quality of their CD player. The
album is more guitar driven, unlike "Hail Horror Hail" and its frequent
use of MIDI. It is also considerably more approachable than its
predecessor, but still worlds apart with differences.
Also in 1999, Mirai and Shinichi together with Yasuyuki and Youhei from
Abigail started a side project called Cut Throat, where the four kicked
back and played for fun. Cut Throat is pure thrash, covering songs from
the bands that influenced them in addition to writing a few of their own.
Although at first, there was no plan to release recorded material, a
full-length album entitled "Rape Rape Rape" was released in 1999 on Root
of All Evil Records, and limited to 500 copies.
With Sigh's four album contract with Cacophonous was completed, the band
had no obligation to remain with the label any more. Sigh recorded a demo
featuring early versions of tracks that would appear on their 5th
full-length, and sent it out to several record labels. This caught the
attention of Century Media records, one of the world's largest metal
labels, who went on to sign Sigh for their next album. In September of
2000, Sigh retreated to Studio Zen, owned by Yukito Okazaki (Who produced
and engineered the album) of the Japanese stoner legends, Eternal Elysium
. Here they would record "Imaginary Sonicscape". For this release, the
band crafted psychedelic landscapes with their use of 1970s equipment,
recorded with the spirit of the 1980s, and technology of the 1990s. "As a
result, we created music for the 21st century" says Mirai, describing the
album on top of all that went into creating it. After spending a few more
months perfecting the album, they finished recording "Imaginary Sonicscape"
in April of 2001 and released it on July 24, 2001. Sigh's psychedelic
image for this album made it nearly impossible for anyone to believe that
long ago this band dawned corpsepaint. The artwork for the album was made
by the legendary Stephen O'Malley of Kanate and Sunn 0))), and still
leaves people finding new hidden images. Still even through all of the
progression in the music, Sigh's signature sound is always there. The
album had launched Sigh's name out even further, with a combination of a
larger record label and a sound more accessible than past releases both
contributing.
2001 was a big year for the members of Sigh. Mirai participated in a side
project called Enoch with Killjoy of Necrophagia, and recorded an album
entitled "Graveyard Disturbances" which is described as a true horror film
soundtrack. The project was supposed to also feature Phil Anselmo, of
Pantera fame, and previous association with Necrophagia.
Sigh also participated in a John Coltrane tribute and covered the song
"Spiritual" off of his "Village Vanguard" album which would later be
released in August of 2002. Mirai was also contracted to write about forty
songs in a month for an online MMORPG called "Adellion"
After "Imaginary Sonicscape" was released, Sigh gained the attention of
many new fans. To gain more and please the ones they had, Century Media
organized a United States tour in 2002. Due to the fact that Sigh's music
is anything but easy to play live, the band began searching for a session
synthesizer player, but ended up searching for a session bass player who
would assist them on their tour, making it easier for them to play their
music live. In the end Yasuyuki Suzuki, the vocalist and bassist of
Abigail (Also the bassist in Cut Throat) , was selected to tour with Sigh.
During Sigh's United States tour, Mirai was already beginning to write the
material for Sigh's 6th studio release, titled "Gavotte Grim." The album
was originally supposed to be released in 2003, but at that time touring
was their first priority. Sigh toured with Khanate and Thrones in April
and May of 2002. It was later announced in June of 2002 that Mirai had
officially become a member of Necrophagia. Mirai wrote a few songs for the
EP called "Goblins be Thine" Which was released on March 15 of 2004.
Sigh also participated in a split with Necrophagia in 2003, and later on a
split with Abigail in 2004. Sigh also contributed a cover of Hawkwind's
"Psychedelic Warlords" for a Hawkwind tribute CD. The name of the 6th full
length album was also changed from "Gavotte Grim" to "Gallows Gallery."
The 6th full-length album, "Gallows Gallery" was recorded in 2004. A new
drummer, Junichi Harashima, formerly a member of Hellchild and Gonin-Ish,
also joined Sigh at this time. He was actually referred to the band
through Hideki, formerly a member of the death metal band Defiled. Satoshi
shifted to bass (As he prefers stringed instruments), allowing Mirai to
focus on vocals and keyboards. With this new lineup, live shows should be
much more frequent in the future.
News on the new album began to appear on the website of Candlelight
records in July 2005, announcing the album would be released on their
label within the next few months.
It was later revealed that Century Media had refused to release the album
on their label since the new album contained parts applying sonic weapon
techniques, experimented with during World War II. However, the fact that
Century Media was not pleased with the departure from Sigh's black metal
roots on the record also played a role.
A warning was issued regarding the 6th full-length album, saying it could
do harm to one's health due to the implementation of these sonic weapon
techniques. Mirai was actually hospitalized while working on the album,
which was one of the reasons that the album was delayed for more than two
years.
Still, Sigh was forced to find a new label to release the album. The
answer was Baphomet/Candlelight records, whom Mirai had contact with
through Killjoy. Gallows Gallery was released in the United States in
early September 2005, and October 2005 in Europe.
The album featured a dramatic change from anything Sigh had ever released
before. All of Mirai's harsh vocals were replaced with a clean chorus
which fills the album with a new incredible haunting beauty never before
found on a Sigh record. The 1970s rock style of "Imaginary Sonicscape" was
replaced with the heavy metal vibe of the 1980s creating yet another
masterpiece in Sigh's epic discography.
With the release of "Gallows Gallery" Sigh appeared to be in better shape
than ever. The new album attracted even more new fans to the band, giving
them the attention they deserve. "Gallows Gallery" received 14th best
album of the year 2005 in Terrorizer magazine.
Mirai was involved in many releases in 2005 from several bands, including
The Meads of Asphodel (Synth on their 3rd full-length release "Damascus
Steel"), Cut Throat, Hallowmas, Hidden, and of course Necrophagia.
Also, Mirai played synth on Abigail's "Tribute to Sigh" vinyl EP which
covered the two Sigh classics "Desolation" and "Taste Defeat." The covers
were more in tune with the original demo versions, which was a treat for
all Abigail and Sigh fans alike.
Mirai revealed that he was working with Shane Embury of Napalm Death fame
on a new musical project which would later find the name "Blood from the
Soul" (Slightly different from Shane's Death/Grind release under the same
name in the early 90s). The second album under this name is scheduled for
a release sometime in 2007, but has meet many "on-hold" moments as both
Mirai and Shane were occupied with other things.
Also scheduled for an early 2006 release was the second album from Mirai
and Killjoy's Enoch project entitled "Solamente Nero" (Translated: "The
Black Sleep"), but still no release has been found.
Cut Throat released their third 7" EP, "Branded then Whipped" in January
of 2006.
Sigh then proceeded to shock fans when it was announced that the band had
been signed to the United States progressive label, The End Records, which
houses renowned acts Agalloch, Dissection, Green Carnation, and Voivod,
just to name a few. Fans were also blown away when the announcement that
Sigh's 7th full-length album entitled "Hangman's Hymn" would be released
on The End Records by the end of 2006 (But was delayed many times until a
June 2007 date was secured).
"Hangman's Hymn" is a ten track assault of orchestrated violence, deriving
heavy influence from German classical Romantic composers such as Anton
Bruckner, Gustav Mahler, and Richard Wagner. It is divided into three
acts, and marks the return of Mirai's harsh vocals after their absence on
"Gallows Gallery." The album cleverly introduces reoccurring themes which,
as the album progresses, build up into one of the most climactic finales
ever heard in Sigh history. Sigh went into the studio in August 2006 to
record the album. It is to be released on June 12 on The End Records and
May 23 on Soundholic Records in Japan (With bonus tracks).
2007 began as strong as ever for the band, who played their first show in
over five years on March 17th at Shin-Okubo Hotspot in Tokyo. Also on
stage, Mikannibal joined the band for the first time on the alto sax and
backing vocals. Later it was announced that she would become the next
official member of the band.
Nearly a month later, on April 8th, the band played at Norway's Inferno
Festival. The band's performance at Inferno was eagerly anticipated and
the band exceeded expectations with a setlist that covered a lot of the
band's early history.
At this point in time, Sigh appears in definitive shape. With the oncoming
release of "Hangman's Hymn" and the continuous possibilities of tours,
merchandise, re-releases, and more seem endless. For seventeen years Sigh
has represented Japan as one of their leading metal bands to emerge
worldwide; gaining success and acclaim. They have opened the door for many
other bands to follow, further expanding the quality of the far eastern
scene. Sigh is a band who is not afraid to frequently experiment with
change, traveling into a realm never before attempted. They are a band who
deserve every piece of recognition that they earn, and after their history
of releases... they have earned the attention of countless metal fans
worldwide.
Written by: Ongaku
Latest update: May 27, 2007 10:35 AM
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