Sigh "Gallows Gallery" (The End)
By Eric Chon
Wednesday. Mar 26, 10:52 AM
A masterpiece reissued and improved.

Sigh have a reputation for never getting pigeonholed. Since 1993, the Japanese masters of the unexpected have built a strong and die hard fanbase by squarely kicking trends and expectations in the nut-sack and doing their own thing, and their 2005 masterpiece Gallows Gallery is a prime example. Filled with influences ranging from black metal, death, thrash, jazz, and everything else under the sun (just listen to the saxophone on “In a Drowse”), it was a tour de force of creativity and musicianship. Many people’s only complaint was that the production was less than stellar. It was muddy and fuzzy and did not do justice to the sonic gymnastics at work.

Well, it appears fans have a reason to celebrate, as The End has re-issued and remastered Gallows Gallery the way it should have been. Included with the updated tracks are several new alternate versions (such as an all harsh vocal version of “Pale Monument” that is fantastic), as well as re-touched artwork (the new cover is now blue rather than red). They also include several jazzy outtakes (which the album definitely lends itself too) and a demo from 2003 of one of the songs.

For the completist, this is a must have. Not only is the sound so much cleaner and clearer, but the bonus tracks provide an excellent insight into the workings of the band. This reminds me of the Megadeth remasters where you received much more than was expected in the same package. And for a first-timer, this is an excellent introduction to a groundbreaking and visionary band that everyone should be familiar with.
www.sighjapan.com
www.theendrecords.com

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Eric Chon

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