Artist: Sigh
Album: Eastern Darkness
Release / Reissue: 2021 / 2022 (licensed reissue)
Genre: Black Metal / Avant-Garde / Demo / Rare Tracks Compilation
Label: Peaceville Records
Description
Eastern Darkness is a compelling anthology capturing the formative era of Japanese extreme metal pioneers Sigh. More than a mere compilation, it’s a time machine into their early sound, blending raw demos, EP tracks, and rare cuts that chart the band’s evolution from brutal lo-fi fury to atmospheric experimentation.
This release includes key early works such as the Desolation and Tragedies demos (1990), the Requiem For Fools EP (1992), and contributions to 1990s compilations. In addition, it features the band’s tribute project To Hell and Back (originally released in 1995), which honors their respect for black metal legends like Venom.
Sonically, expect moments of raw thrash / proto-death aggression (especially in the earliest demos) mingled with emerging touches of keyboards and more adventurous textures. Some tracks, particularly in later sections of the compilation, reveal Sigh already pushing the boundaries between extreme metal and avant-garde soundscapes. The compilation is presented in high-quality vinyl format (140 g black vinyl in some editions) with detailed liner notes and insights from frontman Mirai Kawashima about the band’s early years.