It is a well known fact that, since the beginning of the 90's, the eyes of the metal world have been well focused on the Scandinavian peninsula, and more specifically, the western part of that area which is better known as Norway. Well, that is quite understandable, seeing as it is indeed the birthplace of some of the most important extreme metal bands such as Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum and Emperor - bands whose no musical "activities" have often been featured in the front pages of many newspapers.

On the other hand, we would be definitely wrong in assuming that Black Metal is the only metal genre that has been thriving in this cold and vast country. Bands with slightly more progressive/melodic musical orientations such as Kamelot and Communic have been keeping our ears quite busy with their wonderful releases, and now, it looks like a new contender with a more "classical education" is about to enter the "ring". Their name is Sahg - their style?

My introduction to "Sahg I", the band's debut album with Regain Records", gave a clear message of the band's intentions to create a sound that "borrows" the best elements from bands like Pentagram, Black Sabbath and Monster Magnet. Do you want to call this Stoner Metal or groovy Doom Metal? Well, that's really up to you. I do believe, though, that none of these terms can sufficiently characterise or describe the feeling that derives from the music of that very impressive trio.

I was told to expect something quite mind-blowing from this ten track release, but even though I really enjoyed the groovy rhythmical tunes of "Rivers Running Dry" / "Soul Exile" and headbanged to the mesmerising Sabbathical riff of "The Executioner Undead", I was only really amazed by two compositions. That was the slow paced musical orgasm called "Repent", whose spaced out keyboard themes makes it sound like the bastard child of the unlawful union between Monster Magnet and Tool, and "Godless Faith", which is based on a doomy skull-crushing guitar riff and 70's sounding (see Eloy) keyboard melodies. Olav Iversen is a good vocalist, but often falls into the trap of trying to sound like Ozzy. On the contrary, the performances from both Gorgoroth's bassist King Ov Hell and of skinsman Kvitrafn are exceptional, "arming" this album with amazing tunes that create an ideal sinister/evil atmosphere.

I am afraid that I do not agree with some of my friends who claim that "Sagh I" is the best metal album that has been released since the beginning of the new millennium. On the other hand, this is indeed a damn good release and a very promising debut from a band that seems to have what it takes to write some really mind-blowing music! A very good start!

****

Review by John Stefanis