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By JEFF MAKI
Since being formed by members of Norwegian metal bands Gorgoroth, Manngard and Audrey Horne, a buzz has surrounded Sahg. On their debut album, Sahg I, which took an entire year to write and record, Sahg carries the torch first set ablaze by Black Sabbath and carried since by bands such as Corrosion of Conformity, Monster Magnet and Fireball Ministry.
The album's psychedelic opening gives way to the monster-sized riffs of "Repent," which clocks in at more than seven minutes. The lead vocals by Olav are reminiscent of Ozzy during his best years with Black Sabbath, while the heavy, downtuned riffs would make Tony Iommi proud. The album has a '70s vibe but also incorporates aspects of today's metal. The production is nothing short of spectacular, with a crisp clear sound. The only thing standing in the way of this release getting a perfect score are the vocals sounding too much like Ozzy at certain points! But with this style of retro-doom, there was no other way to go in the vocal department.
"The Executioner Undead" sounds like a song dug out of a long lost Sabbath vault. It's rolling riff and rhythm section make for one of the album's best songs. Songs like "The Alchemist" and "River Runs Dry" combine psychedelic rock with perfectly-executed doom metal. "Godless Faith" has a hypnotizing guitar melody and tribal drums leading into the heaviest guitar riff in ages--a headbanger's dream! In classic heavy metal tradition, the lyrical topics range from fantasy to Satan. Acoustic interludes are thrown in here and there, adding to the psychedelic feel of the record and giving your ears a rest. "Soul Exile" features yet more pounding riffs and the most memorable chorus. The 10 tracks that make up Sahg I all perfectly complement each other.
This is the album that many metal bands wish they could write and release. It would be a travesty If it isn't heard by every metal fan out there. The only thing left to say about it is that you have to hear it for yourself.
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