Welcome to the bizarre world of SIGH. A quaint band that forces you to limits & adoration or you can't stand their music at all. But there is one thing that you have to admit and this is their peculiarity, from their very beginning 'till now.
Since its birth, SIGH was unique. Even now my dreams are haunted by the keys of Desolation Of My Mind from the Desolation demo. Their aura arrived in Europe 'cause of Deathlike Silence. Euronymous wanted them in his label (back then even one reference for a band made by the leader of MAYHEM was 'auto' promotion) and finally Scorn Defeat was out, although the owner of the label didn't see it ever. From then SIGH produce only good and qualitative records, breaking through styles and music genres with specific comfort without losing their character.
It's a great challenge to describe what you hear in Hangman's Hymn and to write about the feelings it gives you. First of all, their music expression includes again black metal vocals that were absent in Gallows Gallery. The speed of songs have raised a lot and the keys blow an air of classical music. Imagine a thrash substratum with Wagner paintings and marvelous solos (as always). The N.W.O.B.H.M. parts still exist in Devil's Arms but generally there is a lot lot of thrash here.
From the emotional point of view there's enough of distinguished hate, anger and revenge. Keys give a majestic breath combined with disposals of nobility in the whole hateful background. As always Mirai's key parts are great. In all his works this man impresses me with his inspiration and fantasy that puts in. The bridge of the first song makes me feel asphyxiation, seeing ghosts as in Me-Devil. But I will not analyze the songs. It doesn't have any sense. SIGH's friends have already bought this album. From the other hand, if you want to listen to something special I propose to listen to them. You have to give them time and just release your fantasy being free. Then the hymnical Mirai in Devil's Arms probably will reward you.
The rating below is based upon their whole discography and only.