Japanese avant-garde metal pioneers SIGH have announced their highly anticipated new studio album, Goh-Ka, arriving September 4 via Peaceville Records. The record promises nearly an hour of the band’s signature fusion of black metal, progressive experimentation, psychedelic textures, and cinematic horror influences, while featuring a special guest appearance from OPETH frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt.
Described by band leader Mirai Kawashima as one of SIGH’s most personal works alongside 2022’s Shiki, Goh-Ka draws inspiration from an eclectic blend of Celtic Frost, Voivod, Black Sabbath, horror films, Japanese culture, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and classical music.
The album’s title carries three interconnected meanings in Japanese: infernal fire that scorches sinners (業火), the apocalyptic fire that consumes the world at the end of time (劫火), and karma (業果).
Lyrically and conceptually, Goh-Ka centers on Kuso-zu, a series of traditional Buddhist paintings depicting the nine stages of human decomposition after death. These works serve as meditations on mortality, impermanence, and detachment from physical beauty and worldly desires. The album artwork and booklet continue this theme by incorporating Kuso-zu-inspired imagery.
Joining Mirai Kawashima, Dr Mikannibal, and guitarist Nozomu Wakai on the album are bassist Frédéric Leclercq (KREATOR) and acclaimed drummer Mike Heller. One of the album’s standout collaborations comes on the track “Unputenpu,” which features a guest guitar solo from Mikael Åkerfeldt of OPETH.
Goh-Ka was recorded across multiple studios before being mixed and mastered by Lasse Lammert at LSD Studios in Germany.
Goh-Ka Track Listing
- Kuso-shi 1, 2, and 3 – 09:11
- Jigoku-Zoshi 1: Unkamusho – 03:55
- Anzenshokon – 06:24
- Kuso-shi 4, 5, and 6 – 07:21
- Shoso – 00:56
- Unputenpu – 05:41
- Jinmenjushin – 06:14
- Jigoku-Zoshi 2: Tokatsujigoku – 03:06
- Kushukankyo – 01:47
- Kuso-shi 7 – 01:56
- Kuso-shi 8 and 9 / Mettaijakujo – 11:23
The album will be available on multiple colored vinyl editions, CD, and digital formats. Fans who pre-order through the Peaceville Store or the band’s official store will also receive the exclusive 10-track Legacy of Horrors SIGH sampler.
Following the release, SIGH will embark on an extensive run of performances across North America and Europe, including special old-school trio sets and appearances at major festivals throughout the summer and fall.