The power of the riff compels...
Winter-Fell | Okanogan, WA United States | 09/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, my first impression of this disc was pure Sabbath worship; nothing more, nothing less. But upon further listening, I've realized that there's alot more going on here. The Sabbath influence is there, no doubt, but not to the point of plagarism. But if you really listen, you'll hear the influence of the black metal these guys came from. Listen to the main riff in Black Passage. Sounds like Mayhem. Cetain riffs also remind me of newer Satyricon or Darkthrone (The Alchemist).
The instrumentation here is really fantastic. The guitars are heavy, thick and have just enough mix of melody and riffing to keep this from becoming a power chord fest. Very tasteful solos. No Jeff Loomis impersonations, but pure soul and power. The bass is muddy and organic, just the way it needs to be for this music. And really, this is probably where Sahg sounds the most like Sabbath. Sometimes you'd really think it was Geezer on bass. The drums pound away and fit the music perfectly. It's refreshing to hear drums that don't try to follow every last freaking 32nd note the guitarist plays. On to vocals. Yes, Olav sounds a lot like Ozzy at times. But he also has his own sound and really what else would fit here? Black metal vocals? I sure as hell think not.
This is Sabbath inspired metal played with black metal attitude. I saw these guys with 1349 and Celtic Frost, and all I'll say is I went to see Sahg and I left feeling proud that I went to see Sahg. They f**king owned the entire show."
More worship at the alter of Sabbath
T. Hardin | seaside,oregon | 09/11/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Well as most of the other reviewers have pointed out,this is to be filed along side the other Sabbath-obsessed bands out there.So,do we really need another Sabbath rehash? When its done this good,then the answer is,well, YEAH! Also as a previous reviewer mentioned,this is indeed "Sabbath played with a Black Metal attitude",and it proves here to be two great tastes that taste great together (at least to these two half-deaf ears).
3 stars due to the oversaturation of bands in this sub-genre - add one more if the Stoner/Doom scene is yer "thing"...."
Both Sahg I and II - worth getting if you love early Sabbath
Coleen | Down in the alley | 05/02/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I highly recommend both Sahg I and Sahg II if you love early Sabbath. I also highly recommend Graveyard's self-titled album and all three of Witchcraft's albums. Riff-heavy music, Ozzy-sounding vocalists, but all three bands add their own unique sounds to the Sabbath sound. If you want something that rocks in a similar vein, but goes to newer territory, check out both albums by Witch (not to be confused with Witchcraft). They are both excellent albums."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1