Japanese metal pioneers SIGH are back today with news of their new album 'Goh-ka', a sprawling epic that showcases the band's mastery of atmosphere and technical precision.

According to mainman Mirai Kawashima, 'Goh-ka' is equally as personal an album as their previous release 'Shiki', both musically and lyrically.

The album's ingredients include elements of CELTIC FROST, VOIVOD, BLACK SABBATH, horror movies, and Japanese culture, all blended with psychedelic rock, prog rock, and classical music.

"Goh-ka" is approximately one hour in duration and features a range of additional spices to its sound.

The album's primary theme explores the Buddhist concept of "Kuso-zu", a series of paintings depicting the nine stages of human decomposition after death.

Kawashima notes that the artworks on the cover and in the booklet are essentially visual representations of this theme.

Joining Kawashima, Dr Mikannibal, guitarist Nozomu Wakai, and Frédéric Leclercq (KREATOR, DRAGONFORCE) on bass is renowned U.S.

drummer Mike Heller (RAVEN, FEAR FACTORY).

Notably, Mikael Åkerfeldt of OPETH contributes a special guest guitar solo to the track "Unputenpu".

The album was recorded across multiple studios and mixed and mastered by Lasse Lammert at LSD studios in Germany.

'Goh-ka' is set to be released on [insert date] and features 11 tracks, including the opening suite of three poems: "Kuso-shi 1, 2, and 3", followed by the sprawling epic "Unputenpu".

The album concludes with a range of atmospheric soundscapes and an ending that leaves listeners in awe.

SIGH formed in 1989/1990 and have maintained their old-school roots throughout their eclectic career, incorporating elements from multiple genres into their unique sound.