Saidan's Fangdriller: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist is an album that initially caught my attention due to its unique blend of scathing black metal and ultra-melodic tunes. I was immediately drawn to the band's captivating sound, which is a refreshing departure from the clustered corners of the metalsphere. The album's narrative conceit, which adds another chapter to Saidan's story, is a compelling concept that delves into the crippling exile of loneliness and the ideal targets for abuse and manipulation. The musical style of Fangdriller is more morose and wistful than the wrath-wrought frenzy of Saidan's previous work, Visual Kill. This shift in tone creates a more nuanced and emotionally impactful listening experience.
One of the standout features of Fangdriller is its expert compositions and performances. The album showcases Saidan's melodic sensibilities, with trem-picked guitar leads and breakcore drum beats that create a captivating and dynamic sound. The quasi-title track, "Stained Glass Sin - Fang Driller," is a masterpiece of compositional masterstroke, with its slow, ramping maelstrom and transcendent solo that shatters expectations. The sequencing of the album is carefully calculated, maximizing its impact throughout and creating a satisfying listening experience.
The production style of Fangdriller is raw and fuzzy, with a thin bottom end. However, this crude aesthetic is a deliberate choice that adds to the album's overall atmosphere and mood. The album's final track, "Mortuary," is a satisfying denouement that ties the album together conceptually and leaves a lasting impression. Overall, Fangdriller is a beautifully constructed album that showcases Saidan's refined melodicism and songwriting sophistication.
In my opinion, Fangdriller is a must-listen for fans of black metal and melodic tunes. The album's unique blend of scathing and ultra-melodic sounds, combined with its expert compositions and performances, makes it a standout in the metalsphere. The album's narrative conceit and production style add to its overall appeal, making it a thought-provoking and engaging listening experience. If you haven't listened to Fangdriller yet, I encourage you to do so and discover the dark secrets it holds.
