Saidan's Fangdriller: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist is a captivating album that showcases the band's unique blend of scathing black metal and ultra-melodic sensibilities. The album's narrative conceit, inspired by the band's previous release Visual Kill, delves into the theme of loneliness and its impact on ideal targets for abuse and manipulation. This exploration is further emphasized by the musical shift towards a more morose and wistful tone, setting it apart from the wrath-wrought frenzy of Visual Kill.
One of the standout aspects of Fangdriller is its expert compositions and performances. The album showcases a refined melodic sensibility, with trem-picked guitar leads dancing across the fretboard, breakcore drum beats, and sparkling synth injections. The quasi-title track, "Stained Glass Sin - Fang Driller," is a masterpiece in sequencing, building tension and releasing it through explosive builds and transcendent solos. This calculated approach to song structure maximizes the album's impact and showcases Saidan's songwriting sophistication.
The production style on Fangdriller is raw yet delectably audible, with a slight emphasis on the background fuzz and hiss. While this may result in a thin bottom end, it doesn't detract from the overall listening experience. The album's final track, "Mortuary," serves as a satisfying denouement, tethering the two albums together conceptually and providing a melancholic conclusion.
As a fan, I was immediately drawn to the album's refined melodicism, and further spins revealed even more treasures. The album's forty-seven minutes fly by, and the desire to restart or replay certain tracks is a testament to its enduring appeal. Fangdriller may be slightly less aggressive than its predecessor, but it excels in songwriting sophistication, making it a must-listen for fans of black metal and melodic sensibilities.
In my opinion, Fangdriller is a great addition to Saidan's discography, showcasing their ability to create a cohesive and captivating album. The band's unique blend of scathing and melodic elements, coupled with expert compositions and performances, results in a truly memorable listening experience. I encourage anyone skeptical of Saidan's latest work to give Fangdriller a dedicated, active listen; it's an album that rewards exploration and reveals its dark secrets to those brave enough to venture within.
