Saiseiga – The Black Hole (Self-Released)

Melodic groove metal act Saiseiga have been coming out quick since their beginnings in 2020. The Black Hole is the third full-length for the Japanese band, following up from last year’s Nostalgia. Touted as their darkest and heaviest release so far, The Black Hole ultimately succeeds in that goal due to it’s sheer weight in riffs. Saiseiga’s unique take on groove metal is entirely intact, but it’s quite relentless compared to their previous material and it’s something that should prove effective in continuing to separate them from the pack.

Opener “Strange Rain” wastes little time in pelting the listener with punchy grooves alternating with some catchy melodies as the song progresses. For first time initiates, vocalist Regan will likely grab your attention equally with her ability to go into vicious snarls and barks, eerie choral chants, and powerful cleans in the span of this song alone. “Catharsis” continues to keep the abrasion level high with a frantic groove to open the track before Regan begins some vocal acrobatics and the drums get some speed bursts. What’s really important here is how Wakkun’s guitar melodies playfully encircle her and take the forefront at the heaviest moments to ensure headbanging status. But the track also has a fun side that you can’t help but move a bit to. It’s a contrast that “W.O.L.F.” maintains in it’s uptempo chorus that feels as heavy as it does memorable.

Elsewhere, upticks and slowdowns mark the course for Saiseiga where other groove metal bands simply focus on the groove element. “Butterfly” opens with an almost punk-ish fury, and “Go-on Bakusan Tornado” oozes with rage, taking an almost militaristic march to it at times in defiance of its hooky chorus and later melodic solo. “Tracker” takes an almost thrash-level of intensity when really takes off, only grounding itself for a more melodic moment here and there. Specifically on the melodic side of things is the duo of “Eclipse” and “Equinox.” The former fashioning itself as the closest thing to a ballad on the album, though taking care to bring along enough groove to still get heads moving when Regan isn’t ensnaring the listener with her singing. “Equinox” has a more melancholic, brooding sound before the riffing picks up with high-energy grooves kick in.

Saiseiga continue to perfect their sound, and The Black Hole hits a sweet spot between menacing grooves and addictive melodies. Regan will undoubtedly impress with her vocal range, but the infectious and dynamic mix of memorable riffwork will keep you on your toes between headbanging and sheer smiles. It’s a winning combination across the board, and should elevate Saiseiga into a more prominent position as more word gets out there.