Infidel Art cover

Infidel Art

Sigh · 1995

50 min · 6 tracks · black metal

An audacious blend of black metal ferocity and progressive complexity, layered with experimental textures and haunting melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Izuna — The opening track sets the stage with its intricate composition and dynamic shifts, showcasing Sigh's signature blend of aggression and melody.
  • →
    The Zombie Terror — This track stands out for its relentless energy and dark thematic explorations, encapsulating the horror-inspired aesthetic prevalent throughout the album.
  • →
    Desolation — With its haunting melodies and atmospheric build-up, this track exemplifies Sigh's ability to create immersive soundscapes that evoke a sense of despair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Infidel Art showcases innovative compositions and distinct textures, marking a significant evolution in black metal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a rapid-fire blast beat in 'Izuna', immediately establishing a high-energy pace that is maintained through the first three tracks.
  • Each track features abrupt shifts in tempo and style, often transitioning from aggressive riffs to melodic interludes within the same song.
  • The use of unconventional instruments, such as saxophone and keyboards, adds layers of complexity and texture that are not typical in black metal.
  • The final track, 'Beyond Centuries', concludes with an extended ambient section that contrasts sharply with the preceding intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting melodies with intricate layers
  • long tracks that encourage immersion
  • dynamic shifts in emotional intensity
  • explorative soundscapes for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

  • want quick, immediate gratification
  • prefer concise, straightforward songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1995, Infidel Art marked Sigh's third studio album and their first to gain widespread international recognition. Following their earlier albums, this record showcased a bold artistic evolution, reflecting a shift towards more complex arrangements and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Fleshgod Apocalypse· Emperor· Enslaved

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Izuna 8:16
  • 2 The Zombie Terror 9:42
  • 3 Desolation 8:03
  • 4 The Last Elegy 10:29
  • 5 Suicidogenic 4:45
  • 6 Beyond Centuries 9:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata