Sad – A Curse in Disguise

I like Sad’s spooky, thoughtful and somewhat unusual lyrics as well as their occasional puns and cheeky wordplays. Subtle and enjoyable. Some might sneer with derision; I applaud the band’s boldness. Drearier-than-a-ditch vocalist Nadir may be deliberately dull and monotonous when it comes to delivery but he has adopted a refreshingly honest approach to crafting his words – something that certainly strikes me each time I listen to ‘A Curse in Disguise’ and a minor detail that sets the Greek duo apart from the swamp. Ungod is responsible for composing and performing the music and thankfully he’s not interested in serving up a virtuoso performance. Instead, Sad keep it simple. Like their name.

‘True Evil Lies In The Hearts Of The Children’ is one of the most interesting concepts ever for a Black Metal song. Mind you, if you saw the little bastard my girlfriend was babysitting this week – like something that walked off the set of Lord of the Flies, only two foot shorter – then you’d agree that indeed kids are full of nothing but seeping nasty blackness and putrid ugliness and all the most disgusting traits imaginable. Sick.

Sad mostly peddle their dark propaganda at a mid-paced stomp, sometimes opting for a more pummelling approach. These tunes were recorded almost two years ago and represent a definite improvement on the band’s debut (which was essentially a glorified demo). Sad do not over-complicate their casserole. The ingredients are basic; nothing is processed; and it’s all served up medium raw.

Repetitive riffs; drumming akin to a zombie kicking and slapping the underside of a coffin lid; unorthodox lyrics that don’t try to be grim just for the hell of it. But still the music is imbued with a sense of alienation, introspection, frustration and pessimism. Bleak, uplifting, soul-crushing stuff. Some will find this very boring; others will love it. I think it’s worth a try. Sad and true.