The thing with running a band/project like this is, it's always interesting to figure out where to take it next. Sahg was obviously formed by these four Norwegians to belt out some old school Iommi influenced metal and the first album 'I' surely did that right. Two years down and here's their second one, again simply titled 'II'. On this album, while they do the Iommi worship in abundance, what sets this apart are the more evolved elements.

There's noticeably more acoustic guitars than before and this brings in a great contrast to the all-out doom of theirs. They go from the psychedelic melancholy as heard on the epic album closer Monomania, to straight-forward and catchy songs like Wicked Temptress (the vocal melody reminds me of Sheavy) and Pyromancer, a Jerry Cantrellesque Escape the Crimson Sun, the more upbeat first two album openers, and an all-out orchestral pomp of From Conscious Sleep that leads to the multi-coloured Star-Crossed. This evolution is going to be the deal breaker for the listener. Personally, I think the end product is on par with the first one overall, and this is a well produced, great sounding album with unquestionable musicianship from the whole band. The songs are well mixed up to keep things interesting.

If I have to pick one favourite, I'd pick Star-Crossed for its awesome first two riffs and the killer change in pace during the second half of the song. This is definitely an album for all you traditional doom fans but the good news is, you'll take home more than just that. Now that we know where they've come from the first to the second, it'll be even better to see what the third is going to offer. I for one am willing to bet on more 70s influences to show up. Get this or King Ov Hell is coming to get ya!



Label: Regain Records
Year of Release: 2008