Saidan is a duo from Nashville, Tennessee, that has been crafting its own story for quite some time now. It is the story of a young woman named Junko, who has completely isolated herself and consequently falls prey to a cult known as Ethereal Blood. Fangdriller: Scars Beneath Memory’s Wrist is yet another chapter in that narrative – a story told by Splatterpvnk and Hundosai. They have surrounded themselves with Seiyak17, who provided the artwork. The album is released by Avantgarde Music, whereas previous records were either self-released or issued through smaller labels. Since 2020 – and likely for much longer – this horror duo has been telling its own unique tale, and once again it does so with remarkable flair.
I am not particularly familiar with the themes explored above, even if much of it is presumably fictional, but still… before I have time to reflect or contemplate, I am already blown away, because after a narrated Japanese intro, Saidan strings together one magnificent riff after another. Truly! Aggression, anger, finesse, layers, melodies… everything about it commands the utmost respect. What an opener Razorblade Temptation is. It almost feels as if symphonic elements and Eastern and Western black metal influences are blended together so seamlessly that something entirely new and refreshing emerges. Strange as it may seem, it apparently works. I can even hear some more modern touches that one might associate with a metalcore, rock, or traditional heavy metal band. Rapture (I’ll Wait for You) is an outstanding example of this.
The entire album is packed with razor-sharp tunes and ferocious guitar and drum work. Good grief! At times, it can become quite overwhelming, especially when cinematic elements and electronics are thrown into the mix. Take Immersed by Eternity’s Blade of Ethereal Blood, for example. Beyond that, there is little meaningful I can add to this review. This is simply an album you need to hear for yourself!
For heaven’s sake! This American outfit Saidan has delivered a truly magnificent work with the aptly titled Fangdriller: Scars Beneath Memory’s Wrist. A definite contender for my end-of-year list—and one well worth buying on physical format.
Score:
97/100
Label:
Avantgarde Music, 2026
Tracklisting:
- Razorblade Temptation
- Rapture (I’ll Wait for You)
- Immersed by Eternity’s Blade
- Kara No Bara
- Womb Of Hatred
- Stained Glass Sin // Fang Driller
- Her Lips Pressed Against A Coffin Nail
- Ethereal Blood
- Beat To Death
- Mortuary
Line-up:
- Splatterpvnk – Vocals, all instruments
- Hundosai – Drums
Links: