Sahg

Sahg is a Norwegian doom metal band from Bergen. The group forms in 2004 and remains active. Its line-up includes Ole Walaunet and Thomas Tofthagen, and the band develops from experience gained across the Norwegian rock and metal scene, with connections to acts such as Gorgoroth, Audrey Horne and Manngard.

History

The band comes together in late summer 2004, after its members have spent years working in different parts of the Norwegian rock and metal underground. By the end of that year, it circulates a rough demo to a small number of record labels, including Regain Records, which leads to a recording contract within a few months. During 2005, Sahg works on material for its first album and builds a live reputation in clubs in Bergen. That same year, the band records and mixes Sahg I, completes the artwork itself, and films a video for “Godless Faith”.

In 2005, drummer Kvitrafn leaves after the studio work is completed. Despite that change, the band continues and releases its debut album to strong praise. In 2006, Sahg plays at the Norwegian metal festivals Inferno and Hole in the Sky, then tours North America for four weeks as support to Celtic Frost.

Releases and live activity

After the debut, Sahg begins writing again and starts work on a second album in 2007. The recording process is disrupted by studio problems, including the demolition of the first studio by the landlord, which forces the band to move and continue elsewhere. The group also plays Wacken Open Air during this period. Sahg II appears at the start of 2008. The album keeps the band rooted in heavy metal tradition while expanding its range, with faster material such as “Ascent to Decadence” and “Pyromancer” alongside more psychedelic pieces such as “Escape the Crimson Sun” and “Monomania”. It is mixed by former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano.

Following Sahg II, the band tours Europe supporting Trouble and later performs at five open-air festivals in India. In 2009, live appearances are confirmed at several festivals in spring and summer. The third studio album, Sahg III, is released in 2010, and the band appears at John Dee during the by:Larm festival. Sahg is described as preparing for a fourth album in 2013.

Style

The band is associated with doom metal, hard rock and heavy metal, and is also linked with stoner metal, stoner rock and stoner doom. Its music draws on the influence of Pentagram, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, combining slow, heavy passages with more energetic and psychedelic sections.