Saidan's Fangdriller: Scars Beneath Memory's Wrist is a captivating album that showcases the band's unique blend of black metal and melodic sensibilities. The album's narrative conceit, inspired by the concept of loneliness and its impact on abuse and manipulation, adds depth to the music. While the previous album, Visual Kill, was more frenzied and wrath-wrought, Fangdriller takes a more morose and wistful approach, creating a compelling contrast. The album's musical style is characterized by its focus on composition and cohesion, with trem-picked guitar leads and breakcore drum beats that create a sense of tension and release. The quasi-title track, "Stained Glass Sin - Fang Driller," is a standout composition that showcases the band's ability to create a melodic nirvana with a transcendent solo. The album's production style, while maintaining the raw stylings of black metal, ensures that each note is audible, with a slight emphasis on the top end. The final track, "Mortuary," serves as a satisfying denouement, tethering the album to the previous release, Visual Kill. Overall, Fangdriller is a well-crafted album that showcases Saidan's refined melodicism and songwriting sophistication, making it a must-listen for fans of black metal and melodic music alike.
