I always love digging in different places for metal. It’s so much fun when you find a hidden gem where you don’t expect to find it. South Korea is home to some well-hidden metal gems. Sahon is, in my opinion, the crown jewel of those hidden gems. Out of all of the bands from South Korea I’ve listened to, I’d argue that Sahon is the most consistent in its sound and intensity. And with their sixth full-length album on the way, I thought I’d look back at the album that introduced me to them. 

First off, that artwork is somewhat unique. I’ve seen similar-looking albums – namely some of the later albums in Gamma Ray’s discography. But, I’ve never seen one where a dragon’s head is made out of instruments. I love the creativity and usage of so many instruments. On top of that, it’s striking in its appearance; it’s almost impossible not to notice. It’s so simple, and yet so effective! And compared to other albums of theirs, it really stands out visually. I think it’s a tie between this album and their follow-up album “Chanting for the Fallen” for their best cover art.

“10 Years in the Battlefield” was released in 2011 via CJ Music, a small South Korean label. The 12 songs on the album are intense and engaging. “1000Bart”, “Black Blood”, and “Faith Brings Agony” all perfectly embody a blend of death and thrash. Other songs lean either toward death or thrash. For example, “Priest of Swine” and “Fallacy of Truth” line up more with straight thrash. Luckily, both of those songs have elements of death metal added in. So the blend isn’t entirely lost. Even as you move onto the back half of the album, the intensity doesn’t let up. Be it the kick-ass solos, intense drumming, or killer riffs, each song has something about it to enjoy. 

I can’t really recall how I discovered these guys, but I sure as shit am glad that I did. In a country where most people seem to prefer ballads, Sahon has endured in Korea’s underground. And what’s cool to me is that there might just be a metal scene really beginning to develop there. Bands like Suicidiac, Houkago Warfare, Vital Degreen, and The Bongcheondong have all popped up in Korea in recent years. Perhaps Sahon’s endurance has been an inspiration to other acts. Who knows. Sahon might be the veteran metal presence needed for a stronger scene to develop in Korea. I would really love to see a larger metal scene develop in Korea!

I fuckin love Sahon. They’re such an underrated act and I think really deserve more attention. I certainly hope that they get more recognition. Perhaps their new album on the way will help them get more attention. These guys, after now more than 20 years in the battlefield, have fuckin earned it. Give these guys a spin when you can. They may be a bit hard to find, but they are well worth the listen.