A Treasure Found at Book Off
One day during my senior year of high school, I was browsing through the CD section at Book Off when I stumbled upon this album.
The moment I saw the jacket, I immediately flipped it over to check the member list on the back. As soon as I saw the names written there, I knew I had to buy it on the spot.
Minoru Niihara (Vocals), Munetaka Higuchi (Drums), Shinichiro Ishihara (Guitar), Koichi Terasawa (Bass)
Legends of the Japanese metal scene had assembled into a superband. There was no way I could pass this up.
A Dream Team of Japanese Metal
SLY brought together legends from the Japanese metal world: Minoru Niihara and Munetaka Higuchi from LOUDNESS, Shinichiro Ishihara from EARTHSHAKER, and Koichi Terasawa from BLIZZARD.
Released in 1994, this first album is truly the crystallization of Japanese metal. Each member's individuality blends together exquisitely.
Minoru Niihara's Voice
His powerful vocals, remarkable for a Japanese singer, drive the entire album forward. He effortlessly commands both high tones and low registers, showcasing his mastery as a metal vocalist.
My particular favorite is "Kingdom Come." The sense of speed and melody in this song is outstanding.
Another standout is the hard rock ballad "I Spend My Life Just Loving You." The fact that the album includes not just intense tracks but also emotionally compelling songs like this is part of its charm.
Buying Based on the Lineup Was the Right Call
This CD I impulsively bought at Book Off after seeing the member list—when I actually listened to it, the content far exceeded my expectations. I knew each member was technically skilled, but the chemistry that emerged when they came together as one band was incredible.
The True Power of Japanese Metal
Listening to this album, I gained a renewed appreciation for the strength of Japan's metal scene.
Technical skill that rivals overseas bands, expressive power, and above all, sheer "coolness." When the musicians who have led Japanese metal come together seriously, this is the kind of amazing sound they create.
This CD I found by chance at Book Off has become one of my treasured albums.
Recommended For
- People who love Japanese metal bands
- Fans of LOUDNESS and EARTHSHAKER
- Anyone who wants to be moved by drumming prowess
- Those interested in superband projects
If you come across it at a used CD shop, definitely pick it up.