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Post by Painkiller on Mar 21, 2018 22:35:05 GMT -5
Any fans here? For those of you who grew up with European power metal, I'm sure that you were at least made aware of this band's name at some point, thanks to Western labels reissuing their first three albums and one of their earliest live albums in the early 2000s. Really dig this neoclassical power metal outfit from Japan, even if there have been lots of member changes over the years. Norifumi Shima gets unfairly compared to Yngwie J. Malmsteen, but he tends to compose his songs to fit the mold of a speedier Deep Purple clashing with a melodic Rainbow, along with conventional heavy/power metal elements to shake things up. They are able to balance out both old school and new school, as their last several albums showcased a more modern take on traditional metal that doesn't sound the least bit bloated to my ears. Still, I will always prefer the early days with original vocalist Takao Ozaki, who was a part of the band Zenith, with three members of that band merging with Shima from Crystal Clear to form Concerto Moon. Both bands professionally debuted on Mandrake Root Records' first Make It Shine album, which showcased then-up-and-coming melodic metal acts to turn the 1990s frown upside down. Fragments of the Moon is truly a keeper and an outright excellent creation, with absolutely no dull notes whatsoever. Check them out!
Each video with each singer the band has had at this point.
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Post by John on Mar 22, 2018 8:30:40 GMT -5
wow, i'd never heard of this stuff before. i like it! i don't understand a word the dude is singing, but i still like it!
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Post by Painkiller on Mar 23, 2018 0:09:31 GMT -5
The language barrier can make it difficult to convert new fans over, but they have a pretty European sound, albeit with a Japanese take.
Here are some instrumentals for your enjoyment!
If you are considering getting any of their CDs, may I pass a recommendation along? Rain Forest would probably be the first one to get, and then go back to From Father to Son and Fragments of the Moon (try getting the original 1997 pressing, which has the previously embedded song "Save My Life", which was cut out of all other versions for copyright reasons) in that order. If you happen to really like what you're hearing, then definitely get Gate of Triumph next, which is mostly instrumental stuff. It should also give you a taste of what to expect of the band's sound change over the years. They cut down on the neoclassical noodling a tad in favor of a heavier, in-your-face approach. Life on the Wire is a very interesting album with a variety of feels and whatnot. Going to include the song "It's Not Over" off that album here!
Also, they released their latest album last year, titled Tears of Messiah. "Noah's Ark" is very relaxed, hard rock stuff. I like it. Classy.
Enjoy!
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Post by John on Mar 23, 2018 7:27:05 GMT -5
wow, thanks man!!! i'm enjoying this stuff!
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Post by Painkiller on Mar 27, 2018 3:31:16 GMT -5
Glad to know! If you have any questions about this band, I'm pretty much able to answer them, although I don't know the really personal details. I'm just a huge fan. That's all.
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Post by Tomcat on Mar 29, 2018 5:14:23 GMT -5
Gonna check this stuff. Seems like I've heard this bandname before and read some reviews... I'm at the workplace now and sadly not alone so I cannot check it right now
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Post by Painkiller on Mar 30, 2018 0:42:03 GMT -5
Probably my favorite Japanese band. Right up there with the likes of Anthem.
I love it when they do atmospheric, brooding songs like these. Great keyboard work!
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Post by John on Mar 30, 2018 7:34:59 GMT -5
it's easy to see why you like them so much. this stuff is really cool, really different, and really easy to listen to.
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Post by Painkiller on Jul 9, 2018 0:30:30 GMT -5
Atsushi Kuze has left the band, promptly joining Hizaki in visual kei band Jupiter. They've released a music video for an upcoming single, "Theory of Evolution". Meanwhile, the Concerto Moon camp is pretty quiet for now, although you can stalk their Twitter for further announcements. I was able to ask the original bassist, Kohsaku Mitani, to get some Japan-only venue and shop exclusives, so I'm really excited. I would consider him a good dude. It's so hard to stay in touch with Japanese musicians, but I've got a few friends who've hooked me up. They appreciate that an American like myself is so obsessed with that music.
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Post by Painkiller on Dec 8, 2019 7:43:49 GMT -5
Check out this KICKASS cover they did of Accept's "Breaker" with thrash metal underdogs Sleazy Wizard! \m/
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Post by John on Dec 9, 2019 9:41:12 GMT -5
that japanese accent kills me on this song. very good version though. very well played.
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