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This is Tokyo Blades 2nd release originally released 1984 or something. This has one exception,
its not the usual official Night Of The Blade but re-released "original" Night of The Blade with
the albums original vocalist Alan Marsh as singer. This album was first recorded with Marsh but after his
departure right when album was recorded and some other mess, vocals were re-recorded by
Vic Wright. Well this album with Marsh on vocals has been unreleased before, but now available...
Ok, to the point. Tokyo Blade is another sadly forgotten classic band (think ive said this
sentence before). Their sound is often compared to Iron Maiden and i think it is the closest
band to compare. Some said at 80's that they were clone, now i disagree, they certainly have an own
sound. They have 2 lead guitars to create great harmonies, drummer and bass are good too.
Vocalist Alan Marsh has crystal clear voice, he never really hits very high or very low notes
but sings melodically fitting guitar harmonies perfectly. Guitarwork here is same time
melodic and powerfull sounding (from 80's view anyway). I could say it shook me more than
Iron Maiden. Guitarsolos sound very professional too.
Melodic and strong songs like Night of The Blade and Warrior of The Rising Sun just makes
me shiver (in good meaning :)) while Unsleash the Beast, Love Struck and Fever captures
80's traditional mood, they'r all very catchy. Breakout and Madame Guillotine offers nearly
even some powermetallic riffs and really kicks ass, both very strong. Then theres speedy
Attack Attack, slower more emotional (with strong parts too) Dead of The Night (like Beyond
The Realms of Death is for Judas Priest, maybe?) and then lesser good Someone to Love...
Bonus songs are another story and i wont count them in the album rating as positive or
negative thing. That's because they doesn't really belong in same concept than the actual
album songs: They are recorded sometime at '90 or '89 at summervacation of Tokyo Blade
(more relaxing and for fun that they'r made). But i can tell something of them though...
There are 6 of these bonus tracks. They are more bluesy and rocky than actual album.
First one Hot Breath is really entertaining and ripping though i admit. But you must be in
something else than metal mood to listen the rest :) They are more like "women, sex and youth"-
stylic.
By buying this album you guarantee some of greatest NWOBHM moments. Like i said guitarwork's
both strong ripping and melodic (with 2 lead guitars). Iron Maiden fans will love this i bet,
if they don't boil it by thinking this's somekind of a copy of Iron Maiden. Plus you get some
bluesy rock-metal as bonus, if you dont give it a damn its not a big loss as you have
great full album already. If you like it, even better... i just can't give less than:
8.5/10