#matenrou opera

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Outrage - Run Riot (15.04.2020) [★★★★★]

Formed on 1982, Outrage is one the most important exponents of Japanese thrash metal, going on with an incisive sound, allowing them to become more popular even oversea. Their fourteenth album sees an energetic and refreshing sound, with compelling guitar riffs, dynamic rhythms and powerful vocals, bringing up a high rate of adrenaline in each note. Outrage is reaffirming their status of veteran band, still having a style which is appreciated even nowadays.

TRACKLIST

Edge of a Blade
Blood and Scars
Hot Rod Immunity
The Way We Are
Silver Screen Hero
Cyclops
Machete III
Supernatural Outlaw of the Cosmic Void
Science Spirit Hits
Are You Ready

Matenrou Opera - Chronos (22.04.2020) [★★★★★]

Already appeared with: ChikyuuandPhoenix Rising (2016),Pantheon -part 1 & part 2- (2017),Human Dignity (2019)

A lot has been said about Matenrou Opera, between style changes and members departing, but their style never faded at all. The band evovled a lot, enclosing new shades without betraying their essence. In their latest EP there’s a major focus on dynamic themes and powerful rhythms, brought up by the presence of the talented guitarist JaY, and also on vocal performances, as Sono gives literally everything for each track, alternating raging and clear notes altogether. Despite everything, Matenrou Opera are still alive and kicking and we are here to taste each note of theirs.

REVIEWS:Anomie (24.06.2009),Justice (analysis),Avalon (03.09.2014),3Jikan (analysis),Burning Soul (21.10.2015),Chikyuu (20.01.2016),Phoenix Rising (19.10.2016),Pantheon -part 1- (12.04.2017),Pantheon -part 2- (15.11.2017),Human Dignity (27.02.2019),

TRACKLIST

Suzue - Rakuen [Heaven] (29.04.2020) [★★★★★]

Would you ever thought that a Shintoist priestess might have become a full-time singer? The answer is Suzue, born in Brazil but grown up in Japan, whose spiritual world went in touch with music, bringing all the themes of Shintoism into her songs. In her latest album there’s a concentration of folk melodies, having their roots in traditional Japanese music, accompained by Suzue’s crystalline voice, touching the heart in each performance. If you truly love Japan and his ancient culture, Suzue is definitely a must.

TRACKLIST

Mizu no melody (Water melody)
Rakuen
Hokutoshichisei (Great Bear)
Blessing
Utakata -Sign of Luna- (Foam -Sign of Luna-)
Tokowakano mori (Forest of eternal youth)
Toyoashiharano Mizuhonokuni (Japan)
Sakuramichi (Cherry road)
Prayer of the Flowers
En no kizuna (Bonds of edge)

Inaba/Salas - Maximum Huavo (15.04.2020) [★★★★]

On 2017 Hiroshi Inaba, singer of the famous Japanese band B’z, and the Native American musician Stevie Salas started a new-project, indeed named Inaba/Salas, leading to an unusual fusion between two distinctive styles. In their second album the style offered is groovy and refreshing, with good rhythms and living vocals, building up catchy tracks, really hard to forget and to not enjoy.

TRACKLIST

Mujo Parade (Ruthless parade)
U
Kyonetsu no ko (Mad child)
Violent Jungle
Boku no yume wa (My dream)
Demolition Girl
Irodori (Color)
You Got Me So Wrong
Bloodline
Take on Your Love
Celica
Celebration -Kanki no shisha- (Celebration -Emissary of joy-)

Scenarioart - Ever Sick (15.04.2020) [★★★★]

Scenarioart has seen a good popularity for having some song used in anime themes and also because of a good mixture between pop-rock and electronic sound. Their third full-album, released after three years, brings up a series of catchy and animated tracks, featuring even some indie shade, well developed by the two voices of the trio, Kumiko and Hayashi, who intertwine their different tones in a pretty nice way, also in the most complex works. Scenarioart is not definitely the typical J-pop act you could expect, but it is even better.

REVIEWS:Dumping Swimmer (09.03.2016)

TRACKLIST

Starside Syndrome
Ever Sick
Adahada Alien
It’s all right
Y.M.P
Whale Inside
Only Hero
Shibuya Meltdown
Blue Collar
Leap suru (Doing leap)
Beautiful Sunday
See you Neverland
Dried Flower -dramatic ver.-
Love Clone

-HONORABLE MENTIONS-

Rina Sawayama - Sawayama (17.04.2020)

The first mention of the month is for one of the most promising acts of Japanese pop scene. Rina Sawayama, born in Japan and grown in England, is definitely a phenomenon, thanks to her image, against any stereotype, and an engaging and incredibly unpredictable sound. Her first full album mixes up several shades, featuring pop, R&B and rock influences, well driven by Rina’s charismatic voice, explaining the big success of the release, especially in West. Rina Sawayama’s music shouldn’t be missed and will give you a new perspective of Japanese pop.

TRACKLIST

Dynasty
XS
STFU!
Comme des Garçons (Like the boys)
Akasaka Sad
Paradisin’
Love Me 4 Me
Bad Friend
Fuck This World
Who’s Gonna Save U Now?
Tokyo Love Hotel
Chosen Family
Snakeskin

Tamiw - Future Exercise (22.04.2020)

Already appeared with: Flower Vases (2018)

The second mention is for Tamiw, a really peculiar alternative rock band. Active since 2018, the band released only an album, which showed their unique and experimental approach. Two years later, their second full work confirmed this style and evolved it a bit more, enclosing electronic shades and shoegaze touches, helped by Tami’s clear and enigmatic voice and a quite peculiar instrumental work. Tamiw is an act which should be followed more and their music can satisfy everybody, as shown in this album.

TRACKLIST

Intro -At the end of the world-
Poor Boy
Future Exercise
Immigrant Song
(Don’t) think seriously
Difference
Are we both under the same sky?
Feeling the same

KanoeRana - Toutoi tokihana tareshi nijigenkasu (22.04.2020)

The final mention is for a young Japanese pop singer, named KanoeRana, who can seem a typical pop vocalist, since her works are aimed to anime themes. But in this release, an anime cover album, she brings out all her best shades, since she is quite known for being ready to include any kind of musical influence in her songs, and the final result is above any expectation, with catchy and various melodies, driven by her brilliant and charismatic vocals, showing her incredible ability, despite being so young. We will definitely hear more of KanoeRana, who brings a new breath of fresh air into Japanese pop music.