From Japan, this is a traditional heavy metal band and not to be confused with the other Blaze from Japan (or Mr Bayley) This album is something of a heavy metal classic, even though it has a current release date. From the opening notes of ‘On the Run’ I am drawn to comparisons with classic Scorpion’s music, by that I mean the period with Ulrich (Uli Jon) Roth (between ‘Virgin Killer and ‘In Trance’). Wataru Shiota’s vocals often phrase similar to Klaus Meine’s and the guitar tone is both warm and fuzzed to perfection. Every now and then a band comes along that really makes me take notice, Blaze are one of those bands. Although the music cannot be considered new, Blaze have a talent for overwhelming the listener with subtle flashes of brilliance. Subtlety may also be applicable to the album cover, because I have no idea of what to make of it in relation to the band or its music, if it were pirate metal, then maybe, however, that’s just one minor thing, but listening to some of the lyrics, you get a vague idea every once in a while, but it is certainly not clear.

The music really picks up the chalice and tracks like ‘Answer’ and ‘Fool’s Mate’ have all the hallmarks of a band that have been at their art for many years, some would say a classic heavy metal band, this is true, the sound if authentic, and its subsequent vinyl release through high roller records will make the sound perfect. I really don’t like these albums that are digitally recorded then put to vinyl, it’s a waste, and it does not sound right. Sounding right is something that Blaze and this album have in common though in relation to that release format. Taking in some pretty hefty guitar solos is a mandatory requirement, this really fits. Rather than labelling this retro, there is a scene that exists paying homage to this style of metal, the timing is simply just right for a band like Blaze to enter the marketplace. This is an album that is immediately on my wish list, it’s like an old pair of shoes, this album really fits well into my way of thinking, this is a diamond in the rough, Blaze will certainly entertain classic metal fans, and I dare say that new artists or fans may well learn a thing or two about song structures and melody with this effort, an essential listen and purchase.

(8/10 Paul Maddison)

http://homepage2.nifty.com/6360-098

http://www.hrrecords.de