BLAZE
'Blaze' (LP)
'Blaze' (LP)
(High
Roller Records)
Hailing
from Osaka, Japan, Blaze comes out with a debut album that is
brimming with flash and style, showcasing a style that melds a 70’s
hard rock/pre-metal style with that of early heavy music, but what
good is flash if not accompanied by substance? Well, I’m pleased to
inform you that Blaze has an abundance of substance on this
self-titled debut in terms of musicianship, composition, and melody.
As
far as the band’s sound is concerned, there’s a strong Scorpions
influence here in the clear, soaring vocal melodies in both the
verses and choruses, which is shown excellently in the track
“Answer,” as well as some very prevalent hard rock influences in
the vein of Blue Oyster Cult and Deep Purple that just skirt the edge
of the metal boundary line (see “Heart of Gold”). We also get a
little early Judas Priest in some of the more driving rhythms found
on the album.
The
songwriting and composition here is superb in capturing the spirit of
this great music. Not being contented with just being another
throwback band, Blaze seems to have really submerged themselves in
the spirit of this music, rather than just trying to rehash and
recreate something that’s already been done. The riffs are catchy
and well-constructed, the choruses are sky-high, and the solos
oftentimes have as much (or more) anthem-esque qualities than the
vocals themselves, and are played with great skill and placement, a
true statement for every solo on the album, though some of my
favorites are in “Heart of Gold,” “The Night Speaks,” and
“Night Walker.”
Not
overly ground breaking stylistically, but what it may lack in
innovation, 'Blaze'
more than makes up for in spirit, composition, and sincerity in its
music, a fun, uplifting album from start to finish, without a single
weak moment. This one comes highly recommended. [8.5]
(Andrew
Oliver)
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