Description

First Japan press with catalogue number WPCD-1078 and OBI-strip and japanese lyric insert

Harem Scarem’s fourth album Believe was released in Japan, where they were big, and in Canada but under the title of Karma Cleansing. It didnt get released in Usa until 2010 and still hasnt been released in Europe. This was originally released in Japan in 1997and by then original bassist Mike Gionet was out, replaced by Barry Donaghy who was also capable of singing lead. Although their entire discography has highlights and standouts, many fans feel that Believe/Karma Cleansing was at once a return to sound of Mood Swings, and also the last Harem Scarem album before they began adding pop-punk elements. There is nothing wrong with albums like Big Bang Theory and Rubber, and you can’t blame the guys for trying out some changes for greater success. Fans who have stuck around since the start prefer the more progressive elements of Mood Swings and Believe/Karma Cleaning. One can see parallels between Harem Scarem and bands such as Extreme and Van Hagar. Karma Cleansing, the title track could have been an outtake from Van Halen’s Balance album. However, Harry Hess has a unique and powerful voice that is identifiably him. When the band join him on those thick Harem Scarem harmonies, they hone in on that sound that makes them special. Overall this is a great album for fans of melodic rock and its easy to see why the fans in Japan got it. A lot of the rock artists that make it big in Japan are melodic rock bands with incredible musicians. Harem Scarem fit that bill, and Believe/Karma Cleansing is another jewel in their crown.

Track list:
1. Believe
2. Die Off Hard
3. Hail, Hail
4. Staying Away
5. Baby With A Nail Gun
6. Morning
7. Victim Of Fate
8. Rain
9. I Won’t Be There
10. Karma Cleansing