Description

Re-issue of the King Records version without OBI-strip

Even though heavy metal was created and has grown to fame in the United Kingdom, it’s incredible how many outstanding heavy metal acts have come out of Japan throughout the eighties. Japan’s contribution to this genre’s success throughout the eighties and its renaissance over the past few years shouldn’t be underestimated. Groups like Anthem, Loudness and X Japan are rightfully considered legends nowadays but there are also many amazing bands that only released a few great records but never got their commercial breakthrough because they couldn’t quite compete with the country’s international heavy metal heavyweights. This is also the case for Sabbrabells that released three albums throughout the eighties but split up immediately after releasing the third output. The band’s self-titled full length record was released thirty-five years ago and included seven tracks. More recent editions include three bonus tracks recorded around the same time. One thing that immediately leaves a mark is what a great testament of its time this release is. Without specifically copying any other band, this record is a strong product of the early eighties with a few bluesy psychedelic influences that wouldn’t sound out of place on a King Crimson release, gloomy riffs à la Black Sabbath, juvenile and energetic vocals recalling Loudness, melodic guitar leads in the key of Judas Priest and a few ambitious inspirations somewhere between complex hard rock and progressive rock that also drove bands like Iron Maiden back in those days. The production is direct, organic and vivid like many rock and metal records of that time that still give the music an almost timeless touch. The seven tracks are so creative, diverse and entertaining that it’s almost unfair to point out any tunes, especially since the seven songs are mostly connected through fluid transitions and make the sum even greater than its parts. If you like blues, progressive and psychedelic rock of the seventies as well as hard rock and heavy metal of the early eighties but are tired of listening to the same old records over and over again, Sabbrabells eponymous release has been made for you. The Japanese quintet offers more creativity, energy and flow in these seven songs than other bands manage to create in their entire careers. This timeless classic invites the listener to discover its ambitious, atmospheric and elegant soundscapes over and over again.

Track list:
1. Devils Rondo
2. Hells Rider
3. 破壊
4. Wolf Man
5. 束縛
6. 鏡張りの部屋
7. Black Hill
8. ルルドの泉
9. Iron Road
10. Before The Storm