Tuesday, December 15, 2015

ORDER/PAYMENT/SHIPPING INFO (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ORDER!! THANK YOU)

Here's the list of some Japanese metal vinyls, CD's and orig demos that I currently have for sale. Heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, hard rock, visual-kei metal, glam/sleaze, etc.

Located in the U.S.A.

 I accept PayPal (3~4% fees apply), Money Order, International MO or US$ cash. 

 I've been selling stuff on ebay under the user ID: kurwa123 for over 15 years and have 2000+ positive feedback.

 Any questions like the item condition, please ask.

 contact: thrashtildeath69@gmail.com

Note: If your order was shipped standard/non-registered Airmail and in case it gets lost or damaged during the delivery, I can't be responsible for it. It's at your own risk. Standard airmail comes with a free tracking number which most of the times works fine, however, sometimes it doesn't give you the full tracking details. Registered mail costs extra. All domestic orders ship with a delivery confirmation/tracking number.

Send me your email address if u wanna be on my mailing list. 

 Anyone into Japanese and other punk, crust, hardcore and new wave/goth type of stuff, I have those listed for sale on:
http://www.discogs.com/user/maximumlocknloll69
http://hardcorebeaver.blogspot.com


Hakike ga suruhodo om@nchinko daze, omaewa!

Posted by at No comments:

NEW LIST! (December 15th, 2015) --- UPDATED 1/4/16 (Price markdown + sold items crossed out)

*** If the item comes with insert, obi and such, they're all stated. Please note that not all Japanese CD's were originally issued with obi. There are many indie releases that didn't come with one.


Aion "Human Griefman" CD - Night Gallery Records, 1990, Orig 1st edition, (UK-R002) - $45 ($40)
Aion's first CD and it's their second full-length after the "Deathrash Bound" LP ('89) which was recorded with their previous singer Hisayoshi (Rosenfeld) on vocals. The "Human Griefman" tracks originally appeared on "Deathrash Bound" with different vocal take, mix, etc. Here's info taken from the Mental Archives: "This is essentially the same album as Deathrash Bound; all of Hisayoshi's vocals have been replaced with Nov's vocals, the production is slightly different, and the lyrics and song titles are all changed (except for "Jack" and "Peter"). The track order is also a little different." . A must have, and absolutely classic Japanese thrash metal album. Also, this CD and the "Gasp For Breath" promo 7" flexi for the Rockin' F mag are their first ever recorded materials after the current singer Nov (Volcano, ex-Paranoia & Z-Sect) joined the band.

Not many people pay attention to this much of details, I suppose. But there are actually several different versions of this CD exist. The very first and initial press copies originally issued without obi. The original booklet has a full-color artwork with a "Human Griefman" logo is printed on the front and the white "Deathrash Bound" artwork is printed on the back. The booklet was inserted into jewel case the opposite way (the stapled side to the right), so the white art side is showing as the front cover. That's exactly how it originally came out. (In fact the white side was intended to be the real front cover artwork for this release!) The later copies come with obi and a slight change was made to the booklet covers, front and back were switched. In that second version, the white art is printed on front and the full-color art is on the back instead. That way, if you inserted the booklet normally, it shows the white art side up. See the last picture to compare the difference between these two. The '91 remastered edition with a different catalog number were issued in boxed package and jewel case. Two slightly different original versions and two different remastered reissues, so that makes it the total of four known versions out there.









1st edition (top) / 2nd edition (bottom)
Listen and watch:

Albatross "Are You Hungry?" CD - SV Records, 1992, (UKCD-1034) - $35 ($30)
Not too familiar with these guys, but this is some killer and speedy power metal!! There's the short liner-notes written by Yuki from Reaction inside the booklet. Albatross actually sounds very similar to the "Insane" era Reaction, from their best period. Not particularly original but still pretty decent power metal from the early '90s! This is a really good CD. It starts off with this awesome opening track "Midnight Whisper". Hard drivin' tune with some speed metal feel to it. Love it. There aren't much info available regarding this band but I can tell you something about the label that released this CD, though. It's gets pretty interesting, well, mainly for the fans of X... I suppose. SV Records was associated with the Kyoto city based outdoor concert venue called 'Sports Valley Kyoto' (hence the label name "SV"), where tons of notable Japanese metal bands played their shows during the late '80s through early '90s. The place is probably best known for the legendary '88 live footage of X. Most likely, the label was ran by the manager or people who booked the metal shows there and not the company that owned the Sports Valley itself because the venue was just a part of family-oriented amusement park of the same name.







Ardlay "Never And Never" 7" flexi - Self-released, 1988, Clear red flexi, (No cat. #) - $30
Unknown, melodic metal band from Tokyo. According to the band's official site, they were formed in '84, got back together in the late '90s with a different vocalist Yoran from The Hair and Front Row (ex-Distoma plus Yoran on vox, appeared on the "Emergency Express II" comp). I picked this 7" up just out of nostalgia. The name sounded familiar to me because I used to see them listed in the monthly show schedule list of the Tokyo metal venues like the Live Station and Rock-May-Kan (Rokumeikan) all the time, often booked together and played with the bands like Virus, Guilty Vice, Fortbrgg, Ezra, Eldritch, and Distoma. But I don't think I had ever seen or listened to Ardlay before nor did I know they even have any records out. Typical '80s Japanese style metal with a catchy and melodic sound.

Astlla "Brain? No', No'! Know!?" 12" - Vintage Pro. (Dist. by Mandrake Root), 1989, w/ insert, (VINTAGE-001) - $38
Such a cool band from Osaka, Japan. It's a shame they released only this 6-song mini album and a demo tape. Their music style range from pure traditional heavy metal to rockin' melodic metal to power/speed metal. It was put out by the well-known metal venue, a small club from Osaka called the Vintage Bar. It was their then-new private indie label. The album was actually a co-release of sorts with Mandrake Root Records. The Mandrake Root label owner's liner-notes on the insert tells the story about it. It was later reissued on CD, which is much harder to find than the original vinyl. Great music, but what's up with the album title!?




Listen to Astlla
"Wild Desire"
"It's A So Bad Day"
"Hold Your Eyes"

Darlin's Darlin' "Moon" CD - Trefort Label/Sony Records, 1991, (SRCL-2216) - $25 ($20)
Top quality melodic hard rock with a symphonic touch. ex-Hurry Scuary. 




Listen to Darlin's Darlin'
"Moon" CD sampler
"Just The Same Way"

Dead Claw "Dead Claw" Demo Tape - Self-released, 1989, Hand-written label, (No cat. #) - $20 ($18)
The first demo by this long-running Japanese speed metal band with thrash influences. Came out prior to the "Bombed and Blasted" CD on Raw Records (Explosion Records sub-label). Despite the long history of the band since they were formed in '85, only a few releases were put out by these guys. I've got this demo straight from the band back in the days. 





Listen to Dead Claw
"Ashes To Ashes"
"Ride The Guns"
"Locked Away" ~ "Brave Knights"

Deathchurch "Crushing The Dreams Of Benevolence" Demo Tape - Hell War Productions, 2004, Ltd to 300 hand-numbered copies (#014 /300), (HWP 017) - $7
Japanese raw black metal.... extremely raw and dirty as fuck. "Tokyo Black Metal Hell Komando"

Deathchurch on The Metal Archives



Listen to Deathchurch

Defyer "Loving Woman" 7" EP - Eastworld/Toshiba EMI, 1990, Promo, (PRT-1509) - $28
Promo-only 7" containing two tracks. This single was never commercially released on vinyl. It was released on the 3" mini CD single format only, but some copies of this advance promo 7" version were made and sent out to the radio stations prior to the CD release. The front sleeve indicates "Not For Sale, Promotional Use Only". Like many other Japanese promo 7"s, there are two light marks from clear tape residue on the sleeve. However, it doesn't look that bad at all and the overall condition is nice. Incredibly catchy and melodic metal/hard rock. Good stuff!! Check out the songs.



Listen to Defyer
"Loving Woman" (Posted by Nikkö KRAZZY)
"Tonight (I''m Dancin')" (from '89 demo tape)

Defyer "Treasure Land" CD - Eastworld/Toshiba EMI, 1990, w/ obi, (TOCT-5848) - $25 ($20)
Incredibly catchy and melodic heavy metal/hard rock. Good stuff!!! Check out the songs. Like new condition!



Listen to Defyer
"Loving Woman" (Posted by Nikkö KRAZZY)
"Tonight (I''m Dancin')" (from '89 demo tape)

Ef-Line "Ef-Line" CD - Pot Shot/Bang A Gong/Captain Records, 1992, (GONG-6058) - $75 ($60)
Ultra-rare and obscure Japanese indie hard rock/melodic metal CD release here. This one is super hard to find. Amazingly catchy and rockin' tunes!! Recommended for fans of Passion Rose, Defyer, Frenzy, 44 Magnum, Bad Loser, X-Ray, Ebony Eyes, Roxcy, Wired, etc.




Eldritch "Moon Hawk Project" Demo Tape - Self-released, 1992, Pro-copied/printed cassette & sleeve, w/ insert (x 3), (No cat. #) - $35
Old school, raging Japanese thrash metal band active in the late '80s through early '90s. Internationally known for their full-length album release "Blood Breed Calls My Name". This is their first demo tape. Comes with 3 different inserts, one of which is a folded mini poster flyer. All packaged nicely in the orig outer bag. Fans of classic and old school Japanese thrash like United, Casbah, Youthquake, Shellshock, Outrage, Sacrifice, Raging Fury or Lawshed should check this band out.







Listen and watch:

Emotion "No Surrender" 7" EP - Nexus/Starchild/King Records, 1988, (K07S-10241) - $30 ($25)
This short-lived band featured the vocalist Tomohiko "Tomo" Kishimoto (ex-Murbas, Reaction, Burny Project, J.D.K. Band), the guitarist Junichiro Matsukawa (ex-Sabbrabells, J.D.K. Band) and the drummer Shigeo Ishibashi (ex-Sabbrabells). Emotion was active for a very short time and only released this EP and one full-length album, so they aren't widely known. Musically, Emotion was more in the melodic metal/hard rock vein than the band members' previous bands. The title track was used as a soundtrack for the famous PC game called "Xanadu ~Dragon Slayer II~". (or anime movie that was based on this RPG game?) Might sound strange to some, but back in the '80s there were many notable Japanese metal and progressive rock musicians, such as the guys from Terra Rosa, Hellen, Sniper, Reaction, Precious, Sabbrabells, Concerto Moon, Novela and many others, who were also die-hard gamers and in fact some of them were involved in the game industry. (programming, music arrange work and such) I don't know much about the games but I can see how dramatic and symphonic heavy metal/hard rock/prog sounds perfectly fit in with the RPG games. After a breakup of Emotion, the vocalist Tomo and the guitarist Junichiro went on to form J.D.K. Band, sort of a Japanese metal supergroup consisted of former members of Murbas, Reaction, Sabbrabells, Sniper, Hellen, Babylon, Rajas, Presence, Jill's Project, just to name a few.




Listen to Emotion & J.D.K. Band (post-Emotion) 
Emotion "No Surrender"
J.D.K. Band "Go Fight" live '92

Ezra "Zōshoku-Ningen" (増殖人間) Demo Tape - Self-released, 1991, Pro-printed sleeve, w/ insert, (No cat. #) - $38
Ezra was active from '89 to around '97. Very unique style of power/heavy metal with thrashy riffs that's comparable to Flatbacker, early Fast Draw, early Virus, Gargoyle, 夜叉 (Yasha) or Gilt Face. Musically and lyrically, those are the only few bands that come to my mind which I find some similarility to Ezra. I'm very sure they were heavily influenced by the legendary Flatbacker, one of the most influential '80s metal bands in Japan, without any doubts. In '95, Ezra appeared on the Mandrake Root Records comp video and released the first CD on Target label, the then-new sub label division of Mandrake Root. Another CD came out sometime in '96, on the label I can't remember the name of. Their vocalist Aki Motoyama joined Volcano in '94 while he was still in Ezra. It was during the second lineup of the original Volcano with the guitarist She-ja (ex-Gargoyle, Vathokija, etc.) and featured former members of Virus, Rosenfeld and Youthquake, way before the new and currently ongoing Volcano started with Nov from Aion on vocals in the late '90s.





Gastunk "Counter-Clock Wise" 7" EP - Více/Crown Records, 1988, Full-color poster sleeve, Promo, (10EC-501) - $7
Ltd edition single from the band's heavy metal era. Their music was more in the HC vein in their early days circa '84~'86, but almost every song from that period had a huge heavy metal taste to it and that made Gastunk's sound so unique, didn't quite sound like any other HC or metal bands at that time. After '87, their style turned into more heavy metal/hard rock. This 7" includes two quality songs, "Counter-Clock Wise" and "Moon Child" (such a beautiful song!), taken from the fantastic "Mother" album which was recorded in Los Angeles (where they also played a few shows), fully supported by the Metallica members and Pushead. Awesome songs especially the B-side track. I absolutely love ALL Gastunk releases, every single song on every single record, period! After Gastunk broke up in Dec '88, the guitarist Tatsu went on to form Jacks 'N' Joker and the drummer Pazz joined Doom in '89, then Shellshock in '94. The vocalist Baki has sung in various project bands include the 'Gastunk + Doom' project called Quartergate with Pazz, also Koh Morota and Takashi Fujita, the bassist and vocalist/guitarist from Doom.






Genocide (Nippon) "Black Sanctuary" Cassette - King Klassic Records, 1988, Pro-copied/printed cassette & sleeve, (KKC-1004) - $10 ($8)
Orig '88 cassette version of the classic Japanese heavy metal album by Genocide (a.k.a. Genocide Nippon), released by this '80s Chicago based indie metal label called King Klassic. Fucking excellent dark heavy metal with a satanic theme ala Crowley, Sabbrabells, Tabbasa, Damzell, Bellzlleb, Velle Witch, Inspire, or the mighty Mercyful Fate! Similar music style, yes. Great music. I'd totally recommend this if you like these bands. I'd like to check out the later Genocide album "The Rites" that came out on Satanic Lust Records in '01. (That label also put out stuff by Abigail, Fastkill, and Salem.)




Gilt Face "No More Gas / Heart On The Moon" 7" EP - Human Records, 1989, (HRGF-111) - $58
Fucking awesome and dark power/speed metal, thrashy riffs and heavy hitting tunes. Must hear them if you like the bands like Flatbacker (Fratvacker), Gargoyle, Ezra, Yasha (夜叉), early Virus or early Fastdraw. Mostly influenced by the mighty Flatbacker, for sure. Overall songtone is dark, gloomy and angry. You can hear some similarity to the "Dead Line" era Dead End as well, especially on these two songs on this EP, but the Gilt Face songs are so much heavier and thrashier, I'd say. As a side note, Gilt Face was one of the very active bands out of the '80s~'90s metal scene in Hakata city, Fukuoka and they were associated with other local HM/HR bands from the same area such as Damzell, Kariostoro, Diass, Ash, Vallan-Taine (Gilt Face guitarist previously played in this band), and Imperial Guards. Far from Tokyo and other major cities of Japan, but there was a pretty large metal scene over there back then. Anyway, Gilt Face totally kicks ass!!! Highly, definitely recommended. They've also released a demo in '90 and a full-length CD album (rare) in '92, both of which worth checking out. There's also a great thrash tune by Gilt Face on the "Declare A State Of Emergency ~ Emergency Express III" comp CD ('91, w/ Bellzlleb, Rosenfeld, Shellshock, Yasha, Lawshed, The Wretched, etc.) and that compilation is amazing, too. There's actually two different versions of the "Emergency Express III" comp ("The God's Truth"), another one came out in '92 on a different label with completely different bands. Kind of confusing. 

 This EP was self-released on the band's own Human Records, the label that also put out the first Kariostoro CD with Damzell's D-Promotion Syndicate label.

Gilt Face on The Metal Archives
Gilt Face on www.last.fm 
(No fuckin' idea how to actually play songs on this site...)






Listen to Gilt Face
"下剋上" (Gekokujou) '90 demo download
"No More Gas" '89 EP download

The above download links were found on this forum:
http://80s.takemetal.com/viewtopic.php?f=111&t=3676
(Note: The first Youtube video clip you see on there is the same Vasalla & Gilt Face split promo clip I've posted below. The second video, however, isn't of Gilt Face but is from an ex-Gilt Face guitarist's mid '90s band called 怒怒)

Vasalla & Gilt Face split promo clip made for the '10 reunion show
(Note: The first 1 minute is Vasalla, NOT Gilt Face! The Gilt Face clip starts at 1:09)
* I couldn't find any Gilt Face videos posted online except this short promo clip and a few '95 live clips from an ex-Gilt Face guitarist's band called 怒怒. That's not Gilt Face. Don't get confused.
Gilt Face "Sabaki" (裁) CD - Haunted House Records, 1992, w/ obi, (HR-005) - $85 ($68)
Fucking awesome and dark power metal, thrashy riffs and heavy hitting tunes. Must hear them if you like the bands like Flatbacker (Fratvacker), Gargoyle, Ezra, Yasha (夜叉), early Virus or early Fastdraw. Mostly influenced by the mighty Flatbacker, for sure. Overall songtone is dark, gloomy and angry. You can hear some similarity to the "Dead Line" era Dead End as well, especially on these two songs on this EP, but the Gilt Face songs are so much heavier and thrashier, I'd say. As a side note, Gilt Face was one of the very active bands out of the '80s~'90s metal scene in Hakata city, Fukuoka and they were associated with other local HM/HR bands from the same area such as Damzell, Kariostoro, Diass, Ash, Vallan-Taine (Gilt Face guitarist previously played in this band), and Imperial Guards. Far from Tokyo and other major cities of Japan, but there was a pretty large metal scene over there back then. Anyway, Gilt Face totally kicks ass!!! Highly, definitely recommended. They've also released a demo in '90 and a full-length CD album (rare) in '92, both of which worth checking out. There's also a great thrash tune by Gilt Face on the "Declare A State Of Emergency ~ Emergency Express III" comp CD ('91, w/ Bellzlleb, Rosenfeld, Shellshock, Yasha, Lawshed, The Wretched, etc.) and that compilation is amazing, too. There's actually two different versions of the "Emergency Express III" comp ("The God's Truth"), another one came out in '92 on a different label with completely different bands. Kind of confusing. 

 The entire album is so fantastic. Many of the songs have the definite thrash metal feel to them, like Flatbacker meets Gargoyle, Rosenfeld and late Bellzlleb!!! If you hear it, you'll know why I'd refer to them. This is a truly brilliant, hidden piece of Japanese metal history. A different version of the track #5 "Kurae" (くらえ) originally appeared on the "Declare A State Of Emergency ~ Emergency Express III" comp CD. The special thanks list includes: Aion, Outrage, United, Lawshed, Sacrifice, Jurassic Jade, Yasha, Ezra, Eldritch, Bellzlleb, Damzell, Vallan-Taine, Luna Sea, The Violent Youth Flak ..... fucking ace.

 This rare CD was released by the non-metal label called Haunted House. It was the label ran by former member of Kamaitachi and was more of the Free-Will Records type and related label. Not sure how this Gilt Face album ended up being released on this label, though. I don't see any relation between them and the whole Kamaitachi related stuff, but Haunted House had a release plan on the Bellzlleb CD entitled "Bring Back Fond Memories" in '92, supposed to have been a collection of their unpublished materials, but that CD sadly never came out and remain unreleased since the label disbanded in the late '92 or '93. It would've been cool if it came out. I'm sure this Gilt Face CD went out of print at the same time the label was gone, so that explains why it's so hard to find. Gilt Face also broke up around '93-ish.

(No fuckin' idea how to actually play songs on this site...)





Listen to Gilt Face
"下剋上" (Gekokujou) '90 demo download
"No More Gas" '89 EP download

The above download links were found on this forum:
http://80s.takemetal.com/viewtopic.php?f=111&t=3676
(Note: The first Youtube video clip you see on there is the same Vasalla & Gilt Face split promo clip I've posted below. The second video, however, isn't of Gilt Face but is from an ex-Gilt Face guitarist's mid '90s band called 怒怒)

Vasalla & Gilt Face split promo clip made for the '10 reunion show
(Note: The first 1 minute is Vasalla, NOT Gilt Face! The Gilt Face clip starts at 1:09)

* I couldn't find any Gilt Face videos posted online except this short promo clip and a few '95 live clips from an ex-Gilt Face guitarist's band called 怒怒. That's not Gilt Face. Don't get confused. 

Guilty Vice "Pleasure Of Mask ~Dead Line~" CD - Sub Rock Records, 1993, (MODS-1001) - $55
Here's a very rare and hard to find, first CD by this Osaka based band Guilty Vice. What you get is nothing but pure Japanese heavy metal. Great album on the same label that also did the Raging Fury CD. Contains 11 tracks include a few re-recorded songs that originally appeared on the "Noise" demo tape from '89 and "The God's Truth ~ Emergency Express III" comp CD (w/ Rosenfeld, Joe-Erk, Youthquake, Bad Loser, etc.) from '92. The guitarist Shinji from Rosenfeld plays on the track "Fuckin' Easy" as a gurst recording member for this CD. He later joined Guilty Vice in '93 when Rosenfeld broke up. Some bad-ass  bands and dudes credited in the Special Thanks list: S.D.G.Y. (Rosenfeld), Sex George (Ladies Room), Shoji (Mazeran, Ladies Room), Tokyo Yankees, United, Youthquake, Joe-Erk, Rosenfeld, Yasha, etc. Guilty Vice later released another CD called "Leave Here" in '97. It's not so good and I wouldn't recommend it. Many of the songs on the second CD have the more "modern" heavy metal sound. Everything else I've heard from them, this first album, the demo tape and the comp track are excellent!!






Listen to Guilty Vice
"Feel The Fuckin' Noise"
(Opening ~) "D.O.A."
"Dead Line"
"Killing Me"
"Bust Master"

Jet Maybe "Tempest / Misty Trip" 7" EP - Penta Records, 1985, w/ insert & extra credit sheet, (K-P 01/LM-0533) - $48 (Sold)
The only record release from this obscure all-female heavy metal band. Very rare. Produced by Yasuhiro "Ume-chan" Umezawa from Reaction. Penta Records was his private label and was associated with the recording studios of the same name. (Penta also released the Prowler "Back Fire" 7", Vaxpop 7" and perhaps others.) Great Japanese heavy metal with strong female vocals, like Vanishing Point, Flying Vision, Terra Rosa, The Datura or Rajas. Besides the standard lyric insert, this particular copy also comes with a smaller extra insert sheet that has the band member credit correction on it.

Jet Maybe on The Metal Archives






Listen to Jet Maybe

Multiplex "Multiplex Demo I" Demo Tape - Self-released, 1991, Green sleeve ver., w/ insert & flyer, (No cat. #) - $30 ($28)
The first official release from this early Japanese death metal/grind band. For fans of Hellchild, Carcass, Terrorizer, Napalm Death, S.O.B., Unholy Grave, Nasum, Agathocles, Brutal Truth, etc. Rare original demo tape!

G.I.S.M. "Live Tokyo 1982 - 1983" LP - Absolute Power, 2003, w/ info insert, (New/Unplayed), (JAPAN FIVE) - $20 ($18)

GISM on The Metal Archives





Listen to GISM

Kariostoro "Reincarnation" CD - D-Promotion Syndicate/Human Records, 1990, (HR-K 666) - $45
Here's another fairly unknown band, Kariostoro from Fukuoka, Japan, where Damzell and Gilt Face are also from. This first CD was a split label release by Damzell's D-Promotion Syndicate and Gilt Face's Human Records. Pretty hard to find CD. I believe Kariostoro and Damzell shared some of the members over the course of the years. Both bands were active during the late '80s through mid '90s. Be careful when you get the Kariostoro stuff because the only material in heavy metal style is this CD, as far as I know. The band decided to change their music style and even the whole band apperance and image to more like new wave/goth inspired visual-kei rock around '92, around the time that the particular genre of music got very popular I guess they made a terrible choice of going towards that direction. Why so terrible? Because they were simply just so bad at playing that style of music. They just couldn't do it right. Not that I think that the bands changing their style when they wanna play something new is bad, though. The two later CD's they released in '92 and '95 as well as a few compilation tracks from the same period are very fucking bad.. Not heavy metal, nor any good visual-kei goth/wave either.

Kariostoro on The Metal Archives





"Hand Of Glory" live in Fukuoka '90

LA★69 "New Breed Bad Boys" CD - Self-released, 2004, w/ obi & sticker, (HAZE-1002) - $25 ($20)
169% Motley Crue and '80s hair metal worship. Catchy as fuck. They broke up in 2013.







Listen and watch:
"Generation Rock Star"
"Julia" live in Osaka
"Rock'n'Roll" (Pretty Boy Floyd cover!)

LA★69 "Shout At The Bastard" CD - Self-released, 2006, w/ obi, (EVFR-6901) - $25 ($20)
169% Motley Crue and '80s hair metal worship. Catchy as fuck. They broke up in 2013.






Listen and watch:
"Generation Rock Star"
"Julia" live in Osaka
"Rock'n'Roll" (Pretty Boy Floyd cover!)

Magenda "Cheap Diamond" 3" CD - Self-released, 1989, (No cat. #) - $45
All-female hard rock band. This one is very rare. The 3" size mini CD single comes in a tall package. It's much harder to find than their two other releases, the first picture 12" from '87 and the "Gambler" CD from '90. This vocalist on this single and the "Gambler" CD is different from the one that sings on the 12". They sounded more heavy metal on the 12", but with the second vocalist they're more in the melodic hard rock and sleaze/glam vein. Contains three tracks. The first track "Cheap Diamond" stands out the most. Super catchy and speedy hard rock song. The other two songs are more mid-tempo and sleazy hard rock style but pretty good and rockin'. This single was released by the band themselves and isn't on any label. It's pretty hard to find even in Japan. I've never seen another copy for sale anywhere.





Madew "Still Burning And Dreaming" CD - FEI (Far East Islands) Records, 1990, w/ obi & folded insert,  (FEI-9006CD) - $35 ($28)

Paranoia "Come From Behind" CD - Night Gallery Records, 1993, w/ obi, (UKCR-1050) - $65 ($48)
Originally released on LP in '87, also on Night Gallery. This is the rarer and much harder to find CD version. Featuring Nov (Aion, Volcano, Z-Sect) on vocals and Heath (X Japan) on bass. Everything is in a Mint condition, close to new. Super clean copy.

Planet Earth "Big Bang" CD - Polydor K.K. (Japan), 1993, w/ obi, (POCH 1245) - $28
Female-fronted melodic heavy metal band featuring the former members of Hellen. The band members include the guitarist Yasumitsu Shimizu (ex-Hellen, Babylon), the drummer Takuo Maeda (ex-Dancer, Veil) and the keyboardist Yasuharu Takanashi (ex-Hellen, J.D.K. Band). Both guys from Hellen played on the "Talon Of King" LP. About the half of the songs on this album are in a melodic metal style like Terra Rosa or Vanishing Point, while the other half are more in the hard rock vein ala Show-Ya or Mari Hamada. All pretty good, though. Strong female vocals over some great neoclassical style guitar work by Shimizu. I like this singer Yumi's vocal style a lot. A little bit of online research led me to these blog posts by some Japanese metal fan: 
http://ameblo.jp/terrarosa/entry-10881195832.html
http://ameblo.jp/terrarosa/entry-10983845450.html
Yumi appeared as a guest vocalist on the ex-Precious keyboadist Yusuke Takahama's '91 solo album "Prototype". I used to own that CD but had no idea that the girl who sings on a few tracks for that album was the same person from Planet Earth until I've read the blog article. It's a cool solo album, by the way. The other guest vocalists and musicians on the "Prototype" CD include Eizo Sakamoto (ex-Anthem), the singer from Wolf, some other members from Dancer, Marino, Terra Rosa, Wolf, Babylon, Precious, etc. Takahama is known for his recent work with Anthem and (although mostly unknown) various project bands in the past with notable musicians, include Emerald Forest with Hideaki Nakama (ex-Hurry Scuary, Anthem), Groove Master with Taiji Fujimoto (ex-Dancer, D.T.R.), and T-Project with the ex-X-Ray singer the ex-Blizard drummer.

 The only ever album release by Planet Earth. They've recorded the second album that never came out. One of the songs called "Planet Earth" that was originally going to be included on the second album was later re-recorded by the guitarist Yasumitsu's current progressive metal band called Cyclone (feat. ex-Hellen bassist and ex-Novela singer) and is included on their '08 album. 




Listen to Planet Earth

Presence "Presence" CD - Nexus/King Records, 2000, w/ obi & insert, (KICS 2874) - $10 ($8)
'80s melodic heavy metal from Osaka. Their first album from '87. This reissue is from the "Nexus Re-master Collection" series (Sabbrabells, Terra Rosa, Anthem, Stingray, etc.) by Nexus label, the HM/HR sub-label division of King Records.



Roxcy (Röxcy) "Free On Free" 3" CD - Self-released, 1994(?), (010494-RR) - $55 ($45)
Obscure '90s Japanese hard rock/sleaze/glam metal rarity in pristine condition like new, still in orig resealable outer sleeve. Never originally issued with obi. You won't find it in this perfect condition. Despite its rarity and demand of their releases, there really aren't much info about this band you can find. Here's all I know: Roxcy was formed in Osaka, Japan. Two other CD's out in '95 and '96. The vocalist Hiroyuki Matsubara used to be in another hard rock band called With (CD out on After Zero Records in '91, With is a very good band!!). He apparently teaches vocals at the music school in Osaka where several other metal musicians like the guys from Marino and Starless also work as teachers. Well, no wonder. This guy is talented and his vocals are superb in both Roxcy and With. The drummer Junichi Sato is best known for currently being a member of Mephistopheles and Galneryus. He also played in various metal bands like Atlantis, Concerto Moon, and Animetal.




Roxcy CD reviews, download links, etc.
http://melodic-hardrock.com/roxcy-free-on-free-1987
http://80s.takemetal.com/viewtopic.php?f=123&t=3366

Sabbat "Bloody Countess (Bride Of The Demon)" Cassette - Afterlife Productions, 2002, Ltd to 500 copies, Pro-copied/printed cassette & sleeve (hand-numbered: #178 /500), (CFB-001) - $14 ($12)
Official ltd pro-tape reissue the '86 first demo, plus 4 bonus studio reh./demo and live tracks.





Sabbat / Abigail "Kamikaze Splitting Roar" Cassette - Witchhammer Production, 2003, Ltd to 500 copies, Pro-copied/printed cassette & fold-out poster sleeve (hand-numbered: #159 /500), w/ orig hype sticker on shrink wrap, (New/Sealed), (WHP-024D) - $12






Salamander "Tanjou" (誕生) CD - FEI (Far East Islands) Records, 1989, (FEI-891027CD) - $38 ($30)
In Japan, Salamander was widely known as the so-called "disciple" band of Hide from X and (Yokosuka) Saver/Saber Tiger, who, of course, is credited in the special thanks list of this CD. Well, whatever that means... At least that's exactly what he was calling them in his old interview. Anyway, Salamander is a power metal band from Yokosuka city, featuring a totally Hide wannabie guitarist. Formed in '86 and broke up in '90. The band got back together a few years ago. Their music style kinda remind me of Virus, Ezra, or Flatbacker. You be the judge. This is the only CD release from them. They've also released an official video also on FEI Records in '89, two demo tapes in '86 and '87, and appeared on the "Heavy Metal Force Special Vol.2" tape ('88, Explosion Recs.) and the "Yokosuka Street Rockers" double flexi comp ('89) with non-metal bands.





Listen and watch:
"Yakuniya" (薬似夜)
"Show Me Your Power"
Live at Pumpkin, Yokusuka '89
Live at Rock-May-Kan, Tokyo '90
"Hevi-Meta Tora no Ana" studio live on TV '89
"Tanjou" (誕生) official VHS ('89, FEI Records)
Live in Yokosuka '14 (In The Memory of Hide)

7th Heaven "Hope You Like It" CD - Sub Rock Records, 1992, (SR-371) - $28
Unknown Japanese indie glam/sleaze/hard rock act from Osaka. Produced by the guitarist from Ziggy and he plays guest guitar on one song. Catchy, melodic and sleazy hard rock for fans of Valentine D.C., Ziggy, Frenzy, G.D. Flickers, Ladies Room, Cats In Boots, Jacks'n'Joker, Klap, or the later glam/sleaze era materials from Mazeran or Eliza. Good ol' sleaze hard rock. Hope you like it.





Sex Messiah "Wish You Were Dead" 7" EP - Criminal Trap Records, 2009, Ltd to 500 copies, (CTR-01) - $15 ($12)
Amazing first 7" by this awesome band. Absolutely killer, blackened thrash metal in the vein of G.A.T.E.S., Döraid, Sabbat, Abigail, Venom, Hellhammer, Zadkiel, Metal Skull, Syphilitic Vaginas, Toxic Holocaust or Blüdwülf. Nothing but totally destructive, pure evil fucking metal mayhem is what you get. One of the best thrash/black metal bands currently active in Japan. I think there are at least a few other 7"s from this band that's been put out so far. Although I don't have it anymore but I've listened to the one on High Society Satanic Records and it was also great.






Listen to Sex Messiah
"The Curse"

Stingray "Rain / Rising" 7" EP - Sound World/Lollipop Records, 1988, Promo, (7DR-41) - $55 (Sold)
Very rare one here. This has to be the hardest to find Stingray release of all, as it almost never pops up for sale anywhere. I've seen it only a couple of times in the last 20 years or so. While their "Rain" LP ('85, Nexus/King) and the "Legend" 12" ('86, Crown) are known within the collector circle, this EP is far more obscure. The tracks included on this EP are not the same recording/version as the ones previously appeared on the "Rain" LP that came out in '86, which was released by a completely different record label two years prior to this. Like many other Japanese promo 7"s sent to the radio stations, there are two small and light marks from clear tape residue on the sleeve. However, it doesn't look that bad at all and the overall condition is nice.




Stingray "Vampire's Kiss / Endless" 3" CD - VAM/VaanMedia, 1990, (New/Unplayed), (H00W-30107) - $45 ($40)
Another incredibly rare and unknown Stingray release. It's a 3" size mini CD single containing two rare tracks. I don't think many fans are even aware this has ever been released or its existence. Oddly, this was released as the Japanese soundtrack for the U.S. movie called "Vampire's Kiss", starring Nicolas Cage. Actually, the fact that the title track "Vampire's Kiss" was used for the movie's doesn't really matter because simply this song is amazingly good!! It's in a melodic, yet powerful and dramatic heavy metal style with a traditional epic metal feel that Stingray is best known for. And, the song "Vampire's Kiss" has a faster tempo than any of the songs on the "Legend" 12" or other albums. The second track called "Endless" is also great and is a more mellow and mid-tempo song than another. This was the CD-only release and has never been available on vinyl. These two songs are not included on any of their albums, except "The Best Of Stingray" CD that came out several months later contained them, but that CD is also long out of print and hard to find anyway. "The Best Of..." CD is listed on this Japamese metal collector resource site among four other Stingray albums: http://japanesemetal.gooside.com/index_page/collection/collection_so_sz.htm
The "Legend" 12" ('86) is no doubt a masterpiece. The first full-length LP entitled "Rain" which was released in '85, however, isn't as brilliant as the "Legend" 12" is, and somewhat overlooked because prior to the "Legend" release, the band still hadn't established their notable and distinct "epic metal" style yet, at the point in '85 when the "Rain" LP came out. Although the "Rain" LP contained many decent songs, the music style wise, it was more in the "typical" Japanese melodic heavy metal/hard rock vein that lacked originality. Many fans would agree that the quality of Stingray's music was significantly improved since they released the "Legend" 12" in '86. Since then, they've put out several more quality releases and I believe the band is still active. 

 This is also a brand new, "deadstock" copy from back in '90. Still in original resealable outer sleeve, never been opened. Mint condition. This is a spare copy from my personal collection.

Anything they did after the "Legend" 12" are somewhat unknown, so here you go...
Stingray - Discography -

"Rain" LP (1985, Nexus/King Records)
"Legend" 12" (1986, Panam/Crown Records)
"Rain / Rising" 7" EP (1988, SW(Sound World)/Lollipop Records)
"Vampire's Kiss / Endless" 3" CD single (1990, VAM/VaanMedia)
* "Stingray The Best ~21世紀への伝説~" CD (1990, VAM/VaanMedia)
"One Night Rose" CD (1993, VAM/VaanMedia)
"Heaven's Door" CD (2000, Castle Records)
"Legend" CD (2002, Castle Records)
* The Best Of Stingray CD compiles all the songs from the "Legend" 12", "Vampire's Kiss" CD single and seven selected songs off the "Rain" LP
(The title translation: 21世紀への伝説 / 21seiki eno densetsu = A Legend Towards The 21st Century) 




Listen to Stingray

Sub-Rosa "Sub-Rosa" CD - Asteion, 1995, Ltd to 333 copies (hand-numbered: #127 /333), w/ obi, (AMT-6901) - $15 ($12)
Completely unknown hard rock band formed in '87. Self-released first album. These guys don't really sound or even look the Japanese band...



Listen to Sub-Rosa
"Buffalo Runnin'"
"Glidin' Rollin' Surfin' Rider"

Tatsu "Cowboy / Rambling Rose" 3" CD - Ariola/BMG Victor, 1992, Promo, (BVDR-121) - $8 ($6)
The first solo single by ex Gastunk and Jacks 'n' Joker guitarist. Tatsu plays the guitar and does vocals on this single and some of the recording members are also from the hard rock band Jacks 'n' Joker. This is a 3" size mini CD single that comes in a tall package.





Terra Rosa "Hi no Naka ni Kage" (火の中に影) 7" EP - Crime/King Records, 1990, Promo, (17DY-2031) - $35
Rare promo-only 7" vinyl of the CD single this amazing heavy metal band put out in '90. A must have for fans and collectors of Terra Rosa. Released on Crime label (a.k.a. Crime Metal), the heavy metal/hard rock sub-label division of King Records, like Nexus. The title track "Hi no naka ni kage" (translates to "The Shadow In The Fire") is an excellent song about nuclear, which also appeared on the band's last album "Sase" that came out shortly after this single. Supposed to be a different version. The B-side track "Craggy Rhymester" is a non-album track and is exclusive to this single. It was never commercially released on vinyl format, only on CD. The front sleeve indicates "Not For Sale" as well as on center labels in Japanese.





Listen to Terra Rosa
"Carry It Out"
"Deathblink"
"The Endless Basis"
"Vision Of The Lake Bottom"
"火の中に影" (Hino Naka ni Kage) ~ "Craggy Rhymester" (+ 1)
"Vision Of The Lake Bottom" (from "Metal Warning")

Trash Gang "Trash Gang I ~ Cyguard" CD - Polydor K.K. (Japan), 1989, (HOOP-20346) - $45 ($35)
Great band! Some of their songs in the heavy metal style like Fortbragg, while some are more in the sleaze/hard rock vein. This album was released as a soundtrack for the anime video. The music is too good for some shitty anime that nobody knows about, though!

Trash Gang on The Metal Archives




Listen to Trash Gang
"Can't Get It Enough"
"Feed Back"
"Nature's Child"
"Only 17"
"Shake Your Body"

Unholy Grave "Grind Blitz" 7" EP - H.M.S.S. Records, 2010, Ltd to 185 hand-numbered copies, Promo/freebie, Orig. sticker on sleeve, (New/Sealed), (HMSS-CD-102) - $30 ($28)
'09 rehearsal demo tracks. The round hype sticker on front sleeve indicates "X'mas Gift EP for HMSS Customers, Limited Edition 185". Still unopened in original bag, sealed with a little sticker. So I don't know what the serial number is for this copy. (The photos are from another copy I've sold in the past.) Rare and super limited, promo-only 7" by these motherfuckin' Japanese grindcore/death metal gods. Another cool collector's item from HMSS (Heavy Metal Super Star) Recs. 

Unholy Grave on The Metal Archives







Urghpolice (Urgh Police) "Urgh!" CD - FEI (Far East Islands) Records, 1995(?), w/ obi, (FEI-95CD001) - $35 ($28)
The CD version of their '87 full-length LP. Their earlier songs had more heavy metal feel but the later stuff is more in the melodic metal ~ Motley Crue-inspired glam/sleaze vein. Check this out if you like Murbas, Killer May, Passion Rose, Grand Slam, Sniper, Frenzy, Medusa or 44 Magnum. I'm sure that the label decided to reissue this album when The Yellow Monkey got very big in the mainstream scene sometime in the early '90s. The Yellow Monkey was a hard rock band formed in '88, consisted of former Urgh Police singer Kazuya "Lovin" Yoshii and three former members of Murbas and Killer May. Besides this "Urgh!" LP/CD, the band also put out the self-released demo tape in '84, another tape called "Crazy Rock'n'Roller" in '86 (also on FEI label) and a cool track "Midnight Love Hunter" appeared on the classic "Metal Warning" double LP compilation in '87.







Listen to Urgh Police
"Midnight Love Hunter"

Vallan-Taine "Good Times Rollin'" CD - D-Promotion Syndicate/Be-1, 1991, (LMCD-1034) - $55 ($45)
Another super-rare and fairly unknown indie hard rock/sleaze gem. Vällan-Täine from Hakata city, Fukuoka, Japan, formed in '88. The band consisted of former vocalist, bassist and drummer of the great heavy metal band called Diass, that also have an LP out on the same label. The guitarist of Vallan-Taine later played in Gilt Face. This CD was released by their friends and another Hakata based band Damzell's private label D-Promotion Syndicate. (It was also associated with the Be-1 label and the small live venue in Hakata of the same name.) This is their first album after putting out a few demos in the late '80s and appearing on "The End Of The Century Rockers - Emergency Express II" comp CD in '90. There's also another CD called "Nothing Good Comes Easy?!" from '95. Check them out if you like Passion Rose, Frenzy, or early Valentine D.C.







Listen to Vallan-Taine
"Scrap"
"Good Times! Bad Times!?"
"Nobody's Fool"

Vaxpop "Keep On Rockin' / Hold Back The Night" 7" EP - Penta Records, 1986, (F.B.O.-01) - $45
The only release from their indie metal/hard rock era, besides a few demos and a promo 7" flexi, I think. This is the rare one. The band later released several albums on a major label after they changed the music style to more poppy generic J-rock type of stuff after '89. They are not good at all and those albums really didn't sell well. I wouldn't recommend those. A guitarist from Fort Knox played in Vaxpop at some point. Very catchy, tuneful and melodic songs, comparable to another similar great band Defyer! Listen to the demo version of the B-side track "Hold Back The Night". That was the only early, indie-era Vaxpop song I could find posted online. Penta Records was a private label ran by Yasuhiro "Ume-chan" Umezawa from Reaction and it was associated with the recording studios of the same name. (Penta also released the Prowler "Back Fire" 7", Jet Maybe "Tempest" 7" and perhaps others.)








Listen to Vaxpop
"Hold Back The Night" (from demo tape)

VellaDonna "D" Demo Tape - Matina, 1997, Ltd to 500 copies, w/ folded insert, (SMVD-001) - $25 ($23)
Rare orig first demo. The songs included on this demo have a more thrash metal sound than some of their later releases. I think this was one of the early releases by Matina label. The label's Wiki page says it was officially established in Nov '97, however, this tape actually came out in March. My guess is that Nov '97 is when the label started doing the more commercial releases such as CD's, prior to that there are some lesser known cassette releases like this one, probably more like the band self released materials under the pre label name of Matina.

VellaDonna was a great thrash/power metal band from Osaka, consisted of former vocalist and bassist of Thread Worm, an Osaka based thrash metal act on Rosenfeld's Skull Crusher label, and former guitarist of another awesome but rather unknown thrash band called Gelgoog. Like Thread Worm, Gelgoog and many other similar bands out of Osaka from this era, VellaDonna was highly inspired by the bands like Aion, Mein Kampf or Rosenfeld.





Listen to VellaDonna
Chaos [kéiòs]

VellaDonna "Fermata no Fermat" (フェルマータのフェルマー) 3" CD - Matina, 1998, Promo/freebie, Ltd to 100 copies, (New/Sealed), (VD-001) - $7 ($5)
Promo-only 3" mini CD single. Only 100 copies were given away to fans at the band's 1-year anniv show. Indicates "Not For Sale, Limited to 100". VellaDonna was a great thrash/power metal band from Osaka, consisted of former vocalist and bassist of Thread Worm, an Osaka based thrash metal act on Rosenfeld's Skull Crusher label, and former guitarist of another awesome but rather unknown thrash band called Gelgoog. Like Thread Worm, Gelgoog and many other similar bands out of Osaka from this era, VellaDonna was highly inspired by the bands like Aion, Mein Kampf or Rosenfeld. The song that's included on this special single is a bit weird, though. Punky vocals and catchy choruses, rockin' melody over crunching thrash metal guitar riffs and fast bass drums, with the strange-ass "wtf?" lyrics featuring the chorus part taken from the song by this ultra famous '80s J-rock idol band called The Checkers. This was a joke release and intended for novelty purposes. Odd, but kinda funny and cool at the same time. Just for VellaDonna fans or serious collectors of obscure Japanese visual-kei metal stuff. This copy I'm selling is still sealed in orig resealable outer sleeve.

VellaDonna on The Metal Archives





Wired "Discharge" CD - T.O.S. Records, 1993, w/ insert, (No cat. #) - $90 ($75)
Mega-rare '90s Japanese melodic heavy metal/hard rock gem in top condition. This is super tough to find anywhere even in Japan these days. Mint condition like new!

Wired "Rhythm & Roll" CD - M-Factory Records, 1995, w/ obi, (MF-95126) - $45 ($40)
Rare second album from this great band. Great condition, close to new.
With "Dancin' With Me" CD - After Zero Records, 1991, Ltd mailorder ver. w/ autographed booklet, (AZR 010) - $35
Roxcy vocalist's former band! The music sounds VERY similar to Roxcy or Hurry Scuary. This is really, really, really gooooood!! Sucks that I couldn't find any videos or music samples from this band online that I can't provide any here. If you like Roxcy, you'll love this. Also fans of Hurry Scuary, X-Ray, Marino, Make-Up or Fort Knox, in that line of melodic hard rock, would enjoy both With and Roxcy! Top class Japanese melodic hard rock, period! Released by After Zero Records, an indie label that's widely known for the Valentine DC and Gargoyle releases. When you ordered this CD directly from the label in '91, you could get the special version booklet autographed by the band members. It was advertised in the old label ad. This copy is one of those. The funny thing is that their label mates Gargoyle members also signed the each With member's page inside the booklet. (see the sample photos.) Although the music styles between these two bands are completely different, I guess they were close and often played the shows together. The Gargoyle autograph thing was probably meant to be a little surprise gift for fans who bought it. (Gargoyle was pretty big at that time.) This album was also produced by Gargoyle. Again, this CD is amazingly good!






V/A "To The Marrow ~ Japanese Deathnology 撹乱" CD - Toy's Factory Records, 1993, w/ obi & fold-out insert, Promo, (TFCC-88027) - $45 ($38)
Hellchild / Transgressor / Terror Fector / Voidd / Eroded / Multiplex / Maggoty Corpse / Satanic Hell Slaughter / The Equinox - This CD is known to be one of the first Japanese death metal and grindcore compilations ever released, with an incredibly brutal lineup of sick bands. Some of them later became pretty big, while some are more underground. Terror Fector and Eroded have the albums out on Howling Bull and the first CD of Voidd was put out by Sabbat's Evil Records. This great death/grind band Eroded had the singer from 324, and the drummer played in Gibbed and Unholy Grave. Satanic Hellslaughter is known for their tracks on the classic "Thrashing Deathpower" 3-way split CD on Selfish Records that also included Gibbed and Multiplex. Maggoty Corpse featured some members who later went on to form and play in Clotted Symmetric Sexual Organ (C.S.S.O.) and Butcher ABC. Maggoty Corpse has a '91 split single out with Iron Claw on Genoa's Strange Records. The Equinox is probably from Nagoya and I don't think they've released anything else. They used to play gigs with the bands like S.O.B., Deathpeed (pre-Unholy Grave) and Gibbed. This is an important document of the early Japanese underground death metal and grindcore scene. A must hear comp if you're into all that brutal-as-fuck bands like Unholy Grave, Gibbed, S.O.B., Gore Beyond Necropsy, Deathpeed, Nasum, Agathocles, Terrorizer, Napalm Death, Morbid Angel, Carcass and classic Earache stuff. You won't be disappointed. Very hard to find CD that hardly ever pops up for sale. Comes with a large double-sided insert. Nice copy of this rare and absolutely killer release.








Hellchild on The Metal Archives
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