J-Metal Reviews: Earthshaker "Earthshaker"

By Badman

Come one, come all you metal maniacs! I’m back with another J-Metal review to feast your ears on. This week’s album review is from the band Earthshaker!

Earthshaker formed in 1978 in Osaka making them another pioneering band. Although they were formed in the late 70s,  it wasn’t until the early 80s where they made their mark. Their rise to prominence was due to the critically acclaimed self-titled debut album: "Earthshaker". The album quickly opened the doors to J-Metal royalty and made them a household name. Without further ado. Let’s dive into Earthshaker’s "Earthshaker"!!!

Earthshaker’s self-titled record was released in June 1983. With a lineup of nine tracks the album’s runtime clocks in at a little over thirty-nine and a half minutes. This album is very much a clear cut classic Heavy Metal record sprinkled with a mixture of commercial (Pop) and Hard Rock songs. The strongest tracks are "DARK ANGEL (ANIMALS)", "WALL", "夢の果てを (The End of the Dream)", "412", "TIME IS GOING", and the opening song, "EARTHSHAKER". Each one of these tracks are extremely catchy to the ear. "EARTHSHAKER" is a mid-tempo song that chugs along with one awesome riff that just lingers on the eardrums. The vocals are another standout here as well due to the power and passion vocalist Masafumi "Marcy" Nishida exudes throughout the song. His vocal execution draws similarities to Rob Halford from Judas Priest in all the good ways! "412" is THE singular commercial metal tune. Although out of place amongst the roster of tracks, "412" brings a fun, lighthearted refresher to the album. "WALL", "DARK ANGEL", and "TIME IS GOING" are quick paced and straightforward tracks, deeply influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBM) sound. Fun Fact: "DARK ANGEL" was written by Adrian Smith, guitarist of Iron Maiden. These tracks are guaranteed to get all heads banging, swaying, all while air guitaring.

The other tracks I didn’t mention felt a bit average in sound and song composition. They were just good enough to make the cut for this album but were forgettable. "I FEEL ALL SADNESS", the metal ballad, is the best of the average songs. There were some great ideas in the song as well as a badass guitar solo but that couldn’t make up for what it lacks. 

Overall, this album’s listen was enjoyable and a straight headbanger! This being the band’s first attempt for a full-length release definitely showed the current potential they had which would be articulated and refined through to further records. I would definitely recommend this album as an introduction to the legendary Earthshaker!!!

Notable Tracks:
EARTHSHAKER
WALL
412
DARK ANGEL (ANIMALS)
TIME IS GOING
夢の果てを (The End of the Dream)
Honorable Addition: I FEEL ALL SADNESS

​The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHSg34sRyt8