J-Metal Reviews: EZO "E•Z•O"

By Badman

Here we are again with another J-Metal review! I know you’ve been waiting to sink your teeth into some more sonic steel! What do I have in store today? Well, it's time to find the hell out! Unlike this band’s contemporaries who came from the famous Kensai and Kanto prefectures, this band’s roots came from an unlikely region: Hokkaido. To be more specific, the city of Sapporo. They are one the few bands, like LOUDNESS, who gained traction in the US in the mid 80s with their kickass debut album. But unlike LOUDNESS, their music was much darker and more raw. Who are the band of metallic warriors…? I present to you the trailblazers of Sapporo, EZO (letters pronounced individually) and their debut album "E•Z•O"! 

Those who aren’t familiar with EZO, they were formally known as Flackbacker. As Flatbacker, they released two full-length albums. They played a darker straightforward style of Heavy Metal/Speed Metal as opposed to EZO’s more “commercial” brand of metal. How did the band end up as EZO? One answer: Gene Simmons. Yes, THE Gene Simmons from KISS produced EZO’s debut album. Gene Simmons' involvement was the pivotal role in the change of their name, sound, and image to all become more digestible to the masses. This transformation was extremely positive giving birth to more catchy tunes and better song compositions. Although the band vastly changed, they kept the dark essence of Flatbacker and transitioned it to EZO.

Right off the bat, I’ll be getting into the nitty-gritty of this album. With a track list of nine songs, this record clocks in at a rough thirty-six minutes. Most of this album kicks major ass like no one's business! Their sound in this record is a beautiful mix of Heavy Metal and Glam Metal that works so perfectly together. The most definite bangers are "HOUSE OF 1,000 PLEASURES", "FLASHBACK HEART ATTACK", "HERE IT COMES", "KISS OF FIRE", "BIG CHANGES", "DESTROYER", and "DESIREE". Each of these songs have the most catchy choruses and most importantly of all, riffs! The first track, "HOUSE OF 1,000 PLEASURES" has one of THE MOST catchiest riffs I have ever heard. The riff is extremely groovy but heavier than hell. What makes this song THE banger is that the main riff runs through the entire song. It will keep your ears in a vice grip!

The songs I felt that were good but not great were "MR. MIDNIGHT" and "I WALK ALONE". "MR. MIDNIGHT" is an okay song, but lacks musical substance that draws me in. "I WALK ALONE" is a good song and has strong execution; what bugged me about this song was the chorus. I felt the “I walk aloooooone” section of the chorus was pitched too high and the doubling of the vocals only made it worse.

Overall, EZO’s "E•Z•O" is a homerun for all lovers of some good fucking metal. I understand why this album was a commercial success and what solidifies them as a pillar that elevated the 80’s Japanese Metal scene.  So turn up the volume you metal maniacs! EZO is a band that needs to be played loud and proud! Badman out!

Standout Songs:
HOUSE OF 1,000 PLEASURES
FLASHBACK HEART ATTACK
HERE IT COMES
KISS OF FIRE
BIG CHANGES
DESTROYER
DESIREE

The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWwxNf6oOH0