J-Metal Reviews: EZO "FIRE FIRE"

By Badman

Hell-to-the-f**king-o my Metal maddened maniacs! It’s been a long time coming but the Badman is back! This week I’m coming back with another pioneering band. Welcome back to the iron cladded stage...EZO! Ready your asses for a killer ride through the streets of hell raising sonic steel. So strap yourselves in because we are going pedal to the goddamn metal. We are full steam to EZO’s "FIRE FIRE"!

"FIRE FIRE" is EZO’s sophomore/final album released in 1989. Packed with eleven tracks, the record roughly runs a little over forty eight and a half minutes. What can I say about this album besides it being FIRE? (Pun definitely intended!) Well, this album starts where the first album (E･Z･O) left off but is much more refined. The production is pretty darn crisp. The mix is just right; there's little to no drowned-out instruments this time around. The music composition is a complete level up from their previous album. Songs flow much more smoothly and are far more ear catching. All musicians are on point here as well. Misaki’s dirty high-pitched voice flavors each track with attitude. Shoyo’s guitar chops and riffs deliver some damn catchy tunes. Taro kills it with his groovy bass licks while Hirotsugu blasts away on drums. Overall, "FIRE FIRE" demonstrates the band at their absolute prime.

My final verdict this week? Well, hell, it’s pretty damn predictable from my praises above. "FIRE FIRE" is an absolute MUST listen-to for anyone in their J-Metal journey. It’s catchy, heavy, and gritty. You cannot go wrong with this album. Don’t miss out! Get up off your ass and play this loud and proud! You won't regret a single second.

Standout Tracks:
LOVE JUNKIE
FIRE FIRE
WILD TALK
BLACK MOON
BACK TO ZERO
COLD BLOODED
STREET WALKER
MILLION MILES AWAY

The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj_PsYLvp2I