J-Metal Reviews: ACTION! "HEART RAISER"

By Badman

What’s the f**k is up A-to-J headbangers?! Are you all ready for another taste of steel?! It doesn’t matter if you are ready! This train is driving in full speed balls-to-the-wall style! This week I bring to you one of the major bands from the Osaka scene. Hell, they are one of the pioneers of all of J-Metal. I humbly introduce the legendary "ACTION!"!

ACTION! formed in 1982 during the boom of Japan’s Metal scene. Although they started in 1982, ACTION! wasn’t their first rodeo. The band is composed of seasoned members from two kickass 70s era groups: Hard Rock band, NOVELA, and early metal act, Sansuikan. With their expertise, and the combined elements of each bandmate, ACTION!’s brand of Metal  took Osaka — hell, all of Japan by storm! Their career stretched sixteen years long from 1982 to 1998, and they had a comeback that lasted from 2003 to 2009. With that long-lived career they released a few EPs, some singles, and nine full albums. Out of all these records there is one that I decided to pull out from the vault. I present ACTION!’s "HEART RAISER"!!! So keep your asses strapped down in your seats because we are in this for the long haul!

"HEART RAISER" is one fun record. Although the sound is a standard straight forward Heavy Metal, their prowess in flipping tunes is what takes the cake on this one. Each song is laced with gnarly riffs to bang your head to. The melodies are all easy on the ears as well. There are clear inspirations from Iron Maiden, which are all executed in good taste. Sprinkled in as well are an assortment of Glam/Hair Metal, heavy Blues Rock, and a heavy ballad, so be prepared for a diverse listen. Being a bass dude, I love how the bass doesn’t fight for its place in the mix; be prepared for audible bass! Guitars are the other highlight. Always tasty, always riffing, and always shredding; that is all that needs to be said. The drums are quite basic, with little variation, but do the job well. My biggest gripe is with the vocals. I feel the vocals are a tad bit low in volume and the singer’s execution is in need of more strength and passion. This combination leaves each track with a lack of oomph; something these songs never need less of.

What’s the verdict this time? As much as I enjoyed "HEART RAISER", it's a record fifty-fifty on my recommendation list. The deal breaker is my gripe with the vocals. I feel the vocalist could have given a better showcase of his vocal prowess. The power of his pipes are there, but the performance here is quite lackluster. The vocal volume in the mix should have turned up to accommodate for the lack of power behind the vocal takes and to keep the vocals from being drowned out. Aside from that, the album is still an awesome listen. Yes, the songs aren’t that unique but they sure kick some ass. Take a listen, I promise it will be an enjoyable! Give it a chance and you will surely find some gems. 

Standouts:
FLASH BACK
THE STAIRWAY TO NOWHERE
BACK STAGE QUEEN
DIRTY SNAKE
REACTION
THIS IS JUST PROLOGUE

The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfNhw1zBJjA