J-Metal Reviews: BOW WOW "WARNING FROM STARDUST"

By Badman

Welcome, welcome metal maniacs! I’ve come back to share another J-Metal review! This week is a band who started before the 80s Metal boom but innovated their sound to keep them relevant and a mainstay. Hailing from the heart of the J-Metal scene in Tokyo, I present the rabid BOW WOW and their album "WARNING FROM STARDUST"!

BOW WOW started in 1976 by Kyoji Yamamoto (vocals/guitar), Kenji Sano (bass), and Matsuhiro Saito (guitar). They were widely popular within Japan in their early years, and even opened for major acts such as KISS and Aerosmith on their Japanese tours. Although the band’s popularity was a major success, their earlier records were commercial flops due to unfocused musical directions. With the changing of musical tides in the early 80s, BOW WOW got their second wind and rode that gusty draft into stardom! Their early 80s albums "HARD DOG" and "WARNING FROM STARDUST" were extremely successful. So successful that in 2007 Rolling Stone ranked "WARNING FROM STARDUST" 23rd in their “100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time” list. After seeing BOW WOW’s ranking, I got my ass up and said, “Hell, why not?!”, and did a deep dive with my ears.

I came into the album completely blind; I braced and winced when I hit the play button... Oh, how quickly I was left in complete awe! "WARNING FROM STARDUST" was one kickass experience!  Each track in this album is unique from one another. The record is quite consistent with mid to high tempo songs, plus a tasty, lone heavy ballad for good measure. How could I describe BOW WOW’s sound? It’s a killer mix of intense bluesy Hard Rock and classic Heavy Metal in likeness of early Judas Priest. Kyoji’s vocals and guitar work exceeds expectations. I am amazed by his badass lead vocals and killer lead guitar. The rhythm section is another standout. Tasty bass licks and unrelenting drum playing are sprinkled all over each track; guaranteed to strike your fancy. What I also love about "WARNING FROM STARDUST" are the multiple tracks with different lead vocals. That’s right! Kyoji steps down on a few songs giving the reins to bassist, Kenji, and second guitarist, Mitsuhiro, to head the vocal charge. To be completely honest, the tracks with Kenji or Mitsuhiro standout the most. The diversity of all three vocal styles gives different texture and flavors that you wouldn't expect to be on this album. Some of my favorites on this record are Kenji and Mitsuhiro tracks! They're total bangers!

My final verdict? BOW WOW’s "WARNING FROM STARDUST" is one hell of a listen. Although it isn’t exactly a ground-breaking record, it's definitely worth the time. It starts strong and ends strong. All the songs are unique bangers and you'll never be left bored. Pick up those feet and blast "WARNING FROM STARDUST" through your speakers. Play it loud! Play it Proud!!  

Standouts:
YOU'RE MINE
WARNING FROM STARDUST
HEELS OF THE WIND
POOR MAN'S EDEN
20TH CENTURY CHILD
ABNORMAL WEATHER
WELCOME TO MONSTER CITY
BREAK OUT THE TRICK

The entire album can be listened to (probably not the most authorized of sources) via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4LWUqYr3Uw