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Wings
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3.0 stars

First don’t ask me about the name, because it’s confusing as it can be; I can tell you one thing, you have some class act musicians with ASIAN TYPHOON / X, Y, Z. ->A . Former lead vocalists of LOUDNESS Minoru Niihara, legendary Japanese guitarist Fumihiko Kitsutaka, virtuoso bassist Tatsuhiko Wasada and acclaimed drummer/producer Funky Sueyoshi-- Now that’s a band! They have been around since 1999 releasing multiple CD’s, DVD’s and a live album plus playing to sold out audiences across the globe.

The latest release “Wings” was released in Asia back in 2006 and in 2008, it will be their US debut release hitting our shores thanks to Nightmare Records.

Surprisingly, the opening track “Heavy Road”, a ballad shows the vocals talents of Minoru Niihara and masterful acoustics by Fumihiko Kitsutaka. but don’t stray too far because track-two “A Man Has Captured the Sun” hits hard, the songs seems a little in disarray going into different modes but still capturing the essences of the VAN HALEN-ish guitar work by Kitsutaka.

You can’t deny the trademark vocals of Niihara being legendary, the man has solely put Japanese metal on the map and has an acclaimed voice. But when he hooks up with Kitsutaka’s magic you have an explosion. I feel the songs are more rock oriented than LOUDNESS but you do have some slashing tracks like “Screamers” that sets fire to the disc.

What I like most about the CD is that ASIAN TYPHOON / X, Y, Z. ->A is not a pure metal CD. It has a bit of everything, I particularly liked the acoustic tracks which were a highlight for me, check out “I Am Addicted to You” This song just shows you why these guys have been in the business for so long, tremendous songs with the guitar work being the ultimate.

“Optimism Self Therapy” is a great beer drinking sing-a-long track, I have no idea what the fuck they are saying but who cares, get a few brews and enjoy yourself. One thing for sure Kitsutaka goes off the hook.

Ending “Wings” is another acoustic driven track called “Wings-Fire Bird” that elevates the musicianship to greater heights. This is a good start for their US debut and new fans getting knowledge of the vocals power of Minoru Niihara and the masterful guitar work of Fumihiko Kitsutaka.


Band Lineup:
  • Minoru Niihara – Vocals
  • Fumihiko Kitsutaka – Guitar
  • Tatsuhiko Wasada – Bass
  • Funky Sueyoshi - Drums

 

Track Listing:
  1. Heavy Road
  2. A Man Has Captured the Sun
  3. I Love Rock and Roll Life
  4. Screamers
  5. I Am Addicted to You
  6. Optimism Self Therapy
  7. Absolutely Wonderful Night
  8. Incubation
  9. For Whom the Bell Tolls
  10. Wings-Fire Bird

 

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