Japan’s Black Maquerade is not just another ordinary run of the mill power metal band. They mix the vintage sounds of Dokken and Malmsteen with the power beat of rock. This is their first full-length release and they have made 'power metal' a household term in Japan.

The CD opens with a short instrumental, then bangs right into “The Guardian.” “The Guardian” sounds like vintage Motley Crue mixed with Dokken until Yoshihiro Nitta enters with his shredding guitar, ripping the strings right off with his leads. This guy just lets loose with high voltage playing -- sounding like Yngwie Malmsteen and George Lynch.

I think the world needs another Japanese band to set the world on fire. Black Masquerade could be that band. They are melodic and have catchy lyrics but with more keyboard overtones. Yoshihiro Nitta’s guitar playing is totally amazing as he hooks up with Kayo-Chan Ikeda on keyboards to make some mind-boggling sounds. Vocally, Takashi Sakaguchi sounds a little like Masaki Yamada (LOUDNESS) and Don Dokken (DOKKEN) but adds his special touch to make their debut CD memorable.

Black Masquerade also includes a separate DVD of the song “The Guardian” with home video and live concert footage, which was a real treat for me. Seeing the huge crowd that Black Masquerade commands and watching Yoshihiro Nitta’s masterful guitar work was great.

Be sure to check this band out. They just might be the new Japanese power metal sensation.