The Top 5 Japanese Albums According to AZALE
The Top 5 Japanese Albums According to AZALE
From prog rock, to symphonic fever dreams, Ultraman, and beyond!
Okinawa based power rock duo AZALE have an amazing sound, culled together from so many genres and influences that it makes my head spin with joy. I asked the band to tip me off to a few of their favorite Japanese albums and here’s what they had to share. Be sure to check out AZALE’s own impressive tunes and music videos via the links below!
Mr. Sirius "Barren Dream"
Mr. Sirius is a Japanese progressive rock band active from the late 1970s to the 1980s. When I first heard the track "Kyokoku Club" from the album "Barren Dream," it was hard to believe it was made by Japanese artists in the 1980s. It's an absolute out-of-place artifact (OOP Art). The ultimate in Japanese progressive rock, with soundtrack-like scenes evoked by its composition, is a result of the meticulous pursuit by composer Mr. Miyake. This album's influence on Japanese game music and anime BGM is immeasurable. Vocalist Lisa Ohki's participation in many famous anime and game works (e.g., FINAL FANTASY, Sailor Moon S, Cyber Formula) attests to their popularity within the industry. You can't discuss Japanese progressive rock without listening to Mr. Sirius.
Space Battleship Yamato ~Symphony - Live Recording~
This is a live recording of the NHK Symphony Orchestra's performance in 1984, consisting of a four-movement suite. While Hiroshi Miyagawa is the well-known composer of the Space Battleship Yamato anime, Kentaro Haneda added new parts without disrupting the original work’s intent, creating a masterpiece of an album. The tension of the live recording is evident, particularly in the fourth movement, "Hope for Tomorrow," which is a must-listen. The composition and arrangement skills of young Kentaro Haneda shine through, especially his breathtaking piano performance. The influence of Rachmaninoff and Mahler, combined with Haneda's superior compositional and arrangement skills, set a high bar for the current music scene. A part of the fourth movement is used in the latter part of Space Battleship Yamato "Revival Chapter," highlighting its importance in Yamato's musical history.
Mandrake "Unreleased Materials vol.1”
Mandrake, formed by Susumu Hirasawa in his youth, is a well-known Japanese progressive rock band. The brilliance and freshness of their intros never fade, revealing new discoveries with each listen. This is a 70s work, distinct from the 80s works often introduced. In today's era of electronic music, analog techniques become even more noteworthy. I (YUKI, guitarist and vocalist of AZALE) was inspired by Mandrake's "Kazarimado no Dekigoto" and Mr.SIRIUS to challenge the state of progressive rock. This ambition finally materialized in May 2023 with AZALE's first album "Kimi no Revolver" (Tokuma Japan Communications). The mellotron sound in "Kimi no Revolver" is inspired by this song, making it essential to AZALE's formation.
MACROSS PLUS The Cream P・U・F
This is a four-track mini-album by the virtual reality idol Sharon Apple. "MACROSS PLUS The Cream P・U・F" features tracks by Yoko Kanno and Akino Arai. The standout track, "INFORMATION HIGH," composed by CMJK (ex-Denki Groove), boasts overwhelming sound pressure and a digital yet humanistic feel. Despite being a virtual idol singer, akin to today's Hatsune Miku, Sharon Apple was a pioneer of the Vocaloid concept, and the album's advanced, avant-garde nature was a warning to the increasingly digital society.
Latest Ultraman Theme Song Collection - Ultraman Z
A collection of theme songs from the beloved children's hero Ultraman, spanning from the Showa to Reiwa eras. My favorite is "Ultraman X" by Voyager, a progressive hard rock piece despite being a children's show theme. This highlights the wide appeal and potential of progressive rock. Masaki Endo's "Chant My Name!" for Ultraman Z is equally superb, a true metal hard rock track that doesn't compromise. Though the music may seem niche (with pop melodies), children naturally embrace it, showcasing Japan's rock spirit, possibly absent from today's hit charts but alive in hero songs. I aim to produce such uncompromising music, as true rock should never concede.
AZALE INFO
1st Music Video "Kimi no Revolver"
2nd Music Video "Ai no Gun Freaker"
AZALE Bio
AZALE is a rock duo consisting of MIKI (Vocals & Bass) and YUKI (Guitar & Vocals).
Formed in Okinawa in 2022, their backgrounds are shrouded in mystery.
(Just between us, YUKI is the popular game composer Yuki Sugiura.
His notable works include Super Robot Wars 30, Azur Lane, and Hakuoki: Shinkai.)
In May 2023, their first demo caught the attention of a producer from Tokuma Japan,
leading to an exceptional release in its demo form.
Characteristics of their music includes:
- Intensely unpredictable songs incorporating elements of progressive and hard rock
- Catchy melodies with straightforward lyrics
- Music videos imbued with unique philosophy and messages
