BLAZE are yet another example of a band carving their own path — a group that has built its success from the ground up, from the fans, from the genuine support and love for their music, all the way up to record deals and official releases.
BLAZE was founded by Hisashi Suzuki (guitars) along with Wataru Shiota (vocals), Kenichi Kuwahara (bass), and Tsuneo Shibatani (drums) at the end of 1998 in Osaka, Japan, and began performing in 1999.
In 2001, they released the 2-song demo “See The Light.” In 2002, Tsuneo Shibatani left the band and was replaced the following year by Yasuhito Yamamoto on drums. After several years of rehearsals, in June 2007 BLAZE independently released their self-titled debut album, “Blaze.” Their debut gained considerable recognition in the worldwide underground metal scene, where many fans recognized the same elements that had granted bands such as SCORPIONS, RAINBOW, and HEAVY LOAD their legendary status.
In January 2009, Yamamoto departed and Takashi Funabiki joined the band, while due to overwhelming demand, in 2012 the self-titled debut album was reissued on CD and, for the first time, on vinyl by High Roller Records.
Now that’s the kind of story I live for — a story that showcases a band’s unyielding determination and their true conquest of the dream, despite the obstacles and hardships, with fans turning that vision into reality through their unwavering love for the music that a handful of people created and stubbornly believed in.
In June 2015, Kuwahara left the band and was replaced in November by Fumihiko Kimura. BLAZE’s current lineup consists of Wataru Shiota (vocals), Hisashi “Q” Suzuki (guitar), Fumihiko Kimura (bass), and Takashi “Bikky” Funabiki (drums).
photo by Atsuko Moriyama
Everything they promised with their self-titled debut, BLAZE fully deliver — and more — on their second album.
With “Out Through The Door”, BLAZE continue to wink at the old-school hard rock and heavy metal fans, but this time their blend of NWOBHM and classic ’70s sound takes on a more mature and complete form, free from any flaw. The band’s sonic landscapes draw heavily from UFO, SCORPIONS, and SAXON, while unfolding with echoes of RAINBOW, MSG, and HEAVY LOAD, painted with darker shades of BLACK SABBATH and rhythmic touches reminiscent of THIN LIZZY — all filtered through a solid heavy rock lens, comparable to that of the American HIGH SPIRITS and the Swedish NIGHT.
From the rich instrumental opener “1335” and the rhythmic, catchy “Let The Right One In” to the nine-minute “Picture On The Wall”, with its beautiful harmonies, well-built structure, and outstanding solo; from the slow, enchantingly melodic “Fort Of Sand” to the energetic, tension-filled “48 Parts” — and even the surprise hidden track on the CD edition — “Out Through The Door” is a wonderful, nostalgic, and truly enjoyable album from start to finish.
Yes, the buzz around BLAZE’s name is absolutely justified — and I’m more than convinced that a listen to their fantastic new album will convince even the most skeptical listener.
The AMAZING cover artwork was created by Boss-hiko.
“Out Through The Door” will be released on October 24th by No Remorse Records, on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both the CD and the LP here.
