Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Let's be honest. Japanese heavy metal gospel sounds as unlikely a sub-category as Peruvian country electronica but since 2004 the Imari Tones have been defying all the odds and showing that they can not only perform metal ala Van Halen and Judas Priest but can incorporate some prog elements ala Rush and Yes. To quote from the band themselves they strive "to create a unique blend of Christian themes and Japanese culture, reflecting belief that faith in Jesus Christ can coexist with a Japanese identity." To do such a thing in one of the most notoriously anti-Christian nations in the world is commendable. This set, cut in 2023, shows that they have lost none of their hard rocking energy however I didn't care too much for the spoken word preaching on the opener "Above & Below" and the inclusion of a recording of a cat making a noise that sounds remarkably like "Hallelujah" might work well on YouTube but on this album soon gets irritating. But these are small quibbles. Singer/guitarist Takahiro "Tone" Nakimine's axe work on "Love Resurrection" is positively explosive while the solo on the closer "Rock In Heaven" has enough jaw dropping technique to keep any air guitar shredder ecstatic. Japanese metal rules!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.