The original singer on the 1st 3 albums was a woman if I recall well. Then they got Ron Keel to sing on 97's Project One, which is by far their best album IMO. Then, singer Takenori Shimoyama came onboard for several albums, including the pretty good 98's Brain Drain. After that, the sound kinda changed to a heavier, more "modern" approach, with less melodies, and they lost me. I don't think the new album will get me back...This is Shimoyama who's back in the band. I liked him quite a bit on the 1st Double Dealer disc, even though he's VERY accented...
Anthem is much better in my book than Saber Tiger...
I agree....I like Anthem much better, but Saber Tiger has done some pretty great material. "Project One" with Ron keel was a monster of a release; one of my favorite cd's from that time. "Timystery" is a really good album, too.
Pure Japanese metal perfection!!!Love all eras of the band!!:hotjump:Akihito Kinoshita is Nuno Bettencourt on steroids!!:hotjump:Glenn needs to book them for the next PP since we've never had a Japanese band there!!AAYYYIIIEEEE!!!
Krusty
If only all the songs were in that style. This song is excellent, but most of the others fell in the trap of the latest albums, heavier, groovier, with not enough melodies...
That being said, this new album is still a step in the right direction, and much better than the last couple ones before it. But still a long way to reach the greatness of Project One.