Beyond Description/Asbestos/
Destruction/Totsugeki SensyaThis is a four way split that features four bands from Japan, most notably the band Beyond Description who have been thrashing around since 88' and have released a dizzying amount of material; several demos, EP's, seven inches, splits, tons of compilations and two full lengths. They have been released in Germany, America, Malaysia, Holland, Italy and of course their homeland.
Beyond Description belt out four concise songs of quality thrash that stay around the 1:30 mark. They have socio-political lyrics that speak out against war and terrorism. While they are reminiscent of many of the thrash bands I've encountered they have the slightest melodic tone here and there that really add character to the songs.
The second band Asbestos, contribute one track to the effort, "731 Green Cross" which is the longest track on the album clocking out at 7:25. The song starts off with a 2 minute intro and then kicks into ripping thrash song with quality shouting vocals, there are also awesome gang vocals. The lyrics are about human virus experiments that were conducted on citizens in China.
Totsugeki Sensya, like Beyond Description crank out four tracks that barely break the one minute mark. Unlike the other bands on this release, TS play fast paced hardcore with really strong and abrasive vocals.
The fourth and final band, Destruction, who play thrash/hardcore with vocals that remind me of a Japanese Choke. In their intro to the song they add some of their Japan flavor into the riffing. Like Asbestos, they also have one song on this album titled "Workers" (5:25) which is self explanatory in terms of the lyrical content.
The bands all recorded separately but the album as a whole was mastered by one studio so it gives the CD a unified sound while each band still has their own nuances due to recording. Each band has a solid, professional recording, this wasn't a low budget release that's for sure.
Good concept for a layout executed with awesome illustrations to hammer home the point. On the front cover is giant hand (big brother) holding puppet strings while 4 crusties pull at the strings; one placing dynamite around the string, another cutting with scissors, the third dangling from the string while he stabs at the thumb with the fourth guy throwing the bird. Flip to the back of the back or tray artwork and the hand is laying bloodied and broken. The inside of the booklet was handled nicely, giving a page and separate layout for each band with lyrics and song titles, pictures and contact information.
Rating: 3.8/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: (BD) Run (A) 731 Green Cross (D) Workers (TS) Human Corruption
Synopsis: I always enjoy hearing bands from different cultures and parts of world because what their views are going to be drastically different from those of your native musicians. Japan in my opinion has one hell of music scene, especially in the metal/hardcore areas. They are aggressive but have some really unique sounding bands. If you enjoy checking out new music from different parts of the world hit up myspace.com/BDJAPAN to try to get your hands on this and to check out the Beyond Description and the others.