Tokyo Blade
Night of the Blade

 If one were to embark on a dreamlike journey through the evolution of heavy metal, a crucial stop would certainly be the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, a musical phenomenon from the late Seventies lasting until the early years of the following decade, which gave birth to legendary bands such as the well-known Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard, as well as a myriad of talented groups that never achieved success. Among these, the Tokyo Blade must be included, a cult band for genre connoisseurs but unknown to most.

Active since 1982, they reached their second album in 1984 with "Night of the Blade". Although they arrived at their debut album with some delay and when the propulsive force of the New Wave was already waning, which penalized them considerably, they stand out for ultra-classic heavy metal, as expected for the period, excellently played, well-produced, and very solid.
Despite here and there being a bit too many nods to Iron Maiden, especially in the solos, it should be noted that Boulton's group and Harris's were contemporaries, so I wouldn't talk about "imitation".

Wright's voice is very high-pitched, typical of a heavy singer of the era. The tracks are all well-conceived, rhythmically varied, with different interludes, more intense pieces, and great choruses, so nothing is left to chance or poorly attended. It's difficult to choose a track that could represent the entire LP, given the album's overall quality: the first side is indeed absolutely excellent, with pieces like "Rock Me To The Limit", the evocative "Warrior Of The Rising Sun", enriched by Boulton and Wiggins's fine solos, and the intense "Night Of The Blade", which could easily have come from one of the first three albums by Iron Maiden colleagues. Among the standout tracks on side B are "Dead Of The Night" and "Lightning Strikes".

Unfortunately, the discography of the English band is not easily accessible, especially in Italy. If you want the original vinyl, you might try your luck at some record fair, keeping in mind that they are often found at not-so-low prices (about thirty euros), or alternatively, via some mail order, given that the most significant episodes have been re-released on CD. The general impression, however, is of encountering the classic group that, despite having many arrows to its bow, hasn't been able to shoot them: too many lineup changes and albums perhaps not always up to the mark must have clipped the wings of a still talented formation, as the album in question demonstrates.

As tradition would have it, Tokyo Blade also reunited a couple of years ago, and a few months ago the reunion of the "Night..." lineup took place, excluding the singer, replaced by newcomer Chris Gillen. The train of success has long passed, and they will never leave the close circle of loyal fans, but it would be a shame not to give a second chance to an ensemble as unfortunate as it is talented.

Tracklist:

1. Someone To Love
2. Night Of The Blade
3. Rock Me To The Limit
4. Warrior Of The Rising Sun
5. Unleash The Beast
6. Love Struck
7. Dead Of The Night
8. Lightning Strikes (Straight Through The Heart)

Musicians:

Vic Wright: vocals
Andy Boulton: guitar
John Wiggins: guitar
Andy Wrighton: bass
Steve Pierce: drums