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Tokyo Blade: Dark Revolution
Tokyo Blade - Dark Revolution Art

Tokyo Blade: Dark Revolution

Traditional Heavy Metal
4.5/5.0

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Dissonance Productions
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 13.05.2020 | Released: 15.05.2020

England's Tokyo Blade wasn't one of the first bands riding the crest of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but they weren't the last either. The quintet had a pretty good run between 1983 and 1991, releasing five full-length albums, many EPs, and live video album. A short-lived rebound came in the mid-Nineties, another around 2010. But a full resurrection eluded Tokyo Blade until original vocalist Alan Marsh reunited with all original members for 2018's Unbroken. Now, with some members sporting a little less hair and all a little more weight, Tokyo Blade returns with Dark Revolution, their tenth studio album.

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Tokyo Blade

While Unbroken reminded us of the strength and endurance of both traditional heavy metal and Tokyo Blade, Dark Revolution only serves to show both band and genre can still be indomitable. Simply, by definition, Tokyo Blade is and remains keep it true and classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Poster children of the genre, as it were, right up there with Maiden. The band gives you the seminal and sin qua nons of the music: twin guitar rhythm and harmony, blistering guitar solos, gallop and groove from the rhythm section, and close to over-the-top, yet clean and melodic vocals.

When these ingredients are put into a song, Tokyo Blade works a familiar formula: offer a bold start, kick in the groove and gallop, then direct everything to brisk and soaring guitar solos. With songs like Story Of A Nobody, Voices Of The Damned, or the Lights Of Soho rabid riffs set things in motion, then let the heavy metal rock begin. And heavy metal rock is largely self-evident across the album as hard rock groove bumps up most every song. Other times a song can begin with bold drums and guitar harmony as with Dark Revolution or Crack In The Glass, then advancing to some serious head banging. That latter song has a fine breakdown after the half where the bass leads lighter guitar work. But then riffs rise and guitar solos commence with some fury. For some pure speed metal, you'll find it with See You Down In Hell, a racing tune with numerous swollen guitar leads. If there's anything a tad subdued, it's Perfect Enemy which mellows somewhat in the center for the guitar solo and the following vocal outro.

All said, if you enjoy classic heavy metal in the NWoBHM tradition, then Tokyo Blade and Dark Revolution is the real deal. Make your way to favorite independent record store and get a copy forthwith. Recommended.

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The Bottom Line

All said, if you enjoy classic heavy metal in the NWoBHM tradition, then Tokyo Blade and Dark Revolution is the real deal. Make your way to favorite independent record store and get a copy forthwith. Recommended.

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