Marty Friedman – Tokyo Jukebox

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Some time after it was released in his now-native Japan, the latest album from the ex-Megadeth guitarist is a set of instrumental metal versions of popular Japanese pop songs, which in theory should have limited appeal elsewhere, but in actual fact simply comes across as a standard metal guitar album. As with Friedman’s other solo albums, many of the tracks here are heavy, technically exceptional, melodic, and packed with outstanding solos. Some are less reliant on big riffs, and the occasional track which utilises a dance backing beat (Gift) may put some purists off (and really, there’s very little reason why the track couldn’t have been just as good with a traditional band backing), but it’s his penchant for melody which keeps the album interesting all the way through and away from the directionaless guitar histrionics that a lot of similar records can descend into. Some jazz creeps into Tsunami, and there are some softer moments like the latin acoustic guitar on Romance no Kamisama and the clean tones of Asu e no Sanka, but the main focus is melodic metal. Occasionally some of the lead melodies can sound very similar, but it’s entirely possible this is down to the original songs and not specifically Friedman’s interpretations. While some may prefer the originality of excellent records like Loudspeaker, there are several tracks here which stand alongside those, and make excellent additions to his live set.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2010, Albums, Heavy Metal, Instrumental, Quick.Play Reviews, Marty Friedman