EZO – S/T (1987)
For two long years, I struggled trying to find a reasonably price copy of EZO’s debut CD. Finally, I decided to cave, and pay the import price from Japan. In the U.S., this CD is pretty scarce and extremely hard to find. I originally had EZO’s debut on cassette tape back in the day, but it eventually was worn out from too many plays. The CD was reissued in 2005, but only in Japan. In the U.S., this disc has been out of print for years.
Many of you probably aren’t familiar with EZO. They are a Japenese metal band that was signed to a record contract by Geffen Records in the eighties, and produced by Gene Simmons. The band had a couple of albums released via Geffen, and a few music videos in support of their albums which got quite a few plays on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.
EZO was originally known as Flatbacker in Japan, and had released a couple of discs under that moniker as well.
So was this CD worth the wait? Most definitely yes. It has been a long time since I have listened to these songs, but I am still enjoying them after all of these years. I have to give some credit to Gene Simmons, as he really got the most out of this band. The production on this CD is top notch, and sounds fantastic. I get a kick out of hearing Masaki’s howling vocals on “House of 1,000 Pleasures” and his growly delivery of “Flashback Heart Attack”.
This disc is actually a lot heavier than I remembered it to be and all of the songs are pretty solid all of the way through. The musicianship of EZO is surprisingly better than a lot of the hair metal acts that followed them. EZO’s guitarist, Shoyo Iida was a pretty big talent on the six string. I really like his playing on this disc a lot. Where did this guy disappear to?
If this CD has any detriment to it. It is a little on the short side. Nine songs clocking in at a little less than 36 minutes. But is nine very good songs! The bottom line is this, if you can fine EZO’s debut CD, buy it, you won’t be disappointed. I like this one a lot, and I think you will too!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. House of 1,000 Pleasures
2. Flashback Heart Attack
3. Mr. Midnight
4. Here It Comes
5. I Walk Alone
6. Destroyer
7. Big Changes
8. Kiss of Fire
9. Desiree
EZO is:
Masaki Yamada – Vocals
Taro Takahashi – Bass
Shoyo Iida – Guitar
Hirotsugu Homma – Drums
Danger Danger - Revolve
Lynch Mob - Smoke and Mirrors
Outloud! -S/T
Stryper - Murder By Pride
EZO’s first album is killer. It definitely has a heavy sound to it. I did a thrash radio show back in the day, and could play EZO during that show without the thrash fans complaining. The song Desyree is a motherfucker!
I tried several times to get in EZO but just couldn’t do it. When their singer joined Loudness, it killed Loudness for me. There are a good number of other Japanese metal bands that I prefer. I do know a lot of folks who love EZO, I’m just nto one of them.