Whereas most of the bands coming out of Japan at the time were very metal in nature (like Loudness, Earthshaker and Bow Wow), E.Z.O on the other hand were much more hard rock and glam driven. This album was even produced by Gene Simmons and they brought them to LA to record the album.
If you thought the only Japanese guitar with any chops was Akira Takasaki then you will be blown away by Shoyo. He really has some chops and a killer tone.
Things get off to a great start with House Of A 1,000 Pleasures. A killer fat riff that rocks and grooves, until we get to the breakdown then things really boil over. Flashback Heart Attack is sleaze glam at its finest. Mr. Midnight reminds me of Vinnie-era Kiss with some awesome guitar grooves. Here It Comes ups the tempo, and the song reminds me of the Bulletboys – except they weren’t in existence at this point. I love the chorus and hook on this one. Walk Alone closes out Side 1 and the intro is really heavy sounding with a great riff and pounding drums.
Destroyer opens up Side 2 and has the groove of Dr. Feelgood by Motley Crüe. Big Changes starts real slow and builds into a typical LA glam track with a nice sing-a-long chorus. Kiss Of Fire has a great driving groove, superb solo, and along with House Of A 1,000 Pleasure, this is my favourite on the album. The album closes out with Desiree and it’s the fastest track on the album – a full on metal crunch.
Along with Thunder In The East, this my favourite album by a Japanese rock band.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
