As well as Loudness, Earthshaker, and EZO, the other great Japanese metal band were Bow Wow. This is a compilation that was released in ’79. Putting together the best bits of the band’s early years when they sounded more like early Scorpions and UFO – the metal would come later.
It does sound very dated listening back now ,but that’s why I like it. I don’t know too much about the scene in Japan before the early eighties so it’s a cool time capsule for mid to late 70’s heavy music. My favourite tune is the instrumental track, Signal Fire. You can hear the beginnings of a much heavier sound developing, plus they are great musicians to boot. The production isn’t the best and it does sound rather flat, but that all adds to the vibe.
For connoisseurs only.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
