This was the first true metal album I ever owned, from very instant I put my headphones on and the insane virtuosity of “Silent Night Bodom Night” pounded into my ears, I was hooked. Never before had my mind been graced with such speed and precision, the technicality and accessibility combined into the most intense and beautiful musical experience I had ever encountered. Little did I realize that such features were standard of COB and that their live performances only enhanced the empiricism. However, once blessed with later Bodom albums I would concede that perhaps the material from the first two albums was not exactly my cup of tea, though as impressive as Tokyo Warhearts is, it does not IMO reach the heights of Follow the Reaper (personal favorite) as it lacks the polish of later works.
Obviously one of the biggest factors in Tokyo Warhearts is that it is a live performance, for anyone contemplating that this might detract from the quality of the songs they can be put at ease. Not only does the recording sound crisp and raw, but I would even go as far as to say that many of the songs sound better than the originals e.g “Lake Bodom” and “ Touch Like Angel of Death”. Since these earlier songs are really independent and less refined than more recent efforts the live performance acts as a form of enhancement, bringing out the best qualities of the songs. As for the individual performances in the band, one word. Amazing. Songs are played faster and more relentless than the originals, with new additions and accents complimenting the already incredible riffs and licks.
In terms of the individual tracks, I feel regardless of the live performance some of the songs lack a real depth and structure that later works exhibit. As a newcomer to metal it was easy to become lost in the torrents of melodies and solos that were spun effortlessly throughout each track. The overuse of leads and licks almost acts as a deterrent from may of the songs, as many of the tracks don't reach the crux of the bands efforts. Instead leading the listener around in a wild circle of double kicks and neoclassical scale runs. While this is at it's surface value enjoyable and entertaining I feel the majority of songs lack a real depth. Some songs do manage to overcome this barrier and add a real sense of authenticity the whole experience, “Lake Bodom” would be one of my all time favorite COB songs for the sheer brilliance of the intro riff/lick alone.
When viewed as a whole I feel that Tokyo Warhearts is lacking. It lacks depth, purpose and fluency, whether this is a result of the live performance and/or the combination of two albums is debatable. Although I was stumped at first by the exceptional musicianship and originality, after a while the tracks became tedious and almost pointless in their jumps from melody to solo to melody etc. This is not to say that individually the songs are not impressive, but as a single entity the album is not as strong as I know COB can be.
All in all this is an exceptional album by one of the best modern metal bands and It is worth having a listen to. Though it does not reach the heights of other COB albums and it does lack in certain qualities, I still feel that it is a notable effort none the less. The live performance enhances the experience and brings out the best of many of the bands earlier works, and leads like this are seldom found elsewhere.
Recommended tracks
Silent Night, Bodom Night
Lake Bodom
Bed of Razors
Downfall
Any comments would be appreciated, This is one of my first reviews
