NOKEMONO from the black world SM25-5008

From the Dawn of J-Metal: Nokemono’s ‘From The Black World’ (SM25-5008)

Today’s entry dives deep into the formative years of Japanese hard rock with the band Nokemono (野獣). We’re focusing on their 1979 album, “From The Black World,” released on the SMS Records label with the catalog number SM25-5008.

Issued in 1979, this 12-inch vinyl LP predates the major J-Metal explosion of the 80s, placing it firmly in the pioneering era of Japanese hard rock and proto-metal. Nokemono was part of the foundation upon which the later, more internationally recognized scene was built.

“From The Black World” delivers a raw and powerful slice of late 70s hard rock. Listeners can expect heavy, often blues-influenced guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and strong, likely aggressive, vocals characteristic of the period’s heavier rock acts. It captures the unpolished energy of a band forging a heavy sound in Japan, bridging the gap between earlier hard rock and the emerging heavy metal movement.

This album holds significant historical importance. Most notably, it features the early work of a musician who would go on to achieve international fame as the bassist for the legendary heavy metal band Loudness. This connection makes “From The Black World” a crucial piece for understanding the lineage and roots of J-Metal.

SM25-5008 is a rare and valuable artifact for collectors and historians of Japanese rock. It documents an important early band and provides a fascinating glimpse into the nascent heavy rock scene in Japan, featuring a future metal icon in their formative years.