BLIZARD hard times K-12521

This entry focuses on the fourth studio album from the Japanese heavy metal band Blizard, “Hard Times.” Released on April 25, 1986, via the Atlantic label (Warner-Pioneer Corporation), this 12-inch vinyl LP (catalog number K-12521) captures the band at a mature and stylistically diverse point. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

“Hard Times” served as the band’s final album for the Warner-Pioneer label. Produced by Masao Nakajima and the band’s own guitarist, Toshiya “Ran” Matsukawa, this album saw the band move further into the polished, American hard rock direction hinted at on their previous album, “Hot Shot!”.

Compared to their earlier, more straightforward heavy metal, “Hard Times” is often described as a more “adult” album, focusing on mid-tempo songs, high-quality musicianship, and a broader “rock” sound. The album is praised for its fluid guitar work and the vocals, creating a perfectly matched, polished atmosphere. It also highlights the band’s strength in crafting dramatic, melodic ballads, with “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and the definitive “Cryin’ For Your Heart” being standout examples.

Despite the focus on melody, the album still delivers aggressive moments, like the fast-paced “Play To Get Rock To Lose.” It also features the track “Boy (Running Wild),” a song known for its dramatic shift from quiet to loud, which became a staple of their live performances. “Hard Times” stands as a high-quality, mature work, showcasing the band’s musical breadth and mastery of the melodic hard rock style. The original release came with a colored fold-out lyrics insert.