E.Z.O. e.z.o. VIH-28281
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Artist = E.Z.O.
Title = e.z.o.
Label = INVITATION
Catalog# = VIH-28281
Barcode = 4988002115792
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1987
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
9trk, ex.flatbacker, produced by gene simmons(kiss), jaime st.james, james christian(ex.house of lords)
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Let’s focus on a major international debut: the self-titled album by E.Z.O. Released on April 6, 1987, via the Invitation label (Victor) in Japan, this 12-inch vinyl LP (catalog number VIH-28281) marked the band’s transformation from their previous incarnation as Flatbacker. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.
This 9-track album was a massive undertaking aimed squarely at the American market. It’s famously co-produced by Gene Simmons of KISS, who had signed the band. After the raw, thrash/hardcore-influenced sound of Flatbacker, E.Z.O emerged with a more polished, mid-tempo, melodic heavy metal sound, tailored for the LA metal-dominated landscape of the time. The band’s image was also famously stylized, inspired by “Ninja” concepts.
While this polished, “major-label” sound was a shock to fans of Flatbacker’s raw aggression, “E.Z.O.” stands on its own as a high-quality, incredibly unique heavy metal album. It highlights the band’s top-tier musicianship and, most notably, the one-of-a-kind vocal performance of Masaki Yamada. His voice, described as “sticky” and “undulating,” carries an immense power and unique “color” across all ranges, making tracks like “Mr. Midnight” and “Destroyer” incredibly menacing and distinctive. The album, which successfully charted in the US Billboard Top 100, also features songwriting contributions from James Christian (House of Lords).
VIH-28281 is a landmark release, documenting the ambitious international debut of a band featuring future Loudness members (vocalist Yamada and drummer Hiro Homma). It remains a classic, showcasing a unique and powerful vocalist at the peak of his powers.