HAMADA, MARI misty lady VIH-28175

Let’s focus on the third studio album from Japan’s queen of heavy metal, Mari Hamada. This is her powerful 1984 release, “Misty Lady,” issued on the Invitation label (Victor) with the catalog number VIH-28175. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Released on June 21, 1984, this 8-track, 12-inch vinyl LP arrived hot on the heels of her first two albums, completing a rapid-fire trilogy that firmly established her as a major force in the J-Metal scene. “Misty Lady” is notable as it was sound-produced by Mari Hamada herself (alongside the H.M. Project arrangement team), showcasing her growing artistic control.

This album continues to deliver high-energy heavy metal and hard rock, further demonstrating Hamada’s incredible vocal prowess, which fans note showed increasing variety and depth. The album is bolstered by high-caliber musicianship from skilled players like guitarist Kenji Kitajima, keyboardist Yogo Kohno, bassists Yoshihiro Naruse and Hiro Nagasawa, and drummer Atsuo Okamoto.

Fans often praise the album for its fantastic songs and impressive production, which some compare to the spacious sound of Journey’s “Frontiers” era. It’s filled with standout tracks like “Paradise,” “Sweet Lie,” “Fly On Wings,” and the title track, “Misty Lady,” capturing Hamada’s signature blend of power and melody.

VIH-28175 stands as a cornerstone of Mari Hamada’s early career and a classic of the 80s J-Metal era. It captures her immense talent solidifying, delivering pure, high-quality heavy metal as she began to take more control over her musical direction.