HONJOH, MISAKO messiah's blessing TL-1
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Artist = HONJOH, MISAKO
Title = messiah's blessing
Label = TEICHIKU
Catalog# = TL-1
Barcode = none
Release = JAPAN
Year = 198?
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
10trk, produced by akira takasaki(loudness), supported by loudness & novella members
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Let’s explore the very beginning of the “Witch Trilogy” from pioneering Japanese female metal vocalist Misako Honjoh. This is her debut album, “Messiah’s Blessing” (魔女伝説), released in 1982 on the Teichiku Records label with the catalog number TL-1. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.
This 10-track, 12-inch vinyl LP is a landmark debut, primarily due to its incredible production and backing band. The album was produced by guitar virtuoso Akira Takasaki of Loudness. The core musicians consist of the classic Loudness lineup: Takasaki on guitar, Munetaka Higuchi on drums, and Masayoshi Yamashita on bass, with keyboards provided by Toshio Egawa of the progressive rock band Novela.
With such a powerhouse band, the album delivers a potent, hard-hitting heavy metal sound. “Messiah’s Blessing” is notable for featuring a significant number of cover songs (five of the ten tracks). These tracks, reportedly chosen by the Loudness members, include powerful renditions of Riot’s “Warrior,” Cream’s “White Room,” Pat Benatar’s “Hell is for Children,” Rainbow’s “Lost in Hollywood,” and Slade’s “Cum On Feel the Noize.” The band and lyricists (like Tomoko Aran) worked to put their own spin on them, sometimes with Japanese lyrics or bold arrangements. The original tracks are described by fans as having a classic, almost Lazy-like hard rock feel.
While some fans note the vocals are still developing on this debut (Honjoh was only 17), the album is a fun and essential piece of J-Metal history. It captures the raw energy of the era, the collaborative spirit of the scene, and the incredible experience of hearing the full Loudness lineup backing one of Japan’s first female metal vocalists. TL-1 remains a crucial document.