PRESENCE bleecker street K28P720

City Streets and Metal Sound: PRESENCE’s ‘Bleecker Street’ (K28P720)

Today’s entry focuses on the second studio album from the influential Japanese heavy metal band PRESENCE. We are looking at their 1988 release, “Bleecker Street,” carrying the catalog number K28P720 with obi.

Released on the Nexus label (King Records), this 12-inch vinyl LP followed their self-titled 1987 debut, further solidifying the band’s position in the thriving “Japa-meta” scene. PRESENCE was renowned for their polished, highly melodic, yet powerful brand of hard rock and heavy metal.

“Bleecker Street” continues in this vein, showcasing the band’s signature elements: Shigeru “SHIGERU” Nishikawa’s soaring, high-register vocals delivering memorable melodies, Kazuhide “RUDY” Shirata’s virtuosic and tasteful guitar solos and riffs, Kaito “RADY” Onda’s solid bass foundation, and Hiroaki “HIBARI” Okamoto’s driving drums. The album likely features a collection of anthemic hard rock tracks, blending powerful riffs with catchy choruses and emotive performances.

Coming during the band’s original active period (they initially disbanded in 1989), “Bleecker Street” represents PRESENCE operating at their peak. It captures the sound that made them fan favorites and cemented their legacy within the genre. For collectors, K28P720 is an essential piece documenting a key band from the golden age of Japanese heavy metal, and another chance to hear future JUDY AND MARY bassist/songwriter Kaito Onda in his formative metal years.