DANCER violent emotion 28MR.LP.013
Please see Online Shop for current stock availability
Artist = DANCER
Title = violent emotion
Label = MANDRAKE ROOT
Catalog# = 28MR.LP.013
Barcode = none
Release = JAPAN
Year =
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
*Search DANCER on Online Shop
*Search DANCER on Blog
* Search DANCER on YouTube
1 comment
Let’s delve deeper into the 12-inch vinyl LP “Violent Emotion” by the Japanese heavy metal band DANCER, catalog number 28MR.LP.013.
This record, released in 1988 on the Mandrake Root label, is a powerful artifact of the era’s independent Japanese metal scene. It wasn’t just another indie release; for many, this album serves as the definitive statement, or perhaps the debut full-length, from a band brimming with raw talent and technical skill.
The musical driving force behind DANCER was unequivocally guitarist Taiji Fujimoto. His guitar work on “Violent Emotion” is a standout performance, showcasing a mastery of the instrument that was impressive for an independent release. Listeners are treated to fast, technical, and highly melodic solos, paired with aggressive, driving riffs that anchor the entire album. This is the kind of skilled guitar playing that would later earn him recognition in other prominent Japanese rock bands.
Complementing the guitar assault is the powerful, high-tenor wail of vocalist Hironori Sugita. His voice perfectly fits the traditional 80s heavy metal mold, delivering both aggression on the uptempo tracks and nuanced control on more melodic passages.
The album’s ten tracks offer a well-rounded experience. It kicks off with the high-energy title track “Violent Emotion,” followed by the equally speedy “The Wanderer.” The energy continues with hard-rocking anthems like “Save Me,” “Dead Zone,” and “Undercover Of Darkness.”
A particularly intriguing track is “Time To Die (For Replicant),” a title that strongly suggests an homage to the 1982 film ‘Blade Runner,’ showcasing the band’s cultural influences. The album maintains its momentum with tracks like “For Lookin’ At The Future,” “Dancin’ In The Ruins,” and the closer, “Gambler.” It also shows its dynamic range with “Reminiscence,” a track that highlights the band’s melodic sensibilities.
“Violent Emotion” is a quintessential example of 80s “Japa-meta” (Japanese heavy metal), blending the speed and aggression of the genre with a strong, inherent sense of melody. As an independent release from Mandrake Root, it remains a prized item for collectors, not just as a rarity, but as an essential document of the era’s incredible talent and the early work of guitarist Taiji Fujimoto.