BLIZARD blizard 28AH2173

Charting a New Course: Blizard’s Self-Titled CBS/Sony Debut (28AH 2173)

Let’s examine a pivotal album in the career of Japanese heavy metal band Blizard: their self-titled fifth studio album. Released on May 21, 1987, via the CBS/Sony label, this 12-inch vinyl LP carries the catalog number 28AH 2173. This release has outer shrinkwrap with the obisticker intact.

This album marked a significant transition for Blizard, signifying their move from Warner-Pioneer (Atlantic) to the major CBS/Sony label. Often, such moves coincide with shifts in musical direction or production style, aiming for broader appeal. While still rooted in the hard rock and heavy metal sound honed on their previous releases, this self-titled effort potentially showcases a more polished or refined approach characteristic of major label releases in the late 80s.

The album features a mix of songwriting credits, with guitarist Toshiya Matsukawa and vocalist Seijirou Shimomura contributing alongside notable outside writers like Seiichiro Kuribayashi. Intriguingly, it also lists compositions credited to Joe Perry (Aerosmith) and Steve Walsh (Kansas), suggesting potential cover versions or adaptations (“Loop Coaster Music” and “Fly High” respectively), showcasing the band’s influences. Tracks like “Broken Loneliness,” “Fire Of Desire,” and “Kill Me Your Love” continue to deliver the band’s blend of melodic sensibility and hard rock power.

“Blizard” (28AH 2173) represents the band entering a new chapter with a new label partner. It captures their established musical strengths within a potentially updated sonic framework. For collectors, the intact original packaging adds extra appeal to this document of Blizard’s mid-career evolution.