FAST DRAW complex FASTLP-1/FASTEN-008

Unearthing the Underground: Fast Draw’s ‘Complex’ (FASTEN-008 / FAST LP-1)

Let’s explore the 1987 debut album from the Japanese heavy metal band Fast Draw, titled “Complex” (根腐劣屑). Released on the independent Fasten Up Records label, this 12-inch vinyl LP carries the catalog number FASTEN-008 (also referenced as FAST LP-1, sometimes with a typo on the label itself).

Issued in October 1987, this album captures a band emerging from the vibrant Japanese underground metal scene, specifically hailing from Sapporo where it was recorded. Independent labels like Fasten Up Records were crucial for showcasing bands operating outside the major label system, often capturing a rawer and more direct sound. “Complex,” noted as being a second pressing in some versions (featuring different cover artwork), exemplifies this indie spirit.

The album delivers a potent mix of heavy metal, power metal, and speed metal across its tracks. Listeners can expect energetic, riff-driven songs with the speed and aggression characteristic of the genre during that period. The song titles, such as “ロリータ・コンプレックス” (Lolita Complex), “天皇陛下万歳！” (Tennōheika Banzai! – Long Live The Emperor!), and “悪臭” (Akushū – Bad Odor), suggest potentially provocative or unconventional lyrical themes, adding another layer of intrigue. The track “天皇陛下万歳！” also features a guest guitar solo from Akihito Kinoshita, known for his work in other prominent metal bands.

FASTEN-008 / FAST LP-1 is a significant find for collectors of rare Japanese metal and enthusiasts exploring the depths of the 80s independent scene. It documents the arrival of Fast Draw with their unique (and potentially controversial) take on heavy metal, preserving the energetic sound of the Sapporo underground.