MATSUKAWA, TOSHIYA burning WTP-90366

A Tribute in Flames: Toshiya ‘Ran’ Matsukawa’s ‘Burning’ (WTP-90366)

Today’s entry spotlights the debut solo album from a highly influential Japanese guitar hero, Toshiya “Ran” Matsukawa, renowned for his work with the bands X-Ray and Blizard. We are focusing on his 1985 release, “Burning,” issued on the Eastworld label (Toshiba EMI) with the catalog number WTP-90366.

Explicitly subtitled “Dedication to Randy Rhoads” on the front cover, this 9-track, 12-inch vinyl LP serves as both a powerful showcase for Matsukawa’s formidable guitar talents and a heartfelt homage to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne guitarist. Released during Matsukawa’s tenure with Blizard, “Burning” allowed him to explore instrumental compositions centered entirely around his virtuosic guitar playing, heavily influenced by his hero Rhoads.

The album is a fiery display of melodic, neoclassical-tinged heavy metal and hard rock guitar. Listeners are treated to Matsukawa’s signature blend of technical precision, speed, emotive phrasing, and strong compositional skills across tracks like “Named 1986 / Without You,” “Get The Free,” and “Illusion.” To bring this vision to life, Matsukawa enlisted the formidable rhythm section of Masahiko Rokukawa on bass and Toru “Rika” Suzuki on drums, with keyboard contributions from Hiroyuki Namba and Yoshikazu Matsuura.

While primarily instrumental, the album features notable guest vocal appearances. Keiko Terada (Show-Ya) lends her powerful voice to “Ball And Chain,” and the track “Night Of The Beast” features vocals credited to “Mr. Crazy Tiger,” a known early alias for Koshi Inaba, who would later achieve superstardom with B’z.

WTP-90366 is a landmark album for fans of Japanese metal guitarists. It captures Toshiya Matsukawa paying tribute to his idol while firmly establishing his own incredible abilities, backed by a stellar lineup including future legends. “Burning” remains an essential listen for enthusiasts of shred guitar and classic 80s heavy metal.