FRIEDMAN, MARTY wall of sound GQCS-90389

Building a Sonic Masterpiece: Marty Friedman’s ‘Wall Of Sound’ (GQCS-90389)

Today’s entry spotlights the thirteenth solo studio album from the guitar virtuoso who bridges the gap between American heavy metal and Japanese culture: Marty Friedman. We are looking at the 2017 Japanese pressing of “Wall Of Sound,” released on Ward Records with the catalog number GQCS-90389. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Released on August 2, 2017, this album arrived three years after his acclaimed work “Inferno.” Self-produced by Friedman, it represents a guitarist challenging himself to go heavier, more progressive, and more emotional. Known for his legendary tenure in Megadeth and his deep immersion in the Japanese music scene, Friedman brings his unique “enka”-influenced vibrato and oriental phrasing to a modern metal context.

The album opens with the progressive fury of “Self Pollution” and features intriguing collaborations that expand Friedman’s sonic palette. “Sorrow And Madness” features Jinxx from Black Veil Brides on violin, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The aggressive track “Pussy Ghost” features Shiv Mehra from the post-metal band Deafheaven. Additionally, “Something To Fight” stands out as the album’s sole vocal track, featuring the saxophone and voice of Jørgen Munkeby from the Norwegian avant-garde band Shining.

The production quality is top-tier, engineered by Paul Fig (Alice In Chains, Rush) and mixed by Swedish metal heavyweight Jens Bogren (Opeth, Soilwork), with veteran engineer Mack (Queen, ELO) also contributing mixes.

As a Japanese release, GQCS-90389 offers exclusive content for collectors. It includes two live bonus tracks recorded at the Gramercy Theatre in New York in 2015: “Undertow” and “Inferno,” capturing Friedman’s live intensity. “Wall Of Sound” is a testament to Friedman’s refusal to stagnate, blending his signature melodic sense with thrilling, modern technical play.