DED CHAPLIN ded chaplin 1st CA-4696

A project bringing together some of Japan’s top technical musicians is the focus for this entry: the debut album from Ded Chaplin, titled “Ded Chaplin 1st.” Released on March 21, 1990, via the Triad label (Nippon Columbia), this CD (catalog number CA-4696) showcased a new vehicle for a legendary vocalist.

The band was, in essence, a supergroup, featuring the iconic Minoru Niihara (ex-Loudness) on vocals. He was backed by the incredible technical rhythm section of Toshimi Nagai (bass) and Kozo Suganuma (drums), with Yukihiro Fujimura on guitar.

The album is often seen by fans as a “brush-up” or extension of the melodic hard rock style from Niihara’s solo album “ONE,” perfectly capturing his cool and sentimental sides. While the guitar work is noted as less aggressive than his previous band, many fans praise this debut as Ded Chaplin’s best work, highlighting the exquisite balance between the high-level musicianship and Niihara’s vocals.

The 10-track album kicks off with the “insanely cool” opener “死ぬまで Rock ’n Roll” (Shinumade Rock ’n Roll), and is praised for its high-energy flow through the first six tracks. Fans often point to “Mona Lisa” and “Let Me Sing For You” as masterpiece ballads.

CA-4696 stands as a high-quality showcase for these elite musicians, perfectly capturing Niihara’s signature melodic style within a powerful, technical hard rock framework.