07-09-2016, 10:53 PM
Artist: Terra Rosa
Release: "Hi no Naka ni Kage" ("火の中に影") (1990)
Rating: 8/10
Starting off with the main song, transliterated as "Hi no Naka ni Kage", Terra Rosa kicks into gear with a terribly catchy key guitar riff that carries on throughout the whole tune. Vocalist Kazue Akao sounds like a cross between Ann Boleyn and Bruce Dickinson -- she's capable of pulling off soaring falsettos in the vein of the aforementioned two singers. This particular song has a very memorable chorus that just begs to be sung along with. The guitar solo works well in the band's favor, too. I think the synthesizers add to the mystique of this band's sound. The next song is "Craggy Rhymester", which has a sleazy, Dokken-like vibe to it. It's not as memorable as the previous song, but it doesn't have to be. The riffs are catchy enough as it is for me to be satisfied. Closing this single is the instrumental "Warble Innocent". It's nothing to surprise anyone with, but the atmosphere is still there. Consistent enough to pass.
Production-wise, this sounds like it's still a product of the mid-1980s. All of the band members -- including the bassist -- are quite audible on these three songs. If you're a fan of Chastain, Volfeed, Vanishing Point, Hellion, Satanic Rites, or Hellen, then consider checking out this single.