IMARI TONES - First Christian Metal Band from Japan!

Hello,

I recently discovered a new find- Imari Tones, the first Christian metal band from Japan. The groups lists its influences as Van Halen, Stryper, Living Colour, Loudness & Rush.

I might describe the new Imari Tones album, "Revive The World", as 'eighties metal', albeit that might be somewhat limiting.  Yes, there are some melodic metal and hard rock moments (sort of like Stryper& Laudamus) but also some bluesy hard rock aspects as well (think Aerosmith meets Bride).  Standing out is the period slightly progressive Rush influence.

Vocalist & guitarist Tak Nakamine is pretty good.

Here is the link to the Imaris Tones ReverNation page: https://www.reverbnation.com/imaritones

I had heard of these guys a few years back but didn't seek out their music as it was super bad to start with.  While istening to clips of their album "Victory In Jesus", they sound somewhat what a mix of early Dokken and the very first Poison album would have sounded like.  The guitarist is more than adequate and has some tasty chops.  However, because of their ages and the language barrier, the songs just have a youthful naivety that bands like Poison had to begin with until their songwriting matured.  I may try a download or two of theirs from eMusic just because I can get them cheap.

OK, I see the point, but I have not had opportunity to hear "Victory In Jesus" either.  The only Imari Tones album I have is the newest one, "Revive The World".  No, the group might not have the technical licks and chops of Stryper but do not think it is all that bad either- at least its better material.  My thought is that the band has improved a lot since "Victory In Jesus".  Again, I am not in position to offer comparison.

Regardless, I am simply glad that there is a Christian metal band from Japan to begin with...

Def gonna check em out... but as for being the first Christian metal from Japan... I'm under the impression that a band called Diall was the first. I could be wrong though as there isn't much info on them. I have a rip from an album they released in the 90s...
Here's what I have on them:
Diall
Metal Japanese band formed in 1986.
Kan Takahashi - Bass; Yasushi Abe - Guitars; Takahiro Saitoh - Vocals; NOB - Drums. 

I can upload their album for anyone interested in hearing it.

Definitely interested!!!!

I bought a couple of cheap downloads from eMusic from this band.  All I can say is, "What was I thinking?"

I listened to their stuff on ReverbNation.  While the music is good, and accents usually don't bother me, they sound like they have a 4-year-old on vocals.  Now, I understand English isn't his native language so I'm not trying to be mean or make fun of him but I would recommend a speech coach.

I couldn't take the vocals either. Production reminded me of 70s Jesus Music as well. Hope they get lots of Japanese fans though.

Thread resurrection...

I just recently discovered these guys for myself when I stumbled across their label, Kitchen Knife Records. Some other groups there, too. Wondering what y'all think of their newest release.

Through some aimless clicking from somewhere here, I ended up at Victoriano, a J-rock band from Chile, who sing in Spanish. They have some stuff at Bandcamp which is OK, but also a free DL (a .rar but 7zip opened it just fine) which I thought rocked despite not being able to understand a word of it. I don't know if they're a Christian group as well (since I can read barely anything) but worth a mention.

Given how few Christians there are in Japan, I wish this group well and hope they are able to reach many people there!