The Earthshaker band comes from Japan and was formed in 1978 and one of the first Japanese Heavy Metal bands. Despite their start in 1978, they did not release any official record prior to 1983 and performed until 1994 when they broke up. Around 1999 they re-united, remarkable is that all four members are still in the band.
Earthshaker was formed in 1978 by lead vocalist Masafumi Nishida and guitarist Shinichiro Ishihara. The band was originally named "Kantoros," but changed their name to Earthshaker in 1980. They released their first album, "Earthshaker," in 1983, which received critical acclaim and established the band as a force to be reckoned with in the Japanese heavy metal scene.
In the world of heavy metal, the 1980s was a time of monumental growth and innovation. With the genre experiencing a surge in popularity, new bands emerged to captivate audiences around the world. One such band was Earthshaker, a Japanese heavy metal group that made a name for themselves during this time.
Earthshaker's sound was heavily influenced by classic heavy metal bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. Their music was characterized by powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and dynamic rhythms that made for an electrifying live experience. But what set Earthshaker apart was their ability to blend these elements with Japanese music and culture, creating a sound that was uniquely their own.
During the 1980s, Earthshaker released a string of successful albums that solidified their place in the Japanese heavy metal scene. Their second album, "Fugitive," was released in 1984 and featured hit singles like "S.O.S." and "No More." This album showcased the band's ability to write catchy, radio-friendly songs while still maintaining their heavy metal edge.
Earthshaker continued to release successful albums throughout the decade, including "Passion" (1985), "Overrun" (1986), and "Midnight Flight" (1987). These albums were all critical and commercial successes, and cemented the band's reputation as one of the most important heavy metal acts in Japan.
Despite their success in Japan, Earthshaker never achieved the same level of international recognition as some of their peers. This was largely due to their lyrics being primarily in Japanese, which made it difficult for them to break into the English-speaking market. However, their music still resonated with fans around the world, and they continued to tour and release new albums throughout the 1990s and beyond.
Today, Earthshaker is remembered as one of the most important heavy metal bands to come out of Japan during the 1980s. Their unique blend of Japanese culture and heavy metal music made them stand out from the crowd, and their powerful live performances left a lasting impression on audiences. Despite never achieving the same level of international success as some of their peers, Earthshaker remains a beloved band among heavy metal fans around the world.
RoadrunneR RR 125517 , 1983 , Netherlands
This mini-album "Blondie Girl" by the Japanese Heavy Metal band: "Earthshaker" contains two studio tracks ("Blondie GIrl", "I Need The Woman" and two live tracks ("Earthshaker", "Marionette").The Live tracks have been recorded 17 August 1983 at Shibuya Koukaido.
Blondie Girl 12" Vinyl EP
Roadrunner Records – RR 9858 , 1984 , Netherlands
Earthshaker's album Fugitive is the follow-up album on Earthshaker's first album. It was produced by the Producer, Journalist: Masa Itoh.
Fugitive 12" Vinyl LP
RoadrunneR RR 9809 , 1984 , Netherlands
"Midnight Flight" is the third album released by the Japanese Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band "Earthshaker". The album was produced by "Masa Itoh". It was recorded from 3 until 17 July at "The Automatt".
Midnight Flight 12" Vinyl LP