- Netherlands Release on RoadrunneR Records
"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". Sound engineers are "Ken Kessie" and "Ray Pyle". Album design and artwork was done by "Masatgugu "Max" Takahashi".
Forget those hairspray-drenched LA bands parading around like peacocks. Earthshaker's "Midnight Flight" is a sonic samurai sword, slicing through the bloated excess of '80s rock with the precision of a master swordsman. Straight out of Japan, this ain't no cheap imitation; it's a full-on cultural exchange, a collision of Eastern spirit and Western metal muscle.
While the rest of the world was busy perfecting their spandex and guitar solos, Earthshaker was in San Francisco's Automatt Studio, crafting an album that would redefine heavy metal's global reach. With Masa Itoh at the helm (the godfather of Japanese metal journalism) and Ken Kessie (the sonic sorcerer behind Anthem's sonic thunder) twisting the knobs, "Midnight Flight" wasn't just an album, it was a sonic declaration of independence.
This ain't no gentle joyride, folks. It's a kamikaze dive into a maelstrom of sound. From the opening chords of "T-O-K-Y-O," a fist-pumping anthem that became an instant live favorite, to the galloping rhythms of "Radio Magic," an infectious track that had fans singing along in no time, Earthshaker delivers a non-stop barrage of riffs, solos, and powerhouse vocals that'll leave you gasping for air. Let's not forget the blistering guitar work on "Little Queenie," which has become a staple for air guitarists worldwide.
"Midnight Flight" is a genre-bending thrill ride. It's got the raw energy of early Judas Priest, the melodic sensibility of Rainbow, and a touch of Japanese mystique that sets it apart from the pack. The album's diverse range, from hard-hitting tracks like "Night After Night" to the melodic "Sail Away," showcases the band's versatility and songwriting prowess. It's heavy metal with a soul, music that'll make you bang your head while pondering the meaning of life.
This album wasn't without its critics. Some Western metalheads dismissed it as a mere imitation, while some Japanese traditionalists balked at the Western influence. But those who got it, got it hard. Earthshaker wasn't trying to copy anyone; they were forging their own path, blending their cultural heritage with a love for heavy metal.
With "Midnight Flight", Earthshaker proved that great rock and roll transcends borders and language barriers. It became a commercial success, propelling the band to international fame, and remains a beloved classic among metal fans worldwide.
| Album Fact Sheet: EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight |
Album Summary: "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". Sound engineers are "Ken Kessie" and "Ray Pyle". Album design and artwork was done by "Masatgugu "Max" Takahashi". |
Music Genre: Heavy Metal / Hard Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight" was produced by: Masa Itoh Masa Itoh a successful producer and author (of album liner notes) and has produced albums for bands like "Earthshaker" and "Loudness". Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ken Kessie, Ray Pyle This album was recorded at: The Automatt from 3 until 17 July 1984. The Automatt was a sound recording studio in San Francisco, California, promoted for its early mix automation system. During its eight active years, 1976 to 1984, it was one of the top recording studios in the region. The Automatt was founded by producer David Rubinson and opened in an existing studio subleased from Columbia Records, who continued to record in the same building for a few years; thus it was sometimes referred to as CBS/Automatt. Rubinson leased the whole building in 1978 and from that point, operated three rooms for recording and mixing, a mastering room, a rehearsal room, and offices. The studio complex was known for its top-notch equipment, for the hit records it produced, and for the famous artists who recorded there. Under Rubinson and chief engineer Fred Catero it served as the training ground for respected recording engineers such as Leslie Ann Jones and producers such as Scott Mathews.
Album cover design: Fumihiko Shiozawa , Masatsugu "Max" Takahashi Album cover photography: Masatsugu "Max" Takahashi |
Record Label & Catalognr: RoadrunneR RR 9809 |
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Holland |
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight" |
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Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight" Record's LabelUsing the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album. |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "EARTHSHAKER - Midnight Flight" is:
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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