TOKYO BLADE - MADAME GUILLOTINE 12" Vinyl EP Album

- This album has an alternative tracklisting with the songs: "Love Struck", and "Attack, Attack

TOKYO BLADE is a British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) from Salisbury, England. In the late 1970s it started out as a band called "White Diamond" and through a series of name changes (Killer, Genghis Khan) became "Tokyo Blade" around 1982.

"Madame Guillotine" Album Description:

The early 1980s was a wild time for heavy metal. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was in full swing, and bands were popping up everywhere, each vying for a spot in the limelight. Amidst this maelstrom of leather, denim, and flying V guitars, Tokyo Blade emerged with their debut album, "Madame Guillotine."

Now, "Madame Guillotine" wasn't your typical NWOBHM album. Sure, it had the galloping riffs and soaring vocals that defined the genre, but there was something else lurking beneath the surface. A sense of darkness, a hint of danger, and a touch of the theatrical that set Tokyo Blade apart from their peers.

The album opens with "Love Struck," a high-octane rocker that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. Alan Marsh's vocals are powerful and emotive, while Andy Boulton and John Wiggins' guitars weave intricate tapestries of sound. The rhythm section of Andy Wrighton and Steve Pierce provides a solid foundation, driving the songs forward with relentless energy.

From there, the album takes you on a wild ride through a sonic landscape that is both exhilarating and unsettling. "Attack, Attack" is a fist-pumping anthem that is sure to get any crowd moving, while "Night of the Blade" is a dark and brooding epic that showcases the band's ability to create atmosphere and tension.

One of the most striking things about "Madame Guillotine" is its production. Recorded at Eden Studios in London and produced by the legendary Martin Birch (who had worked with Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath), the album has a raw and powerful sound that perfectly captures the energy and intensity of Tokyo Blade's live performances.

Of course, no discussion of "Madame Guillotine" would be complete without mentioning the controversy surrounding its release. The album's original cover art, featuring a scantily clad woman being beheaded, caused quite a stir and was quickly replaced with a more subdued image. Some critics also took issue with the band's name, which they felt was too close to that of the popular American glam metal band, Poison.

Despite these controversies, "Madame Guillotine" remains a landmark album in the history of NWOBHM. It's a testament to Tokyo Blade's talent and ambition, and it continues to inspire and excite metal fans around the world. So if you're looking for an album that is both heavy and thought-provoking, be sure to check out "Madame Guillotine." It's a wild ride you won't soon forget.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

NWOBHM – New Wave of British Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

RoadrunneR – RR 125498

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1985 – Made in Holland

Producers:
  • Roy Noave – Producer
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Nic Waters – Front cover illustration and sleeve design
Photography:
  • Marc Villalonga – Photography

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Madame Guillotine
.
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Break Out
  2. Love Struck
  3. Attack, Attack
"Madame Guillotine" (EP Version) — Tokyo Blade

As the title track of the EP, "Madame Guillotine" immediately establishes Tokyo Blade’s intent: sharp, melodic riffs combined with the dark theatricality that set NWOBHM apart from other heavy metal movements. The EP version is rawer and more urgent than later live performances, retaining that underground edge fans cherish. The song’s galloping rhythm and ominous atmosphere mirror the historical imagery of the guillotine, capturing both fear and adrenaline. It also became a calling card for the band during their mid-80s tours, often opening or closing sets. Vocals soar with conviction, guitars weave intricate dual harmonies, and the overall sound makes it a quintessential NWOBHM anthem.

  • Release Year – 1985
  • Album – Madame Guillotine
  • Song Highlights – A razor-sharp riff, sinister lyrical imagery, and its position as the EP’s signature track give it iconic NWOBHM status.
"Break Out" — Tokyo Blade

"Break Out" bursts in as one of the EP’s standout mid-tempo rockers, balancing catchy hooks with Tokyo Blade’s gritty metallic punch. The track blends an anthemic chorus with powerful riffs, making it one of the more accessible songs for fans outside the underground. Lyrically, it captures the spirit of escape and rebellion, themes that resonated with metal audiences during the mid-80s. The guitars provide both rhythmic crunch and melodic flair, while the vocals ride over the top with confidence and grit. Its balance of melody and aggression demonstrates the band’s versatility and helped the EP gain wider appeal across Europe.

  • Release Year – 1985
  • Album – Madame Guillotine
  • Song Highlights – Anthemic hooks and rebellious lyrics make it a fan favorite that bridges accessibility with raw NWOBHM power.
"Love Struck" — Tokyo Blade

"Love Struck" shifts gears on the EP by injecting a melodic, almost romantic edge into the otherwise ferocious lineup. Beneath the hard riffs lies a more playful spirit, with catchy choruses and a structure that leans towards hard rock accessibility. The contrast of lyrical charm and heavy NWOBHM instrumentation makes it stand out, showing Tokyo Blade could balance aggression with hooks. The vocals deliver both grit and swagger, while the guitar solos add a layer of flair and excitement. Often overlooked compared to the heavier cuts, this track highlights the band’s versatility and sense of fun amidst their metallic assault.

  • Release Year – 1985
  • Album – Madame Guillotine
  • Song Highlights – The playful, melodic vibe breaks up the EP’s aggression and adds a memorable hard rock twist.
"Attack Attack" — Tokyo Blade

Closing the EP with ferocious energy, "Attack Attack" showcases Tokyo Blade at their most aggressive. The track’s relentless drive, powered by thunderous drumming and rapid-fire guitar riffs, embodies the intensity of the mid-80s metal scene. Lyrically and musically, it feels like a rallying cry, urging fans to embrace the chaos of the mosh pit. The chorus is straightforward yet infectious, perfectly designed for live crowd participation. The interplay between the dual guitars adds a sharp edge, while the rhythm section keeps everything tight and urgent. It’s one of those deep-cut anthems that balances raw aggression with NWOBHM’s trademark melodic hooks.

  • Release Year – 1985
  • Album – Madame Guillotine
  • Song Highlights – Its relentless pace and chant-along chorus make it a guaranteed crowd pleaser and a showcase of the band’s aggressive side.
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the 1985 Tokyo Blade EP Madame Guillotine. The artwork, set against a deep red border, depicts a fierce Kabuki-style geisha with ghostly pale skin, blood-red eyes, and sharp teeth. Blood splatters streak across her blue kimono and the background, where guitars can be seen faintly illustrated. Her black hair is styled high with golden hairpins resembling swords, adding a theatrical menace. The Tokyo Blade logo is displayed vertically on a yellow strip at the right, with the album title Madame Guillotine scripted in white at the bottom right.

The front cover of Madame Guillotine is striking and unsettling, framed in a bold red border. At the center, a Kabuki-inspired geisha dominates the scene. Her skin is unnaturally pale, her eyes a piercing red, and her mouth open to reveal unnervingly sharp teeth. A single red earring dangles from her ear, and her hair is styled high in traditional fashion, adorned with golden hairpins that resemble swords or guitar necks.

She wears a flowing blue kimono, now stained with blood splatters that trail across the image. Behind her, faint illustrations of guitars emerge from a green-toned background, blending the theatrical with the musical. Dark streaks of crimson cut violently through the composition, intensifying the sense of menace and chaos.

On the right side, the band’s logo Tokyo Blade appears vertically on bright yellow panels edged with red, each letter stylized in a bold medieval script. At the bottom right, the album’s title, Madame Guillotine, is written in elegant white cursive, contrasting the brutality of the imagery with refined typography. The artwork was designed and illustrated by Nic Waters, capturing the dramatic, theatrical energy of NWOBHM’s visual style in the mid-1980s.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of the 1985 Tokyo Blade EP Madame Guillotine, issued on Roadrunner Records RR 125498. The design is dominated by a deep red frame with a central black inset showing live performance photos of the band in fiery red lighting. Band members are pictured mid-performance: one vocalist leaning into the microphone, guitarists in sleeveless shirts under stage lights, and a drummer caught in motion. To the right, the Tokyo Blade logo is displayed. The tracklist is printed in white cursive font: Side A Madame Guillotine, Side B Break Out, Love Struck, Attack Attack. Below the credits, the cover highlights other Tokyo Blade releases with miniature album covers including Tokyo Blade LP, Midnight Rendezvous 12'' EP, Lightning Strikes 12'' EP, and Night of the Blade LP.

The back cover of Madame Guillotine is framed in bold red with a large central black panel. Within this panel, live concert photographs of Tokyo Blade are shown in vivid red stage lighting. The images capture the band’s raw energy: a vocalist gripping the microphone, guitarists in sleeveless tops immersed in performance, and the drummer in motion, all bathed in dramatic, fiery tones.

On the right-hand side, the Tokyo Blade crest logo appears against the black background. The tracklist is elegantly written in white script: Side A lists Madame Guillotine, while Side B features Break Out, Love Struck, and Attack, Attack. Beneath, production credits note Roy Noave as producer, Nic Waters for artwork, and Marc Villalonga for photography.

At the bottom, a row of promotional images displays other available Tokyo Blade releases: the debut Tokyo Blade LP, the Midnight Rendezvous 12" EP, the Lightning Strikes 12" EP, and the Night of the Blade LP. This collage underscores the band’s expanding discography at the height of NWOBHM’s 1980s momentum.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the record label for Side One of the 1985 Tokyo Blade EP Madame Guillotine, released on Roadrunner Records RR 125498. The label has a clean white background with bold red Roadrunner logo across the top. Text is printed in black, noting Side 1, Stereo, catalog number RR 125498, and track information. It lists Madame Guillotine (4'37'') written by Boulton/Marsh, performed by Tokyo Blade, and produced by Roy Neave. Copyright details show 1985 Roadrunner Productions B.V., licensed from Powerstation Records Ltd. STEMRA publishing and 45 RPM speed are also indicated. Around the outer rim, red legal text states reproduction and broadcasting prohibitions, with Made in Holland printed at the edge.

This close-up of Side One’s record label displays the classic Roadrunner Records design: a bright white background with the bold red Roadrunner R logo centered at the top. The typography is clean and functional, balancing visual clarity with essential information for collectors and listeners alike.

The label specifies Side 1, Stereo, and catalog number RR 125498. It lists the track Madame Guillotine (running 4 minutes 37 seconds), written by Boulton and Marsh, performed by Tokyo Blade, and produced by Roy Neave. Publishing credits cite Song Management Ltd./Roadster Music.

Additional details include STEMRA, the speed designation of 45 R.P.M., and copyright © 1985 Roadrunner Productions B.V., licensed from Powerstation Records Ltd. Encircling the outer rim, fine red print enforces legal restrictions on copying, hiring, lending, and broadcasting, with Made in Holland emphasized along the edge—an unmistakable marker of its European pressing.

Tokyo Blade: Pioneers of the NWOBHM Movement and a Lasting Influence on Heavy Metal.

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Thumbnail Of  ANDY BOULTON'S TOKYO BLADE - Ain't Misbehavin' album front cover

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Thumbnail Of  TOKYO BLADE - Madame Guillotine album front cover

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Madame Guillotine is a fierce NWOBHM release by Tokyo Blade, blending power riffs, soaring vocals, and theatrical flair. With standout tracks like “Love Struck” and “Attack, Attack,” this EP showcases the band’s energetic sound and sharp edge. A rare pressing with alternate tracklisting, it’s a fan favorite among collectors.

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Thumbnail Of  TOKYO BLADE - Midnight RendezVous album front cover

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Thumbnail Of  TOKYO BLADE - S/T Self-Titled album front cover

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Thumbnail Of  TOKYO BLADE - Undercover Honeymoon album front cover

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