TOKYO BLADE - MADAME GUILLOTINE 12" Vinyl EP Album

- This album has a different tracklisting with the songs: "Love Struck", and "Attack, Attack"

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.