"The Natives Are Restless" is the 1985 and last official full-length studio album released by the Power and Speed Metal band "Hawaii". Hawaii was one of the two notable bands from Honolulu, Hawaii (the other being Sacred Rite). After Hawaii split up Marty formed band Cacophony with excellent Jason Becker.
In the world of heavy metal, there are albums that stand the test of time, and then there are albums that become legendary. "The Natives Are Restless" by Hawaii undoubtedly falls into the latter category. Released in 1985, this 12" vinyl LP marked the pinnacle of Hawaii's career and left an indelible mark on the heavy metal and hard rock scene of the era.
Background:
Hawaii, hailing from Honolulu, was a powerhouse in the Power and Speed Metal genres. This album, "The Natives Are Restless", would be their final official full-length studio release. The band's music was characterized by its energetic guitar work, soaring vocals, and a unique blend of melodic sensibilities with the raw power of metal. The album's creation involved a team of dedicated individuals, including the band members themselves and key figures in the music industry.
Production Team:
The album's production was helmed by Hawaii themselves, taking full creative control over their sound. Executive producers Darryl Amaki and Harris Okuda provided valuable support and guidance throughout the production process. Their expertise helped shape the album into the masterpiece it became.
Recording Process:
"The Natives Are Restless" came to life at the RendezVous Recording Studio during March and April of 1985. Located in a picturesque setting in Honolulu, this studio served as the backdrop for the creation of this remarkable album. Under the guidance of sound engineer Pierre Grille, the band captured their raw energy and musical prowess, resulting in a sound that would resonate with fans for decades to come.
Band Lineup:
Hawaii's lineup for this album was nothing short of exceptional:
- Eddie Day: Vocals
- Marty Friedman: Guitar
- Tom Azevedo: Guitar
- Joey Galisa: Bass
- Jeff Graves: Drums
Eddie Day's powerful and distinctive vocals added a unique layer to the band's music, while the twin guitar assault of Marty Friedman and Tom Azevedo provided the album's signature riffs and solos. Joey Galisa's thundering bass and Jeff Graves' precise drumming locked in the rhythmic foundation that allowed the songs to soar.
The Album Itself:
"The Natives Are Restless" is a timeless classic that showcases Hawaii's musical prowess. The album kicks off with the thunderous "Bad Boys of Metal", a track that sets the tone for the entire record with its blistering guitar work and Eddie Day's commanding vocals. Songs like "Call of the Wild" and "Living in Sin" continue the onslaught with their anthemic choruses and intricate guitar solos.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Escape the Night", a melodic masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the band's ability to blend melody and heaviness. Eddie Day's vocals shine on this track, conveying a sense of longing and desire. The album closes with the epic "Take What You Want", a sprawling composition that showcases the band's musical virtuosity.
Legacy:
"The Natives Are Restless" may have marked the end of Hawaii as a band, but it left an enduring legacy in the world of heavy metal. Marty Friedman would go on to achieve international fame with his work in bands like Megadeth, and the album itself remains a beloved classic among metal enthusiasts and collectors.
Power / Speed Metal
SteamHammer SH 0034
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1985 Made in Germany
HAWAII - Producer
Darryl Amaki - Executive Producer
Harris Okuda - Executive Producer
Pierre Grille - Sound Engineer
"The Natives Are Restless" was recorded at the RendezVous Recording Studio during March - April 1985
Eddie Day - Vocals
Marty Friedman - Guitar
Marty Friedman is a renowned musician and music producer known for his exceptional skills as a guitarist. Born on 8 December 1962, in Washington D.C., United States, Friedman's musical journey has taken him to great heights and established him as a prominent figure in the world of heavy metal and rock music.
Friedman's interest in music began at a young age when he started playing guitar. Influenced by guitar legends such as Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and Yngwie Malmsteen, he dedicated himself to mastering the instrument. His talent quickly became evident, and he began performing with local bands in the Washington D.C. area.
In 1988, Friedman's career took a significant turn when he joined the American thrash metal band Megadeth . His unique playing style, characterized by intricate solos, melodic sensibility, and Eastern music influences, brought a fresh and dynamic sound to the band's music. Friedman's contributions can be heard on several iconic albums, including "Rust in Peace" (1990) and "Countdown to Extinction" (1992), both of which received critical acclaim and commercial success.
During his tenure with Megadeth, Friedman's reputation as a guitar virtuoso grew exponentially. His remarkable technical abilities and innovative approach to playing guitar earned him recognition and praise from both fans and fellow musicians alike. He became known for his seamless blending of various musical styles, incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and world music into his playing.
In 2000, after a decade with Megadeth, Friedman decided to pursue a solo career and moved to Japan, where he had developed a strong fan base. He embraced the Japanese music scene, collaborating with local musicians and exploring new musical territories. His solo albums, such as "Introduction" (1994), "True Obsessions" (1996), and "Loudspeaker" (2006), showcased his diverse musical influences and demonstrated his versatility as an artist.
Apart from his successful solo career, Friedman has also been involved in various other projects. He has released collaborative albums with notable Japanese musicians, including "Tokyo Jukebox" (2009) and "Inferno" (2014). These albums further exemplify his ability to bridge cultural gaps and fuse different musical traditions into a cohesive and captivating sound.
In addition to his work as a musician, Friedman has also established himself as a respected music producer. He has produced albums for numerous artists, both in Japan and internationally, lending his expertise to enhance their sound and bring out the best in their music.
Throughout his career, Marty Friedman has continued to push the boundaries of guitar playing and music in general. He has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal and rock genres, inspiring countless aspiring musicians with his technical prowess, innovative spirit, and adventurous musicality.
Tom Azevedo - Guitar
Joey Galisa - Bass
Jeff Graves - Drums
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Steam Hammer SH 0034 Record Label Details: © & ℗ 1985 SteamHammer
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