- The explosive 1988 solo debut that forged the path from Shrapnel Records to Megadeth glory
Released in 1988, “Dragon’s Kiss” marks Marty Friedman’s blistering debut as a solo artist and his first step beyond Cacophony. Produced with Mike Varney and recorded by Dino Alden at Prairie Sun Studios, this instrumental metal masterpiece showcases Friedman’s trademark blend of speed, melody, and Eastern influence. The album became his ticket to Megadeth, influencing generations of guitarists. Highlights include “Dragon Mistress” and “Thunder March.”
Released in 1988 under the renowned label RoadrunneR Records, "Dragon's Kiss" is an exceptional 12" LP vinyl album that showcases the extraordinary talent of one of the most influential guitarists in the history of heavy metal, Marty Friedman. Produced by Friedman himself, along with Mike Varney serving as the executive producer, this album served as a launching pad for Friedman's illustrious solo career after his departure from the legendary metal band, Megadeth.
Recorded at Prairie Sun Studio A and mastered at Fantasy Studios by the skilled George Horn, "Dragon's Kiss" encapsulates the raw energy and virtuosity of Marty Friedman's playing. The album features Friedman not only on electric guitar but also on bass guitar, demonstrating his versatility and command over multiple instruments. Assisting Friedman in creating this masterpiece is Deen Castronovo on drums, providing the powerful rhythmic foundation that complements Friedman's guitar wizardry.
One notable feature of "Dragon's Kiss" is the collaboration with Jason Becker, who contributes additional guitar solos on tracks 1 and 6. This partnership between two immensely talented guitarists creates an awe-inspiring synergy that elevates the album to even greater heights.
From the moment the needle hits the vinyl, "Dragon's Kiss" unleashes an onslaught of lightning-fast riffs, intricate melodies, and mind-bending solos. The album serves as a testament to Friedman's technical prowess and his ability to craft memorable compositions that captivate listeners. Each track on the album presents a unique sonic journey, showcasing Friedman's command over various styles, including heavy metal, neoclassical, and progressive rock.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the opening song, "Saturation Point". It grabs the listener's attention with its blistering guitar work, showcasing Friedman's effortless speed and precision. The combination of complex riffs and catchy melodies creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Another highlight of "Dragon's Kiss" is the track "Dragon Mistress". This song exhibits Friedman's ability to infuse Eastern influences into his music, incorporating exotic scales and harmonies that add a touch of mysticism. The song showcases his melodic sensibility and serves as a testament to his ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly.
As the album progresses, tracks like "Evil Thrill" and "Jewel" continue to mesmerize with their intricate guitar work, showcasing Friedman's innate ability to weave together melodic lines and shred with astonishing precision. The album also features a breathtaking cover of the traditional Japanese song "Yuki no Hana" (Snow Flower), which displays Friedman's deep appreciation for Japanese culture and his ability to infuse his unique style into diverse musical landscapes.
"Dragon's Kiss" is a masterclass in guitar virtuosity and a definitive showcase of Marty Friedman's prodigious talent. While the album exemplifies his technical ability, it also demonstrates his compositional skills and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. The album's enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting impact of Friedman's artistry and his contribution to the realm of heavy metal and instrumental music.
Instrumental Rock / Metal
A showcase of virtuoso guitar playing blending neoclassical speed metal with melodic phrasing, representative of Shrapnel Records’ late-1980s guitar-hero era.
Prairie Sun Studio B – Cotati, California, USA
Prairie Sun Studio A – Cotati, California, USA
RoadrunneR Productions B.V. – RR 9529 (Europe)
(originally released on: Shrapnel Records – SH-1035)
12" Vinyl LP – Stereo
Total Weight: 230g
1988 – USA (Original Release)
Marty Friedman uses Hurricane guitars, DiMarzio pickups and Laney amps.Marketed by Roadrunner Productions B.V., P.O. Box 53013, 1007 RA Amsterdam.Correspondence: 535 Taylor St., #506, San Francisco, CA 94102
This striking album cover for “Dragon’s Kiss” captures guitarist Marty Friedman in an intense and confident pose that epitomizes late-1980s shred-metal aesthetics. He stands against a dark, softly lit background that creates a sense of mystery and focus entirely on his figure.
Friedman’s long, voluminous curls frame his face as he looks directly at the viewer, expression calm yet commanding. His glossy black jacket reflects the studio lights, adding texture and contrast to the matte backdrop. His left hand grips the neck of a black electric guitar, fingers frozen in mid-phrase as if caught mid-performance, emphasizing precision and artistry.
Along the right margin, the artist’s name MARTY FRIEDMAN appears vertically in large beige block lettering with a subtle 3D drop shadow. Near the bottom right, the title “dragon’s kiss” is elegantly printed in fiery orange serif type, balancing the composition and hinting at the album’s mix of neoclassical fire and technical mastery. The cover was produced under the Roadrunner and Shrapnel Records collaboration and remains one of the most recognizable visuals from Friedman’s early solo era.
The back cover of “Dragon’s Kiss” combines precise technical information with sharp design minimalism typical of late-1980s shred albums. The left panel presents the full track list for both sides in crisp blue type, organized under Side 1 and Side 2, with asterisks noting guest solos by Jason Becker.
Beneath the song titles, production credits detail the album’s creation: Produced by Marty Friedman, engineered by Dino Alden, and mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios. Photography is credited to Pat Johnson Studios and Ross Pelton, with executive production by Mike Varney. Recording locations include Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati, California.
The visual right side displays two photographs — a larger image of Marty Friedman holding his black guitar, surrounded by a gray geometric frame, and a smaller portrait of drummer Deen Castronovo below it. The upper-right corner bears the Roadrunner Records logo with catalog number HR 89221 on a gradient field fading from white to deep red, emphasizing the professional finish and European issue of this pressing.
This detailed close-up reveals the Side A label of Marty Friedman’s “Dragon’s Kiss” 12-inch vinyl, pressed in 1988 under Roadrunner Records and Shrapnel Records collaboration. The design features the signature red Roadrunner logo framed at the top and printed over a clean white background.
All track titles are neatly listed in the center section: “Saturation Point,” “Dragon Mistress,” “Evil Thrill,” and “Namida (Tears),” accompanied by their durations. Technical details flank the sides: “SIDE A” and “STEMRA” on the left, “RR 9529 1,” “STEREO,” and “33 rpm” on the right, along with the LC 9321 label code.
Production and copyright credits at the bottom confirm Produced by Marty Friedman, published by Varney Metal Music Co. (BMI), and ©1988 Shrapnel Records / Roadrunner Productions B.V. This label confirms the Netherlands pressing, valued for its crisp typography and high-quality vinyl mastering typical of Roadrunner’s European issues.