Masaki Murashita
You may have heard the name Masaki Murashita. He is a renowned guitarist and producer and also the voice of the thrash band Hemoptysis. He is now launching his solo project simply titled Murashita. As a fan of Hemoptysis I have very high expectations for this new side project of Masaki’s. The debut EP titled “Inescapable Damnation” is being released on October 16th. Many bands have lately been self-releasing their albums and this is another one that can be added to that list. This EP also features a slew of legendary musicians like David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent). Those names should have your attention if it didn’t already.
“Inescapable Damnation” is 5 tracks of overwhelming fast paced thrash. The opening track “Retribution” really lets you know what to expect from the album. Face melting riffs, and some fierce vocals. Masaki showcases his guitar work in intervals that keep you wanting more. The track has an amazing solo which we all crave in modern metal. The vocals are of course mostly thrash sounding but you have these moments in which you can hear some black metal influence in there as well. One of my favorite tracks on the album is “Death or Glory”. It at times really reminds me of Swedish icons In Flames. “Death or Glory” has this amazing chorus that is surrounded on both sides by a masterpiece of riffs and beats. The guitar is so prominent in each song, it doesn’t take the backseat to anything. The drumming has this gallop like fast paced style that keeps the song at a racing speed. “Conquor the Foe” puts the brakes on a little in regards to the acceleration of the album. The vocals have a clean singing feel to them but are still the thrashy type vocals we all love. The EP as a whole is the definition of thrash, but brings different elements into the mix which creates Murashita’s own signature sound.
Follow Murashita on Facebook. and at www.masakimurashita.com
