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SpecterHoshimachi SuiseiReally loved the care CDJapan gavePackaged nicely, and the songs are absolutely beautiful. One of the best Suisei albums with stunning art. Thank you for delivering it in a good amount of time with care
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Mari Nakamoto III [Limited Release]Mari NakamotoElegant Reissue of a Jazz ClassicThis reissue of “Mari Nakamoto III” is an excellent presentation of one of the finest vocal jazz recordings from Japan. Mari Nakamoto’s voice is warm, expressive, and perfectly balanced with the trio behind her. Her phrasing feels natural and intimate, making familiar standards sound fresh and emotionally honest. The pressing quality is very good—quiet vinyl, smooth vocal presence, and a clean overall sound that preserves the charm of the original Three Blind Mice production. The jacket reproduction is also nicely done. For fans of vocal jazz or Japanese jazz, this album is essential, and it’s wonderful to have it available again in a limited edition. Highly recommended.
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Ginparis Session June 26. 1963 [Limited Release]Shin Seki Ongaku KenkyujoHistoric Japanese Jazz, Great ReissueThis limited reissue of the 1963 “Ginparis Session” is a wonderful preservation of an important moment in early Japanese jazz history. The performance captures the raw, intimate atmosphere of the Ginparis club, with lively interaction between the musicians and a beautiful sense of spontaneity. The sound quality is surprisingly clear for a recording from this era, and this pressing plays quietly with good dynamics. The jacket reproduction is nicely done and maintains the vintage charm of the original release. It is great to finally have this rare session available again for collectors and jazz fans. A valuable reissue for anyone interested in the roots of Japanese modern jazz. Highly recommended.
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Now!! [Limited Release]Masaru Imada QuartetEssential Reissue of a MasterpieceThis reissue of “Now!!” by the Masaru Imada Quartet is simply outstanding. It is one of the most iconic Japanese jazz albums of the 70s, and this pressing captures the energy, drive, and sophistication of the original recording beautifully. The sound quality is excellent—clear piano, tight bass, and crisp cymbals with very low surface noise. The dynamics feel lively and natural, making this a highly enjoyable listen from beginning to end. It’s wonderful to finally have an affordable, high-quality version of this rare classic available again. A must-have for any fan of Japanese jazz. Highly recommended.
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Ako's Dream [Limited Release]Isao Suzuki SextetExcellent Reissue of a Soulful JazzThis reissue of “Ako’s Dream” is a wonderful opportunity to revisit one of Isao Suzuki’s most soulful and vibrant sessions. The playing is energetic yet beautifully controlled, with Suzuki’s bass and cello work bringing a deep warmth to the ensemble sound. The Sextet’s interaction feels lively and full of personality, making this album consistently enjoyable from start to finish. The pressing quality is excellent—quiet surface, good clarity, and a well-balanced mix that highlights both the rhythm section and the horns. The jacket reproduction is clean and faithful, maintaining the charm of the original release. For fans of Japanese jazz, this is an essential title, and I’m very glad to see it available again in this limited edition. Highly recommended.
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Unicorn [Limited Release]Teruo Nakamura GroupA Stunning Reissue of a Jazz-Fusion GemI am very happy with this limited reissue of “Unicorn.” Teruo Nakamura’s work has always stood out in the Japanese jazz-fusion scene, but this album in particular has a unique balance of groove, melody, and spiritual atmosphere. The recording quality of this reissue is excellent—clear, warm, and detailed, especially in the bass and percussion. The pressing is quiet with no surface noise on my copy. The artwork reproduction is beautiful, and having this classic available again at an affordable price is something collectors like me truly appreciate. For anyone who enjoys 70s jazz-fusion, Japanese jazz, or spiritual groove, this record is absolutely worth adding to your collection. Highly recommended.
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Love For Sale [Limited Release]Toshiyuki Sekine TrioA Beautiful Reissue of a JP Jazz ClassicThis limited reissue of “Love For Sale” is an absolute pleasure for anyone who appreciates Japanese jazz from the 70s. The Toshiyuki Sekine Trio delivers a warm, elegant, and highly enjoyable performance, with a perfect balance of swing and soulful expression. The pressing quality of this release is excellent—quiet surface, good dynamics, and a very natural piano tone. The jacket reproduction is clean and faithful to the original, and it’s great to finally have this rare title available again at a reasonable price. For collectors of Japanese jazz, this is a must-have release. Highly recommended.
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Time IIWintersunTime Has Come!A lot has been said about the 12 years delay in this part two of the Time albums. Leaving all that aside if you take the music on face value then we are talking a strong album. Wintersun fans are a patient lot, waiting all this time, all the hype, the crowdfunding controversies, finally we have what really matters, the music! The basic tracks were recorded as far back as 2005, in between time technical difficulties have prevented this from being released. With just six songs, two being short instrumental intro's, the four full songs on offer here were certainly worth the wait. All of them are epic in their own right and have many layers of sound that take repeated listens to fully digest. Perhaps a tad better than 'Time I'with no extra tracks on the Japan release.
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Perform The OperationAnatomyGreat Power Metal with medical lyrics1. Every song of this album is a banger. The composition is excellent with symphonic/neoclassic elements. 2. The guitar work of Yuki and the voice of ROA (a real doctor) are the strong points of this cd. 3. Songs recommended: Soldier in Doctor Coat, Dysmorphophobia and the first song Anatomy. One of the best albums of 2020. Buy it.
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The Screaming of the ValkyriesCradle Of FilthClassic Cradle!Cradle of Filth have been around for a very long-time and the band are still firing the big shots! From their humble beginnings and raw brutal black metal sounds, the band have evolved over the years to a more sophisticated, dare I even say it, more 'mainstream' sound. Valkyries takes things a step further from the previous two albums, the production and mix in particular the most noticeable difference. Dany Filth is a polarising vocalist, love him or hate him, no one else sounds like him and his lyrics are unique as well as being extremely interesting and thought provoking. It's fast, furious, catchy, epic and symphonic, pretty much everything you already love about the band, but this time all the pieces fit together so well.
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Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking StateKatatoniaDisappointing!Katatonia have been around for a long time, this is their 13th studio album. The modern sound of the past three album is present, but something is lacking to my ears. Given that the band is essentially now just Jonas Renske, who wrote all of the music and lyrics. For this could easily be a Renske 'solo' album, but under the Katatonia name is is presented. The big almost 1980's hair metal drum sound it the first thing that stands out, also some of the songs seem to just plod along with n real direction, structure or even a hint of a chorus. Most great album take many listen to unpick and fully understand, it's whether I want to take the time to do this, or simply pick any other Katatonia album to get my fix from.
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AscensionParadise LostParadise Found!Veteran English doom metal band are back with another solid album. Paradise Lost have been around for a very long time, have been hit and miss over their long career, this one I am happy to say continues the recent trend of them delivering high quality music. Five years from their last release (not counting the rerecorded Icon) this follows the same path as 'Obsidian' with a good mix of styles from the band previous 30 years recording history. Nick Holmes is again delivering a very strong vocal performance, switching between his raspy clear voice to the low guttural growls. His lyrics are always sharp and to the point, giving the listener something to think about. In 2025 it's very comforting for an old metal-head to be hearing such fantastic new music from the likes of Paradise Lost, Amorphis and Testament.
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In The Groove [Clear Yellow Vinyl Edition]
Jiro Inagaki & Soul MediaIn The Groove [Clear Yellow Vinyl Edition]Jiro Inagaki & Soul Mediasmooth and great vinylIn The Groove is another excellent release from Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media, delivering the tight grooves and rich jazz-funk sound the group is known for. The arrangements are rhythmic, soulful, and full of energy, making this album a very enjoyable spin from start to finish. This clear yellow vinyl edition looks great and plays even better. The pressing is clean with low noise, solid dynamics, and a warm, well-balanced tone that highlights both the horns and the rhythm section beautifully. A strong reissue for fans of Japanese jazz-funk and anyone building a collection of classic Soul Media records. Highly recommended.
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Memory Lane [Clear Sky Blue Vinyl Edition]
Jiro Inagaki & Soul MediaMemory Lane [Clear Sky Blue Vinyl Edition]Jiro Inagaki & Soul MediaBeautiful timeless jazz-funkThis is a beautiful reissue of a timeless jazz-funk classic from Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media. The clear sky blue vinyl looks stunning in person and matches the warm, atmospheric vibe of the music perfectly. The sound quality is excellent — clean, full, and well-balanced with great presence on the horns and rhythm section. The album blends soulful grooves, mellow jazz lines, and a nostalgic mood that makes it easy to keep flipping back to Side A. Even if you’re not deeply into jazz-funk, this pressing is smooth, accessible, and very enjoyable from start to finish. A great addition to any vinyl collection.
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Toki [Limited Release]Hidefumi Toki QuartetExcellent reissue of jazz sessionThis limited reissue of Toki by the Hidefumi Toki Quartet is a wonderful addition for anyone who enjoys smooth, expressive Japanese jazz. The recording has a warm, intimate feel, and Toki’s saxophone tone is especially beautiful — rich, airy, and full of emotion. The pressing quality is impressive: low surface noise, clean dynamics, and a nice balance between the rhythm section and the lead lines. It’s the kind of record that feels great both for focused listening and for relaxing late-night spins. A timeless session that absolutely deserves to be back in print. Highly recommended if you’re exploring 70s–80s Japanese jazz or simply want a refined, soulful record in your collection.
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Still Life Donuts [Limited Release]Ken MuramatsuWarm, relaxing piano jazzStill Life Donuts is a beautifully crafted piano jazz album from Ken Muramatsu, and this limited vinyl release presents it with impressive clarity. The recording has a warm, intimate feel — gentle melodies, soft textures, and a cozy atmosphere that makes it perfect for late-night or weekend listening. The pressing is clean and quiet with good dynamics, allowing the nuance of Muramatsu’s playing to really come through. The piano tone is especially pleasing: smooth, balanced, and full of character. If you enjoy mellow, melodic Japanese jazz or want a relaxing record to unwind with, this release is an excellent addition to your collection. A subtle but very charming album.
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Kenji Shock [Limited Release]Kenji OmuraA vibrant fusion classicKenji Shock is a powerful and energetic album that showcases Kenji Omura’s unique approach to guitar-driven fusion. The music is bright, rhythmic, and full of creative ideas, blending rock, jazz, and electronic touches in a way that feels both bold and fun to listen to. This reissue sounds great — clean pressing, strong clarity on the guitars, and solid low-end presence without overwhelming the mix. The production really lets the details of Omura’s playing shine through. A standout release for fans of Japanese fusion and anyone looking for something colorful and dynamic in their vinyl collection. Very glad this limited edition was brought back.
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Winter StormEnsiferumWinter Vikings!Ensiferum have been around for more than 20 years and this is their 9th studio album. The band are often referred to as 'Viking metal' which is a good description, also with a folk element present in many songs. This album than band have a more epic sound, thanks to the symphonic sounds and the nature of the material. Second album to feature clean vocalist/keyboardist Pekka Montin. He has scaled back his 'power metal' vocals that many fans disliked on the previous album and his voice fits in a lot better here. The sound is polished, yet maintains a rough enough edge to give the band their trademark style room to breathe. A solid album that I would rate close to 3.5/5, but after repeated listens I've pushed it up to 4/5. There no extra tracks for Japan on this release.
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ZigazoIsao SuzukiGreat reissue from a bassistZigazo is a fantastic reissue from Isao Suzuki, showcasing his unique approach to tone, groove, and improvisation. The album blends deep, earthy bass lines with vibrant jazz fusion colors, creating a sound that is both experimental and very listenable. The pressing quality is excellent — clean playback, solid dynamics, and a warm, detailed low end that really highlights Suzuki’s musicianship. The vinyl feels well-produced and quiet, making the overall experience very enjoyable. Whether you’re a long-time collector of Japanese jazz or just discovering Suzuki’s work, this edition is a strong pick. A distinctive and rewarding record that’s easy to recommend.
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March Of The Unheard [Japan Bonus Track]The Halo EffectMelodeath Supergroup!This is the second release from all star melodeath super group, featuring former members of In Flames, as well as current Dark Tranquillity singer Michael Stanne. All the hype around this band going back to the classic Gothenburg melodic death metal sound, is once again full justified with this album. It has all the hallmarks of that 1990's sound that fan of this genre can't seem to get enough of. I actually prefer this album to the debut, that said was a killer album, but this one seems to be slightly better in all aspects. The songs, are sharper, focused and straight to the point, the musicianship to high quality, with a polished production and crisp mix.
