This gets the new year off on the right foot! No, not the ex-Iron Maiden singer, but rather traditional minded Japanese metallers, with the second coming of Michael Schenker on guitar (aka Hisashi Suzuki), issue a six-song follow-up to their 2012 self-titled debut (albeit available in their homeland since ’07).

The axe-slinger admits ‘Underground Heroes’ dates back to his earlier band, in ’89. Listen to that solo! Sure the English lyrics are ham-fisted, but in an era of unintelligible black/death vocals, not to mention the kvlt non-Anglo perspective, really about the music, first and foremost. The opening ‘One Way Flight’ jumps from the speakers, an upbeat, rollicking tune turned to gold by Suzuki’s handiwork. ‘Shed Light On Dark’ should be re-titled Shred Heavy since that’s precisely what’s offered, but in a hard rock context, not some Shrapnel showoff. It ultimately fades off, the fleet-fingered guitarist wailing away. Back in the day, something like this, Japanese band on a small German label, would have been next to impossible to find (or afford), but thanks to the Internet, Blaze will certainly reach more friendly ears. Check ‘em out!