Momijigari by Kinzokuebisu: A Wild Ride Through Prog Rock Wonderland
Let’s get one thing straight—Kinzokuebisu’s Momijigari isn’t your average rock album. Released in 2005 under Vital Records, this Japanese gem dives headfirst into the wild, untamed waters of progressive rock. And honestly? It’s messy, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgettable.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “Momijigari.” If you’ve ever been to Japan during autumn (or even if you haven’t), just close your eyes and imagine fiery red maple leaves swirling around like some kind of nature-driven acid trip. That’s what this song feels like. The guitars spiral out of control but somehow stay glued together, as if they’re daring you to keep up. There’s this moment near the middle where everything drops out except for this eerie keyboard line—it's haunting, man. Like walking through an empty forest at dusk. You don’t expect it, but it sticks with you long after the song ends.
Then there’s “Ryoukiranman,” which is basically a rollercoaster ride that refuses to slow down. This track hits hard right from the start—a wall of sound that punches you in the gut before pulling back just enough to let you breathe. What makes it stand out is how chaotic yet calculated it feels. It’s not just noise; every little riff, drum fill, and vocal shout has its place. About three minutes in, there’s this insane time signature shift that throws you completely off balance. I mean, who does that?! But damn, does it work. By the end, you're left wondering how something so disorienting can feel so satisfying.
“Higansugimade” rounds things out, though I’ll admit it doesn’t hit me quite as hard as the first two tracks. Still, it’s got this dreamy vibe that contrasts nicely with the rest of the album’s intensity. It’s like taking a deep breath after running full speed for ten minutes straight.
What strikes me most about Momijigari is how unapologetically raw it feels. These guys weren’t trying to make something polished or radio-friendly—they were chasing something bigger. Something weird and wonderful. Listening to this album feels like stepping into their world, warts and all.
Honestly, I didn’t think I’d enjoy prog rock this much coming from Japan, but here we are. Maybe it’s because it breaks all the rules—or maybe it’s because it reminds me of those times when life feels too big to handle, but also kinda beautiful anyway. Who knew an album called Maple Leaf Hunting could pack such an emotional punch?
Oh, and fun fact: apparently "Kinzokuebisu" translates to "Metal Hedgehog." Which… yeah, totally fits.
