Shingetsu Live 2526 July 1979: A Hidden Gem from the Vault
If you're into Symphonic Rock or Prog Rock, this live album by Shingetsu might just hit the spot. Released in 2004 (yeah, decades after it was recorded), Shingetsu Live 2526 captures a killer performance at ABC Kaikan Hall in Tokyo back in July '79. It’s like finding an old vinyl in your attic and realizing it’s gold. The energy, the musicianship—it all feels so alive, even though it sat on a shelf for years.
The band nails their genre with sprawling compositions, intricate arrangements, and that retro vibe only Japanese prog acts can pull off. And let’s not forget how cool it is that Musea and Poseidon Records gave this one a proper release for France and Benelux fans. Credit where it’s due: the credits list reads like a who’s who of talent—Shizuo Suzuki on bass, Naoya Takahashi killing it on drums, Haruhiko Tsuda shredding guitar solos, and Takashi Kokubo multitasking on keys, vocals, and guest duties. They really brought their A-game.
Now, onto the tracks. I gotta talk about "Fragments Of The Dawn" because man, does it stick with you. There’s something haunting yet uplifting about the way the keyboards swell and then drop into these crunchy guitar riffs. It’s got layers—like peeling back the curtains to see what’s hiding behind each section. Every time I listen, I notice something new, which keeps me coming back. That’s the magic of prog rock right there.
Another standout has to be "Afternoon - After The Rain." This track builds slowly, almost lazily at first, but don’t let that fool you. By the halfway mark, it explodes into this emotional crescendo that feels like… well, sunshine breaking through storm clouds, if that makes sense. It’s atmospheric without being pretentious, and the interplay between the instruments is tight as hell. You can tell these guys were locked in during the show.
What’s wild is how fresh this album sounds, despite being recorded over 40 years ago. Maybe it’s the mastering job by Naoki Takehana, or maybe it’s just the timeless quality of good music. Either way, it’s impressive. Oh, and kudos to Hirohito Omata Design Studio for the art direction—it’s simple but striking, much like the music itself.
Here’s the thing: listening to this record feels like stepping into a time machine. But instead of feeling dated, it reminds you why people fell in love with rock music in the first place. It’s raw, it’s ambitious, and it doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just does.
And hey, isn’t it kinda funny how some of the best stuff gets rediscovered years later? Makes you wonder what other gems are out there waiting to be found. So grab yourself a copy of Shingetsu Live 2526 and crank it up loud. Trust me, your ears will thank you.
