HERMIT COMPLEX by UpBeat: A Hidden Gem from Japan’s Rock Scene (1988)
Alright, let’s talk about HERMIT COMPLEX, the wild ride of an album that somehow slipped under most radars back in '88. Released by Invitation Records in Japan, this rock beast is messy, moody, and absolutely unforgettable—kinda like your first heartbreak but way cooler. It's not perfect, sure, but damn if it doesn’t leave a mark on you.
First up, the title track Hermit Complex 〜世捨て人の憂鬱〜. This thing hits you over the head with its brooding vibe right outta the gate. The opening riff? Pure attitude. Like, imagine walking alone at night through Tokyo streets, neon lights flickering above while feeling both badass and kinda lonely. That’s what this song does to ya. And then there’s the vocal delivery—it's raw, slightly unhinged even, as though the singer’s trying to scream their soul out without fully losing control. Honestly, I think they nailed it. Every time I hear those haunting melodies, I’m pulled right back into that world. Feels personal, y’know?
And then there’s Blind Age -Full Version-. Whoa, buddy. If you thought the first track was intense, wait till you get a load of this one. There are actually multiple versions of Blind Age scattered throughout the album—which might sound repetitive, but trust me, each take brings something new to the table. The full version is where it all comes together. The guitars wail louder, the drums punch harder, and the lyrics? Total chaos wrapped in poetic gold. You can tell they were going for broke here, pouring every ounce of frustration and energy into these six minutes. By the end, you’re left breathless and wondering what just hit you.
Now, don’t get me wrong—the whole album isn’t flawless. Tracks like Dried Flower feel a bit too mellow compared to the explosive highs elsewhere, and having three variations of Blind Age could’ve been trimmed down. But hey, imperfections make art interesting, right? Plus, cuts like Glass Jewelry and Around The Roulette keep things fresh with their quirky twists and sharp hooks.
What really sticks with me about HERMIT COMPLEX is how unapologetically Japanese it feels. Not because of language barriers or anything cliché like that, but because it blends Western rock influences with something uniquely local. It’s like eating ramen topped with jalapeños—unexpected, bold, and oddly satisfying.
So yeah, HERMIT COMPLEX may never top any “best albums” lists outside niche circles, and maybe that’s okay. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be mainstream. Instead, it lives in this weird little corner of music history, waiting for curious ears to stumble upon it. And when you do find it, you realize—it’s not just another rock record. It’s a piece of someone’s soul, frozen in time.
Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album makes me want to learn Japanese. Or start a band. Or both. Take that however you will.
