The Flag of Punishment

The Flag of Punishment is a memorable debut on which Galneryus, combining neoclassical, gorgeous guitar, high-speed rhythm and soaring high-range vocals, sounded vivid power metal. Formed with the guitarist Syu at the center, this work, featuring the first vocalist Yama-B (Masaki Yamada), cast a vivid light on Japan’s melodic-metal scene with its outstanding playing. The songs, while speeding technically, firmly hold clear melody and valiant lift in their choruses. From the development from the opening instrumental to the speeding “Struggle for the Freedom Flag” and the drama of “Beyond of the Ground” to a cut like “In the Delight,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Rebel Flag” and “Meditation for the Saga” convey the work’s fullness. Syu’s neoclassical, virtuosic guitar is powerfully in sharp form throughout. A record on which the splendor of the playing and the sure momentum of the songs mesh extremely naturally, and its own character as a band is already clear from the start. While strongly evoking influences such as Yngwie Malmsteen, a lyrical melodic sense particular to Japan shines. A powerful, ambitious debut that cast a fresh light on Japanese melodic power metal — the band’s origin here.