TOP OF THE TOWER

TOP OF THE TOWER is HAGANE’s renewed full-length statement, capturing the feeling of a band climbing again with purpose. True to its title, the album is built around ascent, from the title track through fast songs, heavy riffs, singable choruses and melodic touches that carry a distinctly Japanese color. “Not Lose” and “Start Our Journey” turn the will to keep moving into music, while “Kagome” and “剣のレコード -Records of TSURUGI-” weave in Japanese themes and “Out of the Darkness” and “Over the fate” heighten the drama. The positive melodies of “Catch the star” and “With a Dream” add further lift. The guitars are ornate without becoming crowded, and clear vocals keep the songs open through to the closing “Heart Scream.” Balancing transparent melody with a steel-like core, and gathering the renewed lineup’s strength, it stands as a strong modern HAGANE record.