Ezo

M

ost Japanese bands of the eighties took their cue from Loudness, playing a distinctive brand of European-influenced traditional heavy metal. EZO, on the other hand, sounded like they grew up in Los Angeles, a city they came to call home in 1984 after recording two albums under the name Flatbacker. The band was discovered by none other than Gene Simmons (Kiss), who eventually produced their self-titled in 1987. Both that album and the successful follow-up Fire Fire (1989) sounded distinctly American, opting squarely for a catchy hard rock/metal sound. Internal differences led to their breakup after the release of Fire Fire. Speaking of Loudness, two of the members, Masaki Yamada and Hiro Homma eventually joined that band.

Under the sole membership of Masaki Yamada (vocals), Shoyo Iida (guitars), Taro Takahashi (bass) and Hiro Homma (ex-Anthem; drums) EZO's discography would include Senzo (1985), Esa (1986), EZO (1987) and Fire Fire (1989).