Japanese Skinhead Music

日進月歩 (Nisshin Geppo) - 4 way split tape

2009-06-02T09:31:00.006+02:00

Here's a rare one. A split tape between 4 Japanese oi bands, Spy 7, VMK (or "88 vmk"), Growl Strike, and Banner of the Sun. The only well know band being Growl Strike. Its interesting, but really terrible quality. I would recommend filtering it for tape hiss to make it a bit more listenable.

01 Spy 7 - 五万返せ(go man kaese)
02 VMK - 桜ノ唄 (sakura no uta)
03 Growl Strike - 誇りの太刀 (hokori no tachi)
04 Banner of the Sun - 英雄桜 (eiyuu zakura)

download

I re-upped all the older links too, enjoy.

Sons Of Skinhead Kyoto Meeting 12/29/08

2009-01-25T06:22:00.005+01:00

Got back from a month long stay in Japan and was able to catch the Sons of Skinhead Kyoto meeting show organized by Bronze Fist records.　The show was really great and everyone there was nice and put up with my bad japanese. The line up was Kaiga, Hazan, Urancho, No Escape, Cropped Men, and Vostok. Kaiga and Urancho are both smaller bands that both have songs on the more recent Sons of Skinhead 2 compilation along with some other lesser known japanese skinhead bands (great compilation, you should buy it). I got there late so I missed Kaiga, but I took pictures and some video of the others so here they are...

Pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=206384&l=2ab35&id=505215231

Video (click the link and you can watch them in high quality mode):

ウランチョ(URANCHO):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf3I947Tq1Y

NO ESCAPE:
(Because you're young & Liar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDzGBosVxNg

(Truth & Justice)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Flvivp1YP8g

CROPPED MEN:
(Fortress of the Empire)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dakx4H_aS8w

新感覚派オムニバスVol．２ (Shin Kankakuha Omnibus Vol. 2)

2008-09-24T10:40:00.014+02:00

Rare 4 way split 8" released in 1988. The bands are the 5678s, Nira Kodomo, New Drugs, and Shuffle (the only skinhead band on this one). This was the 5678s first release as well; they actually were playing hardcore punk/rockabilly music when they started out, not like their new crap. Nira Kodomo is hardcore punk. New Drugs is a great female fronted punk band, but this is the only track i've ever heard by them. Anyone have info on them?

Shuffle is a really great skinhead band active in Tokyo in the late 1980s. One of my favorite Japanese oi bands ever. They play a traditional oi sound with really catchy tunes and great guitar work. Masa, the bass player from Shuffle went on to play bass in Sledgehammer. All their records are very rare and expensive (especially on ebay). Their 2 eps go for around 50-100$ on there. This omnibus goes for around 50$ also.

Shuffle released:
"We are Tokyo Skins" (skinhead boy) 7" (1987) office para
"The violence of oi!" 7" (1988) office para
"Shin Kankakuha" 8" (1988)
"Beat Up - Shuffle Kaisanban" 12" split with 3 other bands
1 track "angle baby" on "Ranchiki aid omnibus" tape
Also have 2 tracks on the "oi of japan 2" LP

Tracks:
01. 5678s - horror rocker
02. にら子供 (Nira Kodomo) - 変な頭 (hen na atama)
03. New Drugs - lust for tomorrow
04. Shuffle - working class

I'm also including the 2 shuffle eps, Violence of Oi and We are Tokyo Skins (skinhead boy). I only have them both at 56kbps though so don't complain about quality. Since the records are so expensive, and no one rips them these will have to do until I can get the $ to buy them and rip them myself. If anyone out there has these please rip and mail us here on this blog! It would be greatly appreciated!

I ripped Shin Kankakuha omnibus in FLAC format so its lossless quality.
I'm gonna rip in this format from now on so if you have trouble playing it you may need to download a codec for your computer or convert it to mp3.
Enjoy

download shin kankakuha omnibus

download 2 shuffle eps

Japanese Movement Volume One EP (compilation)

2008-08-30T16:47:00.012+02:00

The Japanese Movement was the Kansai awnser to British bands like Skrewdriver and the movement surrounding them. They ran a label (Human Records), shop, fanzine etc. In 1988 they released this now rare 12 inch EP featuring: Bad Vultures, Bull The Dougs, Humpty Dumpty and JM Cracker Jacks. A follow up Volume Two was planned but was never released because the JM shop closed doors due to money problems. Bands that would be featured on Volume Two were: Contraclockwise (pre LRF), JM Warmachine, Humpty Dumpty and Bull The Dougs. Posting those songs as a bonus.

Tracklist Japanese Movement Volume One:

SIDE:A
1. Humpty Dumpty - Hill house
2. Bad Vultures - Oi! Oi! power
SIDE:B
1. Bull The Dougs - Next time smash
2. JM Crackers Jacks - They love money

Download

Tracklist Japanese Movement Volume Two:

1. JM Warmachine - Our Flag
2. Contraclockwise - The Only One
3. Humpty Dumpty - Monroe's Dead
4. Bull The Dougs - Long Live

Download

Sledge Hammer Bull The Buffalos - Return from the Rising Sun SPLIT EP

2008-08-21T20:15:00.011+02:00

This 5 track 12 inch EP was released in the early nineties by german nationalist label ESV under the name of Kamikaze Records. The vinyl's labels it self state ESV and the cover Kamikaze Records. I am not sure how many copies are pressed of this record, i suppose 500 or maybe 1000. There is a version with an inlay sheet out there, unfortunatly i don't own that one and i heard it's super rare. The music is the strong skinhead sound of early nineties Sledge Hammer and Bull The Buffalos produced. Some juicy story about the cover. This record was supposed to be released with a cover with a statement on it the cover printer refused to print, something like: "dedicated to the victims of the american imperialst wars in Hiroshima and Dresden". Anyone that can confirm this info or has a scan of the inlay please contact us! For now download and enjoy the music.

Track list:

Sledge Hammer

Kampf
Action Man

Bull The Buffalos

Smash It Up
Stop Immigration
Obtain The Right

Download

飛燕 (HIEN) - 5 song free studio demo

2008-08-10T08:16:00.013+02:00

Hien's 3rd demo release from this year, a couple months ago. The band formed in 2004 in Kanagawa Japan, released a demo cd-r and demo tape in '05, and had the song "minagoroshi" on the young skinheads compilation "Sons of skinhead 2" from '06.

The '08 demo has 5 songs, all an aggressive heavy skinhead rock/oi sound as are their 2 previous demos. Hien's sound is not like most of the young skinhead bands in Japan now, but reminds me more of the SSS bands. Much tougher sound though.

Every song is great, but the 2 that really stand out are "yamato" (which is on both of hien's previous demos) and "ikazuchi resshi". The cd art is just the cover with a picture of an evil looking Kitaro (from GeGeGe no Kitaro). The sound quality is demo-ish, but still very listenable. I'm hoping that they'll release a full length cd sometime in the near future.
Til then here's their myspace : http://www.myspace.com/hien1101.
Theres a good live video of "minagoroshi" on there too.

1.大和 (Yamato)
2.尽忠報國 (Jinchu Hokoku)
3.雷烈士 (Ikazuchi Resshi)
4.再生 (Saisei)
5.猛虎の雄叫び (Mouko no Otakebi)

download

Grow - Grow EP

2008-07-05T16:22:00.009+02:00

Two track EP released in 2000 by devour. Hard uptempo sound, reminds me of Gruesome in a way.
I don't know much about this band or release, i just know i really like this 7 inch. If anyone has any more info please comment or mail!
Go listen to it.

Track list:

Fighting Youth
Strong Rule

Download

Scanners - Born to Fight demo tape (pre-Eastern Youth)

2008-07-03T07:54:00.008+02:00

Eastern Youth's first release from somewhere between 1986-88 under their original name Scanners, which they changed in '88. The vocals on this tape are not growling at all like their later stuff, but are more singing/screaming like "grip on truth" from their East End Land LP. This tape includes an early version of that song as well. There 's also keyboards in two songs. Great rare stuff, enjoy!

01. cold wind
02. born to fight
03. grip on truth
04. yuyake koyake

download

Eastern Youth - Live Video's

2008-05-15T09:51:00.002+02:00

Check out some cool video's posted on youtube of an old Eastern Youth show.

See the other video's here:
EASTERN YOUTH - Chanced (attack for you - part 3)
EASTERN YOUTH - Quiet Crisis (attack for you - part 4)
EASTERN YOUTH - This Is My Life (attack for you - part 5)
EASTERN YOUTH - She Is My Sun (attack for you - part 6)
EASTERN YOUTH - Never Trust (attack for you - part 7)

Review: The Hawks - Nippon Shugi Sha CD

2008-02-04T22:28:00.000+01:00

The Hawks formed in 1995 and are from the Kansai area this is their second album and follow up to 2000's "Living on the edge" CD. The Hawks always sounded a bit like the Chiswick bands from the UK combined with Skrewdriver. This album has some more other influences, some songs remind me of 80's melodic hardcore from the USA. Anyway still very melodic and Skrewdriver like, they also included a Skrewdriver cover song "Patriot" sung in english. I have to say the less heavy melodic sound of the Hawks is very catchy and the songs stay in your head all the time. The Hawks together with Strong Style form the top of the Nationalist scene in Japan. Their early releases made me believe they were a more traditional skin band, compilations with non political bands like LRF etc. But i guess they fooled me. This CD is released by Jukeboxxx records. The artwork features a winged skull ( with japanese helmet ) holding a ribbon with the words "Samurai Spirit". The rest of the lay out has a kinda gangster feel to it. Listen to some samples on the Hawks myspace.

Hawks live video:

Rising Sun - Demo Tape

2008-02-04T18:36:00.000+01:00

Rising Sun were like Nakatani Ryuichi part of the JM Crew but came from Kyoto. This tape was released 1989 and of nationalist nature. Music clearly influenced by early eighties Oi! and RAC bands from europe. The fourth track "Streetfight" is a Skrewdriver cover song. I heard rumors the JM Crew had some good contacts with nationalists in England, but i am not sure about that. The tape was recorded live, i think in their practise room. They we're supposed to release a EP after this tape but it never was released.

Tracklist:

It's our flag rising sun
Betrayer
Do you get your haircut
Streetfight

Download

Review: Shishimaru - Fu-Jin CD

2008-02-03T22:43:00.000+01:00

Shishimaru's CD is the second release by Vital Sign records, ran by the singer of Empi. Came out in 2007. When i received this CD i was impressed by the great packaging/art work, but even more impressed when i gave this disc a spin in my CD player. This CD really kicks ass! Hard rock guitar work combined with punk anger and great rough vocals. These dudes really know how to write a catchy rocking tune. I like all tracks not many weak moments on this CD, the production is also good, the tracks shoot out of your speakers. Anyway i recommend this CD to everyone. Listen to a song of this CD on their webpage.

Review: Yashima No Janari (Compilation)

2008-02-03T21:42:00.000+01:00

Yashima No Janari ( Rumbling of Japanese islands ) released in 2003 by Hata-age Records features 8 nationalist japanese bands, so expect hard rocking tunes. The compilation kicks of with Resshin, bassdrum beat with some kind of military chant i guess a intro to this compilation. Up next are Jin Rai with the track "Mio No kaze" up tempo beats rought yet melodic vocals and a great sing a long reffrain with typical Jin Rai guitar leads. Then it's Brave's turn delivering two tracks. First of the two tracks starts of with a keyboard intro fading into deep vocals and a mid tempo melodic tune, feautures some nice guitar solo. Their next track "Blood of the wolf" is based on a great hard rock/metal sounding riff, much more aggressive tune. Yoroi get's their turn now, always recogniseable by their over the top bassguitar sound. Very heavy metal sounding track called "Monou muyou". Garou starts with a very NWOBHM sounding intro that even features keyboards, some great guitar riffing going on in this tune. Shifumaro contributes with two tracks "Dokuro" and "Senkura", sounding really 80's hardrockish. Then it's New Dawn with their ultra melodic guitar work and vocals that also remind me a lot of NWOBH with a Japanese flavour to it. Last band on this compilation is Empi, and this is my favourite track of the album, you just gotta love that guitar riff! Early eighties hard rock sound with rough skinhead vocals. Listen to the track on their Myspace. Nice compilation giving you a taste of some current Japanese skinhead bands. The CD comes with a nice booklet and cool artwork, well worth picking up.

Gruesome - 5 track demo

2008-02-01T15:37:00.001+01:00

5 track demo tape of Osaka skinhead band Gruesome. Probably recorded in the early 90's. They have a definite hardcore influence, up tempo beats combined with some nice melodies. These recording sessions sound very similar to their 7 inch release by Dim records "Throw light on". Another one of my favorite bands.

Track list:

Windjammer
Dog & stag
Throw light on
Tightly wound
Armour & greed

Download

edit: re-uploaded to rapidshare

Streetjustice (Compilation)

2008-02-01T12:49:00.001+01:00

This CD was released in the summer of 1991 on Sun Grab / Paranoiz Records. My favourite tracks on this CD are by Gruesome and Eastern Youth. The bands sound more traditional Oi! this time. The CD is long sold out, but essential in my opinion. Check it out!

Track List:

Bad Vultures - Union song part2
Bad Vultures - Go for it
Bad Vultures - Kick out
Unite Boys - Oi mate
Unite Boys - Limitless struggle
Unite Boys - Valuable my boots
Gruesome - No warrent
Gruesome - That's i'm wrong
Gruesome - Cross arise
Studly's - We are going be dragon in tonight
Studly's - Surf, surf, surf
Studly's - My unlucky but nice day
United Changers - Workers cry
United Changers - Ever skinhead
United Changers - Youth of fetus
Eastern Youth - Aojiroki Hikaru Tuki Yo

Download

Sledge Hammer - Live Tape

2008-01-17T21:47:00.000+01:00

Sledge Hammer the most well known Samurai Spirit Skinhead band. Formed in the early nineties with members of bands like Shuffle, Angry Ducks and Herberts changing to the more rougher RAC influenced sound. The live recordings on this tape are pretty good and contains cover songs by Skrewdriver and Greedies. This tape was released early nineties and simply called "live tape". Sledge Hammer later turned Tettsui (Nippon Hammers) and released a full length CD on Straight Up records. I am not sure if Tettsui is still active, i know there are Tettsui/Sledge Hammer members active in the band Crawler.

A-SIDE:

Stick together
Anthem
Back with a bang (Skrewdriver)
Merry jingle (Greedies)
We are skinheads never die!!!

B-SIDE:

Intro
Government pressure
Stick together
Boots & braces (Skrewdriver)
Anthem
We Assault you
Storm & fire

Download

Check out some YouTube video, see more here.

Review: New Dawn - Kibi Mei Wo Tsugeru Kane Cd

2008-01-14T00:18:00.000+01:00

First of all help me out with translating the title of the album!(Aaron thanx a lot!). This 9 track Cd was released in 2005 through Straight Up records. New Dawn features ex members of Cannons, Aggro Knuckle and Strong Style. The Cd kicks off with a hard rocking riff turning into a great melodic tune. The sound is very catchy although metallic with great melodic guitar leads althrough the album. Most songs are pretty up tempo wich is good in my opinion. The vocals are not as rough as some other bands sound but suits the melodic style well. New Dawn is a great band and you should definatly check them out, the cd has a great packaging too, like all Straight Up releases.

Check out a youtube live clip

Review: Strong Style - Akashi EP

2008-01-13T01:21:00.000+01:00

Strong Style features members of Cannons and the Akashi EP was released in 2002 on Jukeboxxx records. The EP was released as a CD and pressed on vinyl. The big difference between the two is the vinyl EP has a different cover and is long sold out also the first 100 copies are pressed on white vinyl and included a sticker. The first track Akashi is a very melodic sing a long track, great guitar work with some nice riffing going on in the intro. Second track starts of kinda bluesy on the guitar but soon transforms in a slow paced melodic sing along tune. The last and third track is "Rising Sun" an old Cannons tune (check out my earlier post on them to hear the original tune). I have to say this version is great, cause these guys really can play their instruments and this EP has a great production. Strong Style to my knowledge is now the leading nationalist band in Japan together with The Hawks and luckily they haven't a adopted a too metal sound like many Japanese bands do now a days. Instead Strong Style releases more old school sounding skinhead tunes, the great different with the old Cannons sound to me is more experienced song writing and instrument skills. I recommend this record to everyone! Check out some sound files on Strong Style's website

Above: Alternative artwork for CD

Eastern Youth - For Skins And Punks EP

2008-01-13T00:54:00.000+01:00

Eastern Youth during their skinhead days is probably my personal favourite Japanese band. As you might know Eastern Youth grew out to be a big Indy band in Japan. They even toured the USA. This 3 track EP was released in 1991 according to the vinylfroinde website it's pressing was limited to 1000 copies. The sound is very melodic and catchy and you can hear the future sound of Eastern Youth in these tunes. I guess these songs were recorded after the release of the time is running album. The track for skins and punks is also featured on Eastern Youth's self titled 3rd album.

Track list:

For Skins and Punks
Japan For Nation
Live For Today

Download

Ookami No Utage (Compilation)

2008-01-12T23:57:00.000+01:00

Happy new year! Here is the much sought after Ookami No Utage (Wolfparty) compilation CD. This album was released in January 1994 by Eastern Youth's Sakamoto Shouten ( this is actually the second release of their label after the self titled Eastern Youth album ). Bands featured on this CD are: Tettsui (known before as Sledge Hammer), Ouka, Raiya (Ex Bull The Buffalos), Growl Strike, Aggro Knuckle and Eastern Youth. All the top nationalist bands in Japan during that time.

Tracklist:

Tettsui - Shikon
Tettsui - Turugi
Ouka - Fudoudamasii
Ouka - Tenkuu
Raiya - Owarinaki Tatakai
Raiya - Rising Sun
Growl Strike - Inoti Haterumad
Growl Strike - Saisenzen
Aggro Knuckle - Un Mask
Aggro Knuckle - Smash the Wall
Eastern Youth - Seikatumujyou

Download

Come Alone To The Holy Night, Skinheads (Compilation)

2007-12-24T23:25:00.001+01:00

It's christmas, so here is a christmas album for you. This is the rare Come Alone To The Holy Night, Skinheads (Compilation) released December 1990 by sungrab records. The compilation features all big skinhead bands from Japan of that time. My favourite tracks are by Eastern Youth and Sledge Hammer do a Greedies cover song. Enjoy this classic sought after album!

Track listing:

Sledgehammer - Merry Jingle
Sledgehammer - Anthem
Sledgehammer - Stick together (union song)
The Working - Skinhead Road
The Working - King of power
The Working - Bubble X'mas
Eastern Youth - Get out my way
Eastern Youth - Small towns youth
Eastern Youth - White Christmas

Download

Cannons - Guts & Truth EP

2007-12-24T22:15:00.000+01:00

From the Tokyo area came Cannons with their heavy paced rough sounding Samurai Spirit Skinhead sound. Typical example of early nineties Tokyo area skinhead band influenced by the rough sounding european skinhead bands combining it with their own distinguished sound. This EP was released in 1993 by American label VultureRock.

Pressing info: 600 in black wax, 200 in white wax, 200 in red wax, 27 test pressing in black wax. With a large center hole. Cannons members later formed the current band Strong Style, their Akashi EP features the Cannons song "Rising Sun". I reconmend you check Strong Style out.
Track list:
Side A: "Aggro Knuckle" "Run" Side B: Rising Sun"

Download

Nakatani Ryuichi - Samurai Tape

2007-12-24T02:02:00.000+01:00

Song on the tape:“Waga Eiyuu Sono Tamashii” (Our Hero, that Spirit) by Nakatani Ryuichi (formerly of JM Crackerjacks from Osaka area).Released as a one-track demo tape, Heisei Era 2.11.25 (November 25, 1990) – 20th anniversary of the ritual suicide of patriotic Japanese author Mishima Yukio on November 25, 1970 (Showa Era 45.11.25). This is a ballad type song.Download includes cover artwork and lyrics.

Download

Bull The Buffalos Tape

2007-12-24T00:21:00.000+01:00

Bull The Buffaloes hailed from the Tokyo area of Japan, known from their 12" EP released by SPFC records in 1993 ( wich you can occasionally find on ebay etc. ). Note: on this tape they called them self Bull The Buffaloes later releases they were named Bull The Buffalos! This is a tape released around 1990 i suspect. The A side are 4 live songs, the B-side are 7 songs recorded in their practise space. I think certain members continued making music with the band Raiya after Bull The Buffalos broke up.
Check out some live videos of them on youtube:

more here

A-SIDE (live):

Bull the buffaloes
Work song
Beginning of the end
Politician

B-SIDE (practise):

Stop Immigration
Bull the buffaloes
Work song
Warrior
Politician
Intro
Warriors Law

Download

Start

2007-12-23T23:49:00.000+01:00

Welcome to this new blog dedicated to Japanese skinhead music. This blog will contain hard to get out of print releases of Japanese skinhead bands from the past and some of the present. I won't post any current available releases! Just out of print stuff: vinyl releases, demo's, live recordings or out of print Cd's. I hope you will enjoy this page and leave some comments. Anyone with any knowledge or background info on bands on this blog please comment or get in contact with me for the best possible info on these releases. For now enjoy! Mata ne