Album of the Week 22-2017: Onmyo-za – Karyo-Binga
Released hot on the heels of the impressive diptych of ‘Fuujin Kaikou’ and ‘Raijin Sousei’, it is something of a miracle that Onmyo-za still had enough inspiration left to write another excellent album. In fact, it is even better than the latter. ‘Karyo-Binga’ sounds manages to sound familiar and fresh at the same time, as its combination of traditional heavy metal and hard rock riffs, J-rock melodicism, prog rock adventurism and subtle hints of Japanese folk is exactly what we have come to expect from Onmyo-za, whilst simultaneously updating the band’s sound, resulting in one of their best albums yet.
Of course, the update is minimal, as the sound of Onmyo-za is still strongly centered around the equally melodic voices of Kuroneko and band leader Matatabi, as well as the strong, but never busy riff work and passionate leads of Maneki and Karukan. However, it is quite obvious that the band was hungry to try out new things this time around, most notably downtuned guitars and a bigger emphasis on keyboards. That does not mean that we are dealing with a watered-down, pseudo-heavy version of Onmyo-za here though. Neither dominate the record and therefore, ‘Karyo-Binga’ feels like nothing more or less than a contemporary Onmyo-za record.
Like the other highlights in Onmyo-za’s discography, ‘Karyo-Binga’ has a very pleasant flow. This flow is somewhat reminiscent of its two predecessors, because ‘Karyo-Binga’ also starts with a relatively calm track which – despite its six minutes of length and song-oriented structure – feels like an overture (the title track) before moving into a powerful, but not too propulsive melodic heavy metal track (‘Ran’). The band is clever enough to keep itself from falling victim to an auto-pilot formula though, so among moments of familiarity, the band has strategically placed a few slightly surprising track to keep you attentive.
The relatively light, yet still powerfully rocking ‘Omae No Hitomi Ni Hajirai No Suna’ is one of them. Due to the subtle Hammond organ, the song has a bit of a seventies rock vibe, but Kuroneko – who, again, outdoes herself here – keeps it firmly within the Japanese rock realm. ‘Ningyo No Ori’ starts out sounding like it could be the big sweeping ballad of the album – which in fact ‘Jorougumo’ come closest to – before developing into a relatively concise epic with a dark, heavy middle section. ‘Susanoo’ and ‘Nijuunihikime Wa Dokuhami’ are the clearest examples of downtuned riffing without forsaking the melody and ‘Hyouga Ninpouchou’ is a passionate heavy metal track with amazing lead guitar work reminiscent of ‘Yue Ni Sono Toki Koto Kaze No Gotoku’ from ‘Fuujin Kaikou’.
Onmyo-za’s music is a melting pot of many different influences, as is the case with a large number of Japanese rock and metal bands. But where many Japanese bands end up sounding busy and at times disjointed, Onmyo-za found a way of combining all these influences into an irresistible, powerful sound that is remarkably pleasant to listen to. ‘Karyo-Binga’ is the latest and most contemporary sounding installment, but the consistency of the band’s discography is truly amazing. The record is well worth listening to if you are interested in any of the genres represented in the band’s sound.
Recommended tracks: ‘Hyouga Ninpouchou’, ‘Omae No Hitomi Ni Hajirai No Suna’, ‘Ran’, ‘Ningyo No Ori’
Kevy Metal 
Great review. Why not even review older albums like Hoyoku Rindo and Mugen Hoyo?
Thanks for stopping by and reading my reviews! I like ‘Houyouku Rindou’ and especially ‘Mugen Houyou’, though I think their later work is a little more consistent. The highlights are undeniable though. I can’t promise you anything yet, but there’s a chance I will review those albums in the near future!
Thanks Kevin I will be waiting for your reviews.
What do you think of Kojin Rasetsu?
I think ‘Koujin Rasetsu’ is one of their most consistent early releases. A lot of the early releases I didn’t get until later, because most of the interesting songs were on the ‘Inyo-Shugyoku’ compilation anyway, but basically ever song on ‘Koujin Rasetsu’ is pure gold. I’m generally not a huge fan of the upbeat J-rock songs that close their records, but the one on that album is actually quite good.
Thanks Kevin for you answers. Of the central phase, which do you prefer among Garyotensei, Mao Taiten, Chimimoryo, Kongo Kyubi?
Hey!
I just found out I somehow never replied to this one, I’m so sorry about that… Don’t know how that could have happened… ‘Chimimouryou’ is definitely my favorite from the middle era. It’s probably my second favorite Onmyo-za album after ‘Kishibojin’. It has surprisingly broad appeal as well. I like all four of those, but ‘Garyo-Tensei’ probably least of the three. It has a couple of true classics, but I don’t think it flows as nicely as most of their other albums.
Cheers,
Kevin