Imari Tones: Coming Back Alive

The promotional material for this album says that Imari Tones “gained recognition in 2008 when they declared themselves as ‘The first Christian metal band from Japan.’� While they claim to often be inspired by classic metal and prog bands, “this album is simple, straightforward 1980s-inspired hard rock … fun, happy, easygoing, and full of joy.�

You can definitely hear what they are shooting for on Coming Back Alive, but they never really succeed over the course of the 12 tracks. The vocals, which are sung in English, are very high in the mix and not memorable. They bounce around from high pitched wails on “Love Wars,� to melodic on “Open the Door,� to rap on “How to Save the Multiverse.� Sometimes you get all three in a single song, such as “How to Save the Multiverse.�

They are at their best when they abandon shredding for simple garage rock, with “Co-In� and “What the Devil Hates� perhaps being the best examples. Imari Tones must have a following; they have a lot of full-length releases, including a greatest hits album. Perhaps I got in at the wrong time with this record, because I can’t recommend it.

Track Listing
1. Above & Below (5:24)
2. Love Resurrection (3:57)
3. Love Wars (3:25)
4. Small Flame (4:43)
5. Message From Above (4:34)
6. How to Save the Multiverse (4:34)
7. Co-In (5:14)
8. What the Devil Hates (4:55)
9. This Cat Says Hallelujah (5:19)
10. Open the Door (4:58)
11. Coming Back Alive (4:26)
12. Rock in Heaven (5:27)

Added: February 10th 2026
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 81
Language: english

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