Ezo (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Sapporo, Japan |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Sapporo , Japan |
| Products | Music albums, videos |
was a Japanese heavy metal group originally formed under the name Flatbacker in 1982 in Sapporo, Japan. The band originated from the merging of two high school ensembles, Power-Station and Scrap. EZO notably impacted musicians such as Steve McDonald from Redd Kross and Michael Steele of The Bangles.
History
The lineup of EZO featured Masaki Yamada on vocals, Taro Takahashi handling bass duties, Shoyo Iida playing guitar, and Hiro Homma on drums.[1] Initially, as Flatbacker, they issued a demo cassette titled Minagoroshi in 1984, followed by two albums: Senzo (1985) and Esa (1986), both released exclusively in Japan.[2] Upon relocating to the United States, they adopted the name EZO, reportedly at the suggestion of Gene Simmons from Kiss, who also produced their American debut. The new name references the historical term for Hokkaidō.[2]
Under the Geffen Records label, EZO released two albums: their self-titled EZO in 1987 and Fire Fire in 1989. However, internal disputes led to their contract being terminated.[2]
Following EZO's disbandment, vocalist Masaki Yamada joined the Japanese metal act Loudness in 1992, with drummer Hiro Homma following in 1994.[2] Both musicians left Loudness when the original members reunited in 2000.[2] Subsequently, Homma served as drummer for the metal band Anthem from 2001 to 2013, while Yamada took on bass responsibilities for New York-based band FiRESiGN.
An iconic guitar riff from EZO's track "House of 1,000 Pleasures" was adopted as the signature sound for the syndicated radio network known as Z Rock.
Studio albums
| Year | Title | JP | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Minagoroshi(皆殺し) (Demo, under 'Fratvacker') | ||
| 1985 | Accident(戦争) (as 'Flatbacker') | ||
| 1986 | Esa(餌) (as 'Flatbacker') | ||
| 1987 | EZO | 6 | 150 |
| 1989 | Fire Fire | 19 |
Videos
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1985 | War is Over (as 'Flatbacker') |
| 1988 | E・Z・O |
| 2004 | Returns |