We don’t know what exactly “press release” is and we don’t know when is the right time to post it, but here is our press release for the new album! Release date February 7th😀
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For Immediate Release
Date: January 28th, 2025
Imari Tones Drops Their New Album “Coming Back Alive”
A Powerful Comeback Album Created After a Devastating Fire, Thanks to the Support of Fans
[Yokohama, Japan] – [January 28th, 2025] – Imari Tones, widely recognized as Japan’s first Christian heavy metal band, is proud to announce the release of their 19th studio album, “Coming Back Alive”, on February 7, 2025. The album, released under the band’s self-run label, Kitchen Knife Records, marks a return to their roots while celebrating faith, resilience, and the power of music.
Their previous album, “Nabeshima”, was released through a European indie label and explored progressive and diverse musical directions with a touch of traditional Japanese influence. However, for “Coming Back Alive,” Imari Tones took a different approach, crafting an album that pays homage to 1980s hard rock while maintaining their core Christian themes.
Overcoming Adversity to Create Music
The creation of this album was not without challenges. In June 2023, a fire destroyed the apartment where band members Tak and Marie lived. The disaster put their activities on hold and forced them to rebuild their lives. Thankfully, with the support of their fans and community, they found a temporary home at Asao Christ Church, where they not only lived but also recorded much of the album.
The album’s title, “Coming Back Alive,” had been decided before the fire. However, the life-threatening experience gave the title a profound and literal significance. The album now serves as a testament to their survival, their faith in God, and the eternal themes of resurrection and enduring love that transcend life and death.
One tragic loss from the fire was a remarkable cat that lived in one of the apartments. This cat was known for its unique vocalization, sounding like it was singing “Hallelujah.” The band incorporated a recording of the cat’s voice into one of the songs, honoring its memory and symbolizing the belief that it is now in heaven praising God.
A Return to Straightforward Rock
Musically, “Coming Back Alive” sees Imari Tones revisiting the straightforward, high-energy rock that defined their early years. This shift contrasts with the expansive and experimental approach of their previous album, “Nabeshima”, which incorporated progressive influences, elements of traditional Japanese music, and multilingual lyrics.
Tak, the band’s leader, explains the evolution:
“Our previous album, ‘Nabeshima,’ had a wide musical range. It was progressive, combining heavy metal with traditional Japanese elements, and featured lyrics in both Japanese and English. It was unique, and we’re proud of it, but some of our audience found it harder to connect with. So this time, we wanted to create something more straightforward. The theme of bouncing back from the fire perfectly matched the fun and hopeful musical direction we wanted to take.”
This new album is a joyful celebration of life and renewal, with a sound heavily inspired by 1980s hard rock. It captures the youthful energy and optimism that first defined the band’s career, while maintaining the spiritual depth and purpose that have become their hallmark.
Singles and Music Videos Already Released
Ahead of the album release, Imari Tones has already released five singles from “Coming Back Alive,” each paired with a music video. These videos, available on YouTube, have been well-received for their creativity and engaging visuals. Highlights include the use of AI-generated imagery in “Love Wars” and a fun Japanese food tour featured in the music video for “Message From Above.”
Supporting Wildfire Relief with Album Proceeds
In gratitude for the support they received after their fire, Imari Tones has decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from “Coming Back Alive” to the California Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildfire relief and recovery efforts. This contribution will be made on a permanent basis, ensuring that the band’s music not only brings hope to listeners but also directly helps those affected by similar disasters.
The decision to partner with the California Community Foundation was deeply personal for the band, as their experience with the 2023 fire left them acutely aware of the challenges faced by those who lose their homes. “We wanted to pay forward the kindness and support we received by helping others in need,” Tak explains.
Album Details
Title: Coming Back Alive
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Label: Kitchen Knife Records
Genre: Christian Metal / Hard Rock
Available On: Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major streaming platforms
Track List
1. Above & Below
2. Love Resurrection
3. Love Wars
4. Small Flame
5. Message From Above
6. How To Save The Multiverse
7. Co-In
8. What The Devil Hates
9. This Cat Says Hallelujah
10. Open The Door
11. Coming Back Alive
12. Rock In Heaven
Music Videos
“Above & Below”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyQ1cYs42Ps
“Love Resurrection”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_84lsRZgCvQ
“Message From Above”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_dVGYxX4dM
“Love Wars”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glH43TeYiy8
Spotify Playlist (5 singles from the album)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5aVVMvhhNkMSpFCDklEO8Y?si=9483d1d618134f32
About Imari Tones
Imari Tones is an independent Christian metal band based in Japan. Known for their pioneering role as the country’s first Christian heavy metal group, the band has released 18 albums to date and performed internationally, spreading messages of faith, hope, and resilience through their music.
Stay Connected
Website: www.imaritones.net
YouTube: youtube.com/imaritones
Instagram: @imaritones
X: @imaritones