Just like every rock musician, we say thank you to Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal music.
This year, the most important task in our plan was to make “Godman EP”.
Our original plan was to record a 5 songs EP in classic heavy metal style. That was intended to be an homage to Ozzy.
Hearing the news of his passing at this timing, we think it is our destiny to dedicate this EP to him.
“Godman EP” – a temporary title – we will give it a proper title when we’re ready – that will be a more apparent homage to Oz.
The idea of making an album/EP as an homage to Ozzy – that was originally a plan we had for “Atuki Ryo with Jesus Mode”, our side project. (2012-2016) – That was the idea we had for Jesus Mode’s 3rd EP.
And we already had the album cover. As you can see, that was the direct homage to “Diary of a Madman” album. (I got to say… Atsuki Ryo was awesome here!)
However, unfortunately, “Atsuki Ryo with Jesus Mode” went inactive when the singer Atsuki Ryo retired from singing/performing. (The drummer Eiji is now playing guitar in his new band Tokyo Metal Club. Marie joined Imari Tones as a bassist.)
Now finally, we are ready to make this idea come true under the name of Imari Tones. We wish we could have released it while Ozzy was still alive. But now we are going to make it as a sincere homage to him. A sincere homage to heavy metal legacy.
As musicians, we love Ozzy. We love Black Sabbath.
I feel lucky to have heard his music in the early stage of my life.
This is the comment I posted on my personal wall.
“Ozzy Osbourne was heavy metal music.
I can’t say how thankful I am.
14 years old me could not have survived without his music. (Written and performed by Randy, Jake, Zakk and other great musicians)
Prince of darkness, the madman. Yet music was always genuine, innocent and beautiful.
What can I say.
Thank you very much.”
May his soul rest in Heaven.
(Tak)