Guitar Icon Marty Friedman Announces New Album Drama Out May 17, 2024 via Frontiers Music
Legendary guitarist Marty Friedman has announced the release of his new solo album Drama, set to be released on May 17, 2024, via Frontiers Music. Known for his groundbreaking work with Cacophony and his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to peak popularity, Friedman has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon. His eclectic presence in music and Japanese pop culture has been nothing short of inspiring.
The New Album: Drama
Drama sees Marty Friedman revisiting the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 album Scenes, but this time elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of mini-symphonies. Tracks like “Illumination” and “Mirage” transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking emotions ranging from chills to sudden tears. With Drama, Friedman aims to spotlight his mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs more than in any of his previous work.
Recorded in Italy with access to a lot of vintage guitars alongside his modern signature models, Drama promises to tick every box!
Marty Friedman’s Musical Journey
Cacophony: Marty began his career with Cacophony alongside the legendary Jason Becker. Their collaboration produced two albums, Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go Off! (1988), which showcased Friedman’s distinctive neoclassical shredding style.
Megadeth: Friedman joined Megadeth in 1990, helping propel the band to its peak with iconic albums like Rust in Peace (1990), Countdown to Extinction (1992), and Youthanasia (1994). His unorthodox melodic sense and breathtaking range solidified his reputation as one of metal’s most unique guitarists.
Solo Career: Starting with Dragon’s Kiss in 1988, Friedman’s solo career spans 15 albums, including the Tokyo Jukebox series and the atmospheric Scenes. His blend of heavy metal and Japanese music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
A Global Ambassador for Japanese Music
Since moving to Japan in 2003, Marty Friedman has become a household name beyond the music world. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared in over 900 Japanese TV shows, motion pictures, and commercials, including a Coca-Cola/Fanta campaign that ran for over two years.
Ambassador of Japan Heritage: Recently appointed by the Japanese government, he composed the “Japan Heritage Theme Song” recorded with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Major Japanese Venues: He has performed at the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times.
Tokyo Marathon: Friedman has played the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Marathon five times, most recently in March 2024.
TV Collaborations: He has collaborated with numerous Japanese stars, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.
The Tokyo Jukebox Series
Marty Friedman’s Tokyo Jukebox series is a set of albums covering Japanese songs that have become a go-to for fans fascinated by Japanese music. The series includes:
Tokyo Jukebox (2009)
Tokyo Jukebox 2 (2011)
Tokyo Jukebox 3 (2020)
Touring and Future Plans
Since the pandemic, Marty Friedman and his band have toured the U.S. twice and are planning an extensive tour in support of Drama. Fans can look forward to experiencing Friedman’s mesmerizing guitar work live as he continues to blend his eclectic influences into captivating new music.
‘Drama’ Track List:
1) Illumination
2) Song for an Eternal Child
3) Triumph (Official Version)
4) Thrill City
5) Deep End
6) Dead of Winter
7) Mirage
8) A Prayer
9) Acapella
10) Tearful Confession
11) Icicles
12) 2 Rebeldes (Dead of Winter) (Spanish Version)
Produced By: Marty Friedman
Studios: Newsin Audio Design, Italy
Woodcliff Studios, USA
NK Sound & Sunshine Studios, Japan
Recorded By: Luigi Stefanini, Frank Rosato, Takao Nakazato, Atsuo Akabae, Kenjiro Naka
Mixed By: Alexander Backlund and Jay Ruston
Mastered By: Koji Tanaka at Victor Creative Media, Tokyo
Guitar Technician & Sonic Guru: Franco Piona
Band Members:
Marty Friedman – Guitar
Wakazaemon – Bass
Gregg Bissonette – Drums
Mika Maruki – Piano, Keyboard & Synth
Hiyori Okuda – Cello
Miho Chigyo – Violin
Vocals on “Dead of Winter”: Chris Brooks (Like A Storm)
Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas
Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker
Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka
Keys and Synth on “Sanctuary”: Takuro Iga
Drums on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee
Additional recording: Yukiko Takada, Jordan Rudess, Naoki Morioka, Maki Furugaki, Chris Brooks, Matt Brooks, Kent Brooks, Brian Becvar
Phil Aston, Now Spinning Magazine
