Hebi Katana - Imperfection (Album Review)

Release Date: July 25th 2025. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Imperfection - Tracklisting

1.Bon Nou

2.Dead Horse Requiem 

3.Praise the Shadows

4.Echoes from Old Tree

5.Blood Spirit Rising

6.Yu gen

7.Yume wa Kareno

Members

Laven - Bass, Vocals

Nobu - Guitars, Vocals

T.T. Goblin - Drums

Review

Japanese Doom/Stoner/Heavy Metallers Hebi Katana new album Imperfection sees the band aiming for bigger and better things with their HEAVIEST and HUGE sounding record to date. With the power of Ripple Music fully behind Hebi Katana, the stage is set for the band to expand their musical horizons as Imperfection is a non-stop collection of grizzled Proto-Metal sounds that the band have superbly developed over the last five years or so.

Imperfection is their fourth full length album and “features lyrics inspired by Matsuo Basho and Tanizaki Junichiro's “wabi sabi” “beauty of imperfection” and “enso" based on the unique Japanese spiritual world.” The record has Hebi Katana’s classic style of Proto Metal energy which is delivered with a wild GONZO energy that pays perfect homage to bands such as Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, The Ramones and cult Japanese Heavy Metal heroes ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK.

There’s a sense of intense Stoner Rock/Metal BRAVADO on Imperfection with thrashy and seedy instrumental sounds capturing Hebi Katana at the top of their game. The vocals from Nobu and Laven feel more energetic with the no-nonsense attitude of Seventies Proto-Metal, Doom and Punk Rock vibes that’s matched against the OVER THE TOP Eighties Hard Rock attitude. It’s good to hear that Hebi Katana haven’t changed their stripped back Garage Rock based sound which allows the production side of Imperfection to have quite an iconic ROUGH and READY appeal which gives the record a more dangerous OUTLAW energy to it all.

The SAMURAI DOOM spirit of Hebi Katana’s runs amok with killer HIGH VOLTAGE grooves on tracks such as Dead Horse Requiem, Praise The Shadows, Echoes From The Old Tree and Yume wa Kareno being the most praiseworthy, thrilling and catchiest songs on the whole album. Hebi Katana do become quite “OCCULT” obsessed on this record which brings a sense of murky FUZZ ROCK heaviness with the outlandish lyrics doing a magnificent job of selling the whole creative vision that the band have for Imperfection. 

Imperfection has a world building Psychedelic attitude which is perhaps down to the surreal Psychedelic vision that inspired the band that I mentioned earlier in the review. If you’re only here for the music then Hebi Katana will no doubt impress you with their fearless playing and vivid expression of pure HEAVY METAL and RAWK & ROLL excess that will no doubt establish the band as major players within the global HEAVY ROCK scene. 

Hebi Katana are on the verge of great things and Imperfection is another outstanding record from one of the best kept secrets from the Japanese Underground Scene.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Imperfection is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music.

HEBI KATANA links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify

Tokyo Samurai Doom Unit HEBI KATANA share first track off upcoming new album "Imperfection"; out July 25th on Ripple Music!

Japanese doom and heavy rock powerhouse HEBI KATANA announces the release of their fourth studio album "Imperfection" this July 25th on Ripple Music and presents the haunting debut single "Dead Horse Requiem" today.

Watch Hebi Katana's new video Dead Horse Requiem - 走馬灯 + listen to the single on all streaming services

HEBI KATANA are purveyors of a one-of-a-kind fusion of wabi-sabi (Japanese traditional acceptance of transience and imperfection) and heavy doom sounds! Their 2023 album “III” was widely acclaimed in Japan and overseas and ranked #7 on the influential Doom Charts for December 2023, while influential US magazine New Noise Magazine deemed the trio as "a deadly new force within the Japanese scene".

Their upcoming fourth full-length "Imperfection" — written and recorded in parallel of a tour with the same lineup as "III" — features lyrics inspired by Matsuo Basho and Tanizaki Junichiro's “wabi sabi” “beauty of imperfection” and “enso" based on the unique Japanese spiritual world. This new album refines their signature doom and proto-hard rock sound, merging loud roaring riffs with beaming melodies. Pulsing with sheer intensity and channeling the spirit of the 70s, their dynamics interweave doom metal weight and psychedelic expansiveness while staying true to their dark, shadowy and introspective worldview.

The trio’s chemistry shines as they balance brute force with intricate subtleties, creating a sound that feels both primal and meticulously crafted. "Imperfection" marks a bold evolution for HEBI KATANA. Every riff, groove, and vocal line reinforces their identity — a band unafraid to explore darkness while delivering pure, riff-driven power in their own right. Don't wait to join the cult.

HEBI KATANA "Imperfection" - Out July 25th on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital)

Formed in Tokyo in 2020, HEBI KATANA released their self-titled debut album at the end of the same year. With their authentic doom/stoner sound and dark and mellow heavy rock sound, they quickly became a cornerstone of the Japanese scene amongst enthusiasts in overseas media, establishing their sound as “Tokyo Samurai Doom”. In 2022, they released their second album “Impermanence”, welcoming Yukito Okazaki of Eternal Elysium/Studio Zen fame as the producer. A year later, they issued their third album “III”, which was distributed in Japan, as well as in Germany, Poland and the UK. The band performed relentlessly in Tokyo and major cities in Japan, appeared at the Tokyo Doom Fest, and toured in Italy, France and South America.

HEBI KATANA is

Laven - Bass, Vocals
Nobu - Guitars, Vocals

T.T. Goblin - Drums

HEBI KATANA links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Spotify

RIPPLE MUSIC links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

Hebi Katana - Doom N' Bloom 2024 (Album Review)

Release Date: May 28th 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Doom N' Bloom 2024: Tracklisting

1.Intro - Debtor 05:08

2.Pain Should I Take 05:45

3.Struggle with a Lie 05:29

4.No Sorrow 04:46

5.Drum Solo - The Hole 07:04

6.Darkest Priest 05:00

7.Hallelujah Anyway 05:21

8.Intro - Direction for Human Hearts 06:08

9.Darkest Priest 04:58

10.Drum Solo - The Hole 05:42

11.Pennsylvania Blood 04:23

12.Zephyrphobia 01:34

13.Struggle with a Lie 04:09

14.Pain Should I Take 05:21

Members

Nobu: Guitars, Vocals

Laven: Bass, Vocals

Goblin: Drums

Review

Doom N' Bloom 2024 is the first live album from self proclaimed SAMURAI DOOM ROCKERS - Hebi Katana - and it’s made up of two concerts the band performed earlier this year which is explained below:

Side A (Track 1 - 7)

Live at Sengoku-Daitoryo 戦国大統領 Osaka, Japan

April 13 2024

Side B (Track 8 - 14)

Live at Niman-Denatsu 20,000V 二万電圧 Tokyo, Japan

April 12 2024

The concerts were in support of their 2023 acclaimed album “III” and features tracks from that album and tracks from their other great releases. The album is not the best sounding LIVE recording and the volume is perhaps a bit too LOW at times but this record still shows what a great LIVE act that Hebit Katana are becoming within their home country of Japan. 

I’m a huge fan of their music and love their Proto-Doom style of Stoner Metal which has elements of Punk Rock, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal and other fine amounts of 1980’s Hard Rock that gives Hebi Katana’s music a more EXCESSIVE feel compared to other Doom/Stoner Metal bands from the Japanese scene.

Despite the rough production values, you instantly become part of the actual audience with the band's collection of great songs that are delivered with gritty determination especially in the extended instrumental solos that become quite THRASH based within the first half of the album.

Some tracks do appear twice within the album which is understandable being from different set-lists but feel quite different at times and that’s down to the appreciative reactions from the audience especially with Struggle With A Lie and Darkest Priest. 

Hebi Katana are becoming a force to be reckoned with within the Doom/Stoner Metal scene and they’re only going to become bigger and better with future releases. They’re about to embark on a short European Tour visiting France/Italy in July 2024. If you want to see what all the fuss is about with Hebi Katana and you want to hear a superbly entertaining LIVE album which pays respect to the LIVE BOOTLEG albums from the good old days then Doom N’ Bloom 2024 fits that bill perfectly.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Hebi Katana - III (Album Review)

Release Date: 13th December 2023. Record Label: Unforgiven Blood Records. Formats: CD/DD

III - Tracklisting

1.Hallelujah Anyway 04:21

2.The Debtor 04:27

3.Depressed Blues 03:41

4.No Sorrow 04:13

5.Pennsylvania Blood 04:08

6.The Hole 04:49

7.Darkest Priest 04:12

8.Lost 05:57

Members

Nobu:Guitras, Vocals

Laven:Bass, Vocals

Goblin:Drums, Keyboard

Review

Self proclaimed Samurai Doom Rockers Hebi Katana return with their third album simply titled III and it’s another glorious throwback to the days of The Obsessed, Saint Vitus and Trouble with a vintage Proto-Doom sound that is boosted by flashy moments of Heavy Stoner Rock grooves. The music is more precise here and is about as sharp as a Samurai’s sword itself. There’s a more reliance on inventive storytelling appearing within the band’s lyrics that allows III to be quite cinematic especially when the heavier subtle Doom Metal melodies appear.

Hebi Katana merges 1980’s Classic Heavy Metal Shredding Guitars with a vintage no frills 1970’s Doom Metal attitude with flashes of Psychedelic energy appearing on the fabulous opening songs of Hallelujah Anyway, The Debtor and Depressed Blues. Hebi Katana incorporate a seedy style of music that could be normally associated with their fellow Doomsters Church Of Misery though Hebi Katana play a more fast-paced and slightly aggressive style of music.

With a seedy FUZZ ROCK attitude coming into play and hearing Hebi Katana playing moments of down-tuned heaviness still allows the band to play an action-packed style of music that wanders around aimlessly between the 1970’s and 1980’s style of Doom Rock/Metal with a lot of modern day Guitars and Amplifier Feedback working surprisingly well with lead vocalist Nobu’s classic based vocals. Nobu delivers a more rebellious performance compared to Hebi Katana releases.

Hebi Katana adapts a more Punk Rock and Heavy Metal energy within the later stages of the album on tracks such as No Sorrow, Pennsylvania Blood, Darkest Priest and Lost. With an almost Speed Rock ethic being added to the mix, Hebi Katana deliver and play multiple styles of Doom Rock with fine amounts of STONER and FUZZED UP aggression. 

The sound of the album can be quite chaotic and hap-hazard in places but it’s all part of the charm with Hebi Katana delivering their strongest material and most definitely their catchiest and outrageous album yet where there’s RIFFS galore from start to finish.

Hebi Katana are a band who have true CULT APPEAL within the Doom/Stoner Metal underground scene and will no doubt grow their fanbase even further with a great album such as this. III is the real deal and Hebi Katana should be proud of themselves. 

Words by Steve Howe 

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter | Linktree

Hebi Katana - Impermanence​-​無常 (Album Review)

Release Date: February 25th 2022. Record Label: Unforgiven Blood Records. Format: CD/DD

Impermanence​-​無常 - Tracklisting

Dirty Moon Child

Pain Should I Take

Devastator

Unforgiven Blood

Agua De Vida

You Don't Lie

Running In My Vein

Take My Pills

Underneath The Sky

Members

Nobu - Vocals, Guitar

Yasuzo - Bass

Review

Self Proclaimed Tokyo Samurai Doom Rockers Hebi Katana return with their second full length album Impermanence​-​無常. The band released their acclaimed debut album back in Dec 2020 and it was a first rate classic Proto Doom/Hard Rock adventure with elements of Heavy Stoner Rock/Metal. The band go a different route for their new album by playing less Proto-Doom and more Classic Hard Rock and 70's based Heavy Metal all under the guise of Yukito Okazaki of Japanese Psych Stoner Rock legends Eternal Elysium who produces at his famous STUDIO ZEN.

The album has a "rough and ready" appeal compared to their debut album. Yeah, it's less heavy but still retains its Doom Rock and Stoner Rock charm and that's down great songs that Hebi Katana have recorded for this album. Add masterful production duties from Yukito and this is a much better and well rounded experience than their debut album which I'm a huge admirer of.

Hebi Katana draw influences from bands such as Black Sabbath, Budgie and even modern day Stoner Rock/Metal acts currently doing the rounds. Hebi Katana have a more mature songwriting style on this album as the lyrics are more engaging with the grooves being quite deliciously heavy. 

This is a true classic Doom Rock/Hard Rock and Modern Day Stoner Rock album with Hebi Katana seamlessly flirting between the different genres they use and play on this album.

Standout songs include: Dirty Moon Child, Pain Should I Take, Devastator, Unforgiven Blood, You Don't Lie and Underneath The Sky. Basically the whole album is packed full of classic sounding songs that all have plenty of dynamic groove that veers into Boogie Rock and even twinges of Grungy goodness. 

Where most of the famed Japanese Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal bands such as Church Of Misery and BORIS play a more extreme style of music it's good to hear a band form the Japanese Doom/Stoner Rock scene bring a classic style of Hard Rock/Doom/Stoner Rock to the underground masses and still sound so damn exciting and original.

Hebi Katana have delivered an outstanding album that not only builds upon the promise they showed with their debut album but allows them to potentially become more well known within the global underground Doom/Stoner Rock scene.

With the mighty Italian Powerhouse label Argonauta Records releasing this album on Limited Vinyl in June 2022 then the future is looking rather bright for Hebi Katana and long may that continue.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy the album on Unforgiven Blood Records from disk union 

You can also pre-order the limited coloured vinyl from Argonauta Records due for release in June 2022.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Twitter | Instagram