Renowned Guitar Virtuoso MARTY FRIEDMAN, @martyfriedmanofficialyoutu4475, Announces New Album ‘Drama’
Out May 17, 2024 via Frontiers Music

As one of the most influential figures in the international guitar scene, MARTY FRIEDMAN needs no introduction. From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in shaping the sound of Megadeth with contributions to iconic albums like ‘Rust In Peace’ and ‘Countdown To Extinction,’ MARTY has solidified his status as a guitar icon.

Today, MARTY proudly announces his latest solo album, ‘Drama’ where he revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release ‘Scenes,’ elevating them with his mastery of exotic scales and unique compositional approach.

Tracks like “Illumination” and “Mirage” transport listeners to captivating realms, showcasing MARTY’s unparalleled talent for crafting mesmerizing melodies and rich musical landscapes.

Recorded in Italy, where MARTY had access to a treasure trove of vintage instruments, ‘Drama’ is a delight for instrumental aficionados and anyone who appreciates music that stirs emotions.

Since moving to Japan in 2003, MARTY FRIEDMAN has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad for Coca-Cola that ran for over two years! He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the “Japan Heritage Theme Song”, recorded by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and played at official government-related events.

In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, MARTY has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with ‘Dragon’s Kiss’, and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, FRIEDMAN has put out the distinguished, ongoing Tokyo Jukebox line which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with ‘Tokyo Jukebox’ in 2009, ‘Tokyo Jukebox 2’ in 2011, and most recently, ‘Tokyo Jukebox 3’ in 2020.

MARTY has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of ‘Tokyo Jukebox 3’, MARTY has toured Japan twice, performed with three symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.

His feverishly anticipated upcoming tour of the US will be the first time he has played in the States since the pandemic.

‘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)
12) Mirage (Guitar Karaoke Version) Bonus track Japan

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

#frontiersrecords #instrumental #instrumentalmusic #guitar #guitarist #japan @Megadeth