Reviewing Japan's overlooked rock veterans Ningen Isu - Part 4.5: Petenshi To Kuuki Otoko / Swindler and Air-Man (1994)

A shining example of a a worthy compilation

Many people question the purpose of greatest hits compilations but in the case of Japanese heavy metal trio Ningen-Isu, they serve not only as excellent introductions to the group's extensive discography but often have some additional value to offer.

This first greatest hits release is entitled Petenshi To Kuuki Otoko which means Swindler and Air-Man and is a reference to a novel by Japanese horror author Ranpo Edogawa who had also inspired the group's name. This release saw the light of day five years after the band's first release. Since the dynamic trio had released four studio albums, one extended play, three singles and a live album, it makes sense to slow things down and look at what this extraordinary band had already accomplished so early in its career.

This release includes fifteen songs with a generous running time of seventy-four minutes and truly offers value for money. Instead of just compiling songs from the band's four studio albums, this anthology offers a few welcome surprises. The atmospheric, dynamic and playful vintage heavy rock tune ''Jinmensou'' from the group's first extended play and the catchy, imaginative and tight ''Ringo no Namida'' that had been chosen from the band's first studio album for its first music video have been recorded anew and benefit from a better production than the original versions.

''Daiyogen'' had only been included on a limited single and finally gets the attention it deserves on this output. This is one of the band's heaviest tunes with relentless drum patterns, distorted guitar riffs and aggressive bumblebee bass guitar passages. The crowning achievements of this excellent tune are the psychedelic guitar solo in the extended instrumental section and the bassist's raw vocals that provide a furious and gloomy atmosphere.

This compilation even includes a brand-new and exclusive tune entitled ''Hashire Merosu''. This song is one of the greatest instrumental songs I have ever listened to. The song convinces with an excellent mixture of grinding riffs and psychedelic lead guitar melodies. The dominant bass guitar provides the rhythmic backbone to this tune. The drum play is versatile, tight and energizing. This single song offers more ideas than other heavy metal bands include on entire regular studio albums and additional vocals would have only distracted from the excellent musicianship displayed here.

As you can read, Ningen-Isu's first greatest hits effort Petenshi To Kuuki Otoko offers value for money and ultimately fifteen excellent songs that showcase the group's psychedelic rock, progressive rock, hard rock, heavy metal and doom metal soundscapes perfectly. This is not only an appropriate introduction to the band's early years but also a great collector's item for the band's well-deserved growing fanbase. If you have the rare chance to get your hands on this gem, don't hesitate as it might become one of the greatest treasures in your collection.

Final rating: 100%