Reviewing Japan's overlooked rock veterans Ningen Isu - Part 10.5: Oshie to Tabi Suru Otoko / The Traveler with the Pasted Rag Picture (2002)

A purpose that hasn't aged very well

Oshie to Tabi Suru Otoko which translates to The Traveler with the Pasted Rag Picture refers to a novel by Japanese horror author Ranpo Edogawa and is the title of Ningen-Isu's second compilation. This anthology picks up when the previous one ended and covers thirteen songs taken from the group's fifth to tenth studio albums. The record offers seventy-two minutes of vibrant entertainment in chronological order.

This release might have made some sense when it was initially released. Ningen-Isu has always been releasing new studio albums at steady pace and those who didn't manage to keep track could simply buy a compilation of the progressive doom metal trio every few years. This album includes quite some highlights indeed with short, relentless and brutal ''Dynamite'', playful progressive doom metal anthem ''Kuroneko'' and melancholic, menacing and mysterious ''Yuurei Ressha''.

While all other compilations of the band offer something special such as rerecorded versions, rare songs or even new material, this compilation doesn't include anything remotely interesting for avid collectors and faithful fans. To be fair, the foldable cover artwork is one of the most creative ones in the band's discography.

To be honest, Ningen-Isu's regular studio albums are of such outstanding quality that one should purchase them right away instead of buying a compilation that doesn't offer anything new. That's why this compilation is perhaps the most forgettable release in the group's entire discography. It had its purpose at its time of release but hasn't aged very well as much better compilations have been released since then.

Final rating: 60%