Renowned Guitar Virtuoso MARTY FRIEDMAN Announces New Album ‘Drama’

Out May 17, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl

Pre-Order HERE

Shares New Single “Illumination”

MARTY FRIEDMAN`s presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring.

From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, MARTY has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.

Today, MARTY proudly announces his latest solo album, ‘Drama’ where he only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release ‘Scenes,’ elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic, extravagant, and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.

Tracks like “Illumination” and “Mirage” transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights MARTY’s mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs, even more than any of his previous work.

Recorded in Italy, where MARTY had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, ‘Drama’ is a pure delight for anyone who appreciates music that stirs emotions.

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. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.

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’ in 2020, MARTY has toured Japan twice, performed as a soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.

Since the pandemic, MARTY and his band have toured the U.S. twice and are planning to tour extensively for ‘Drama’.

‘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

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