Tokyo Blade was founded in 1982 by Andy Boulton (lead guitar) and Andy Rob… Read Full Bio ↴Tokyo Blade was founded in 1982 by Andy Boulton (lead guitar) and Andy Robbins (bass) along with Alan Marsh (vocals), Ray Dismore (guitar) and Steve Pierce (drums) under the name Killer. They recorded a demo, and went through a name change, to Genghis Khan, before another change to Tokyo Blade. After this, Dismore left and was replaced by John Wiggins. After re-releasing their demos, they recieved a record contract with Powerstation.

They released their first self-titled album, and played several major European festivals; namely the Aardschock Festival (with Venom & Metallica) and headlining the Earthquake Festival. They started writing and recording a new album, what was to become their most popular, Night of the Blade, but after it was finished, Alan Marsh was forced out of the band by the Management and Record Company, who wanted a more commercially viable vocalist.

Vic Wright was recruited, and re-recorded Alan's vocals on the new album. This was released, and followed by another string of festivals, in which they released a third album, Blackhearts and Jaded Spades. This album was more Americanised than their previous offerings, possibly due to the vocalist switch. Many fans disliked the album, and Vic soon left. The band then split up, with several members joining Alan Marsh in his other project, Shogun, and Andy Boulton continuing with the Tokyo Blade name, but not in the Tokyo Blade style.

In the early 1990's, many of the band found themselves together in Mr. Ice, and, due to the strong European support for Tokyo Blade, the management felt as if the band should revert back to the Tokyo Blade moniker. Boulton left the band, however, after more disagreements with the management.

The remainder of the band hooked up with Jez Lee and formed Pumphouse, and recorded an album, but, due to record company politics, it was not released for six years, and, when it was released, it was released under the Tokyo Blade name in order to cash in.

Eventually, the "true" Tokyo Blade put out another album, true in that they were called Tokyo Blade, and didn't have the name forced upon it. The album was Burning Down Paradise, released in 1995.

Discography

Tokyo Blade - 1983
Night Of The Blade- 1984
Midnight Rendezvous- 1984
Madame Guillotine- 1985
Blackhearts & Jaded Spades- 1985
Ain't Misbehavin'- 1987
No Remorse- 1989
Burning Down Paradise- 1995
Night Of The Blade - The Night Before- 1997
Mr Ice- 1998
Pumphouse- 1998
Live In Germany- 2009
Thousand Men Strong- 2011
Genghis Khan Killers- 2011
Unbroken- 2018
Dark Revolution- 2020
Fury- 2022

Unleash The Beast
Tokyo Blade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Boulton/Marsh]

Step this way, don't be afraid
Ten minutes of your time, the show has begun
Don't wait too long, there's room for more
Straight through that door, no need to run

[Bridge]

Now you pay, too slow to see
How it's too be, oh the lies
Death on the run, take me now

[Chorus]
Running, running for cover
Running, unleash the beast
Running, running for cover
Running, unleash the beast

The time has come, don't run away
Just step a little closer and you will be mine
You've made the choice, you're free to go
The price you pay is anytime

[Bridge]
[Solo]
[Chorus]

[Solo]
[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tokyo Blade's song Unleash The Beast describe a dangerous situation that the listener finds themselves in. The opening lines urge the listener to come closer and watch the show that's about to begin. The sense of danger is palpable because the listener is warned not to wait too long and to run for cover. The beast, an unknown force, is about to be unleashed and the singer of the song is urging the listener to face it.

In the chorus, the urgency increases as the singer tells the listener to run for cover ahead of the beast. They warn the listener that the beast is about to be released and it will take everything in their power to survive it. As the song progresses, the singer makes it clear that the listener has made the choice to be part of the situation and to unleash the beast; they will pay the price of their choice whenever the time comes.

Overall, the lyrics of Unleash The Beast are a warning and an invitation at the same time. The singer is inviting the listener to watch while, at the same time, warning them of the danger that they are in. The song is a unique combination of rock music and horror, making it a thrilling and captivating listening experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Step this way, don't be afraid
Come with me, show no fear

Ten minutes of your time, the show has begun
I have a short amount of time to entertain you

Don't wait too long, there's room for more
Don't hesitate, there's enough space for everyone

Straight through that door, no need to run
Go through the door, no rush

Now you pay, too slow to see
You're paying the price for not realizing sooner

How it's too be, oh the lies
You're finally seeing the deception

Death on the run, take me now
I'm ready to face death head on

Running, running for cover
Trying to escape and find safety

Running, unleash the beast
Keep running until your true power is unleashed

The time has come, don't run away
It's time to face the challenge and not retreat

Just step a little closer and you will be mine
Get closer to me and I'll have more control over you