Defenders Of The Faith, le forum Metal

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman's ninth album, "Tokyo Jukebox", will be released in Europe on February 22, 2010 via Mascot Records. The CD will feature extendsive liner notes (written by Friedman in the "story behind the song" format) which are exclusive to the European release.

In other news, Friedman will make an appearance on Japan's TBS radio on December 26 at 9:30 p.m. After taking part in an interview with RHYMESTER star Utamaru, he will introduce his upcoming single, "Kiba", which is a collaboration with ANDREW W.K. The song is featured in the new Pachinko game Souten No Ken, which is currently the most popular Pachinko game in the country.

The single (including the instrumental "Battle Scars" as well as an two other versions of "Kiba") is set for a January 27 release through Avex. A music video is also in the works.

Video footage of Friedman talking about the making of "Tokyo Jukebox" can be viewed below.

Released in Japan on May 20 via AVEX, "Tokyo Jukebox" was produced and arranged by Marty and it reflects the chaotic lifestyle of Tokyo, its unique music and Marty's futuristic interpretation of it. According to a posting on Marty's web site, "Sonically, it goes from his 'Loudspeaker' lineup all the way to a 70-piece symphony orchestra. Marty covers the most unlikely artists to get his guitar heavy treatment, including PERFUME, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, AI, NAKASHIMA MIKA, IKIMONO GAKARI and seven other staples in the world of current Japanese music."

"The songs were chosen in part by the readers of Nikkei Entertainment!, Japan's all-time number one entertainment magazine, which features a popular page on Marty each month for over three years and still going strong.

"All the songs go through Marty's extravagant, epic, and quite often brutally twisted treatment. 'Tokyo Jukebox' is the new definitive display of Marty's current state of mind as well as the deepest evolution of his guitar playing and overall musicality ever."

Friedman commemorated "Tokyo Jukebox"'s release by taking part in a "secret live event" atop Tokyo Tower on May 19. There were two shows, both filled to capacity, and all who attended were treated to Marty's first time performing these new songs in public, high above Tokyo's night skyline. Autograph sessions were held after each show.

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman's most recent two studio albums, "Bad D.N.A." and "Tokyo Jukebox 2", will be released in Europe as a deluxe two-disc set. The package will feature an all-new design and booklet as well as special a bonus track (not available elsewhere) — the guitar-karaoke version of the song "Bad D.N.A.", so for the first time you can hear in detail everything that is going on underneath Marty's lead guitar, and add some yourself, if you are so inclined. This is the first "backing track" Marty has released outside of Japan.

The European release will be through Verycords, a French label with distribution by Warner Bros. The release dates are May 7 in France and the U.K. and May 11 in the rest of Europe.

"Tokyo Jukebox 2" was released in Japan last September via Avex. The CD picks up where Friedman's 2009 effort, "Tokyo Jukebox", left off, with even more adventurous arrangements of his favorite Japanese songs. Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, the album features Jason Bittner (SHADOWS FALL) on drums.

"Bad D.N.A." was released in Japan on August 25, 2010 via Avex. The CD was produced by Marty and engineered by Steve Hardy and Shinnosuke Miyazawa (LADY GAGA, GUNS N' ROSES) at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles, California.