author: Lacy

SHAZNA's first release since 2000, Kokoro, is anything but disappointing. Fine-tuning the sound and style that once garnered the attention of a multitude of fans, SHAZNA is back and better than ever with this single.

Kokoro is a heart-wrenching, beautiful song featuring a delightfully pulsing bass line and optimistically strummed guitar chords. IZAM's voice has nothing but improved over the years with a wistful, nostalgic quality creeping in during the chorus. This song is sure to get the best of any hopelessly romantic listener. Sending the heart a-flutter, it is true to its title in every way.

[1/2] starts slowly, a vocal intro leading into an upbeat pop-rock melody. IZAM's vocals are, once again, perfection. AOI's guitar solo rises out before a gentle, sweetly sung bridge. With a catchy chorus and bouncy verses, this track should be pleasing to long time SHAZNA fans who will find it reminiscent of earlier work.

N.I.Y's heavier bass line and some guitar riffs carry through Kamikaze. While IZAM doesn't show off his usual vocal excellence, listeners might find themselves singing along to the contagious chorus, sung partly in Japanese and partly in English. An exemplary guitar solo fills out this track.

After a nearly seven year hiatus from stage and studio, SHAZNA re-launches their career with this beautiful release. A new spin on SHAZNA's trademark pop-rock style, Kokoro marks a new and hopefully successful start for the band. With vocals better than ever and standout melodies, Kokoro is just what fans of the band have been waiting for.