Dragon's Kiss is the first studio album by the American heavy metal guitarist Marty Friedman, released on August 8, 1988, through Shrapnel Records (United States) and Roadrunner Records (Europe). The album was reissued on CD in 1991.
Friedman would later send a copy of the album to Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, who upon hearing the album, would hire Friedman. Friedman would subsequently feature on Megadeth's 1990 studio album, Rust in Peace.
Critical reception
In a contemporary review, Holger Stratmann of Rock Hard did not recommend the album, but considered it as "quite good" in mixing "speed and folkloric influences from his old days in Hawaii" with "the typical and probably indispensable nature of the Shrapnel horde."
Andy Hinds of AllMusic considered Dragon's Kiss an excellent album, and wrote that it "may be the most definitive sampling of Friedman's talents available." Martin Popoff in his Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal described Dragon's Kiss as "a structured album of artful instrumental rock that kills all that came before" and "ushered in a new classy, mature era in shred records."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from liner notes, except as otherwise noted. Musicians Marty Friedman – guitar, bass, keyboard Jason Becker – additional guitar solos (tracks 1, 6) Deen Castronovo – drums Maija – piano (track 1)
Production Marty Friedman – producer Dino Alden – engineering George Horn – mastering at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California Dave Stephens Graphics – graphic design Pat Johnson Studios – photography Ross Pelton – Deen Castronovo photo Mike Varney – executive producer
References
External links In Review: Marty Friedman "Dragon's Kiss" at Guitar Nine Records