MARTY FRIEDMAN – Dragon’s Kiss 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The explosive 1988 solo debut that forged the path from Shrapnel Records to Megadeth glory

Album Front Cover Photo of MARTY FRIEDMAN – Dragon’s Kiss Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Released in 1988, “Dragon’s Kiss” marks Marty Friedman’s blistering debut as a solo artist and his first step beyond Cacophony. Produced with Mike Varney and recorded by Dino Alden at Prairie Sun Studios, this instrumental metal masterpiece showcases Friedman’s trademark blend of speed, melody, and Eastern influence. The album became his ticket to Megadeth, influencing generations of guitarists. Highlights include “Dragon Mistress” and “Thunder March.”

Table of Contents

"Dragon's Kiss" Album Description:

Released in 1988 under the renowned label RoadrunneR Records, "Dragon's Kiss" is an exceptional 12" LP vinyl album that showcases the extraordinary talent of one of the most influential guitarists in the history of heavy metal, Marty Friedman. Produced by Friedman himself, along with Mike Varney serving as the executive producer, this album served as a launching pad for Friedman's illustrious solo career after his departure from the legendary metal band, Megadeth.

Recorded at Prairie Sun Studio A and mastered at Fantasy Studios by the skilled George Horn, "Dragon's Kiss" encapsulates the raw energy and virtuosity of Marty Friedman's playing. The album features Friedman not only on electric guitar but also on bass guitar, demonstrating his versatility and command over multiple instruments. Assisting Friedman in creating this masterpiece is Deen Castronovo on drums, providing the powerful rhythmic foundation that complements Friedman's guitar wizardry.

One notable feature of "Dragon's Kiss" is the collaboration with Jason Becker, who contributes additional guitar solos on tracks 1 and 6. This partnership between two immensely talented guitarists creates an awe-inspiring synergy that elevates the album to even greater heights.

From the moment the needle hits the vinyl, "Dragon's Kiss" unleashes an onslaught of lightning-fast riffs, intricate melodies, and mind-bending solos. The album serves as a testament to Friedman's technical prowess and his ability to craft memorable compositions that captivate listeners. Each track on the album presents a unique sonic journey, showcasing Friedman's command over various styles, including heavy metal, neoclassical, and progressive rock.

One of the standout tracks on the album is the opening song, "Saturation Point". It grabs the listener's attention with its blistering guitar work, showcasing Friedman's effortless speed and precision. The combination of complex riffs and catchy melodies creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Another highlight of "Dragon's Kiss" is the track "Dragon Mistress". This song exhibits Friedman's ability to infuse Eastern influences into his music, incorporating exotic scales and harmonies that add a touch of mysticism. The song showcases his melodic sensibility and serves as a testament to his ability to blend diverse musical elements seamlessly.

As the album progresses, tracks like "Evil Thrill" and "Jewel" continue to mesmerize with their intricate guitar work, showcasing Friedman's innate ability to weave together melodic lines and shred with astonishing precision. The album also features a breathtaking cover of the traditional Japanese song "Yuki no Hana" (Snow Flower), which displays Friedman's deep appreciation for Japanese culture and his ability to infuse his unique style into diverse musical landscapes.

"Dragon's Kiss" is a masterclass in guitar virtuosity and a definitive showcase of Marty Friedman's prodigious talent. While the album exemplifies his technical ability, it also demonstrates his compositional skills and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. The album's enduring popularity is a testament to the lasting impact of Friedman's artistry and his contribution to the realm of heavy metal and instrumental music.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Instrumental Rock / Metal

A showcase of virtuoso guitar playing blending neoclassical speed metal with melodic phrasing, representative of Shrapnel Records’ late-1980s guitar-hero era.

Producers:
  • Marty Friedman – Producer
    Guitar virtuoso and composer known for his work with Megadeth , solo albums like “Scenes” and “Inferno”, and later his successful career in Japan as a performer and TV personality.
  • Mike Varney – Executive Producer
  • Mike Varney – Producer, Shrapnel Records founder

    The behind-the-scenes catalyst of the 80s shred boom, with late-70s punk fingerprints all over his origin story.

    Mike Varney is the American producer and label boss who turned fast fingers into a business plan. I first clocked him in the late 1970s, thumping bass in San Francisco punks The Nuns, then moving to guitar with the Rocky Sullivan Band. Out in Novato, California, he founded Shrapnel Records in 1980, and by the early 1980s he was hunting new monsters via Guitar Player "Spotlight" and the U.S. Metal compilations. Mid-80s he supercharged the shred boom with releases tied to Steeler (with Yngwie Malmsteen) and Racer X, then kept the pipeline hot for Cacophony, Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine and friends. Later he widened the map with Tone Center and Blues Bureau, still betting on feel as much as speed.

    Mike Varney Wiki

Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Dino Alden – Engineer / Mixer
  • Dino Alden – Sound engineer, producer

    The guy behind that Shrapnel-era snap: fast guitars, clean punch, and not a single ounce of studio perfume.

    Dino Alden is an American sound engineer and producer who put chrome on a whole slice of metal without killing the bite. His first band chapter ran with Childhood's End (?-1985), then he slid into the Shrapnel machine: assistant work on M.A.R.S (1986), Tony MacAlpine's "Maximum Security" (1987), Cacophony's "Speed Metal Symphony" (1987) and Racer X "Second Heat" (1987), before engineering/mixing Marty Friedman's "Dragon's Kiss" (1988). After that he drove desks and mixes for Mordred (1989-1991), produced/engineered Imagika (1995-2000), and handled engineering/mixing/production for Zero Hour (1999-2008). Even in the 2000s he kept polishing Friedman's mixes (2002-2009).

    Dino Alden Wiki
Recording Location:

Prairie Sun Studio B – Cotati, California, USA

Prairie Sun Recording Studios, located in Cotati, California, has been a pivotal force in rock and metal music, shaping legendary albums with its world-class facilities and expert engineering. Hosting iconic bands from the 1980s onward, it remains a creative hub for artists seeking top-tier sound production. Explore its history and album gallery here.

 

Mixing Studio & Location:

Prairie Sun Studio A – Cotati, California, USA

Mixing was handled in the same facility, ensuring continuity of tone and the signature clarity characteristic of Shrapnel Records productions.
Mastering Engineer & Location:
  • George Horn – Mastering Engineer at Fantasy Studios
  • George Horn – Chief Mastering Engineer

    If you ever trusted a deadwax whisper more than a press release, chances are his hands were on the last mile.

    George Horn is the Bay Area's quiet mad scientist of lacquer, a Chief Mastering Engineer who kept Fantasy Studios (Berkeley) and CBS Studios (San Francisco) sounding expensive without turning everything into plastic. I follow his trail from 1971 at Columbia/CBS (Coast Recorders), to Kendun Recorders in 1978, then the long Fantasy run from 1980 into the 2000s. In the Tom Hidley-designed mastering room built in the late 1970s, he cut and remastered a ridiculous spread: Charles Mingus and other jazz giants, plus rock lifers like Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Grateful Dead and Santana. In 2008 he opened his own Berkeley mastering room, still chasing clarity like it owed him money.

    George Horn Wiki
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Dave Stephens Graphics – Graphic Design
    Specialized in heavy metal visual identity for Shrapnel Records, designing bold, emblematic covers that reflected the fast, technical style of the label’s guitar-driven catalog.
Photography:
  • Pat Johnson Studios – Photography
    California-based studio known for high-contrast, clean promotional imagery in the Bay Area rock scene, frequently used by Shrapnel and Roadrunner.
  • Ross Pelton – Photo of Deen Castronovo
    Captured session images of Deen Castronovo during the album’s production phase; Castronovo would later gain fame as drummer for Journey and Bad English.
Label & Catalog Number:

RoadrunneR Productions B.V. – RR 9529 (Europe)
(originally released on: Shrapnel Records – SH-1035)

Roadrunner Records was the European branch of the Dutch metal label which distributed Shrapnel’s U.S. releases throughout Europe and supported the global spread of the shred-guitar movement.
Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP – Stereo
Total Weight: 230g

Year & Country:

1988 – USA (Original Release)

The vinyl reviewed is the 1988 European (Netherlands) pressing.
Additional Information:

Marty Friedman uses Hurricane guitars, DiMarzio pickups and Laney amps.Marketed by Roadrunner Productions B.V., P.O. Box 53013, 1007 RA Amsterdam.Correspondence: 535 Taylor St., #506, San Francisco, CA 94102

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Marty Friedman – All lead, rhythm and bass guitars, producer
  • Marty Friedman – Lead guitarist, songwriter Marty Friedman changed how I hear metal guitar by refusing to play it safe. After shredding boundaries with Cacophony in the late ’80s, he became Megadeth’s secret weapon from 1990 to 2000, shaping classics like “Rust in Peace” with phrasing that felt exotic, melodic, and slightly unhinged. His later solo work and deep dive into Japanese music only confirmed he follows curiosity, not rules.
    Marty Friedman Wiki
    • After “Dragon’s Kiss”, Friedman gained international acclaim as part of Megadeth (1989–2000), earning multiple platinum albums and Grammy nominations. His solo discography showcases technical innovation, melodic phrasing, and world-music influences that made him one of the most respected guitarists of his generation.
  • Deen Castronovo – Drums
    American drummer and vocalist known for his powerful, precise style. After early collaborations with Marty Friedman and Tony MacAlpine, Castronovo joined Bad English and later achieved major success with Journey as their touring and recording drummer from 1998 onward. His playing combines hard rock intensity with technical finesse.
  • Jason Becker – Guest guitar solos on “Saturation Point” and “Jewel”
    A prodigy guitarist who partnered with Friedman in Cacophony, Becker’s neoclassical speed and compositional depth made him a legend before ALS tragically halted his performing career. His 1989 solo album “Perpetual Burn” is considered one of the greatest shred records ever produced, inspiring generations of guitarists worldwide.

Complete Track-listing:

Side One:
  1. Saturation Point (Friedman, Jason Becker) (4:53) Guest
  2. Dragon Mistress (3:41)
  3. Evil Thrill (5:31)
  4. Namida (Tears) (2:47)
Video: Marty Friedman - Dragon Mistress
Side Two:
  1. Anvils (2:38)
  2. Jewel (Friedman, Becker) (4:05) Guest
  3. Forbidden City (8:18)
  4. Thunder March (4:13)
Video: Marty Friedman - Thunder March
Album Front Cover Photo
High-resolution front cover of the 1988 album Dragon’s Kiss by Marty Friedman. The image features Marty Friedman with long, curly brown hair cascading over his shoulders, dressed in a glossy black leather jacket with an open chest. He holds a black electric guitar at an angle, fingers poised mid-solo on the fretboard. His expression is intense yet calm, set against a smoky, gradient gray backdrop. The album title dragon’s kiss appears in orange serif lettering at the lower right, while the artist’s name MARTY FRIEDMAN is boldly printed vertically along the right edge in large beige block letters with a shadow effect.

This striking album cover for “Dragon’s Kiss” captures guitarist Marty Friedman in an intense and confident pose that epitomizes late-1980s shred-metal aesthetics. He stands against a dark, softly lit background that creates a sense of mystery and focus entirely on his figure.

Friedman’s long, voluminous curls frame his face as he looks directly at the viewer, expression calm yet commanding. His glossy black jacket reflects the studio lights, adding texture and contrast to the matte backdrop. His left hand grips the neck of a black electric guitar, fingers frozen in mid-phrase as if caught mid-performance, emphasizing precision and artistry.

Along the right margin, the artist’s name MARTY FRIEDMAN appears vertically in large beige block lettering with a subtle 3D drop shadow. Near the bottom right, the title “dragon’s kiss” is elegantly printed in fiery orange serif type, balancing the composition and hinting at the album’s mix of neoclassical fire and technical mastery. The cover was produced under the Roadrunner and Shrapnel Records collaboration and remains one of the most recognizable visuals from Friedman’s early solo era.

Album Back Cover Photo
High-resolution back cover of Marty Friedman’s 1988 album Dragon’s Kiss. The layout features the complete track listing divided into Side 1 and Side 2, printed in clean blue capital letters on a white background. On the left, tracks include 'Saturation Point', 'Dragon Mistress', 'Evil Thrill', 'Namida (Tears)', 'Anvils', 'Jewel', 'Forbidden City', and 'Thunder March', with Jason Becker’s guest appearances marked by stars. Below the listing, detailed production credits name Marty Friedman as producer, Dino Alden as engineer, and Mike Varney as executive producer, along with studio notes from Prairie Sun and Fantasy Studios. To the right, a square inset photo shows Friedman in a glossy black jacket with his guitar, framed by a patterned border, and a smaller photo of drummer Deen Castronovo in the lower right corner. The Roadrunner Records logo and catalog number HR 89221 appear at the upper right corner against a red-orange gradient background.

The back cover of “Dragon’s Kiss” combines precise technical information with sharp design minimalism typical of late-1980s shred albums. The left panel presents the full track list for both sides in crisp blue type, organized under Side 1 and Side 2, with asterisks noting guest solos by Jason Becker.

Beneath the song titles, production credits detail the album’s creation: Produced by Marty Friedman, engineered by Dino Alden, and mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios. Photography is credited to Pat Johnson Studios and Ross Pelton, with executive production by Mike Varney. Recording locations include Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati, California.

The visual right side displays two photographs — a larger image of Marty Friedman holding his black guitar, surrounded by a gray geometric frame, and a smaller portrait of drummer Deen Castronovo below it. The upper-right corner bears the Roadrunner Records logo with catalog number HR 89221 on a gradient field fading from white to deep red, emphasizing the professional finish and European issue of this pressing.

Close-up Photo of “MARTY FRIEDMAN – Dragon's Kiss” Record Label
High-resolution close-up of Side A record label from Marty Friedman’s 1988 album Dragon’s Kiss, released on Roadrunner Records. The circular white label is bordered by a black vinyl rim and displays the iconic red 'R' Roadrunner logo in a rectangular box at the top. The text is printed in black with 'SIDE A' and 'STEMRA' on the left, 'RR 9529 1' and 'STEREO 33 rpm' on the right, and 'LC 9321' marking the label code. The track listing is centered below the title Dragon’s Kiss, including 'Saturation Point', 'Dragon Mistress', 'Evil Thrill', and 'Namida (Tears)'. Below the list, the credit line reads 'Produced by Marty Friedman', followed by the publishing note 'Varney Metal Music Co., BMI' and copyright lines from 1988 Shrapnel Records and Roadrunner Productions B.V. The label’s clear typography and pristine layout make it instantly recognizable to collectors as an authentic first Netherlands pressing.

This detailed close-up reveals the Side A label of Marty Friedman’s “Dragon’s Kiss” 12-inch vinyl, pressed in 1988 under Roadrunner Records and Shrapnel Records collaboration. The design features the signature red Roadrunner logo framed at the top and printed over a clean white background.

All track titles are neatly listed in the center section: “Saturation Point,” “Dragon Mistress,” “Evil Thrill,” and “Namida (Tears),” accompanied by their durations. Technical details flank the sides: “SIDE A” and “STEMRA” on the left, “RR 9529 1,” “STEREO,” and “33 rpm” on the right, along with the LC 9321 label code.

Production and copyright credits at the bottom confirm Produced by Marty Friedman, published by Varney Metal Music Co. (BMI), and ©1988 Shrapnel Records / Roadrunner Productions B.V. This label confirms the Netherlands pressing, valued for its crisp typography and high-quality vinyl mastering typical of Roadrunner’s European issues.