Few bands embody the raw spirit and enduring power of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) quite like Tokyo Blade. Rising from the underground scene of the early ’80s with grit, energy, and unmistakable hooks, the band has weathered the changing tides of the music industry while staying true to their roots. In this exclusive conversation with The NWOTHM, founding member Andy Boulton reflects on Tokyo Blade’s journey—from humble beginnings in Salisbury to their latest album Time Is the Fire—offering insight into the band’s evolution, the ups and downs of the metal scene, and why they’re still making noise after all these years.
Interview
TheNwothm: First off, welcome! For those who may not be familiar—can you give us a quick introduction to Tokyo Blade? Where are you guys based now?
T.B: Hi, we were originally based in Salisbury Wiltshire until John Wiggins joined the band as he was from London and later Andy Wrighton who is also from London .
TheNwothm: Let us go all the way back to the start! How did the band form? What memories do you have from that period?
T.B: I started the band with a school friend Andy Robbins, who was originally on bass and later moved to guitar. It’s way too long ago for me to remember too much about it but basically we were just school friends who wanted to make music and form a band.
TheNwothm: Before Tokyo Blade, the band had a few different names like White Diamond, Killer, Genghis Khan, even Madame Guillotine—can you walk us through that journey and how you ultimately landed on the name Tokyo Blade?
T.B: Yes we had a few different names for the band but nothing that we were really happy with. We sat down one night to try and find a night that we would all be pleased with. I suggested the name “Tokyo” and Alan Marsh wanted to call the band “Blade Runner” I suggested TOKYO BLADE And everyone kind of went quiet and then said what does it mean? I replied it didn’t really mean anything. I just sounded cool and so TOKYO BLADE was born.
TheNwothm: Being part of the NWOBHM movement, what do you think made the British scene of that era so explosive creatively?
T.B: The NWOBHM came about as a reaction to punk. As heavy metal had been so maligned and such an underground thing it needed a kick up the arse and within a relatively short time it just kind of exploded with loads of good bands leading the way.
TheNwothm: Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves? What’s a hobby or interest outside of music that each member has?
T.B: Well, we rarely see each other these days. We only usually meet up to record. Actually we don’t even need to meet up at all anymore as everything is done over the Internet these days. My biggest interest is what it’s always been which is making music. I am interested in other things but I rarely get the time to indulge in anything john wiggins is into cars. Andy Wrighton likes to get out cycling and walking his dog Alan Marsh likes movies and music of course Steve likes music and fishing. All pretty boring stuff.
TheNwothm: So let us talk about the music! Your self-titled debut album in 1983 really set the tone—what was the vision for that first record, and how do you feel about it now looking back?
T.B: We’ve never really had a vision for any of our albums. We’ve got a very basic approach in actual fact we just write songs and then decide which ones are good enough to go on an album as far as the first album goes. We had only four days to record it in the studio With an engineer who was literally only just learning how to be an engineer so the sound is rough and the songs could definitely have been recorded better. However, it was the album that got us started so it did its job. I never look back on previous albumsand I certainly never listen to them. I guess I’m a junkie for the next album and for new stuff.
TheNwothm: “Night of the Blade” and “Blackhearts & Jaded Spades” came in fast—how did you evolve between those albums, and were you feeling the pressure to keep up with the scene at the time?
T.B: Night of the blade was a good follow-up album sadly we parted company with Alan Marsh and Vic Wright wanted to take the band in a different direction looking back on that it was our biggest mistake, but it says what it is.
TheNwothm: The mid-to-late ’80s saw releases like “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “No Remorse.” What was the creative direction around that time? Did the 80’s have a big influence on your sound at the time?
T.B: These were very different albums and recorded with different people consequently they didn’t really sound like TOKYO BLADE in my opinion and two of them were recorded purely because I had contractual obligate obligations. There’s nothing much more to say about that.
TheNwothm: In the ‘90s, albums like “Burning Down Paradise” and “Pumphouse” came during a resurgence—how did those come together?
T.B: Alan and I got together again to record burning down paradise which I think was a pretty good album in most respects. Pumphouse was nothing to do with TOKYO BLADE at all. It wasn’t a TOKYO BLADE record and I have nothing to say on that.
TheNwothm: Moving away from your music for a moment, how do you view the current state of the heavy metal scene in the UK and beyond?
T.B: To be honest, I don’t take much notice in the metal scene. I’ve heard some good bands on radio heavy metal itself purely endures because the fans are wonderful and super loyal.
TheNwothm: And what are your thoughts on the shift from physical formats to digital streaming?
T.B: Digital streaming will eventually see the death of music in my opinion. Bands are nothing now from digital sales and only the bands that are committed to their fans and committed to enjoying making music and releasing it will continue to do so it’s very difficult for musicians these days.
TheNwothm: Do you have a preference between analog gear and modern digital setups?
T.B: Modern digital gear is my preferred choice purely because the sound is very consistent and there are way less maintenance problems
The Nwothm: “Thousand Men Strong”, “Unbroken”, “Dark Revolution”, and, most recently, “Fury” and “Time Is the Fire” show a band still evolving. What stands out to you from this later phase of your discography?
T.B: I think what stands out is that our experience in writing songs and moving forward all the time with new ideas but still sounding like Tokyo Blade.
TheNwothm: Speaking about your latest album how did the writing and recording process go for the record and do you have a favourite song?
T.B: I have my own studio at home and Alan lives very close by so we are easily able to get together and write and record. Also it cost us nothing other than our time. If I had to pick a favourite song it would be Ramases
TheNwothm: How has the reception been so far?
T.B: I think the reception has been very good, although I don’t really listen to critics or read reviews because I don’t see the point. If people love our music, I’m very happy if they don’t like it just turn it off and listen to something else. I don’t see the point of critics .
TheNwothm: In terms of promotion for the record, are there upcoming live dates or festivals fans should watch for?
T.B: No, we have retired from touring and playing live shows for many reasons some are personal.
TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?
T.B: I believe our music is available on all the streaming platforms and CDs vinyls can be bought on Amazon. Our merchandise can be purchased from Plastic Head.
TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?
T.B: Fans can follow us on our Facebook page and at TOKYOBLADE.com
TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?
T.B: We would just like to thank our fans very very much for all of their support over the years and their continued to support moving forward. You guys are legends.
The Nwothm 
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