This is the ultimate mini-album that can proudly be called Lip Cream! 9 Shocks Terror has remained timeless since its original release in 1986, embodying incomparable speed and a level of perfection that defines Japanese hardcore.
Opening with ‘Terror,’ which goes straight into reverse audio and needle skips, the song structure charges forward relentlessly, shaking off the catchy, humorous, and approachable vibe that had previously defined Lip Cream. Naoki's noisy yet melodic guitar, Pill's wild drums, Minoru's heavy yet high-speed bass, and JhaJha's intense shouts that still allow the lyrics to be clearly heard—all these elements fuse together to create powerful tracks that have reached an unprecedented sound.
Recorded at Shinjuku Jam Studio, 9 Shocks Terror was composed primarily by Minoru and Naoki, with lyrics and artwork by JhaJha. JhaJha's hand-drawn jacket illustration was a parody of The Fuzztones' album Cinderella.
Additionally, an English translation of the lyrics is included for this Relapse release, helping English-speaking listeners understand the unique world of Lip Cream. Interestingly, the title 9 Shocks Terror was revised to 9 Shocking Terror on the 2007 CD reissue by ONI Label. This revision was made after illustrator Pushead, who has a long-standing relationship with Lip Cream, pointed out a grammar error. However, the original title has been restored out of respect for the original work for this Relapse reissue.
Following the release of this album, Lip Cream launched their self-managed national tour “Bloody Summer Tour,” and fans who bought the album rushed to the gig. Additionally, during a show at Doshisha University in Kansai in the autumn of the same year, torches were brought onto the stage and Jha Jha set them ablaze, causing absolute chaos (footage of this incident can be viewed in the video “Lip Cream Only”).
