L~Lotus~ is a five-piece band comprising of three ex. as milk members – 蓮華 (Renka) on vocals, saki and Takayuki on guitars, masato on bass, and YUJI on drums. They officially began their activities on March 6th and have released three digital singles to date: 「worry」 on May 19th, 「snow」 on May 26th, and 「tree」 on June 2nd. The members of L~Lotus~ sat down with us to answer a couple of questions, so give it a read to get to know them better! We’d like to thank JapanFiles... Read→
-LEON- is a five-piece band from Gunma comprising of Yuji on vocals, Shin and Koya on guitars, Yamato on bass, and Masashi on drums. Mixing Asian cultural influences with visual rock, -LEON- has a heavy, modern sound with a distinct, ethereal flavor. On December 13th, the band released their first three track mini-album, 「REGULUS」 along with a PV for their song, 「Kokou ni Tou Tsuioku no Kagen no Tsuki」. The members of -LEON- took time to answer a few of our questions, so take a read through... Read→
GLACIER is a five-member group from Okinawa, comprising of Makoto on vocals, Nao on lead guitar, Koujirou on rhythm guitar, Aki on bass, and Yuuki on drums. The band formed in July 2007 and made their major debut a year later on July 23rd. They have released a full album and six singles to date with their seventh single, 「愛の降る街」 (Ai no Furu Machi) which is the third installment of a 7-month digital release project, coming out on June 30th through JapanFiles and on iTunes. The members... Read→
O-PARTS is a two-man unit that started in June of 2009, formed by vocalist sho-ka (ex. Vogus Image) and bassist Jun (GaGaaalinG, ex. WAIVE). On August 20th, they released their first maxi-single entitled 「向日葵」 (Himawari) which included four tracks, all of which made it into the top ten of the Oricon Indies ranking. On May 26th, their second maxi-single, 「煌[kou]」 was released and will be available through JapanFiles from June 6th. Both sho-ka and Jun took time out of their busy schedules... Read→
In 2002, Kaya made his vocal debut in the Mana produced two-man unit, Schwarz Stein. In 2004, Schwarz Stein disbanded, and departing from the label the band was signed to, Kaya became a free singer. Using “aesthetics” as his main theme, Kaya conducts his activities with the goals of “the revolution of the aesthetic senses” and the “liberation of sexuality” in mind, and manages his own lyrics, CD jacket designs, make-up and costume designs as well as the organization... Read→
born is a five member band that began together under RENNY AMY, which was active from August 2005, until December 31st, 2006. Shortly after, the same five members created D&L, and eventually changed their name to ‘born’ on April 9th, 2008 with the sponsored event at Takadanobaba AREA called “born presents 「bug scremo vol.01」”. About a week later, they released their first demonstration single, entitled 「Dust pain」, which was followed by the tour, 「Abnormal skin’s」. Since... Read→
砂月-Satsuki- began his solo career on February 14th, 2009, after spending seven years as the vocalist for RENTRER EN SOI. His first solo release, 「AWAKE」 came out via his online shop on May 9th, and that month he also started his 「AWAKENING TO MOONLIGHT」 tour, which even made a stop in Los Angeles, California. His next release, 「CRYSTAL」 was out on August 21st, which was followed by his 「PEER INTO YOUR CRYSTAL HEART」 tour, where he preformed in both Tokyo and Las Vegas, Nevada. ... Read→
Big Ern here and today we will discuss Kyotaro (ex-Volark, √eight, Black:List, and the new word CULTURE [Session band]). What has this man been up to lately? Well….Kyotaro is a host at club ALL STAR. He lists this information on his new blog.
Big Ern says “I am Mija’s personal host.”
After breezing through Ryo’s blog (LSD) I noticed on his friend’s page he has added Tomozo’s new blog! Tomozo is king of blogs – seems like he gets a new one every year! You can stalk him here. He just opened it yesterday so he only has 3 entries so far!
Source: Ryo’s blog
Did you know that Jin (support for the disbanded Black:List) also plays bass for other sessions and bands including: 666-SIX-, DEATH PROJECT, THE.LAST and Project Eden and his first band feathers-blue (disbanded back in 2005).
He also has had a different look for each group! Busy guy right?
I too have different hobbies and a costume for each as well. Newest obsession, tap dancing! My small legs make it hard to tap dance but I will not be beaten!
The members of the now disbanded Black:List all wrote in their blogs saying that their old homepage and myspace will officially close tomorrow. Each member said goodbye in their own way but mainly that they thank fans and even though each member will go their own paths that to please continue to support their futures. Tomozo posted the new link to his blog (which we’ve mentioned here) and says that he isn’t sure if he’ll continue with musical activities. ;———–;
Check out their hp one last time and see the flash thank you!
Source: HP, members’ blogs
Today’s random fact is courtesy of Tomozo’s blog!
Tomozo confessed that he went on a date.
With none other than Hizaki from Versailles!
Okay okay, it was actually a joke. But they did get together for the first time in a long while to chat, which Tomozo said was interesting.
I had an imaginary girlfriend once. Her name was Sparkles.
Originally, I wasn’t going to translate this message. However, I know that both Hideko and Mija are big fans of Kyotaro so if anything, I wanted to translate this for them, and for all his other fans that are wondering about Black:List’s disbanding.
This is what Kyotaro has written in his blog about their decision.
Takadanobaba AREA
Black:List Sponsored LiVE
Seriously, thanks for the 2 days.
I really had a great time.
I had a smile on my face the whole time (Laughs)
Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, THANKSWe owe it to this place,
and thank you so much to everyone from each of the bands, audience members, and everyone concerned, that participated in the 2 days event.And…
I’m so sorry that our announcement to disband was published only in the news and media
You’re probably wondering, “why didn’t the members explain it to us?”, and it was probably a coldhearted thing to do to our fans, but I feel that when I perform what’s left in me on stage, if there time to speak and even if it’s just in one song, I want to convey it to everyone in a song.
So, I hope you can forgive me
I’m sorryWhat was written in the news was true, my family has become unstable, and family is important
I also love music, and I there’s part of me that didn’t know what to do. I thought over and over that I didn’t want to vanish as I am now. It was painful and difficult; there were so many times where I couldn’t concentrate on anything, and there were times where I felt, “why me?”.
However, as far as I’m concerned, your family is your only blood relation, and because when I’m separated from them I worry so much, it was painful.I’m grateful to my mother who gave birth to me, for being born, for continuing in music, and for being able to exist in this world and come across music.
So now, it’s my turn to help her,
and that’s the decision that was passed by in the news.I thought that the word ‘retire’ was a word that had nothing to do with me, so even now I can’t really believe it but in reality, moment by moment it’s drawing near.
There’s only a little time left as my life as a musician, and with Black:List but I want to see it to the end, I want to sing for my life,
I want to shout to the point where my voice ceases to make a sound
I want to leave something behind in everyone’s heartsSo there’s three more lives left
My time on stage as a vocalist has been precious
The time I’ve spent together with everyone in Black:List
The time I’ve spent together with the Kuso-honeys
The times I’ve gotten to meet the Kuso-honeys
All of these are extremely important to me.
Kyotaro is going to become a normal person.
Please watch us attentively, without moving your eyes, until the bitter end.
Please give us lots of love.
Please give me lots of love as well.
Until the end…Since I started in music, I’ve met a lot of people.
Band members and members who are senior to me, all the people connected to the band
And important Kuso-honeys, from within the country and around the world
Thank you for liking me like this.
And thank you for letting me meet you like I have.I want to convey these feelings through songs at our lives.
I want to strike these last three lives with everything I’ve got.
Please believe in all of me.
Kuso-honeys would be Black:List fans. Please do not repost this elsewhere without permission. With that said, I’ll likely go back and fix it up a bit when I get home from work.
Black:List, who toured Europe less than two months ago, has announced today at their live at Takadanobaba AREA that they will disband in January 2009. No reasons for their disbandment has been given as of yet; however, TOMOZO writes in his blog that from now on, he doesn’t think he’ll ever do music or rise on stage with the current members anymore.
Their last live event “BLACK-RIOT -FINAL-” will be held at Shibuya BOXX on January 8th. Other bands performing at the event are DEATHGAZE, Since1889 (opening act), and more. Tickets will go on sale on December 13th through Lawson Ticket.
Source: visunavi, TOMOZO’s blog
Aika of Black:List now has a personal myspace account! Soooo for those with a myspace account, you can add him over here.
We’ve talked about vkers with myspaces before – do you guys add personal acounts that belong to vkers?
Source: Aika’s blog
Another event with Siva! On December 22nd UNDER CODE PRODUCTION will be sponsoring an event for Siva. Its a commemoration of the release of their cd. The event is called:『Prediction from a prophet：Code8℃
And so far the band line up is pretty cool! Of course Siva will be there with Black:List, Nega, E’m〜grief〜, Jewel, Zip.er and Misaruka!
Source: Black:List HP
As many of you know, Black:List toured Europe with exist†trace last month. After their live in Finland the band sat down with us at the backstage of Gloria and took some time to give us an interview. The mood was quite relaxed and the members laughed a lot and were talkative despite having just had a very energetic, almost aggressive live on the stage of Gloria!
Thank you so much for this interview! Let’s start with introductions, but instead of introducing yourself, please introduce the person sitting next to you!
TOMOZO: Kyoutarou is the vocalist of Black:List. He’s very cool.
AIKA: Tomozo is the guitarist of Black:List. He’s an impressive man.
REI: Aika is a unique guitarist, but… (whispers) He’s a pervert!!
(everyone laughs)
KYOUTAROU: Rei is Black:List’s drummer. He is.. I love beer. I love metal. [in English] He loves food! (laughing)Was there a specific reason as to why you moved away from TOMOZO’s label, Sequence Records?
TOMOZO: Well… There are several bands on Sequence Records and all of them have a specific kind of a style, and we thought that Black:List doesn’t fit on the label with the other bands because of our different style.
Can you tell us anything about your new label, DUAL CORE SOUND ENTRERPRISE?
TOMOZO: The label was created together with Pepe-san, Meguro Rockmaykan’s owner. The label doesn’t have any other bands than Black:List, it’s just for us.
(some talk about Pepe-san)
TOMOZO: By the way, is there a meaning to the word “pepe” in Finnish?Actually, Pepe is a certain kind of a liquorice candy bar in Finland!
(everyone laughs)
TOMOZO: Candy bar!
AIKA: Pepe-san is kind of like a candy bar himself too!
(more laughing)TOMOZO, how does it feel like being in a band yourself and running your own record company at the same time?
TOMOZO: It’s hard.
KYOUTAROU, AIKA & REI: (laughing) But why is it hard?
TOMOZO: Oh, why is it hard? Well… On my record label I have to take care of many things with many different bands, such as their bookings and all that kind of things. In addition, I have a lot of activities with Black:List. I’m really busy. However… I can do it because I enjoy it!What are you expecting from this European tour?
REI: Food! Beer!
(everyone laughs)
KYOUTAROU & TOMOZO: We’re looking forward to audiences that are different from Japan, as well as new experiences and new places.What do you know about Finland?
Everyone: Sonata Arctica!
REI: Alexi Laiho!! [guitarist of the band Children of Bodom]By the way, the kebab restaurant you went to earlier today is a place where Alexi Laiho always goes.
Everyone: SERIOUSLY!?!
(everyone laughs and cheers exitedly)
TOMOZO: I want to meet him!!! And if I would meet him… (bows and holds out an invisible piece of paper) “SIGN!!”It’s a place where some famous icehockey players go to as well.
Everyone: That’s so cool!! (more laughing)
What were the reasons behind going on a coupling tour with exist†trace?
TOMOZO: exist†trace has been on Sequence Records for a very long time. We wanted to get to know each other better and gain experiences together.
You haven’t had an official bassist since your old bassist left. How did you meet your current support bassist? Do you plan on taking a new official bassist at some point?
TOMOZO: Pepe-san introduced us to our current support bassist Jin-kun at Meguro Rockmaykan. We don’t plan on adding an official bassist to our ranks until we find someone whose taste in music and play style fit with ours perfectly.
What goals do you have as Black:List?
TOMOZO: We want to do more lives and perform in front of different kind of audiences. We want more experiences, and it would be nice if we could continue like this forever.
What is the weirdest or funniest present you have received from a fan?
(everyone thinks for a long time, mumbling to each other)
AIKA: We don’t get many presents.
(everyone laughs)
TOMOZO: There hasn’t been anything that would have surprised any of us that much. And… we don’t get many presents.
(more laughing)Please give a message to your fans!
KYOUTAROU: I was really touched by today’s live. We’ve come from afar and I don’t know where they have heard about us, but even though people didn’t even know our names very well, everyone was really in the mood. We got energy from the audience.
(other members nod in agreement)Thank you for the interview!
Everyone: Thank you! Kiitos! ['thank you' in Finnish]
In addition, the band also gave a video message to their fans. The video was recorded before their live and it’s subtitled in English.
Shattered Tranquility thanks Black:List and all their staff for making this interview and video message possible.
On December 8th at Meguro Rock Maykan, Visunavi is sponsoring a special event called 「MIX LEMONed JELLY 2008 ★ feat. hide Birthday Party～hide Special Cover NIGHT!～」 which will feature various artists doing covers of hide’s music.
The artists listing so far as performing are as follows (there will be more):
DELUHI
PureQ＆A
Lycaon
T.T.C (Featuring: DEATHGAZE’s Naoto, Black:List’s Tomozo and REI)
独立国歌-Ashe”s Hiron Session
Glacier and LuLu Session
The show will cost 3000 yen to attend.
Guess what time it is? Random fact of the day. Today’s random fact comes from Kyotaro of Black:List. It also involves my favorite subject of all…hate! Anyways, here is what he said about it:
I hate rain
Isn’t it kinda like
someone’s crying
isn’t it sad
lately you’ve [the sky]
been in a bad mood, eh
is it something you’ve hated too?
once in a while, you scream zaaa
Pika!Gorgorogorogoro
you’re saying these wavering things, aren’t you
Is it hard?
because if I’m quiet, you let me hear you
until I’m satisfied
it’s okay if you cry
everyone complains about it
but
I’ll wait for you to be silent and stop crying
so it’s okay
Big Ern hates candy apples.
If you guys check out Black:List’s home page you’ll catch a new flash intro and profile pics! The band still wears black suits but this time they have a touch of style. We’ve already were shown pics of Kyotaro’s new dreads but the group picture just makes me giddy~! Check out their new styles, what do you guys think? (I’m tired of the textures they use for their pics DX)
Source: HP
On November 7th at Shizuoka Sunash, Venus, Black:List and LSD are teaming up for a threeman live!
The live will cost 2800 yen to attend.
Source: Venus OHP
We’ve mentioned that Black:List/exist+trace’s live in Belgium was canceled here. NOW another location has been canceled – the live in Münster Germany. It was only a couple of days ago where they announced the bands would play at tokyo cyber dance night vs. visual culture. The bands are no longer featured on the Astan site.
Source: Astan, Black:List comm
I thought I updated about this before Hurricane Ike *had to evacuate*
Mija posted here about exist†trace and Black:List’s tour’s fourth location, which was supposed to be Belgium on October 11th, but unfortunately this live had to be cancelled.
We will keep you up to date if other dates will be announced.
Source: JrockSuomi
exist†trace’s already has new lives lined up before they head out to Europe. They have a live on 09.14 with Black:List called “Black Riot”. Band line up includes: Black:List, gaudie, Megaromania, Schmelz Cure, DELUHI and more… live tickets are about 2800-3300 yen. They live will be held at Takadanobaba AREA.
09.26 they have a live called “Deer Call War #05″ with Black:List, Venus, LSD, Juliette and more… tickets are the same price as mentioned above but the live is going to be at (Shizuoka) Sunash.
The last live they have listed before they go out on tour is “Deer Call War #06″ at Holiday Nagoya. This live is on 09.28, and features: Black:List, Venus, Domain, EAT YOU ALIVE, Danger Gang and more… same ticket price.
They also changed their pictures on their site. What do you guys think of the new look? (click for bigger pic)
Sources: exist†trace lj, HP
Tomozo updated his blog with an additional 4th date and location to the Black:List/exist+trace European tour. We’ve mentioned the first 3 dates and locations here. And now they added a live on 2008.10.11 at Bruxelles Ten Weyngaert – Belgium.
Source: Tomozo’s blog
The dates and venues for Black:List and exist†trace’s European tour have finally been published!
2008.10.12 Gloria Helsinki, Finland
2008.10.17 Die Wekstatt Cologne, Germany
2008.10.19 La Loco Paris, France
If more dates will be announced, I’ll make sure to post them here as soon as possible, so keep an eye out for that!
Source: JrockSuomi, Crossminds myspace
Last month a new session band called 666-SIX- was formed, and while there’s not much information about them I found the line-up interesting so I figured I’d post about them here!
Vo 椿 (Tsubaki)
Gu さゆ亀。 (Sayuki.) ex. xJihadx, Sadomaso, DEATH PROJECT
Gu 美空 (Misora) ex. ActLess TheAteR, 9miri., Sadomaso, Lilith
Ba 迅 (Jin) Black:List support, ex. THE.LAST support, PROJECT Eden support, DEATH PROJECT
666-SIX- had their first live on July 18th at Ikebukuro Cyber, and their next live is on August 21st at Meguro Rockmaykan. Their official site also has an English version of it, and while it’s obvious that it was translated with a translation machine, it’s understandable! They don’t have pictures or profiles or anything up, but I like the line-up so I’ll keep an eye on them and keep you guys updated in case they update their site with more contents.
Source: vkdb, OHP
Welcome to Shattered-Tranquility.net! Your one stop source for all the latest news on Japanese visual bands!
Aspiring to bridge the gap between overseas fans and Japanese artists, we do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date and information packed news from the scene.
