Dead End (band)
Encyclopedia
is an influential Japanese metal
/rock
band formed in Tokyo in 1984. They were one of few Japanese metal bands who had international exposure in the United States during the eighties. Originally disbanded in 1990, Dead End reunited in 2009 after almost two decades.
Although they achieved only limited commercial success in their homeland, Dead End had a significant impact on its rock scene, influencing numerous musicians in, or related to, the developing visual kei
scene in the 1990s. Specifically Morrie who inspired the visual appearance and rough vocal style of many prominent singers.
. They had their first show in March 1985, at the Osaka Bourbon House in front of almost 500 people.
In 1986, they went on a nationwide tour called "Dademonium Break Tour '86 Vol.1", after which guitarist Takahiro left and was replaced by You
from Terra Rosa. In June they released their first records, the singles "Replica" and "Worst Song" on the independent label Night Gallery. Followed by their debut album Dead Line on June 30, which sold 20,000 copies, a rare achievement for a "house" band not yet signed to a major label. To commemorate the release of the album, the band played the Osaka Bourbon House again, and this time had a crowd of 800 people.
In 1987, drummer Tano left the band due to poor health, just before Dead End signed to major label Victor Entertainment
. He was replaced by Masafumi Minato from Saber Tiger
after an audition held in May, completing the "classic" line-up that remained until their disbandment. On September 8 the band released their most successful album Ghost of Romance, which reached No.14 on the Oricon
chart. At the end of the year Dead End signed with the American label Metal Blade Records
for releases of Ghost of Romance and their next album. It was released on January 1 of the next year, and although it didn't enter the charts, it received a very good review in Kerrang!
magazine.
On May 21, 1988 Dead End released their third album Shambara, followed by their first major single "Blue Vices" in December. That same month Psychoscape, a live video recording from their concert on September 24 at Shibuya Public Hall
, was released. Shambara was released in the United States on September 1, and like the previous album it did not chart but received good reviews. Though music videos of "Danse Macabre" and "Blue Vices" were airing on MTV's Headbangers Ball
television program, and their songs had decent airplay on rock radio stations, Morrie notes that "it just happened" and he "was not conscious of the US at that time."
The year 1989 started off with the band signing to major label BMG Japan, and they soon went to London, England
to write songs and record video material until May. At this time their style changed, with the music being softer than their previous releases. On July 9 they held a concert in Shinjuku
called "Standing Convention Gig", where played many new songs, that same month their second major single "So Sweet So Lonely" was released . On September 21 they released their fourth album Zero, in October they went on a live club tour and in mid-November a concert hall tour. It was this year when they started getting major exposure and promotion on TV. At the year's end they released their second live video Hyperd., which was recorded at their concert at Hibiya outdoor music hall
.
However, after a concert at the Nakano Sun Plaza
on January 21, 1990, Minato left Dead End and the members decided to disband. On April 21 the single "Good Morning Satellite" was released, and on July 21 a self-titled live album recorded at their last concert was released.
. On October 1, a new album titled Metamorphosis was announced for release on November 11 by Danger Crue Records
. Also released was a remastered release of Dead Line (also available in a limited edition including a DVD from a concert in January 1987 at Osaka Manichi Hall), SHM-CD releases of Ghost of Romance and Shambara, and reissues of Zero and Dead End on Blu-spec CD
s in December, all with bonus tracks. They went on to perform sold out concerts on November 17 at Osaka Big Cat and November 20 at Shibuya-AX
, which Minato chose not to participate in. Since the reunion he has not toured live with the band, being replaced by Shinya Yamada
(Luna Sea
) and later by Kei Yamazaki (Venomstrip).
On March 20, 2010, Dead End performed on the second day of the Rock May Kan venue's 30 anniversary concert "Legend of Rock May Kan" at JCB Hall, along with D'erlanger
and 44 Magnum
. Two days later, they performed at the concert "Third Devour" at Namba Hatch in Osaka, the third in a concert series called "Four Wizards Night-Crawling", joined by Gastunk
, Pay Money to My Pain
and Cocobat
. In August, they performed at "Rock in Japan Festival 2010" in Hitachi Seaside Park and "Jack in the Box Summer 2010".
In 2011, from January 22 to February 8 Dead End supported Acid Black Cherry
on a Zepp
tour. On August 8 they hosted a charity concert titled "Fourth Devour" at Shibuya O-East, where themselves, Pay Money to My Pain and Lynch. performed. All proceeds were donated to the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
. In October they held a three-date tour called "Death Ace 2011", with the final concert at Shibuya O-West on October 13 being broadcast live worldwide via Ustream
. On October 23, they performed at the "V-Rock Festival '11" held at Saitama Super Arena
.
On November 9, Dead End will release their first single in over twenty years, "Conception", the first in a three-month series of consecutive releases. The second will be "Final Feast", which is scheduled to be released on December 14, the band also confirmed a nationwide tour for 2012.
band", while in the '80s Kerrang!
magazine review on Shambara, their music was described as similar to those of the English bands The Mission
and The Cult
, whose music takes cues from gothic
, hard rock
and post-punk
. In the same review, Morries vocal style was described as an intermediate between Graham Bonnet
and Wayne Hussey
. Also in the year before their disbandment Dead End's style changed, with the music being softer and poppier in sound than their previous releases. Although opposite of the media, Morrie doesn't think of Dead End as a metal band. On the question "If there was one single song that best showcases the soul of Dead End" You said he's fond of some songs, but doesn't think there is a song that showcases Dead End, while for Morrie is "Song of a Lunatic", that "is a look into the abyss, the back of my head".
The majority of the bands catalog of music is written by You, followed by Morrie, and then Takahiro, who wrote seven of eight songs on the first album. Morrie is responsible for all the lyrics, which are mostly in Japanese with some English lines, and contributed three songs on the second, and four (two with bands producer Hajime Okano) on the fourth album. Joe composed one song in each of the first three albums, and they all showcase the bass. They usually do not discuss their ideas on sound and style, yet Morrie says, "we individually do what we want to do based on the songs that You creates, even if it destroys the original concept of the song".
You was influenced by English metal/hard rock band UFO
, with his early band Steeler covering songs from them, Deep Purple
and Rainbow
. Morrie's way of signing in the early years of Dead End was influenced by Ronnie James Dio
, from whom he "learned how to crush the treble pitches", and by Baki of Gastunk
, "who influenced him to establish his own style", leading to a combination of clean and a distorted vocals. He claims his present way of signing and vocal approach are quite different now.
Dead End had a significant impact on the Japanese rock scene, influencing numerous musicians in, or related to, the developing visual kei
scene in the 1990s, including; Sugizo
from Luna Sea
, Tetsuya and Sakura from L'Arc-en-Ciel, the latter being a roadie for them in 1989, Hiro from La'cryma Christi
, Yuana from Kagerou
, Ka-yu from Janne Da Arc
. Morrie also inspired the visual appearances and rough vocal styles of Ryuichi Kawamura
from Luna Sea, Yasu from Janne da Arc, Kiyoharu
from Kuroyume
and Hyde from L'Arc-en-Ciel.
, Goatcore) – bass, backing vocals (ex:Rajas)
) – drums (ex:Saber Tiger
)
Studio albums:
Live albums:
Compilation albums:
Videos:
Various artists compilations:
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
/rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band formed in Tokyo in 1984. They were one of few Japanese metal bands who had international exposure in the United States during the eighties. Originally disbanded in 1990, Dead End reunited in 2009 after almost two decades.
Although they achieved only limited commercial success in their homeland, Dead End had a significant impact on its rock scene, influencing numerous musicians in, or related to, the developing visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
scene in the 1990s. Specifically Morrie who inspired the visual appearance and rough vocal style of many prominent singers.
1984–90: Formation to disbandment
Dead End was formed in December 1984 by singer Morrie and guitarist Takahiro, both previously in the band Liar, bassist Crazy Cool Joe coming from the band Rajas, and drummer Tano from Terra RosaTerra Rosa (band)
was a Japanese hard rock band formed by keyboardist Masashi Okagaki and female vocalist Kazue Akao in Osaka in 1982. Their musical style was notably under the influence of Rainbow. They released three original albums and a live album before they disbanded in 1992....
. They had their first show in March 1985, at the Osaka Bourbon House in front of almost 500 people.
In 1986, they went on a nationwide tour called "Dademonium Break Tour '86 Vol.1", after which guitarist Takahiro left and was replaced by You
Yuji Adachi
, known as You, is a Japanese musician. Best known as guitarist of the influential heavy metal band Dead End. He also runs a guitar school.In 1982 You was a member of Terra Rosa and a year later of Jesus, before joining Dead End in 1986. When Dead End disbanded in 1990, he formed the short-lived...
from Terra Rosa. In June they released their first records, the singles "Replica" and "Worst Song" on the independent label Night Gallery. Followed by their debut album Dead Line on June 30, which sold 20,000 copies, a rare achievement for a "house" band not yet signed to a major label. To commemorate the release of the album, the band played the Osaka Bourbon House again, and this time had a crowd of 800 people.
In 1987, drummer Tano left the band due to poor health, just before Dead End signed to major label Victor Entertainment
Victor Entertainment
is a subsidiary of Japan Victor Company that produces and distributes music, movies and other entertainment products such as anime and television shows in Japan. It was formerly known as...
. He was replaced by Masafumi Minato from Saber Tiger
Saber Tiger (band)
Saber Tiger is a heavy metal band formed in Sapporo, Japan. It was founded in 1981 by guitarist Akihito Kinoshita, who is responsible for producing, engineering and composing most of the band's work. Saber Tiger has released nine studio albums, four compilation albums, a live album, two EPs and...
after an audition held in May, completing the "classic" line-up that remained until their disbandment. On September 8 the band released their most successful album Ghost of Romance, which reached No.14 on the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
chart. At the end of the year Dead End signed with the American label Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records is a record label which was founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The U.S. corporate office for Metal Blade is located in Agoura Hills, California. It also has offices in Arizona, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the UK. The label is distributed in the U.S. by Sony BMG Music...
for releases of Ghost of Romance and their next album. It was released on January 1 of the next year, and although it didn't enter the charts, it received a very good review in Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
magazine.
On May 21, 1988 Dead End released their third album Shambara, followed by their first major single "Blue Vices" in December. That same month Psychoscape, a live video recording from their concert on September 24 at Shibuya Public Hall
Shibuya Public Hall
or is a live theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was completed in 1964. In the 1964 Summer Olympics, the weightlifting events took place there.The theatre was sponsored by Dentsu and Suntory, which paid ¥80 million to have its name associated with the building from 2006 to 2011.-External links:*...
, was released. Shambara was released in the United States on September 1, and like the previous album it did not chart but received good reviews. Though music videos of "Danse Macabre" and "Blue Vices" were airing on MTV's Headbangers Ball
Headbangers Ball
Headbangers Ball is a music television program consisting of heavy metal music videos airing on MTV2, MTV Australia, MTV Two , MTV Adria , MTV Brand New, MTV Portugal, MTV Finland, MTV Arabia, MTV Norway, MTV Sweden, MTV Denmark, MTV Greece, MTV Türkiye, MTV...
television program, and their songs had decent airplay on rock radio stations, Morrie notes that "it just happened" and he "was not conscious of the US at that time."
The year 1989 started off with the band signing to major label BMG Japan, and they soon went to London, England
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
to write songs and record video material until May. At this time their style changed, with the music being softer than their previous releases. On July 9 they held a concert in Shinjuku
Shinjuku, Tokyo
is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative center, housing the busiest train station in the world and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the administration center for the government of Tokyo.As of 2008, the ward has an estimated population...
called "Standing Convention Gig", where played many new songs, that same month their second major single "So Sweet So Lonely" was released . On September 21 they released their fourth album Zero, in October they went on a live club tour and in mid-November a concert hall tour. It was this year when they started getting major exposure and promotion on TV. At the year's end they released their second live video Hyperd., which was recorded at their concert at Hibiya outdoor music hall
Hibiya Park
is a park in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan. It covers an area of 161,636.66m2 between the east gardens of the Imperial Palace to the north, the Shinbashi district to the southeast and the Kasumigaseki government district to the west....
.
However, after a concert at the Nakano Sun Plaza
Nakano Sun Plaza
is a hotel in Nakano, Tokyo. The hotel includes a concert hall, the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall.- Nakano Sun Plaza Hall :Built in 1973, this concert hall seats 2,222 people and attracts performers from around the world...
on January 21, 1990, Minato left Dead End and the members decided to disband. On April 21 the single "Good Morning Satellite" was released, and on July 21 a self-titled live album recorded at their last concert was released.
2009–11: Reunion and current activities
On July 3, 2009, after almost 20 years, Dead End announced they would reunite on August 15 at "Jack in the Box 2009 Summer" at Makuhari MesseMakuhari Messe
is a Japanese convention center outside Tokyo, located in the Mihama-ku ward of Chiba city, in the northwest corner of Chiba prefecture. Designed by Fumihiko Maki, it is easily accessible by Tokyo's commuter rail system. Makuhari is the name of the area, and Messe is a German word meaning "trade...
. On October 1, a new album titled Metamorphosis was announced for release on November 11 by Danger Crue Records
Danger Crue Records
Danger Crue Records is a Japanese independent record label located in Tokyo, Japan...
. Also released was a remastered release of Dead Line (also available in a limited edition including a DVD from a concert in January 1987 at Osaka Manichi Hall), SHM-CD releases of Ghost of Romance and Shambara, and reissues of Zero and Dead End on Blu-spec CD
Blu-spec CD
Blu-spec CD describes an Audio CD manufactured by a proprietary process introduced by Sony Music Entertainment Japan in late 2008. Its name derives from the similar manufacturing process to that used to create Blu-ray Discs. Instead of a traditional infra-red laser, a blue laser is used for...
s in December, all with bonus tracks. They went on to perform sold out concerts on November 17 at Osaka Big Cat and November 20 at Shibuya-AX
Shibuya-AX
Shibuya-AX is a concert hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, near the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.It is the only purpose-built concert hall or "live house" in the Tokyo metropolitan area that can accommodate 1,500 people...
, which Minato chose not to participate in. Since the reunion he has not toured live with the band, being replaced by Shinya Yamada
Shinya Yamada
, referred to as simply , is a Japanese musician. He is best known as drummer of the rock band Luna Sea.- History :Before joining Luna Sea in 1989, high school friends Shinya and Sugizo were in the band Pinoccio....
(Luna Sea
Luna Sea
Luna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
) and later by Kei Yamazaki (Venomstrip).
On March 20, 2010, Dead End performed on the second day of the Rock May Kan venue's 30 anniversary concert "Legend of Rock May Kan" at JCB Hall, along with D'erlanger
D'erlanger
D'erlanger is a Japanese rock band considered to be important to the formation of visual kei...
and 44 Magnum
44 Magnum (band)
44 Magnum is a heavy metal/hard rock band from Japan, originally formed in 1977. After the band disbanded in 1989, they had a thirteen-year hiatus before reuniting and releasing their seventh album, Ignition, in 2002...
. Two days later, they performed at the concert "Third Devour" at Namba Hatch in Osaka, the third in a concert series called "Four Wizards Night-Crawling", joined by Gastunk
Gastunk
Gastunk is an influential Japanese rock band, first active from 1983 to 1988. They reunited in 1999 and 2006 for reunion concerts, but officially restarted activities in 2010.- Members :...
, Pay Money to My Pain
Pay Money to My Pain
Pay Money to My Pain is a Japanese alternative rock/metal band. All of the band's lyrics are in English.-History:...
and Cocobat
Cocobat
Cocobat are a Japanese hardcore punk band, named after Bobo Brazil's finishing move Coco Butt. The band formed in 1991 with four members: bassist Take-Shit, vocalist Ryuji, guitarist Suzuki Shinichi, and drummer Matsuzaki. Their first album, Cocobat Crunch, was released in April 1992 by the indie...
. In August, they performed at "Rock in Japan Festival 2010" in Hitachi Seaside Park and "Jack in the Box Summer 2010".
In 2011, from January 22 to February 8 Dead End supported Acid Black Cherry
Acid Black Cherry
Acid Black Cherry is Janne Da Arc vocalist Yasu's solo project, formed in 2007 when they went on hiatus. The band's name is often seen shortened to A.B.C..-Background:...
on a Zepp
Zepp
The Zepp music halls are a group of Japanese music halls covering every area of the country. The Zepp halls play host to many international tours and are a popular stop among Japanese musicians. Each venue takes the Zepp name, along with the city in which it is located...
tour. On August 8 they hosted a charity concert titled "Fourth Devour" at Shibuya O-East, where themselves, Pay Money to My Pain and Lynch. performed. All proceeds were donated to the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
. In October they held a three-date tour called "Death Ace 2011", with the final concert at Shibuya O-West on October 13 being broadcast live worldwide via Ustream
Ustream
Ustream is a website which consists of a network of diverse channels providing a platform for lifecasting and live video streaming of events online. Established in March 2007, the site has over 2,000,000 registered users who generate 1,500,000+ hours of live streamed content per month with over ten...
. On October 23, they performed at the "V-Rock Festival '11" held at Saitama Super Arena
Saitama Super Arena
is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Chūō-ku, Saitama City, Saitama, Japan. Its spectator capacity is 37,000 at maximum settings.This main arena capacity is between 19,000-22,500 when events such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, ice hockey, gymnastics, boxing, mixed martial arts and...
.
On November 9, Dead End will release their first single in over twenty years, "Conception", the first in a three-month series of consecutive releases. The second will be "Final Feast", which is scheduled to be released on December 14, the band also confirmed a nationwide tour for 2012.
Music style and influence
Dead End, both in local and in Western media, was seen as a non-typical metal band whose music is hard to categorize. Allmusic author Eduardo Rivadavia, wrote that they're a "prototypical Japanese melodic heavy metalHeavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band", while in the '80s Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
magazine review on Shambara, their music was described as similar to those of the English bands The Mission
The Mission (band)
The Mission are a gothic rock band formed in 1986 from the splinters of the freshly dissolved rock band The Sisters of Mercy.The band was started by frontman Wayne Hussey and bassist Craig Adams , soon adding...
and The Cult
The Cult
The Cult are a British rock band that was formed in 1983. They gained a dedicated following in Britain in the mid 1980s as a post-punk band with singles such as "She Sells Sanctuary", before breaking mainstream in the United States in the late 1980s as a hard rock band with singles such as "Love...
, whose music takes cues from gothic
Gothic rock
Gothic rock is a musical subgenre of post-punk and alternative rock that formed during the late 1970s. Gothic rock bands grew from the strong ties they had to the English punk rock and emerging post-punk scenes...
, hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
and post-punk
Post-punk
Post-punk is a rock music movement with its roots in the late 1970s, following on the heels of the initial punk rock explosion of the mid-1970s. The genre retains its roots in the punk movement but is more introverted, complex and experimental...
. In the same review, Morries vocal style was described as an intermediate between Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet is an English rock vocalist, and songwriter. He has recorded and performed as a solo artist, and as a member of several hard rock and heavy metal bands including Rainbow, the Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri.-Early days:Bonnet was born in Skegness in 1947...
and Wayne Hussey
Wayne Hussey
Wayne Hussey is a British musician, best known as lead singer of The Mission and guitarist with The Sisters of Mercy....
. Also in the year before their disbandment Dead End's style changed, with the music being softer and poppier in sound than their previous releases. Although opposite of the media, Morrie doesn't think of Dead End as a metal band. On the question "If there was one single song that best showcases the soul of Dead End" You said he's fond of some songs, but doesn't think there is a song that showcases Dead End, while for Morrie is "Song of a Lunatic", that "is a look into the abyss, the back of my head".
The majority of the bands catalog of music is written by You, followed by Morrie, and then Takahiro, who wrote seven of eight songs on the first album. Morrie is responsible for all the lyrics, which are mostly in Japanese with some English lines, and contributed three songs on the second, and four (two with bands producer Hajime Okano) on the fourth album. Joe composed one song in each of the first three albums, and they all showcase the bass. They usually do not discuss their ideas on sound and style, yet Morrie says, "we individually do what we want to do based on the songs that You creates, even if it destroys the original concept of the song".
You was influenced by English metal/hard rock band UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
, with his early band Steeler covering songs from them, Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
and Rainbow
Rainbow (band)
Rainbow were an English rock band, controlled by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1994 to 1997. It was originally established with American rock band Elf's members, though over the years Rainbow went through many line-up changes with no two studio albums featuring the same line-up...
. Morrie's way of signing in the early years of Dead End was influenced by Ronnie James Dio
Ronnie James Dio
Ronald James Padavona , better known as Ronnie James Dio, was an American heavy metal vocalist and songwriter. He performed with, amongst others, Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his own band Dio, which means God in Italian. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser...
, from whom he "learned how to crush the treble pitches", and by Baki of Gastunk
Gastunk
Gastunk is an influential Japanese rock band, first active from 1983 to 1988. They reunited in 1999 and 2006 for reunion concerts, but officially restarted activities in 2010.- Members :...
, "who influenced him to establish his own style", leading to a combination of clean and a distorted vocals. He claims his present way of signing and vocal approach are quite different now.
Dead End had a significant impact on the Japanese rock scene, influencing numerous musicians in, or related to, the developing visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
scene in the 1990s, including; Sugizo
Sugizo
, born , is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. Referred to by his stage name Sugizo, he is best known as lead guitarist of the rock band Luna Sea, who were popular in the 1990s. He started his solo career in 1997 and has since collaborated with many artists...
from Luna Sea
Luna Sea
Luna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
, Tetsuya and Sakura from L'Arc-en-Ciel, the latter being a roadie for them in 1989, Hiro from La'cryma Christi
La'cryma Christi
La'cryma Christi was a Japanese visual kei rock band, which formed in 1993 and disbanded in January 2007. They reunited for a concert in 2009 at the "V-Rock Festival", and for their short reunion tour in 2010.- History :...
, Yuana from Kagerou
Kagerou (band)
Kagerou were a Japanese visual kei alternative metal/rock band, formed in September 1999 by vocalist Daisuke and bassist Masaya, with guitarist Yuana joining shortly afterward. In 2000 Kagerou left their record label Loop Ash to sign with Lizard, which is an imprint of Free-Will...
, Ka-yu from Janne Da Arc
Janne Da Arc
is a Japanese rock band from Hirakata, Osaka. The band's name is often seen shortened to either "Janne" or "JDA".- Career :The band is currently signed to the Motorod record label, which is owned by Avex Group...
. Morrie also inspired the visual appearances and rough vocal styles of Ryuichi Kawamura
Ryuichi Kawamura
is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actor and record producer. He is best known as lead singer of the rock band Luna Sea. After the group disbanded in 2000, Ryuichi went on to a successful solo career. In 2005 he formed Tourbillon with, fellow Luna Sea member, Inoran and Hiroaki Hayama...
from Luna Sea, Yasu from Janne da Arc, Kiyoharu
Kiyoharu
, better known by his given and stage name, is a Japanese musician and singer-songwriter, known for his work with Kuroyume and Sads. In 2003 he began his solo career, performing as both a singer and guitarist.- Independent career and Kuroyume :...
from Kuroyume
Kuroyume
Kuroyume is a rock group that formed in Nagoya, Japan during May 1991, currently consisting of vocalist Kiyoharu and bassist Hitoki. They began as a visual kei group and carried similar looks throughout their career...
and Hyde from L'Arc-en-Ciel.
Members
– vocals (ex:The Wild, Liar, Creature Creature) – guitar (ex:Jesus, Terra RosaTerra Rosa (band)
was a Japanese hard rock band formed by keyboardist Masashi Okagaki and female vocalist Kazue Akao in Osaka in 1982. Their musical style was notably under the influence of Rainbow. They released three original albums and a live album before they disbanded in 1992....
, Goatcore) – bass, backing vocals (ex:Rajas)
Former members
– guitar (ex:Liar, The Willard) – drums (ex:Terra RosaTerra Rosa (band)
was a Japanese hard rock band formed by keyboardist Masashi Okagaki and female vocalist Kazue Akao in Osaka in 1982. Their musical style was notably under the influence of Rainbow. They released three original albums and a live album before they disbanded in 1992....
) – drums (ex:Saber Tiger
Saber Tiger (band)
Saber Tiger is a heavy metal band formed in Sapporo, Japan. It was founded in 1981 by guitarist Akihito Kinoshita, who is responsible for producing, engineering and composing most of the band's work. Saber Tiger has released nine studio albums, four compilation albums, a live album, two EPs and...
)
Live support members
- Shinya YamadaShinya Yamada, referred to as simply , is a Japanese musician. He is best known as drummer of the rock band Luna Sea.- History :Before joining Luna Sea in 1989, high school friends Shinya and Sugizo were in the band Pinoccio....
– drums (Luna SeaLuna SeaLuna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
) - Kei Yamazaki – drums (Venomstrip)
Discography
Singles:- "Replica" (June 19, 1986, distributed for free at Osaka Bourbon House gig) Night Gallery
- "Worst Song" (June 1986)
- "Replica/Worst Song" (1986)
- "Blue Vices" c/w "Wire Dancer" (December 16, 1988) Victor InvitationVictor Entertainmentis a subsidiary of Japan Victor Company that produces and distributes music, movies and other entertainment products such as anime and television shows in Japan. It was formerly known as...
- "So Sweet So Lonely" c/w "I'm in a Coma" (July 21, 1989) BMG Victor
- "Good Morning Satellite" c/w "Genshi no Kakera" (April 21, 1990) OriconOricon, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
ranking: #75 BMG Victor - "Conception" (November 9, 2011) Motorod
- "Final Feast" (December 14, 2011) Motorod
- "Yume Oni Uta" (January 11, 2012) Motorad
Studio albums:
- Dead Line (June 30, 1986) Night Gallery
- Remastered release (November 11, 2009) #24 Danger CrueDanger Crue RecordsDanger Crue Records is a Japanese independent record label located in Tokyo, Japan...
- Remastered release (November 11, 2009) #24 Danger Crue
- Ghost of Romance (September 8, 1987) #14 Victor Invitation
- Remastered release (November 11, 2009) #77
- Shámbara (May 21, 1988) #29 Victor Invitation
- Remastered release (November 11, 2009) #79
- Zero (September 21, 1989) #21 BMG Victor
- Remastered release (December 23, 2009) #152 Ariola JapanAriola Japan, is a Japanese record label precedently part of BMG Japan and now subsidiary of Sony Music Japan. It is home to both former BMG Japan artists and new artists, including Buck-Tick, The Cro-Magnons, Deen, GO!GO!7188, Kenichi Asai, AZU, Takako Matsu, Misia, Kazumasa Oda, Seamo, Shikao Suga, Sukima...
- Remastered release (December 23, 2009) #152 Ariola Japan
- Metamorphosis (November 11, 2009) #14 Danger Crue
Live albums:
- Dead End (July 21, 1990) #54 BMG Victor
- Remastered release (December 23, 2009) #253
- Dead End ~Live Act I~ (May 24, 1995) BMG Victor
- Dead End ~Live Act II~ (May 24, 1995) BMG Victor
Compilation albums:
- All in One (June 21, 1997) BMG Victor
- Infinity ∞ (January 26, 2005) #198 BMG Victor
Videos:
- Psychoscape (1988 VHS; September 22, 2004 DVD) #270 Victor Invitation
- Hyperd. (1989 VHS; May 23, 2001 DVD) BMG Victor
Various artists compilations:
- Shoot the Guitarist (May 2, 1990)
- 02. "Good Morning Satellite", 11. "Genshi no Karera"
- Ariola Meeting 1995 - Meet the Singles (April 21, 1995) BMG Japan
- 02. "Good Morning Satellite"
- Ariola Meeting 1995 - Meet the Ballads (May 24, 1995) BMG Japan
- 07. "Serafine"
- Ariola Meeting 1995 - Meet the Favorites (June 21, 1995) BMG Japan
- 12. "Promised Land"
- Legends of Japanese Heavy Metal 80s (September 26, 2003) Victor Entertainment
- On CD: 09. "Skeleton Circus", On DVD: 06. "Phantom Nation"
- Legends of Japanese Heavy Metal 80s Vol.2 - Brilliant Guitar Plays (February 25, 2004) Victor Entertainment
- 08. "Blind Boy Project"
- Rock Nippon - Rolly Selection (January 24, 2007) Sony
- 13. "I Can Hear The Rain"