Merry (Japanese band)
Encyclopedia
is a visual kei
rock band formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2001. The current member lineup consists of Gara on vocals, Yuu and Kenichi on guitar, Tetsu on bass, and Nero on the drums.
in indie
CD stores nationwide, accompanied by a number of secret live shows held in Tokyo and Nagoya.
Regular "serious" activities only began in 2002. Following more live shows, the band created their own independent label Gekiyaku records and released their first maxi-single titled "Haikarasan ga tooru" in February. There were three versions of this single – gold, silver and bronze – each one limited to 1000 copies. Gold and bronze versions were only available through mail order
through the rock magazine Fool's Mate, while the silver version was available in stores. All were sold out at pre-order
. In March, the band had their first one-man live at Meguro Rockmaykan. A second press of Haikarasan ga tooru, which included a new song "Tokyo Telephone", was then later released in May.
In mid to late 2002, a pair of maxi-singles were released, "Koseiha Blend ~Tasogare-hen~" and "Koseiha Blend ~Junjou Jounetsu-hen~", containing three new tracks each and packaged in LP
-sized sleeves illustrated by infamous EroGuro
comic artist Suehiro Maruo
. Both were limited to 3000 copies and were once again sold out at pre-order. The band also contributed to two omnibus compilations. These releases were accompanied by numerous live events.
In March 2003 the band released their first full album Gendai Stoic on Kiyoharu
's (leader and singer of Kuroyume
and Sads
) Fullface records, selling over 10,000 copies on the day of its release. In June Merry opened for Sadd at Zepp
Tokyo, and in August released a third press of "Haikarasan ga Tooru" entitled "Haikarasan ga Toorisugita Ato...", which contained re-recordings of the original songs and a secret track. In the same month the band were working on their first promotional video
(PV) of "Violet Harenchi", which was then released on a DVD limited to the one-man live at Shibuya Koukaidou on 29 August. The closing months of 2003 saw a live tour and the band's participation in "Beautifool's Fest '03", a live event organized by Fool's Mate.
2004 began with the release of a pair of maxi-singles in February before the band went into a brief hiatus, working on their second full album. Modern Garde was finally released on 30 June, accompanied by a live tour "New Standard Renaissance." In September Merry participated in a large-scale event, "Kingdom Rock Show 2004", held at the Nippon Budokan
, performing beside major bands like Psycho le Cemu
, Janne Da Arc and Sex Machineguns
.
March 2005 saw the release of "Sakashima End Roll ~The Phantom of the Gallery~", a brand new maxi-single and DVD on reverse sides of single disc – it was to be one of Japan's first titles on the new DualDisc
formAt. First press was sold out at pre-order, and the release itself quickly made it to the 2nd spot on the Oricon
indies chart.
The sold-out and highly successful one-man live at Shibuya Koukaidou on 31 March saw the long-awaited announcement of the band's major contract with JVC's Victor Entertainment
– home to artists such as Buck-Tick
, Boøwy
, Cali≠Gari, The Back Horn
and Love Psychedelico
– much to the tearful elation of loyal fans. It is also worth noting that the record company was the one to offer a proposal to the band first and not the reverse.
The transition to a major label prompted the release of a best-of album – Koseiha Blend Classic ~Oldies Tracks~ – which contained re-recorded and remastered tracks off the older releases, together with two new songs; first press came with a new PV of "Tick-tock" and second press with the rare "Violet Harenchi" video previously released only at a live show. Fool's Mate published a pair of history books documenting the band's appearances in the magazine, coupled with long interviews and a special CD and DVD. From July to August, Merry set out on their "Last Indies Tour", which finally culminated at the Hibiya outdoors music hall on 10 September – their first major one-man show.
The band's major debut album, Nu Chemical Rhetoric, made it to the 10th spot on the Oricon daily album chart a day before its official release. Concert footage of the Hibiya live was later released on a DVD entitled Sci-fi Nu Chemical Rhetoric ~First Cut~, which similarly made it to the top of the charts.
A pair of DVDs documenting the "Last Indies Tour" were released at the beginning of 2006. Nu Chemical Rhetoric was then released all over Europe, specifically Germany, Austria, Switzerland
, France, Scandinavia
and Italy
. In the meantime, Merry filmed two promotional videos while working on their upcoming album; the first major single "Sayonara Rain" successfully made it to the 24th spot on the Oricon weekly top 30 singles chart (5 June) while the second one titled "Ringo to Uso", released a month later, was #25.
Merry once again played at the Hibiya outdoors music hall on 30 July, following the release of their 2nd major album Peep Show on 19 July – footage of the concert will be released on DVD on 20 December. A nationwide one-man tour then took place in August and September.
In late October, the band filmed the video for upcoming single "Calling" at Izu Ōshima
, enduring stormy weather. At the same time Peep Show had a European release.
At the start of December, Merry traveled to Europe to perform overseas for the first time in Munich
and Paris on 1 and 3 December respectively. Their third major single "Calling" was released on 6 December and featured collaborations with Balzac
and The Mad Capsule Markets
's Takeshi Ueda
. As a closing to 2006 and in commemoration of the band's 5th anniversary, a special countdown live was held at the Shibuya Koukaidou on New Year's Eve.
In February 2007, Merry went on a joint tour with Balzac. Their 4th major single "Blind Romance/Saihate no Parade" was then released on 18 April. Promotional videos were filmed for both songs and "Saihate no Parade" was used as the ending theme for the Over Drive
anime. In May, Merry went on the brief "Oriental Circus" tour, playing in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
On 26 May, Merry performed at the J-Rock Revolution Festival held in Los Angeles, America, alongside artists such as Mucc
, Girugamesh
and D'espairsRay. Another tour went through the late summer of 2007.
Merry's third single of 2010, "Yakou" was released on 1 December.
Merry have participated on two tribute albums which are scheduled for release on 10 November & 1 December 2010. The first being Pierrot to Suika to Yayauke Rider Subete wa World Peace no Tame ni – Saikyo Senshi-tachi ga Koko ni Shuketsu - which is a tribute to Atsushi Inoue, vocalist of punk rock band New Rote'ka.
The second is Romantist – The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album - which is a tribute album celebrating the 60th birthday of The Stalin
front man, Michiro Endo
. Many prominent artists pay their tributes to the founder & front man of the influential 80s punk band, including Buck-Tick
, Group Tamashii, Dir en grey
, Jun Togawa, Wagdug Futuristic Unity
, YUKI
etc.
Merry covered Dir en grey
's song "Schwein no Isu" for the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, the album was released on 26 January 2011 and features current visual kei
bands covering songs from bands that were important to the '90s visual kei movement.
Since the beginning of 2011, they've been working on the next album. It could contain the released songs "Yakou", "Crisis Moment" and "The Cry Against..." released in 2010. The latest single from the band was released in 6 June 2011 called "Hameln". In the middle of June, they announced the album's name, Beautiful Freaks that will be released on 27 July 2011 and beginning of the "Beautiful Freaks Tour".
, punk rock
, jazz
and blues
, occasionally experimenting with undertones of techno
, surf rock, Heavy Metal
, ballads and more. Though some may not find this entirely appealing, the result is undeniably "totally fresh", as former Megadeth
guitarist Marty Friedman
put it. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=25044
Like many others, the members themselves were influenced by Japanese pioneer rock bands of the 80s and early 90s such as X Japan
, Luna Sea
, Buck-Tick
, The Blue Hearts
and Boøwy
. The main songwriters are the two guitarists Yuu and Kenichi, the former writing majority of the slower, groovier songs and the latter composing faster, catchier melodies. Not afraid to experiment with their musical ability, Merry delivers a full spectrum of brand new tunes with the release of every anticipated album.
The band's music and lyrical imagery are likely influenced by the liberal Taisho
and early Showa
era, a period of significant artistic and musical movement when Japan shifted further towards Western concepts. It was the time of avant-garde
; industrialisation saw the introduction of jazz and blues to Japanese culture, bringing about the rise of music cafes, bars and clubs. Similarly Merry fuse the these genres with modern rock music to create a whole new style – a "modern avant-garde", or rather "modern-garde" as their second album is named.
Lyrics-wise, vocalist Gara writes on a broad variety of topics, ranging from themes of war & patriotism (Rest in peace, Japanese modernist, 愛国行進曲 "Patriot march"), politics & society (迷彩ノ紳士 "Gentlemen in disguise", ニセモノ天国 "Fake heaven", Lost generation) to those of dreams, life, love and hate (窓 "Window", 恋愛交差点 "Intersection of love"). Some of these carry a retro
feel in their imagery (黄昏レストラン "Sunset restaurant", 薔薇と片隅のブルース "Blues of the rose and corner", 東京テレホン "Tokyo telephone" and R-246), once again attributed to the influence of Taisho era romanticism.
– the band's name never fails to appear in the "very special thanks" credits in every release. Before forming his own band, Gara was a roadie for Dir en grey, forming a close bond with vocalist Kyo
, whom he still considers his senior and mentor. Gara is also known to hold a lot of respect for Kiyoharu
(solo artist and vocalist for Sads
and Kuroyume
)
Horror punk
band Balzac
has also been very supportive of Merry. In 2006 the two bands combined efforts in a reconstruction of one of Merry's songs "Hi no Ataranai Basho". They have also previously performed together at several live events.
Merry are also closely related to Mucc
, Kagerou
and Craze, the members being good friends with each other.
Very little is known about them as they have only appeared in a few live shows and a special feature in Fool's Mate. They seem to be currently defunct, though there's no telling when they may spring up again.
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...
rock band formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2001. The current member lineup consists of Gara on vocals, Yuu and Kenichi on guitar, Tetsu on bass, and Nero on the drums.
Members
– vocals-
- Ex-Visage (as Makoto); Ex-Dir en greyDir en greyDir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
roadie; Ex-After effect (as Makoto); Born 6 July in Gunma prefecture – guitar - Ex-Shiver; Born 2 April in Ehime prefecture – guitar
- Ex-Crescent (as Ken); Ex-Syndrome (as Ken); Born 14 July in Gunma prefecture – bass
- Ex-ACiD; Born 21 November in Aichi prefecture – drums
- Ex-Smoky Flavor (as Kuni); Ex-After effect (as Kuni); Born 11 February in Saitama prefecture
- Ex-Visage (as Makoto); Ex-Dir en grey
History
In late 2000, after the disbandment of their bands After effect and Shiver respectively, vocalist Gara and guitarist Yuu, only briefly acquainted through a few live events, contacted each other in hopes of a fresh beginning. In the following months of 2001, a series of meetings and discussions over the phone eventually led to the recruitment of the three other members, Tetsu, Nero and Kenichi in that order, and the five of them formed in October 2001 what was to be known as Merry today. Early activities as an obscure indies band included the distribution of 500 copies of a 2-track MDMiniDisc
The disc is permanently housed in a cartridge with a sliding door, similar to the casing of a 3.5" floppy disk. This shutter is opened automatically by a mechanism upon insertion. The audio discs can either be recordable or premastered. Recordable MiniDiscs use a magneto-optical system to record...
in indie
Indie (music)
In music, independent music, often shortened to indie music or "indie" is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, and an autonomous, Do-It-Yourself approach to recording and publishing....
CD stores nationwide, accompanied by a number of secret live shows held in Tokyo and Nagoya.
Regular "serious" activities only began in 2002. Following more live shows, the band created their own independent label Gekiyaku records and released their first maxi-single titled "Haikarasan ga tooru" in February. There were three versions of this single – gold, silver and bronze – each one limited to 1000 copies. Gold and bronze versions were only available through mail order
Mail order
Mail order is a term which describes the buying of goods or services by mail delivery. The buyer places an order for the desired products with the merchant through some remote method such as through a telephone call or web site. Then, the products are delivered to the customer...
through the rock magazine Fool's Mate, while the silver version was available in stores. All were sold out at pre-order
Pre-order
A pre-order is an order placed for an item which has not yet been released. The idea for pre-orders came when people found it hard to get popular items in stores due to their popularity. Companies were then given the idea to allow people to reserve their own personal copy, before the release, ...
. In March, the band had their first one-man live at Meguro Rockmaykan. A second press of Haikarasan ga tooru, which included a new song "Tokyo Telephone", was then later released in May.
In mid to late 2002, a pair of maxi-singles were released, "Koseiha Blend ~Tasogare-hen~" and "Koseiha Blend ~Junjou Jounetsu-hen~", containing three new tracks each and packaged in LP
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
-sized sleeves illustrated by infamous EroGuro
EroGuro
is a wasei-eigo term that describes a literary and artistic movement from 1920s and '30s Japan. Ero guro puts its focus on eroticism, sexual corruption and decadence. While ero guro is a specific movement, many of its components can be found throughout Japanese history and culture. The term is...
comic artist Suehiro Maruo
Suehiro Maruo
, is a Japanese manga artist, illustrator, and painter.-Biography:Maruo graduated from junior high school in March 1972 but dropped out of senior high school. At the age of 15 he moved to Tokyo and began working for a bookbinder...
. Both were limited to 3000 copies and were once again sold out at pre-order. The band also contributed to two omnibus compilations. These releases were accompanied by numerous live events.
In March 2003 the band released their first full album Gendai Stoic on 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 :...
's (leader and singer of 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 Sads
SADS (band)
Sads is a post-punk and glam rock band formed in Japan in 1999. The band made its debut with the single "Tokyo". They released nine singles and four albums before their disbandment in 2003. In 2010, Sads reformed with a more metal sound and signed to the Avex label...
) Fullface records, selling over 10,000 copies on the day of its release. In June Merry opened for Sadd at 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...
Tokyo, and in August released a third press of "Haikarasan ga Tooru" entitled "Haikarasan ga Toorisugita Ato...", which contained re-recordings of the original songs and a secret track. In the same month the band were working on their first promotional video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
(PV) of "Violet Harenchi", which was then released on a DVD limited to the one-man live at Shibuya Koukaidou on 29 August. The closing months of 2003 saw a live tour and the band's participation in "Beautifool's Fest '03", a live event organized by Fool's Mate.
2004 began with the release of a pair of maxi-singles in February before the band went into a brief hiatus, working on their second full album. Modern Garde was finally released on 30 June, accompanied by a live tour "New Standard Renaissance." In September Merry participated in a large-scale event, "Kingdom Rock Show 2004", held at the Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo, Japan.This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded...
, performing beside major bands like Psycho le Cemu
Psycho le Cému
Psycho le Cému was a Japanese visual rock band. Its members are Aya, Daishi, Lida, Seek, and Yuraサマ . Formed in 1999, Psycho le Cému distinguished themselves in the visual kei scene via their cosplay, with its members dressing in colorful, extravagant outfits inspired by anime and video game...
, Janne Da Arc and Sex Machineguns
Sex Machineguns
Sex Machineguns is a Japanese speed metal band formed in 1983. Their music is characterized by a heavy focus on bass as well as extremely fast guitar and bass solos...
.
March 2005 saw the release of "Sakashima End Roll ~The Phantom of the Gallery~", a brand new maxi-single and DVD on reverse sides of single disc – it was to be one of Japan's first titles on the new DualDisc
DualDisc
DualDisc was a type of double-sided optical disc product developed by a group of record companies including EMI Music, Universal Music Group, Sony/BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and 5.1 Entertainment Group and later under the aegis of the Recording Industry Association of America...
formAt. First press was sold out at pre-order, and the release itself quickly made it to the 2nd spot 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...
indies chart.
The sold-out and highly successful one-man live at Shibuya Koukaidou on 31 March saw the long-awaited announcement of the band's major contract with JVC's 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...
– home to artists such as Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick is a rock band formed in 1983 in Fujioka, Japan. The band has consisted of Atsushi Sakurai , Hisashi Imai , Hidehiko Hoshino , Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami for the majority of its existence...
, Boøwy
Boøwy
Boøwy was a Japanese rock group consisting of Kyosuke Himuro , Tomoyasu Hotei , Tsunematsu Matsui and Makoto Takahashi . They were a rock band that reached legendary status in Japan during the 1980s...
, Cali≠Gari, The Back Horn
The Back Horn
is a Japanese alternative rock band, formed in Tokyo, Japan in 1998.-History:The band got started around April in 1998, when the original members all came to Tokyo from the countryside where they all lived, all for different reasons. They met, and decided to start a band. First called Gyorai, they...
and Love Psychedelico
Love Psychedelico
is a Japanese band. In Japan they are often called Delico for short. They are widely popular not only in Japan but also Hong Kong and Taiwan.- Members :* Kumi – lead vocals, guitars, etc....
– much to the tearful elation of loyal fans. It is also worth noting that the record company was the one to offer a proposal to the band first and not the reverse.
The transition to a major label prompted the release of a best-of album – Koseiha Blend Classic ~Oldies Tracks~ – which contained re-recorded and remastered tracks off the older releases, together with two new songs; first press came with a new PV of "Tick-tock" and second press with the rare "Violet Harenchi" video previously released only at a live show. Fool's Mate published a pair of history books documenting the band's appearances in the magazine, coupled with long interviews and a special CD and DVD. From July to August, Merry set out on their "Last Indies Tour", which finally culminated at the Hibiya outdoors music hall on 10 September – their first major one-man show.
The band's major debut album, Nu Chemical Rhetoric, made it to the 10th spot on the Oricon daily album chart a day before its official release. Concert footage of the Hibiya live was later released on a DVD entitled Sci-fi Nu Chemical Rhetoric ~First Cut~, which similarly made it to the top of the charts.
A pair of DVDs documenting the "Last Indies Tour" were released at the beginning of 2006. Nu Chemical Rhetoric was then released all over Europe, specifically Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, France, Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. In the meantime, Merry filmed two promotional videos while working on their upcoming album; the first major single "Sayonara Rain" successfully made it to the 24th spot on the Oricon weekly top 30 singles chart (5 June) while the second one titled "Ringo to Uso", released a month later, was #25.
Merry once again played at the Hibiya outdoors music hall on 30 July, following the release of their 2nd major album Peep Show on 19 July – footage of the concert will be released on DVD on 20 December. A nationwide one-man tour then took place in August and September.
In late October, the band filmed the video for upcoming single "Calling" at Izu Ōshima
Izu Oshima
is a volcanic island in the Izu Islands and administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan government, Japan, lies about 100 km south of Tokyo, 22 km east of the Izu Peninsula and 36 km southwest of Bōsō Peninsula. serves as the local government of the island...
, enduring stormy weather. At the same time Peep Show had a European release.
At the start of December, Merry traveled to Europe to perform overseas for the first time in Munich
Munich
Munich The city's motto is "" . Before 2006, it was "Weltstadt mit Herz" . Its native name, , is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks' place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence the monk depicted on the city's coat...
and Paris on 1 and 3 December respectively. Their third major single "Calling" was released on 6 December and featured collaborations with Balzac
Balzac (band)
Balzac is a Japanese punk band formed in 1992 in Osaka. The band was founded by singer and songwriter Hirosuke Nishiyama, who has remained the only constant member of the band since its creation...
and The Mad Capsule Markets
The Mad Capsule Markets
The Mad Capsule Markets were a Japanese band that formed in 1990 and were active until 2006...
's Takeshi Ueda
Takeshi Ueda
, is the bassist, programmer, additional vocalist and song writer for The Mad Capsule Markets. He is often known for his unique way of bass guitar playing, and ever changing haircuts.-Musical career:Takeshi was born in Yokohama, Japan...
. As a closing to 2006 and in commemoration of the band's 5th anniversary, a special countdown live was held at the Shibuya Koukaidou on New Year's Eve.
In February 2007, Merry went on a joint tour with Balzac. Their 4th major single "Blind Romance/Saihate no Parade" was then released on 18 April. Promotional videos were filmed for both songs and "Saihate no Parade" was used as the ending theme for the Over Drive
Over Drive (manga)
is a manga series by Yasuda Tsuyoshi that has appeared in the Japanese Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 2005 until 2008. An anime adaptation began airing on 3 April 2007 and is produced by studio XEBEC...
anime. In May, Merry went on the brief "Oriental Circus" tour, playing in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
On 26 May, Merry performed at the J-Rock Revolution Festival held in Los Angeles, America, alongside artists such as Mucc
Mucc
is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1997. Named after a character from the Japanese children's TV show Hirake! Ponkikki, the band is also known by the nickname 69 since "six nine" can be pronounced "muku" in Japanese...
, Girugamesh
Girugamesh
is a Japanese visual kei rock band, formed in 2003. The name is derived from the ancient king Gilgamesh, and is sometimes typeset with a metal umlaut as girugämesh.-2004-2006: Formation:...
and D'espairsRay. Another tour went through the late summer of 2007.
Merry's third single of 2010, "Yakou" was released on 1 December.
Merry have participated on two tribute albums which are scheduled for release on 10 November & 1 December 2010. The first being Pierrot to Suika to Yayauke Rider Subete wa World Peace no Tame ni – Saikyo Senshi-tachi ga Koko ni Shuketsu - which is a tribute to Atsushi Inoue, vocalist of punk rock band New Rote'ka.
The second is Romantist – The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album - which is a tribute album celebrating the 60th birthday of The Stalin
The Stalin
were an influential Japanese punk rock band formed in June 1980, by leader and vocalist Michiro Endo. After numerous member changes, he disbanded the group in February 1985. In May 1987 Michiro formed a group called Video Stalin, which mostly made videos instead of albums, they disbanded in 1988...
front man, Michiro Endo
Michiro Endo
is a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia...
. Many prominent artists pay their tributes to the founder & front man of the influential 80s punk band, including Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick is a rock band formed in 1983 in Fujioka, Japan. The band has consisted of Atsushi Sakurai , Hisashi Imai , Hidehiko Hoshino , Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami for the majority of its existence...
, Group Tamashii, Dir en grey
Dir en grey
Dir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
, Jun Togawa, Wagdug Futuristic Unity
Hiroshi Kyono
Hiroshi Kyono is the vocalist for The Mad Capsule Markets.- Early years :Kyono claims that in his earlier years he was an MTV junky, in high school he started listening to Japanese punk like Gauze, The Stalin, Inu, and Aburadako. Then he ventured out into overseas punk like Crass and Pop Group...
, YUKI
Yuki
Yuki, Yuuki, Yuhki or Yūki are romanizations of various Japanese given names or words...
etc.
Merry covered Dir en grey
Dir en grey
Dir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
's song "Schwein no Isu" for the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, the album was released on 26 January 2011 and features current 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...
bands covering songs from bands that were important to the '90s visual kei movement.
Since the beginning of 2011, they've been working on the next album. It could contain the released songs "Yakou", "Crisis Moment" and "The Cry Against..." released in 2010. The latest single from the band was released in 6 June 2011 called "Hameln". In the middle of June, they announced the album's name, Beautiful Freaks that will be released on 27 July 2011 and beginning of the "Beautiful Freaks Tour".
Musical style
Merry mainly blend the genres of classic rockClassic rock
Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the classic rock format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on the hard rock genre that peaked in popularity in the...
, punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
, jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
and blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
, occasionally experimenting with undertones of techno
Techno
Techno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid to late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno, in reference to a genre of music, was in 1988...
, surf rock, Heavy Metal
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...
, ballads and more. Though some may not find this entirely appealing, the result is undeniably "totally fresh", as former Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
guitarist Marty Friedman
Marty Friedman (guitarist)
Marty Friedman is a guitarist, well known for his tenure as the lead/rhythm guitarist for thrash metal band Megadeth, which lasted almost a decade...
put it. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=25044
Like many others, the members themselves were influenced by Japanese pioneer rock bands of the 80s and early 90s such as X Japan
X Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
, 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...
, Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick is a rock band formed in 1983 in Fujioka, Japan. The band has consisted of Atsushi Sakurai , Hisashi Imai , Hidehiko Hoshino , Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami for the majority of its existence...
, The Blue Hearts
The Blue Hearts
was a popular Japanese punk rock band that performed from the mid-1980s to the early-1990s. In 2003, they were ranked by HMV Japan as number 19 on their list of 100 most important Japanese pop acts...
and Boøwy
Boøwy
Boøwy was a Japanese rock group consisting of Kyosuke Himuro , Tomoyasu Hotei , Tsunematsu Matsui and Makoto Takahashi . They were a rock band that reached legendary status in Japan during the 1980s...
. The main songwriters are the two guitarists Yuu and Kenichi, the former writing majority of the slower, groovier songs and the latter composing faster, catchier melodies. Not afraid to experiment with their musical ability, Merry delivers a full spectrum of brand new tunes with the release of every anticipated album.
The band's music and lyrical imagery are likely influenced by the liberal Taisho
Taisho
Taisho may refer to:* Taishō period , a period in the history of Japan* Emperor Taishō of Japan , reigned 1912–1926. His given name was Yoshihito.* Taishō-ku, Osaka, a ward in the city of Osaka, Japan...
and early Showa
Showa period
The , or Shōwa era, is the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of the Shōwa Emperor, Hirohito, from December 25, 1926 through January 7, 1989.The Shōwa period was longer than the reign of any previous Japanese emperor...
era, a period of significant artistic and musical movement when Japan shifted further towards Western concepts. It was the time of avant-garde
Avant-garde
Avant-garde means "advance guard" or "vanguard". The adjective form is used in English to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics....
; industrialisation saw the introduction of jazz and blues to Japanese culture, bringing about the rise of music cafes, bars and clubs. Similarly Merry fuse the these genres with modern rock music to create a whole new style – a "modern avant-garde", or rather "modern-garde" as their second album is named.
Lyrics-wise, vocalist Gara writes on a broad variety of topics, ranging from themes of war & patriotism (Rest in peace, Japanese modernist, 愛国行進曲 "Patriot march"), politics & society (迷彩ノ紳士 "Gentlemen in disguise", ニセモノ天国 "Fake heaven", Lost generation) to those of dreams, life, love and hate (窓 "Window", 恋愛交差点 "Intersection of love"). Some of these carry a retro
Retro
Retro is a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall postmodern past, that has since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again. The use of "retro" style iconography and imagery interjected into post-modern art, advertising, mass media, etc...
feel in their imagery (黄昏レストラン "Sunset restaurant", 薔薇と片隅のブルース "Blues of the rose and corner", 東京テレホン "Tokyo telephone" and R-246), once again attributed to the influence of Taisho era romanticism.
External relationships
Merry is most notably connected to the popular Dir en greyDir en grey
Dir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
– the band's name never fails to appear in the "very special thanks" credits in every release. Before forming his own band, Gara was a roadie for Dir en grey, forming a close bond with vocalist Kyo
Kyo (musician)
is the vocalist of Japanese band Dir En Grey. He has been with the band since its inception in 1997 and was formerly in La:Sadie's. Kyo was inspired to become a rock star when he saw a picture of Buck-Tick vocalist Atsushi Sakurai on the desk of a junior high school classmate.While he has only...
, whom he still considers his senior and mentor. Gara is also known to hold a lot of respect for 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 :...
(solo artist and vocalist for Sads
SADS (band)
Sads is a post-punk and glam rock band formed in Japan in 1999. The band made its debut with the single "Tokyo". They released nine singles and four albums before their disbandment in 2003. In 2010, Sads reformed with a more metal sound and signed to the Avex label...
and 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...
)
Horror punk
Horror punk
Horror punk is a music genre that mixes Gothic and punk rock sounds with morbid imagery and lyrics, which are often influenced by horror films...
band Balzac
Balzac (band)
Balzac is a Japanese punk band formed in 1992 in Osaka. The band was founded by singer and songwriter Hirosuke Nishiyama, who has remained the only constant member of the band since its creation...
has also been very supportive of Merry. In 2006 the two bands combined efforts in a reconstruction of one of Merry's songs "Hi no Ataranai Basho". They have also previously performed together at several live events.
Merry are also closely related to Mucc
Mucc
is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1997. Named after a character from the Japanese children's TV show Hirake! Ponkikki, the band is also known by the nickname 69 since "six nine" can be pronounced "muku" in Japanese...
, 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...
and Craze, the members being good friends with each other.
Super Merries
スーパーメリーズ (Suupaa Meriizu) Super Merries is the alter-ego band of Merry. The members all dress differently and play under the following stagenames:- Gara –
- Yuu –
- Kenichi –
- Tetsu –
- Nero –
Very little is known about them as they have only appeared in a few live shows and a special feature in Fool's Mate. They seem to be currently defunct, though there's no telling when they may spring up again.
Singles & maxi-singles
- 4 June 2011 – Hameln
- 1 December 2010 – Yakou
- 6 October 2010 – Crisis Moment
- 4 August 2010 – The Cry Against... / Monochrome
- 26 November 2008 – Fuyu no Castanet
- 27 August 2008 – Gekisei
- 16 April 2008 – Tozasareta rakuen
- 8 August 2007 – Komorebi ga boku wo sagashiteru...
- 18 April 2007 – Blind Romance / Saihate no Parade
- 6 December 2006 – Calling
- 21 June 2006 – Ringo to uso
- 24 May 2006 – Sayonara rain
- 16 March 2005 – Sakashima end roll ~phantom of the gallery~ (DualDisc)
- 13 July 2004 – New standard Renaissance (tour limited)
- 11 February 2004 – Japanese modernist / R-246
- 11 February 2004 – Tamerai shuffle / T.O.P
- 9 January 2004 – Tamerai shuffle / T.O.P (livehouse limited version)
- 1 December 2003 – Japanese modernist / R-246 (livehouse limited version)
- 6 August 2003 – Haikarasan ga toorisugita ato...
- 17 November 2002 – Koseiha blend ~Junjou jounetsu-hen~
- 15 September 2002 – Koseiha blend ~Tasogare-hen~
- 31 July 2002 – Untitled single (livehouse limited)
- 23 May 2002 – Haikarasan ga tooru. 2nd press ni ano meikyoku tsuika
- 23 February 2002 – Haikarasan ga tooru (gold/silver/bronze versions)
Albums
- 27 July 2011 – Beautiful Freaks
- 7 November 2009 – Identity
- 25 February 2009 – Under-World
- 10 October 2008 – Gendai stoic (Digital Remastered)
- 7 November 2007 – M. E. R. R. Y.
- 19 July 2006 – Peep Show
- 7 September 2005 – nu chemical rhetoric
- 25 June 2005 – Koseiha blend classic ~Oldies Tracks~
- 30 June 2004 – Modern garde
- 13 April 2003 – Gendai stoic
DVDs
- 26 August 2009 – TOUR09 under-world [GI・GO] (Regular/CORE Limited Edition)
- 22 April 2009 – VIC -VIDEO ID COLLECTION-
- 25 February 2009 – Under-World DVD (Limited Edition)
- 23 July 2008 – Many Merry Days FINAL Yokohama Bunka Taiikukan
- 25 December 2007 – Many Merry Days 5th Anniversary Special 2night – Shiroi hitsuji / Kuroi hitsuji (concert footage)
- 7 November 2007 – M.E.R.R.Y. first press (PV and concert footage)
- 20 December 2006 – Many Merry Days No. 1 – Peep Show (concert footage & documents)
- 19 July 2006 – Peep Show first press (PVs and making-of)
- 31 March 2006 – Last Indies Tour documents DVD ~Part 1 of 2~ "Shambara to the Core ～Act 1～"
- January 2006 – Last Indies Tour documents DVD ~Part 2 of 2~ "Shambara to the Core～Act 2～"
- 21 December 2005 – Sci-Fi nu chemical rhetoric ~first cut~ (concert footage)
- 7 September 2005 – nu chemical rhetoric first press (PVs and making-of)
- 16 March 2005 – Sakashima end roll ~phantom of the gallery~ (DualDisc) (concert footage, PV & documents)
- 29 August 2003 – Violet harenchi ~030829 Limited Edition~ (PV)
Omnibus
- Stand Proud! III (11 December 2002)
- (With the track "Strength Beyond StrengthFar Beyond DrivenFar Beyond Driven is the seventh album by American groove metal band Pantera. It was released on March 22, 1994 through East West Records. Upon its release, it debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200...
" by PanteraPanteraPantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
)
- (With the track "Strength Beyond Strength
- Yougenkyou II (29 May 2002)
- (With the track "Rojiura Melancholy Remix")
- Luna Sea Memorial Cover Album -Re:birth- (19 December 2007)
- (With the track "PreciousLuna Sea (album)Luna Sea is the self-titled debut album by Luna Sea, released on April 21, 1991 by Extasy Records. The album was remastered by Ted Jensen and re-released by Universal Music Group on December 19, 2007...
")
- (With the track "Precious
- The Blue Hearts "25th Anniversary" Tribute (24 February 2010)
- (With the track "Minagoroshi no MelodyHigh Kickswas the fifth studio album released by the Japanese band The Blue Hearts. It was the first album by the band to reach #1 on the Oricon charts.-Tracks:#"Minagoroshi no Melody" #"Monkey"...
")
- (With the track "Minagoroshi no Melody
- Pierrot to Suika to Yayauke Rider Subete wa World Peace no Tame ni – Saikyo Senshi-tachi ga Koko ni Shuketsu - (10 November 2010)
- Romantist – The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album - (1 December 2010)
- (With the track "Odyssey・1985・Sex" by Michiro EndoMichiro Endois a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia...
)
- (With the track "Odyssey・1985・Sex" by Michiro Endo
- Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs- (26 January 2011)
- (With the track "Schwein no Isu" by Dir en greyDir en greyDir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
)
- (With the track "Schwein no Isu" by Dir en grey
Books
- October 2005 – Official history book, vol. 2 Haikara kaitai shinsho ~gekan~ (with DVD)
- June 2005 – Official history book, vol. 1 Haikara kaitai shinsho ~joukan~ (with CD)
External links
- Official Site – Official site in Japanese
- Merry special site – Official site on Victor Entertainment
- Official MySpace