Taking japanese bands for serious..

CR99 · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 10323

Visually they're more often than not one-upping the worst of the 80ies glam stuff, sometimes with some tacky WWII or gimmicky "satanic" shit going on, then there is the weird humor (gezol thong) and nonsensical slogan-engrish, shrill vocals and so on. I can definately see why the japanese metal scene is not favorable or only humorous to most. It often looks/sounds like a parody, though technically it's quality stuff.

I have a hard time picking a japanese band that isn't at least a bit typical, because I'm not really interested in that. Millarca and Bellzlleb were genuinely creepy Doom Metal, some Death Metal bands weren't too ridiculous...

sabbat666 probably could help but he doesn't appear to be around these days.

midgetviolence · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:29 am Post subject:

Sabbat is a band that deserves all respect in the world, not for their deep philosophical lyrics that change your life. But simply because of Gezol's sheer enthusiasm for metal. I can't think of any band more dedicated to old school black/thrash metal than Sabbat. Although the albums sounds a little different (of course) they have never done anything but Sabbat! I even think they grow better as the time pass. Which is really rare for bands in this genre.

And as someone else mentioned. Japanese RAC scene is one of the best in the world. I've yet to check out the Japanese Noise-scene. But I'm looking forward to doing that...

the wizard · Joined: 27 Mar 2010 Posts: 749 Location: france

death · Joined: 08 Dec 2011 Posts: 33

Casbah

holy ghost · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:54 am Post subject:

I like a lot of the Japanese noise - Incapacitants, Masonna, Hijokaidan, Government Alpha... these guys seem to be totally legit and passionate in what they do. I have a special place in my heart for Merzbow, I think I own like 40 of his CDs and even have the special Merzbow tote bag that came with the special edition of the 13 Japanese Birds series.... I use it to buy groceries, including meat and know he would not approve....

I remember reading somewhere that in Japan the culture of underground is very different, in Western society it is very hip to say you're "over" metal, or "that shit's all in my past" where in Japan loosing your enthusiasm is not regarded as a symbol of status, but more of failure.... I don't know where I read this? MRR? It was a looooong time ago but I always remember that when I'm selling CDs thinking about how passionate I used to be about everything and now I'm a boring jaded "old" (not really) fuck....

Xeniteia · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:28 am Post subject:

Since most 80's HM bands were about having fun with one's friend, becoming rock stars, etc, even if there were occult lyrics or an aggressive attitude, there's no shame listening to Japanese Metal IMO.

And people never ever cared to understand lyrics from some French 80's HM bands. Sometimes they don't relate to HM even with comedy in mind. They were deadly serious about their naive life-loving crap (SORTILÈGE) or their wannabe rock-star attitude (SATAN JOKERS). Man, SABBAT lyrics are maybe total engrish, but they are far more entertaining at least.
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Haunt In The Dark · Joined: 24 Oct 2009 Posts: 923 Location: Trve De Baal

Xeniteia · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:38 am Post subject:

Of course DEMON EYES weren't. Like H-BOMB weren't too. And that was great.

But SORTILÈGE were serious to the bone, and despite the fact that their lyrics were quite well-written, I can't associate "Quand un aveugle rêve" with Heavy-Metal. Give me Satan and motorbikes instead, please! Cool

Back to topic, Japanese Metal bands did offer us Satan and motorbikes, so I'm fine with it. Oh, yeah, social issues too when it comes to Thrash and Hardcore, but that's part of the game too.
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Haunt In The Dark · Joined: 24 Oct 2009 Posts: 923 Location: Trve De Baal

Yeah, I know Sortilège were serious. I still love them.

Xeniteia · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:55 am Post subject:

I do too.

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Necrosathanas · Joined: 03 Jan 2011 Posts: 931 Location: Finland

LOUDNESS or DIE

hevosrunkkari · Joined: 18 Nov 2011 Posts: 356 Location: Finland

little_raven · Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Posts: 1404

I agree with Blutkvlt too. Also, THE NOISE (Merzbow, Masonna, Incapacitants, etc)

I also used to be in love with these female-fronted eclectic pop-punk-noise such as Midori or Melt-Banana. Not a maniac anymore but I enjoy them albums from time to time.
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Longinus · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:06 am Post subject:

I like a lot the Japanese black metal scene, I enjoyed a lot the HAKUJA LP, an INFERNAL NECROMANCY EP (Freezing Blackstained Universe), GORUGOTH stuff, etc...

By the way HURUSOMA released a demo with italian titles. Never listened to it, if anybody has it for trade/sell, get in touch !