- Onmyo-Za
-
Onmyō-za Origin Osaka, Japan Genres Heavy metal, folk metal Years active 1999–present Labels King Records (JP)
Gan-Shin (EU)Website www.onmyo-za.net Members Matatabi
Kuroneko
Maneki
KarukanPast members Tora Onmyo-za (also Onmyouza, Onmyōza or Onmyoza; Japanese: 陰陽座, literally "gathering of yin and yang") are a Japanese heavy metal band who released their first album in 1999.[1] They play quite orthodox heavy metal music, mixed with elements from Japanese folk and pop music, and play both fast, hard songs and slow ballads. Since their debut in 1999, they have appeared in traditional clothing characteristic of Japan's Heian period.
Their name refers to Onmyōdō and the gathering of yin and yang (Inyo in Japanese, formerly Onmyō), and the theme of opposites and cosmic dual forces are prevalent in their lyrics. This contrast is also represented by the female and male vocals and two guitarists.[2]
Contents
Band members
- Matatabi - bass, vocals, leader, lyricist, composer
- Kuroneko - vocals, lyricist
- Maneki - guitar, backing vocals
- Karukan - guitar
Support members
Former members
- Atsushi "Tora" Kawatsuka - drums, percussion (1999–2009)
Stage names
Each of the band member's stage names feature a double entendre with a sense of humor and make references to cats.[3]
- Matatabi (瞬火) means "flash fire", but it can also be read as silver vine (loved by cats, similar to catnip).
- Kuroneko (黒猫) literally means "black cat", just symbolizing her personality.
- Maneki (招鬼) practically means "summoning oni", but see also maneki neko.
- Karukan (狩姦) is unclear. Karu (狩) independently means "attacking"/"hunting" and Kan (姦) is "adultery". The kanji 姦 and 奸, (the latter now meaning "wickedness") were the same in old times but have been changed. But it is also a brand of cat food.
- Tora (斗羅) It's pronounced like the word "tiger", but its reading is the same as tabby. It also refers to him being a Hanshin Tigers fan.
Theme and inspiration
Their songs mainly deal with Japanese folklore, such as the oni, yōkai, and the dragons. However, some songs have more concrete themes and inspirations. For example, Onmyo-za have composed twelve songs related to "Ninpocho", or "tales of ninja magic". These songs are a tribute to author Futaro Yamada and his ōchō series. The band's hit song, "Koga Ninpocho", was written for the Studio Gonzo TV animated series Basilisk, which was based on Yamada's novel, The Kouga Ninja Scrolls.
There are also some other songs inspired by Osamu Tezuka and Natsuhiko Kyogoku, and the Kumikyoku Yoshitsune trilogy is based on the legend of Japanese ancient tragic hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune. "Soukoku/Doukoku" was written for the Nintendo DS game The Inugami Clan which was based on Seishi Yokomizo's novel The Inugami Clan. "Aoki Dokugan" was written for the pachinko machine "CR Sengoku-ranbu Aoki Dokugan" which is based on the story of Date Masamune, a famous daimyo.
Discography
Albums
Title Album type Release date Peak Japanese Chart Position Kikoku-Tenshou (鬼哭転生; Wailing Reincarnation) Studio album December 5, 1999 Did not chart Hyakki-Ryouran (百鬼繚乱; Welter of Hundred Demons) Studio album December 24, 2000 Did not chart Kojin-Rasetsu (煌神羅刹; Coruscating god Raksasa) Studio album January 10, 2002 49 Fuuin-Kairan (封印廻濫; Circulating Seal) Studio album July 24, 2002 63 Houyoku-Rindou (鳳翼麟瞳; Phoenix Wing, Unicorn's Eye) Studio album January 22, 2003 23 Mugen-Houyou (夢幻泡影; Illusion of Vapor and Shadow) Studio album March 3, 2004 27 Garyo-Tensei (臥龍點睛; Finishing Touch) Studio album June 22, 2005 20 Maou-Taiten (魔王戴天; Evil Lord Takes Heaven) Studio album July 25, 2007 13 Chimimouryou (魑魅魍魎; Evil River and Mountain Spirits) Studio album September 10, 2008 9 Kongoukyuubi (金剛九尾; Sturdy Dazzling Ninetails) Studio album September 9, 2009 13 Kishi-Bojin (鬼子母神) Studio album Winter 2011 (announced) Compilations
Title Album type Release date Peak Japanese Chart Position Sekinetsu-Enbu (赤熱演舞; Red Hot Dance) Live album June 25, 2003 68 In'you-Shugyoku (陰陽珠玉; Jewel of Yin and Yang) "Best of" compilation album February 8, 2006 14 Onmyou-Live (陰陽雷舞; Onmyou Thunder Live) Live album June 7, 2006 35 Singles
Title Release date Peak Japanese Chart Position Ouka no Kotowari (桜花ノ理; Logic of Cherry Blossoms) August 19, 2000 Did not chart Tsuki ni Murakumo Hana ni Kaze (月に叢雲花に風; Moon in the Clouds, Flower in the Wind) December 16, 2001 Did not chart Youka Ninpocho (妖花忍法帖; Ninja Magic Story of Voluptuous Flower) December 25, 2002] 57[4] Houyoku-Tenshou (鳳翼天翔; Soaring Phoenix Wing) June 4, 2003 66 Mezame (醒; Awakening) October 1, 2003 30[4] Nemuri (睡; Sleep) January 7, 2004 40 Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" - Akki Hogan (組曲『義経』～悪忌判官; "Yoshitsune" Musical Suite - The Abhorrer of Evil ) September 23, 2004 30[4] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" - Muma Enjou (組曲『義経』～夢魔炎上; Blazing Nightmare ) October 27, 2004 32[4] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" - Raise Kaikou (組曲『義経』～来世邂逅; Reunite in Afterworld ) November 26, 2004 33[4] Kouga Ninpocho (甲賀忍法帖: Ninja Magic Story of the Kouga) - Basilisk TV animation theme song
April 27, 2005 31[4] Kokui no Tennyo (黒衣の天女; Black-Robed Celestial Maiden ) June 27, 2007 14[4] Kureha (紅葉; Kureha) - "Kureha" is a name of legendary female Oni.
August 6, 2008 15[4] Soukoku/Doukoku (相剋/慟哭; Rivalry/Lament) - The Inugami Clan Nintendo DS game soft theme songs
January 21, 2009 13[4] Aoki Dokugan (蒼き独眼; The Blue One-eyed ) - A song tributes to Date Masamune
August 26, 2009 17[4] Konpeki no Soujin (紺碧の双刃; Azure twin blades ) - Announced as a sequel to Aoki Dokugan
February 9, 2011 23 DVDs
Title Video type Release date Peak Japanese Chart Position Hyakki-Korinden (百鬼降臨伝; The Legend of Descent of Hundred Demons) Live video January 10, 2002 (VHS)
February 14, 2004 (DVD)Did not chart Hakkou-Ranbu (白光乱舞; White Shining Boisterous Dance) Live video June 25, 2003 40 Wagashikabane wo Koeteyuke (我屍越行; Go Beyond the Corpse of Mine) Live video March 2, 2005 28 Yuugen-Reibu (幽玄霊舞; The Live for Profoundness and Sprits) Live video August 22, 2005 Did not chart Shugyoku-Enbu (珠玉宴舞; The Jewel of Feast and Dance) Live video June 21, 2006 40 Tenkafubu (天下布舞; Conquer the World with Pagent) Live video January 23, 2008 44 Ryuou Rinbu (龍凰輪舞; Rondo of Dragon and Phoenix) Live video April 21, 2010 24 Shikigami Raibu (式神雷舞; Shikigami Thunder Live) Live video July 1, 2010 Did not chart References
- ^ Allmusic
- ^ "Official band biography". Onmyo-za.net. http://www.onmyo-za.net/eng/who/onmyoza.html. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
- ^ "Onmyo-za's Biography". Onmyo-za.net. http://www.onmyo-za.net/eng/who/onmyoza.html. Retrieved 2007-04-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j www.oricon.co.jp 陰陽座のシングル売り上げランキング Retrieved Feb 17, 2011
External links
Categories:- Gan-Shin artists
- Japanese heavy metal musical groups
- Japanese musical groups
- Musical groups established in 1999
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