keranju
13.02.2007, 12:34
Balzac
Status
Major - Aktiv (1992 - )
Line Up
Gesang: Hirosuke
Gitarre: ATSUSHI
Bass: AKIO
Schlagzeug: TAKAYUKI
Gitarre: Tetsuya [1992 / 1993 - Band verlassen]
Bass: Yoritsugu "Anti" Azuchi [1992 / 1997 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Naoki [1992 / 1993 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Kohji [1993 / 1995 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Hajime Nishio [1995 / 1997 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Kill [1997 / 2002 - Band verlassen]
Links
Balzac - official site (http://www.balzac.jp/)
Balzac - official MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/balzac)
Balzac - official European site (http://www.balzac-europe.com/)
Profil
BALZAC is widely recognized as the Japanese counterpart to the American horror-punk band The Misfits, and the two groups have even established a close relationship over the years.
Blending the influence of horror movie lyrical themes and imagery similar to those found in the musical genres of early punk rock and doo-wop, BALZAC's lyrics are characteristic of horror films and novels, and their aesthetic is widely accepted as zombie-core. The influence from zombie movies can be seen in their "slasher" images and the predominant use of skeleton costumes.
Biographie
BALZAC was established in Osaka in 1992 by vocalist Hirosuke Nishiyama, who remains the only original member in the line-up of the group. Before creating BALZAC, Hirosuke had previously fronted Astrozombies, which was heavily influenced by the Japanese rock band Gastunk. Under the name of Astrozombies, the group released only one demo cassette, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Before they had a chance to establish themselves, Hirosuke abruptly dissolved the group and created BALZAC as his latest project.
The group released their first demo tape in 1992, Scapegoat 666, which was limited to 13 copies and unsurprisingly, this demo tape is now viewed as an incredibly rare item. Despite having only recently formed, BALZAC went out of their way to establish themselves in the underground music scene. Taking the chance to perform in Osaka and even occasionally Tokyo, they seemed determined to get their vein of horror-punk to stick.
Less than a year after their formation, BALZAC released their first single, The Lord of the Light and the Darkness through their own label, Evilegend 13 Records. Over the next few years, the group released various other singles through a variety of labels and were even featured on various artist compilations.
Their breakthrough however, came when they were signed onto Alchemy Records, through which they released their first full-length album, The Last Men on Earth in 1995. Despite being regarded as a "fresh" band, BALZAC had already begun to receive positive reactions in the Japanese underground scene and also overseas. However, BALZAC would not establish themselves in the West for years to come.
Around this time, people noticed that The Last Men on Earth seemed heavily influenced by The Misfits and their way of dressing. Although BALZAC has never denied this close relationship to The Misfits, it should also be noted that Nishiyama has also cited Samhain as a primary influence of the band.
For those unfamiliar with Samhain's work, the group was established by Glenn Danzig, ex-lead vocalist of The Misfits. BALZAC receives influences from the band, but Nishiyama strives to write lyrics that are not always serious, but use the themes of isolation, darkness, loneliness, terror and fear. For The Last Men on Earth, it is this band that BALZAC took their influence from.
Shortly before the release of their third single in 1996, the group's bassist Anti and drummer H. Nishino left the band. However, there was no stopping BALZAC now that they had started to make a name for themselves and so, one of Nishiyama's longtime friends joined the group: Imai Akio. At the time of his joining, Imai had been performing with his own band, The Clash Dogs, but gladly departed from them in order to help his friend.
The group was still without a drummer, so Masami agreed to perform as percussionist for their upcoming releases. However, by 1997, when BALZAC was about to record their second full-length album, Masami opted to withdraw from the band and once again left them without a drummer. Following this minor setback, the band once again recruited one of their friends to join the group, Okano Futoshi. However, despite Okano joining the band, it should be noted that he is, in fact, more of a session member of BALZAC and comes to their aid when they are without a drummer.
In 1998, BALZAC recruited their latest drummer, Kill, and were finally beginning to attract a great deal of attention in the Japanese music scene. Not only that, but they also gained the recognition of the recently reformed band The Misfits. Now fronted by Jerry Only, BALZAC was the opening act for the band on their first tour of Japan. This was the humble beginning of what would lead to a great friendship between both bands and gain BALZAC exposure in the West.
The year proved to be the group's making point, as they began to perform in larger venues alongside other notable bands, such as Sobut and The Mad Capsule Markets. The band also released a split CD with The Hate Honey, were featured on the VHS Devilock Night, and released their debut video and third album 13 Stairway –The Children of the Night-. To promote the album, BALZAC embarked on a full-length tour of Japan, which earned them a great deal of attention and several sold out shows.
The following year saw the release of a split CD with Sobut, which featured the songs The End of Century and No Resistance 1968, both of which have established themselves as firm fan favorites. The band also released a special 12" version of the album Isolation From No. 13, which was a remixed edition sold with toy figures known as T.W.I.M. (The World Is Mine). That Halloween saw the release of one of BALZAC's most popular songs, Into the Light From the 13 Dark Night on CD, cassette and vinyl. Following the release of the single, the band was once again back on tour and also released a 7" flexi, featuring a cover of Damned's song, Neat Neat Neat.
The year 2000 saw the return of a heavy tour schedule for the band and once again, they opened for The Misfits on their return to Japan. Almost directly after that particular tour, BALZAC took the opportunity to perform alongside The Mad Capsule Markets for a number of shows. That same year saw the release of a set of collectible figures manufactured by Medicom Toy Co., which included figures of the members and a 7" Hands of 9 Evil. This particular set of figurines is now one of the most highly collectible and desirable of BALZAC's sets. They also released a 12" figurine of Paperbag Man (BALZAC's official mascot) in three variant colors, all of which are highly sought after.
That year in Osaka the group also established their first retail store called Shocker!!!, which focused on the retail of their own brand of the same name, as well as the sale of official band merchandise. Nishiyama also sold his own clothing brand, Dementia Thirteen through the store and most recently, BALZAC has also established another clothing line, Culture.
Early 2001 saw the release of several of BALZAC's most popular singles as well as a box set featuring the work of Maruo Suehiro, who was responsible for the artwork on their concept album, Zennou naru musuu no me ha yubi sasu. The band also contributed to Abstruct Madness, a split record with Delta and Rocky and the Sweden. However, toward the end of the year, BALZAC once again found themselves without a drummer as Kill quit the band for personal reasons.
Another close friend of the band, Takayuki, having just departed from his previous band The Battie Boys, joined the group as their new drummer. The year also signaled the opening of their second retail store, Coffin, in Kyoto.
The following year, BALZAC released a split single with The Misfits on which they sang The Haunting and Don't Open 'Til Doomsday as a medley, whilst The Misfits covered Day the Earth Caught Fire. On Halloween, BALZAC was invited to perform in New York alongside The Misfits. Although the band had attracted attention from overseas beforehand, this was their first venture abroad.
2003 was one of BALZAC's most successful years, with the group touring with the likes of The Misfits, The Damned, The Dickies and Agnostic Front in the West. However, before these tours went underway, the band released Beware of Darkness. The maxi-single was included as a part of a special, 4 figure toy set by Medicom Toys Co. The year also saw BALZAC releasing their first U.S. CD under the newly founded Misfit Records and Out of the Light of the 13 Night through G-Force Records, a German label.
The following year saw BALZAC's sixth full-length album, CAME OUT OF THE GRAVE, which was released as a special black box with a Be@rbrick figure. That summer, the band also participated in a festival alongside U.S. punk band Rancid. Recognition for the band reached its peak in this year, as BALZAC embarked on their first European tour, which covered several countries. They also released Zodiac Killer under the name Zodiac, and the band perform an incredibly special live show at Christmas, consisting solely of The Misfits covers.
The year 2005 was a fairly quiet one, though they embarked on the DARKISM TOUR throughout Japan and also returned to Germany for nine exclusive shows and Austria for one. BALZAC also participated on the album PARADE-RESPECTIVE TRACKS OF BUCK-TICK, where they covered Moonlight, and they also appeared on a tribute album for the U.S. band, The Damned.
2006 was an explosive year for the band, what with the release of their seventh full-length album in March, which came with an exclusive SkullBat figure in two limited colors. To promote the album to its fullest, the group embarked on a countrywide tour of Japan soon after its release. During the tour, they released their first best-of album, which included many of their older works re-recorded for the release. Continuing their "secret" band, Zodiac, the group finally recorded and released their first full-length studio album under the alias.
The following Spring saw the return of BALZAC to Europe and this time, they did four exclusive shows in Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and Berlin with MUCC. Partnering with Gan-Shin, the group also released an album with the company, Paranoid Dream of the Zodiac, which featured previously released songs by the band. December saw the release of COMPLETE LEGACY BOOKS, which was sold in two versions. Scapegoat included the special bonus of audio re-recordings of BALZAC's first demo tape and Diabolos included bonus re-recordings of their second demo tape.
As of 2008, BALZAC has recently released their eighth full-length studio album, HATRED:DESTRUCTION=CONSTRUCTION. A North American and European release of the album are reportedly in the works, although nothing official has been confirmed as of yet. To promote the album, BALZAC will embark on a nine stop tour of Japan, starting on June 7th in Nagoya.
As BALZAC remains the dominant horror punk band in Japan, one can only hope that their legacy will continue for years to come!
Autor: Cage (2008-05-01)
quelle (http://www.jame-world.com/de/database-artists-biography-206-balzac.html)
Verwunderlich, dass es zu denen noch keinen Thread gibt !? o_O
Naja, ich mach mal einen auf, weil sie dieses Jahr mit MUCC und allein durch D-land touren :)
Offizielle Homepage (http://www.balzac-europe.com/indexframe.html)
Neotokyo-Newsletter
Weitere BALZAC Shows bestätigt!
BALZAC werden zwei weitere Shows in Europa spielen! Am 09.04. spielen die Kings des Horrorpunk in der Arena in Wien, am 11.04. in der Röhre Stuttgart!
Die in Amsterdam geplante Show fällt leider aus!
BALZAC Tour News Website:
www.balzac308.com/eutour2007/
01.04.07 S.O.M.A. Club / Hannover, Germany
02.04.07 FZW / Dortmund, Germany
04.04.07 Kofferfabrik / Fürth, Germany
05.04.07 Nachtleben / Frankfurt, Germany
09.04.07 Arena / Wien, Austria
11.04.07 Röhre / Stuttgart, Germany
Tickets sind weiterhin über www.metaltix.com und in unseren Shops erhältlich.
Neues BALZAC Album und Bela B./ BALZAC Split-single:
Das neue Album von BALZAC „Paranoid Dream of the Zodiac“ wird am 09.03. als Europa-exklusive Fassung mit 4 Bonus Tracks erscheinen!
Zudem ist eine ganz besondere BALZAC Single in Planung: Bela B. von den Ärzten und BALZAC gemeinsam auf einer CD!
BALZAC covern exklusiv für diesen Release die Bela B. Songs „Tag mit Schutzumschlag“ und „Versuchs doch mal mit mir“. Bela B. covert für diese Single die BALZAC Songs „off the Wall“ und „Tomorrow“!!! Diese Wahnsinns- Scheibe wird voraussichtlich ab 16.3. in den Läden stehen!
Und noch ein paar Fragen zum anfang^^:
1 Wie findet ihr die Band/kennt ihr sie?
2 Geht ihr zu einem Konzert ?
3 Kauft ihr euch ihr Album / Besitzt ihr welche ?
Status
Major - Aktiv (1992 - )
Line Up
Gesang: Hirosuke
Gitarre: ATSUSHI
Bass: AKIO
Schlagzeug: TAKAYUKI
Gitarre: Tetsuya [1992 / 1993 - Band verlassen]
Bass: Yoritsugu "Anti" Azuchi [1992 / 1997 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Naoki [1992 / 1993 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Kohji [1993 / 1995 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Hajime Nishio [1995 / 1997 - Band verlassen]
Schlagzeug: Kill [1997 / 2002 - Band verlassen]
Links
Balzac - official site (http://www.balzac.jp/)
Balzac - official MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/balzac)
Balzac - official European site (http://www.balzac-europe.com/)
Profil
BALZAC is widely recognized as the Japanese counterpart to the American horror-punk band The Misfits, and the two groups have even established a close relationship over the years.
Blending the influence of horror movie lyrical themes and imagery similar to those found in the musical genres of early punk rock and doo-wop, BALZAC's lyrics are characteristic of horror films and novels, and their aesthetic is widely accepted as zombie-core. The influence from zombie movies can be seen in their "slasher" images and the predominant use of skeleton costumes.
Biographie
BALZAC was established in Osaka in 1992 by vocalist Hirosuke Nishiyama, who remains the only original member in the line-up of the group. Before creating BALZAC, Hirosuke had previously fronted Astrozombies, which was heavily influenced by the Japanese rock band Gastunk. Under the name of Astrozombies, the group released only one demo cassette, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Before they had a chance to establish themselves, Hirosuke abruptly dissolved the group and created BALZAC as his latest project.
The group released their first demo tape in 1992, Scapegoat 666, which was limited to 13 copies and unsurprisingly, this demo tape is now viewed as an incredibly rare item. Despite having only recently formed, BALZAC went out of their way to establish themselves in the underground music scene. Taking the chance to perform in Osaka and even occasionally Tokyo, they seemed determined to get their vein of horror-punk to stick.
Less than a year after their formation, BALZAC released their first single, The Lord of the Light and the Darkness through their own label, Evilegend 13 Records. Over the next few years, the group released various other singles through a variety of labels and were even featured on various artist compilations.
Their breakthrough however, came when they were signed onto Alchemy Records, through which they released their first full-length album, The Last Men on Earth in 1995. Despite being regarded as a "fresh" band, BALZAC had already begun to receive positive reactions in the Japanese underground scene and also overseas. However, BALZAC would not establish themselves in the West for years to come.
Around this time, people noticed that The Last Men on Earth seemed heavily influenced by The Misfits and their way of dressing. Although BALZAC has never denied this close relationship to The Misfits, it should also be noted that Nishiyama has also cited Samhain as a primary influence of the band.
For those unfamiliar with Samhain's work, the group was established by Glenn Danzig, ex-lead vocalist of The Misfits. BALZAC receives influences from the band, but Nishiyama strives to write lyrics that are not always serious, but use the themes of isolation, darkness, loneliness, terror and fear. For The Last Men on Earth, it is this band that BALZAC took their influence from.
Shortly before the release of their third single in 1996, the group's bassist Anti and drummer H. Nishino left the band. However, there was no stopping BALZAC now that they had started to make a name for themselves and so, one of Nishiyama's longtime friends joined the group: Imai Akio. At the time of his joining, Imai had been performing with his own band, The Clash Dogs, but gladly departed from them in order to help his friend.
The group was still without a drummer, so Masami agreed to perform as percussionist for their upcoming releases. However, by 1997, when BALZAC was about to record their second full-length album, Masami opted to withdraw from the band and once again left them without a drummer. Following this minor setback, the band once again recruited one of their friends to join the group, Okano Futoshi. However, despite Okano joining the band, it should be noted that he is, in fact, more of a session member of BALZAC and comes to their aid when they are without a drummer.
In 1998, BALZAC recruited their latest drummer, Kill, and were finally beginning to attract a great deal of attention in the Japanese music scene. Not only that, but they also gained the recognition of the recently reformed band The Misfits. Now fronted by Jerry Only, BALZAC was the opening act for the band on their first tour of Japan. This was the humble beginning of what would lead to a great friendship between both bands and gain BALZAC exposure in the West.
The year proved to be the group's making point, as they began to perform in larger venues alongside other notable bands, such as Sobut and The Mad Capsule Markets. The band also released a split CD with The Hate Honey, were featured on the VHS Devilock Night, and released their debut video and third album 13 Stairway –The Children of the Night-. To promote the album, BALZAC embarked on a full-length tour of Japan, which earned them a great deal of attention and several sold out shows.
The following year saw the release of a split CD with Sobut, which featured the songs The End of Century and No Resistance 1968, both of which have established themselves as firm fan favorites. The band also released a special 12" version of the album Isolation From No. 13, which was a remixed edition sold with toy figures known as T.W.I.M. (The World Is Mine). That Halloween saw the release of one of BALZAC's most popular songs, Into the Light From the 13 Dark Night on CD, cassette and vinyl. Following the release of the single, the band was once again back on tour and also released a 7" flexi, featuring a cover of Damned's song, Neat Neat Neat.
The year 2000 saw the return of a heavy tour schedule for the band and once again, they opened for The Misfits on their return to Japan. Almost directly after that particular tour, BALZAC took the opportunity to perform alongside The Mad Capsule Markets for a number of shows. That same year saw the release of a set of collectible figures manufactured by Medicom Toy Co., which included figures of the members and a 7" Hands of 9 Evil. This particular set of figurines is now one of the most highly collectible and desirable of BALZAC's sets. They also released a 12" figurine of Paperbag Man (BALZAC's official mascot) in three variant colors, all of which are highly sought after.
That year in Osaka the group also established their first retail store called Shocker!!!, which focused on the retail of their own brand of the same name, as well as the sale of official band merchandise. Nishiyama also sold his own clothing brand, Dementia Thirteen through the store and most recently, BALZAC has also established another clothing line, Culture.
Early 2001 saw the release of several of BALZAC's most popular singles as well as a box set featuring the work of Maruo Suehiro, who was responsible for the artwork on their concept album, Zennou naru musuu no me ha yubi sasu. The band also contributed to Abstruct Madness, a split record with Delta and Rocky and the Sweden. However, toward the end of the year, BALZAC once again found themselves without a drummer as Kill quit the band for personal reasons.
Another close friend of the band, Takayuki, having just departed from his previous band The Battie Boys, joined the group as their new drummer. The year also signaled the opening of their second retail store, Coffin, in Kyoto.
The following year, BALZAC released a split single with The Misfits on which they sang The Haunting and Don't Open 'Til Doomsday as a medley, whilst The Misfits covered Day the Earth Caught Fire. On Halloween, BALZAC was invited to perform in New York alongside The Misfits. Although the band had attracted attention from overseas beforehand, this was their first venture abroad.
2003 was one of BALZAC's most successful years, with the group touring with the likes of The Misfits, The Damned, The Dickies and Agnostic Front in the West. However, before these tours went underway, the band released Beware of Darkness. The maxi-single was included as a part of a special, 4 figure toy set by Medicom Toys Co. The year also saw BALZAC releasing their first U.S. CD under the newly founded Misfit Records and Out of the Light of the 13 Night through G-Force Records, a German label.
The following year saw BALZAC's sixth full-length album, CAME OUT OF THE GRAVE, which was released as a special black box with a Be@rbrick figure. That summer, the band also participated in a festival alongside U.S. punk band Rancid. Recognition for the band reached its peak in this year, as BALZAC embarked on their first European tour, which covered several countries. They also released Zodiac Killer under the name Zodiac, and the band perform an incredibly special live show at Christmas, consisting solely of The Misfits covers.
The year 2005 was a fairly quiet one, though they embarked on the DARKISM TOUR throughout Japan and also returned to Germany for nine exclusive shows and Austria for one. BALZAC also participated on the album PARADE-RESPECTIVE TRACKS OF BUCK-TICK, where they covered Moonlight, and they also appeared on a tribute album for the U.S. band, The Damned.
2006 was an explosive year for the band, what with the release of their seventh full-length album in March, which came with an exclusive SkullBat figure in two limited colors. To promote the album to its fullest, the group embarked on a countrywide tour of Japan soon after its release. During the tour, they released their first best-of album, which included many of their older works re-recorded for the release. Continuing their "secret" band, Zodiac, the group finally recorded and released their first full-length studio album under the alias.
The following Spring saw the return of BALZAC to Europe and this time, they did four exclusive shows in Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and Berlin with MUCC. Partnering with Gan-Shin, the group also released an album with the company, Paranoid Dream of the Zodiac, which featured previously released songs by the band. December saw the release of COMPLETE LEGACY BOOKS, which was sold in two versions. Scapegoat included the special bonus of audio re-recordings of BALZAC's first demo tape and Diabolos included bonus re-recordings of their second demo tape.
As of 2008, BALZAC has recently released their eighth full-length studio album, HATRED:DESTRUCTION=CONSTRUCTION. A North American and European release of the album are reportedly in the works, although nothing official has been confirmed as of yet. To promote the album, BALZAC will embark on a nine stop tour of Japan, starting on June 7th in Nagoya.
As BALZAC remains the dominant horror punk band in Japan, one can only hope that their legacy will continue for years to come!
Autor: Cage (2008-05-01)
quelle (http://www.jame-world.com/de/database-artists-biography-206-balzac.html)
Verwunderlich, dass es zu denen noch keinen Thread gibt !? o_O
Naja, ich mach mal einen auf, weil sie dieses Jahr mit MUCC und allein durch D-land touren :)
Offizielle Homepage (http://www.balzac-europe.com/indexframe.html)
Neotokyo-Newsletter
Weitere BALZAC Shows bestätigt!
BALZAC werden zwei weitere Shows in Europa spielen! Am 09.04. spielen die Kings des Horrorpunk in der Arena in Wien, am 11.04. in der Röhre Stuttgart!
Die in Amsterdam geplante Show fällt leider aus!
BALZAC Tour News Website:
www.balzac308.com/eutour2007/
01.04.07 S.O.M.A. Club / Hannover, Germany
02.04.07 FZW / Dortmund, Germany
04.04.07 Kofferfabrik / Fürth, Germany
05.04.07 Nachtleben / Frankfurt, Germany
09.04.07 Arena / Wien, Austria
11.04.07 Röhre / Stuttgart, Germany
Tickets sind weiterhin über www.metaltix.com und in unseren Shops erhältlich.
Neues BALZAC Album und Bela B./ BALZAC Split-single:
Das neue Album von BALZAC „Paranoid Dream of the Zodiac“ wird am 09.03. als Europa-exklusive Fassung mit 4 Bonus Tracks erscheinen!
Zudem ist eine ganz besondere BALZAC Single in Planung: Bela B. von den Ärzten und BALZAC gemeinsam auf einer CD!
BALZAC covern exklusiv für diesen Release die Bela B. Songs „Tag mit Schutzumschlag“ und „Versuchs doch mal mit mir“. Bela B. covert für diese Single die BALZAC Songs „off the Wall“ und „Tomorrow“!!! Diese Wahnsinns- Scheibe wird voraussichtlich ab 16.3. in den Läden stehen!
Und noch ein paar Fragen zum anfang^^:
1 Wie findet ihr die Band/kennt ihr sie?
2 Geht ihr zu einem Konzert ?
3 Kauft ihr euch ihr Album / Besitzt ihr welche ?