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Difference between revisions of "MALICE MIZER"

m (moved Malice Mizer to MALICE MIZER: ohp, vkdb, ja.wikipedia, grassthread, etc. list Malice Mizer in all caps)
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[[File:MM beast.jpg|thumb|350px|Malice Mizer promoting [[Beast of Blood]]]]
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[[File:MM beast.jpg|thumb|450px|Malice Mizer promoting "[[Beast of Blood]]"]]
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'''Malice Mizer''' (1992 – 2001) is widely considered one of the most influential bands of [[Japan]]’s [[Visual-Kei]] music scene. Formed by [[Mana]] and [[Közi]], the band’s name stands for malice and misery – the answer to the question ‘what is human?’ Malice Mizer were as famous for their one-of-a-kind music as for their spectacular live shows, featuring lavish historical costumes and stage sets, whimsical dance routines and band members ‘flying in’ suspended from wires. During their rocky history, the band went through several different lineups and three drastic image changes but their work always maintained the highest professional standards. Following a series of tragedies, Malice Mizer went into an ‘indefinite hiatus’ and effectively disbanded.
+
<div align="justify">
 +
'''MALICE MIZER''' (1992 – 2001) is widely considered one of the most influential bands of [[Japan]]'s [[Visual-Kei|visual-kei]] music scene. Formed by [[Mana]] and [[Közi]], the band’s name stands for malice and misery – the answer to the question 'what is human?' MALICE MIZER were as famous for their one-of-a-kind music as for their spectacular live shows, featuring lavish historical costumes and stage sets, whimsical dance routines and band members 'flying in' suspended from wires. During their rocky history, the band went through several different lineups and three drastic image changes but their work always maintained the highest professional standards. Following a series of tragedies, Malice Mizer went into an ‘indefinite hiatus’ and effectively disbanded.
  
−
==Tetsu Era (1992 – 1994)==
+
==Members==
−
Malice Mizer was formed in 1992 by [[Mana]] and [[Közi]] with Tetsu on vocals, both Mana and Közi on [[guitar|guitar]] / [[synthesizer|synthesizer]], Yu~ki on bass and Gaz on drums. Malice Mizer’s sound during the Tetsu era was a mixture of early 1980s [[goth|goth]] and strong classical influences. Their first official release was the song Speed of Desperate on the 1993 compilation [[Brain Trash]]. Shortly after its release, Gaz left the band to join [[KneuKlid Romance|KneuKlid Romance]] and [[KneuKlid Romance|KneuKlid Romance]]'s drummer Kami in turn joined Malice Mizer. In 1994, the band released their first album, [[Memoire]], on [[Mana]]'s newly founded [[Indie]] music label, Midi:Nette, and shortly after re-released it with an additional bonus track under the title [[Memoire DX]]. Only days later, singer Tetsu left the band, reportedly due to creative differences. The split was most likely amicable, considering they continued to use songs written by Tetsu.
+
* [[Klaha]] - Vocals
 +
* [[Közi]] - Guitar & Synthesizer
 +
* [[Mana]] - Guitar
 +
* [[Yu~ki]] - Bass
  
−
==Gackt Era (1995 – 1999)==
+
* [[Shue]] - Drums (support)
 +
* [[M (Art Cube)|Kazune]] - Keyboard (support)
  
−
In 1995, after a year of inactivity, Malice Mizer recruited [[Gackt]] as vocalist. Under his influence, the band’s music became more wistful and romantic in its mood, incorporating even stronger classical influences as well as French [[pop music|pop music]]. Visually, the band abandoned their 1980s [[goth|goth]] look for colourful historical costumes. In 1996, Malice Mizer released their second album, [[Voyage sans retour]]. The band became increasingly popular and in 1997 signed with the [[Major label|Major label]] Nippon Columbia, where they released a number of successful singles, a short film, Verte Aile, and, in 1998, their first and only Major label album, the hugely popular [[Merveilles]]. They even had their own radio show. In January 1999, at the height of Malice Mizer’s success, [[Gackt]] parted ways with Malice Mizer, taking a substantial part of their fan base with him. Malice Mizer left Nippon Columbia and returned to [[Mana]]’s [[Indie]] music label, Midi:Nette.
+
===Former Members===
 +
* [[GACKT|Gackt]] - Vocals & Piano (1995-1999)
 +
* [[GAZ]] - Drums (1992-1993)
 +
* [[Kami (MALICE MIZER)|Kami]] - Drums (1993-1999)
 +
* [[Takano Tetsu|Tetsu]] - Vocals (1992-1994)
  
−
A few months after [[Gackt]]’s departure, drummer Kami died of a subarachnoid [[hemorrhage|hemorrhage]], leaving behind a handful of songs, which the band eventually released as part of the mini-album / video boxset [[Shinwa]]. Kami was never replaced. From that point onward, Malice Mizer would only use support drummers and Kami would be credited as ‘eternal blood relative’ on all their future releases.
+
==Biography==
 +
[[File:Testu era.jpg|thumb|300px|Tetsu Era]]
 +
 
 +
===Tetsu Era (1992 – 1994)===
 +
MALICE MIZER was formed in 1992 by [[Mana]] and [[Közi]] with Tetsu on vocals, both Mana and Közi on guitar / synthesizer, [[Yu~ki]] on bass and [[GAZ]] on drums. MALICE MIZER's sound during the Tetsu era was a mixture of early 1980s goth and strong classical influences. Their first official release was the song Speed of Desperate on the 1993 compilation ''[[Brain Trash]]''. Shortly after its release, GAZ left the band to join [[KneuKlid Romance]] and [[KneuKlid Romance]]'s drummer [[Kami (MALICE MIZER)|Kami]] in turn joined MALICE MIZER. In 1994, the band released their first album, ''[[Memoire|memoire]]'', on [[Mana]]'s newly founded [[Indie]] music label, [[Midi:Nette]], and shortly after re-released it with an additional bonus track under the title ''[[Memoire|memoire DX]]''. Only days later, singer [[Takano Tetsu|Tetsu]] left the band, reportedly due to creative differences. The split was most likely amicable, considering they continued to use songs written by [[Takano Tetsu|Tetsu]].
 +
 
 +
[[File:Gackt era.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Gackt Era]]
 +
===Gackt Era (1995 – 1999)===
 +
In 1995, after a year of inactivity, MALICE MIZER recruited [[Gackt]] as vocalist. Under his influence, the band's music became more wistful and romantic in its mood, incorporating even stronger classical influences as well as French pop music. Visually, the band abandoned their 1980s gothic look for colorful historical costumes. In 1996, MALICE MIZER released their second album, ''[[Voyage Sans Retour|Voyage sans retour]]''. The band became increasingly popular and in 1997 signed with the major label Nippon Columbia, where they released a number of successful singles, a short film, ''[[Verte Aile]]'', and, in 1998, their first and only major label album, the hugely popular ''[[Merveilles|merveilles]]''. They even had their own radio show. In January 1999, at the height of Malice Mizer’s success, [[Gackt]] parted ways with Malice Mizer, taking a substantial part of their fan base with him. MALICE MIZER left [[Nippon Columbia]] and returned to [[Mana]]'s indie music label, [[Midi:Nette]].
 +
 
 +
A few months after [[Gackt]]'s departure, drummer [[Kami (MALICE MIZER)|Kami]] died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, leaving behind a handful of songs, which the band eventually released as part of the mini-album / video boxset ''[[Shinwa]].'' [[Kami (MALICE MIZER)|Kami]] was never replaced. From that point onward, Malice Mizer would only use support drummers and [[Kami (MALICE MIZER)|Kami]] would be credited as 'eternal blood relative' on all their future releases.
  
−
==Klaha Era (2000 – 2001)==
+
===Klaha Era (2000 – 2001)===
−
In the second half of 1999 and the beginning of 2000, Malice Mizer – still without an official vocalist – released a number of singles and began to work on a new album. Eventually, they recruited classically trained [[Klaha]], previously a singer with [[visual kei|visual kei]] / [[Darkwave]] band [[Pride of Mind|Pride of Mind]]. By now, the band had abandoned the lighter [[pop music|pop music]] sound of the [[Gackt]] era for a dramatic mixture of classical music, [[goth|goth]] and [[heavy metal|heavy metal]] music and adopted an elaborate funereal goth look. In the summer of 2000, they released what would be their last album, [[Bara no Seidou]], followed by their most spectacular live show ever, featuring pyrotechnics, a choir of veiled nuns and a life size cathedral as stage prop. In 2001, Malice Mizer starred in a feature length [[vampire|vampire]] movie, [[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]], and released three more singles, amongst them the fan favourite [[Beast of Blood]], but eventually the band members decided to go their separate ways.
+
[[File:Klaha era.jpg|thumb|300px|Klaha Era]]
 +
In the second half of 1999 and the beginning of 2000, MALICE MIZER – still without an official vocalist – released a number of singles and began to work on a new album. Eventually, they recruited classically trained [[Klaha]], previously a singer with [[Visual-Kei|visual kei]] / darkwave band [[Pride of Mind]]. By now, the band had abandoned the lighter pop music sound of the [[Gackt]] era for a dramatic mixture of classical music, gothic and heavy metal music and adopted an elaborate funereal goth look. In the summer of 2000, they released what would be their last album, ''[[Bara no Seidou]]'', followed by their most spectacular live show ever, featuring pyrotechnics, a choir of veiled nuns and a life size cathedral as stage prop. In 2001, Malice Mizer starred in a feature length vampire movie, ''[[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]]'', and released three more singles, amongst them the fan favorite "[[Beast of Blood]]", but eventually the band members decided to go their separate ways.
 +
 
 +
===Post Projects===
 +
[[Gackt]] and [[Klaha]] are both pursuing solo careers. [[Mana]] has formed his own solo project, [[Moi dix Mois]], and simultaneously pursues a career as fashion designer for his [[Gothic Lolita]] fashion label, [[Moi-même-Moitié]]. He continues to also run his own [[Indie]] music label, [[Midi:Nette]], and is looking for bands to sign and produce. [[Közi]] has joined [[Haruhiko Ash]]’s goth / industrial music band [[Eve of Destiny]] and also has a solo project. In 2012 he formed band [[ZIZ]]. Tetsu went on to be in [[ZIGZO]], and is currently in [[NIL]]. The whereabouts of [[Yu~ki]] were unknown until he resurfaced in 2004 as co-writer of one of [[Közi]]'s solo songs.
 +
</div>
  
 
==Discography==
 
==Discography==
−
[[File:Testu era.jpg|thumb|300px|Tetsu Era]]
 
−
[[File:Gackt era.jpg|thumb|300px|Gackt Era]]
 
−
[[File:Klaha era.jpg|thumb|300px|Klaha Era]]
 
−
===Albums===
 
−
* [1994.07.24] [[Memoire]]
 
−
* [1994.12.24] [[Memoire DX]]
 
−
* [1996.06.09] [[Voyage sans retour]]
 
−
* [1998.03.19] [[merveilles]]
 
−
* [2000.08.23] [[Bara no Seidou]]
 
−
* [2005.01.26] [[Merveilles (european version)]]
 
−
* [2006.10.18] [[La meilleur selection de MALICE MIZER|La meilleur selection de MALICE MIZER]]
 
−
* [2007.01.26] [[Bara no Seidou (european version)|Bara no Seidou (european version)]]
 
  
−
===Singles===
+
===Studio Albums===
−
* [1995.12.10] [[Uruwashiki Kamen no Shoutaijou]]
+
* [1994.07.24] [[Memoire|memoire]]
−
* [1996.10.10] [[Ma Cherie ~Itoshii Kimi e~]]
+
* [1994.12.24] [[Memoire|memoire DX]]
−
* [1997.08.06] [[Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~]]
+
* [1996.06.09] [[Voyage Sans Retour|Voyage sans retour]]
−
* [1997.12.03] [[au revoir]]
+
* [1998.03.19] [[Merveilles|merveilles]]
−
* [1998.02.21] [[Gekka no Yasoukyoku]]
+
* [2000.08.23] [[Bara no Seidou]] (薔薇の聖堂)
−
* [1998.05.20] [[ILLUMINATI (P-type)]]
 
−
* [1998.10.30] [[Le Ciel ~Kuhaku no Kanata e~]]
 
−
* [1999.11.03] [[Saikai no Chi to Bara]]
 
−
* [1999.11.03] [[Saikai no Chi to Bara (vinyl)]]
 
−
* [2000.05.31] [[Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi]]
 
−
* [2000.07.26] [[Shiroi Hada ni Kuruu Ai to Kanashimi no Rondo]]
 
−
* [2001.05.30] [[Gardenia]]
 
−
* [2001.06.21] [[Beast of Blood]]
 
−
* [2001.10.30] [[Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku ~Bara no Konrei~]]
 
−
* [2001.11.30] [[Garnet ~Kindan no Sono e~]]
 
  
−
===Demos===
+
===Best Albums===
−
* [1992.10.31] [[SANS LOGIQUE]]
+
* [2006.10.18] [[La Meilleur Selection de MALICE MIZER|La meilleur selection de MALICE MIZER]]
−
* [1993.00.00] [[Sadness / Speed of Desperate]]
 
−
* [1993.04.05] [[Sadness]]
 
−
* [1993.10.12] [[The 1th anniversary]]
 
  
−
===BOX===
+
===Boxes===
−
* [1997.07.19] [[Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~ de l'image]]
+
* [1997.07.19] [[Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~ de l'image]] (ヴェル・エール ～空白の瞬間の中で～ de l'image)
−
* [2000.02.01] [[Shinwa]]
+
* [2000.02.01] [[Shinwa]] (神話)
 
* [2004.09.29] [[La Collection des Singles - L'edition Limitee]]
 
* [2004.09.29] [[La Collection des Singles - L'edition Limitee]]
 
* [2005.10.05] [[La Collection merveilles - L'edition Limitee]]
 
* [2005.10.05] [[La Collection merveilles - L'edition Limitee]]
 
* [2006.07.19] [[La Collection des Singles]]
 
* [2006.07.19] [[La Collection des Singles]]
  
−
===DVD===
+
===Singles===
−
* [2000.11.22] [[Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake]]
+
* [1995.12.10] [[Uruwashiki Kamen no Shoutaijou]] (麗しき仮面の招待状)
−
* [2001.04.18] [[sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~]]
+
* [1996.10.10] [[Ma Cherie ~Itoshii Kimi e~|ma chérie ~Itoshii Kimi e~]] (ma chérie ～愛しい君へ～)
−
* [2001.04.25] [[Bara no Kiseki]]
+
* [1997.08.06] [[Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~]] (ヴェル・エール ～空白の瞬間の中で～)
−
* [2001.07.11] [[Beast of Blood ~de l'image~]]
+
* [1997.12.03] [[Au Revoir|au revoir]]
−
* [2001.09.21] [[Bara no Denshou (Joshou) ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]]
+
* [1998.02.21] [[Gekka no Yasoukyoku]] (月下の夜想曲)
−
* [2002.02.06] [[Cardinal]]
+
* [1998.05.20] [[Illuminati|ILLUMINATI (P-type)]]
−
* [2002.03.22] [[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]]
+
* [1998.09.30] [[Le Ciel ~Kuuhaku no Kanata e~]] (Le ciel ～空白の彼方へ～)
−
* [2002.03.30] [[Merveilles ~Shuuen to Kisuu~ l'espace]]
+
* [1999.11.03] [[Saikai no Chi to Bara]] (再会の血と薔薇)
−
* [2002.03.30] [[Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~]]
+
* [2000.05.31] [[Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi]] (虚無の中での遊戯)
 +
* [2000.07.26] [[Shiroi Hada ni Kuruu Ai to Kanashimi no Rondo]] (白い肌に狂う愛と哀しみの輪舞)
 +
* [2001.05.30] [[Gardenia]]
 +
* [2001.06.21] [[Beast of Blood]]
 +
* [2001.10.30] [[Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku ~Bara no Konrei~]] (真夜中に交わした約束～薔薇の婚礼～)
 +
* [2001.11.30] [[Garnet ~Kindan no Sono e~]] (Garnet～禁断の園へ～)
 +
 
 +
===Demos===
 +
* [1992.10.31] [[Sans Logique|SANS LOGIQUE]]
 +
* [1993.04.05] [[Sadness (MALICE MIZER)|SADNESS]]
 +
* [1993.10.12] [[The 1th anniversary|THE 1TH ANNIVERSARY]]
  
−
===VHS===
+
===Video Releases===
 
* [1997.06.30] [[sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~]]
 
* [1997.06.30] [[sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~]]
−
* [1997.09.03] [[Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~ VHS|Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~]]
+
* [1997.09.03] [[Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~ VHS|Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~]] (ヴェル・エール ～空白の瞬間の中で～)
−
* [1998.10.28] [[Merveilles ~Shuuen to Kisuu~ l'espace]]
+
* [1998.10.28] [[Merveilles ~Shuuen to Kisuu~ l'espace]] (merveilles ～終焉と帰趨～ l'espace)
 
* [1999.02.24] [[Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~]]
 
* [1999.02.24] [[Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~]]
−
* [1999.12.21] [[Saikai no Chi to Bara ~de l'image~]]
+
* [1999.12.21] [[Saikai no Chi to Bara ~de l'image~]] (再会の血と薔薇 ～de l'image～)
−
* [2000.05.31] [[Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi ~de l'image~]]
+
* [2000.05.31] [[Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi ~de l'image~]] (虚無の中での遊戲 ～de l'image～)
−
* [2000.11.22] [[Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake]]
+
* [2000.11.22] [[Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake]] (薔薇に彩られた悪意と悲劇の幕開け)
−
* [2001.04.25] [[Bara no Kiseki]]
+
* [2001.04.25] [[Bara no Kiseki]] (薔薇の軌跡)
 
* [2001.07.11] [[Beast of Blood ~de l'image~]]
 
* [2001.07.11] [[Beast of Blood ~de l'image~]]
−
* [2001.09.21] [[Bara no Denshou (Joshou) ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]]
+
* [2001.09.21] [[Bara no Denshou (Joshou) ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]] (薔薇の伝承 序章 ～真夜中に交わした約束～)
 
* [2002.02.06] [[Cardinal]]
 
* [2002.02.06] [[Cardinal]]
−
* [2002.03.22] [[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]]
+
* [2002.03.22] [[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]] (薔薇の婚礼 ～真夜中に交わした約束～)
 +
* [2019.06.21] [[Deep Sanctuary Vi MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Special ~Live at Toyosu Pit September 9~|Deep Sanctuary Ⅵ MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Special ～LIVE at TOYOSU PIT September 9～]]
  
−
===Compilations===
+
===Compilations / Other===
 
* [1993.02.24] [[Brain Trash]]
 
* [1993.02.24] [[Brain Trash]]
 
* [1996.10.25] [[Shock Wave '96]]
 
* [1996.10.25] [[Shock Wave '96]]
 
* [2006.06.14] [[Rock is Loft]]
 
* [2006.06.14] [[Rock is Loft]]
 +
 +
==Publications==
  
 
===Books & Magazines===
 
===Books & Magazines===
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* [2001.12.21] [[UV Special: Malice Mizer File]]
 
* [2001.12.21] [[UV Special: Malice Mizer File]]
  
−
===Others===
+
==External Links==
−
* [[Malice Mizer unreleased songs & different versions]]
+
* [http://www.malice-mizer.co.jp/ Official Website]
−
 
+
* [http://columbia.jp/malice/ Columbia Official Website]
−
==Post Projects==
 
−
[[Gackt]] and [[Klaha]] are both pursuing solo careers. [[Mana]] has formed his own solo project, [[Moi dix Mois]], and simultaneously pursues a career as fashion designer for his [[Gothic Lolita]] fashion label, [[Moi-même-Moitié]]. He continues to also run his own [[Indie]] music label, Midi:Nette, and is looking for bands to sign and produce. [[Közi]] has joined [[Haruhiko Ash|Haruhiko Ash]]’s [[goth|goth]] / [[industrial music|industrial music]] band [[Eve of Destiny]] and also has a solo project. Tetsu went on to be in [[ZIGZO]], and is currently in [[NIL]]. The whereabouts of Yu~ki were unknown until he resurfaced in 2004 as co-writer of one of [[Közi]]’s solo songs.
 
−
 
 
−
==Essential Malice Mizer Links==
 
−
* [http://www.malice-mizer.co.jp/ Malice Mizer (Malice Mizer's official home page)]
 
−
* [http://www.mana-sama.com/ Monologue Theater (Mana's official home page)]
 
−
* [http://www.dears.ne.jp/ Gackt ~ Dears ~ (Gackt's official home page)]
 
−
* [http://www.klahainfo.com/ Cryptogram (Klaha's official home page)]
 
−
* [http://www.kozi.info/ Közi Info (Közi's official home page)]
 
−
* [http://www.eveofdestiny.net/ Eve of Destiny (Eve of Destiny’s official home page)]
 
−
* [http://moonglow.nu/gardenia/ Gardenia (Malice Mizer fan site with comprehensive photo gallery)]
 
−
* [http://www.overstuffed-closet.net/malicemizer The Malice Mizer Fanlisting]
 
  
−
[[Category:Groups]]
+
[[Category:Japanese Bands]]
 
[[Category:J-Rock]]
 
[[Category:J-Rock]]
 
[[Category:Visual-Kei]]
 
[[Category:Visual-Kei]]
 +
[[Category:1992 Debut]]
 
[[Category:Disbanded]]
 
[[Category:Disbanded]]

Latest revision as of 21:13, 26 June 2019

Malice Mizer promoting "Beast of Blood"

MALICE MIZER (1992 – 2001) is widely considered one of the most influential bands of Japan's visual-kei music scene. Formed by Mana and Közi, the band’s name stands for malice and misery – the answer to the question 'what is human?' MALICE MIZER were as famous for their one-of-a-kind music as for their spectacular live shows, featuring lavish historical costumes and stage sets, whimsical dance routines and band members 'flying in' suspended from wires. During their rocky history, the band went through several different lineups and three drastic image changes but their work always maintained the highest professional standards. Following a series of tragedies, Malice Mizer went into an ‘indefinite hiatus’ and effectively disbanded.

Members

  • Shue - Drums (support)
  • Kazune - Keyboard (support)

Former Members

  • Gackt - Vocals & Piano (1995-1999)
  • GAZ - Drums (1992-1993)
  • Kami - Drums (1993-1999)
  • Tetsu - Vocals (1992-1994)

Biography

Tetsu Era

Tetsu Era (1992 – 1994)

MALICE MIZER was formed in 1992 by Mana and Közi with Tetsu on vocals, both Mana and Közi on guitar / synthesizer, Yu~ki on bass and GAZ on drums. MALICE MIZER's sound during the Tetsu era was a mixture of early 1980s goth and strong classical influences. Their first official release was the song Speed of Desperate on the 1993 compilation Brain Trash. Shortly after its release, GAZ left the band to join KneuKlid Romance and KneuKlid Romance's drummer Kami in turn joined MALICE MIZER. In 1994, the band released their first album, memoire, on Mana's newly founded Indie music label, Midi:Nette, and shortly after re-released it with an additional bonus track under the title memoire DX. Only days later, singer Tetsu left the band, reportedly due to creative differences. The split was most likely amicable, considering they continued to use songs written by Tetsu.

Gackt Era

Gackt Era (1995 – 1999)

In 1995, after a year of inactivity, MALICE MIZER recruited Gackt as vocalist. Under his influence, the band's music became more wistful and romantic in its mood, incorporating even stronger classical influences as well as French pop music. Visually, the band abandoned their 1980s gothic look for colorful historical costumes. In 1996, MALICE MIZER released their second album, Voyage sans retour. The band became increasingly popular and in 1997 signed with the major label Nippon Columbia, where they released a number of successful singles, a short film, Verte Aile, and, in 1998, their first and only major label album, the hugely popular merveilles. They even had their own radio show. In January 1999, at the height of Malice Mizer’s success, Gackt parted ways with Malice Mizer, taking a substantial part of their fan base with him. MALICE MIZER left Nippon Columbia and returned to Mana's indie music label, Midi:Nette.

A few months after Gackt's departure, drummer Kami died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, leaving behind a handful of songs, which the band eventually released as part of the mini-album / video boxset Shinwa. Kami was never replaced. From that point onward, Malice Mizer would only use support drummers and Kami would be credited as 'eternal blood relative' on all their future releases.

Klaha Era (2000 – 2001)

Klaha Era

In the second half of 1999 and the beginning of 2000, MALICE MIZER – still without an official vocalist – released a number of singles and began to work on a new album. Eventually, they recruited classically trained Klaha, previously a singer with visual kei / darkwave band Pride of Mind. By now, the band had abandoned the lighter pop music sound of the Gackt era for a dramatic mixture of classical music, gothic and heavy metal music and adopted an elaborate funereal goth look. In the summer of 2000, they released what would be their last album, Bara no Seidou, followed by their most spectacular live show ever, featuring pyrotechnics, a choir of veiled nuns and a life size cathedral as stage prop. In 2001, Malice Mizer starred in a feature length vampire movie, Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~, and released three more singles, amongst them the fan favorite "Beast of Blood", but eventually the band members decided to go their separate ways.

Post Projects

Gackt and Klaha are both pursuing solo careers. Mana has formed his own solo project, Moi dix Mois, and simultaneously pursues a career as fashion designer for his Gothic Lolita fashion label, Moi-même-Moitié. He continues to also run his own Indie music label, Midi:Nette, and is looking for bands to sign and produce. Közi has joined Haruhiko Ash’s goth / industrial music band Eve of Destiny and also has a solo project. In 2012 he formed band ZIZ. Tetsu went on to be in ZIGZO, and is currently in NIL. The whereabouts of Yu~ki were unknown until he resurfaced in 2004 as co-writer of one of Közi's solo songs.

Discography

Studio Albums

Best Albums

Boxes

Singles

Demos

Video Releases

Compilations / Other

Publications

Books & Magazines

External Links

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