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Difference between revisions of "MALICE MIZER"
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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|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. | '''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|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)== |
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Malice Mizer was formed in 1992 by [[Mana]] and [[Közi|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. | Malice Mizer was formed in 1992 by [[Mana]] and [[Közi|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. | ||
| − | == | + | ==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|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. | 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. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
| − | == | + | ==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. | 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. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Discography== |
| − | + | ===Albums=== | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
* [1994.07.24] [[Memoire]] | * [1994.07.24] [[Memoire]] | ||
* [1994.12.24] [[Memoire DX]] | * [1994.12.24] [[Memoire DX]] | ||
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* [2007.01.26] [[Bara no Seidou (european version)|Bara no Seidou (european version)]] | * [2007.01.26] [[Bara no Seidou (european version)|Bara no Seidou (european version)]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===Singles=== |
| − | |||
* [1995.12.10] [[Uruwashiki Kamen no Shoutaijou]] | * [1995.12.10] [[Uruwashiki Kamen no Shoutaijou]] | ||
* [1996.10.10] [[Ma Cherie ~Itoshii Kimi e~]] | * [1996.10.10] [[Ma Cherie ~Itoshii Kimi e~]] | ||
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* [2001.11.30] [[Garnet ~Kindan no Sono e~]] | * [2001.11.30] [[Garnet ~Kindan no Sono e~]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===Demos=== |
| − | |||
* [1992.10.31] [[SANS LOGIQUE]] | * [1992.10.31] [[SANS LOGIQUE]] | ||
* [1993.00.00] [[Sadness / Speed of Desperate]] | * [1993.00.00] [[Sadness / Speed of Desperate]] | ||
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* [1993.10.12] [[The 1th anniversary]] | * [1993.10.12] [[The 1th anniversary]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===BOX=== |
| − | |||
* [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]] | ||
* [2000.02.01] [[Shinwa]] | * [2000.02.01] [[Shinwa]] | ||
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* [2006.07.19] [[La Collection des Singles]] | * [2006.07.19] [[La Collection des Singles]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===DVD=== |
| − | |||
* [2000.11.22] [[Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake]] | * [2000.11.22] [[Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake]] | ||
* [2001.04.18] [[sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~]] | * [2001.04.18] [[sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~]] | ||
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* [2002.03.30] [[Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~]] | * [2002.03.30] [[Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===VHS=== |
| − | |||
* [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~]] | ||
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* [2002.03.22] [[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]] | * [2002.03.22] [[Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===Compilations=== |
| − | |||
* [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]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===Books & Magazines=== |
| − | |||
* [1998.07.30] [[Merveilles a Deux Dimensions]] | * [1998.07.30] [[Merveilles a Deux Dimensions]] | ||
* [1998.10.25] [[Malice Mizer Tanbi Jikken Kakumei]] | * [1998.10.25] [[Malice Mizer Tanbi Jikken Kakumei]] | ||
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* [2001.12.21] [[UV Special: Malice Mizer File]] | * [2001.12.21] [[UV Special: Malice Mizer File]] | ||
| − | === | + | ===Others=== |
| − | |||
* [[Malice Mizer unreleased songs & different versions]] | * [[Malice Mizer unreleased songs & different versions]] | ||
| − | == | + | ==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|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|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|Közi]]’s solo songs. | [[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|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|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|Közi]]’s solo songs. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Essential Malice Mizer Links== |
| − | |||
* [http://www.malice-mizer.co.jp/ Malice Mizer (Malice Mizer's official home page)] | * [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.mana-sama.com/ Monologue Theater (Mana's official home page)] | ||
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* [http://www.overstuffed-closet.net/malicemizer The Malice Mizer Fanlisting] | * [http://www.overstuffed-closet.net/malicemizer The Malice Mizer Fanlisting] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Groups]] |
[[Category:J-Rock]] | [[Category:J-Rock]] | ||
[[Category:Visual-Kei]] | [[Category:Visual-Kei]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Disbanded]] | ||
Revision as of 22:44, 2 May 2009
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.
Contents
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 (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 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 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)
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, goth 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 favourite Beast of Blood, but eventually the band members decided to go their separate ways.
Discography
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
- [2007.01.26] Bara no Seidou (european version)
Singles
- [1995.12.10] Uruwashiki Kamen no Shoutaijou
- [1996.10.10] Ma Cherie ~Itoshii Kimi e~
- [1997.08.06] Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~
- [1997.12.03] au revoir
- [1998.02.21] Gekka no Yasoukyoku
- [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
- [1992.10.31] SANS LOGIQUE
- [1993.00.00] Sadness / Speed of Desperate
- [1993.04.05] Sadness
- [1993.10.12] The 1th anniversary
BOX
- [1997.07.19] Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~ de l'image
- [2000.02.01] Shinwa
- [2004.09.29] La Collection des Singles - L'edition Limitee
- [2005.10.05] La Collection merveilles - L'edition Limitee
- [2006.07.19] La Collection des Singles
DVD
- [2000.11.22] Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake
- [2001.04.18] sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~
- [2001.04.25] Bara no Kiseki
- [2001.07.11] Beast of Blood ~de l'image~
- [2001.09.21] Bara no Denshou (Joshou) ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~
- [2002.02.06] Cardinal
- [2002.03.22] Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~
- [2002.03.30] Merveilles ~Shuuen to Kisuu~ l'espace
- [2002.03.30] Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~
VHS
- [1997.06.30] sans retour Voyage "derniere" ~encoure une fois~
- [1997.09.03] Bel Air ~Kuuhaku no Toki no Naka de~
- [1998.10.28] Merveilles ~Shuuen to Kisuu~ l'espace
- [1999.02.24] Merveilles ~Cinq Parallele~
- [1999.12.21] Saikai no Chi to Bara ~de l'image~
- [2000.05.31] Kyomu no Naka de no Yuugi ~de l'image~
- [2000.11.22] Bara ni Irodorareta Akui to Higeki no Makuake
- [2001.04.25] Bara no Kiseki
- [2001.07.11] Beast of Blood ~de l'image~
- [2001.09.21] Bara no Denshou (Joshou) ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~
- [2002.02.06] Cardinal
- [2002.03.22] Bara no Konrei ~Mayonaka ni Kawashita Yakusoku~
Compilations
- [1993.02.24] Brain Trash
- [1996.10.25] Shock Wave '96
- [2006.06.14] Rock is Loft
Books & Magazines
- [1998.07.30] Merveilles a Deux Dimensions
- [1998.10.25] Malice Mizer Tanbi Jikken Kakumei
- [1998.11.27] Malice Mizer Itan Shinmon
- [1998.11.30] Merveilles Band Score
- [1999.02.05] Retour
- [1999.06.25] Malice Mizer no "aa mujou" Ametsuchi Meidou hen ~Les Mizerables de Malice Mizer~
- [2000.12.00] Bara no Seidou ~Livre Rose~
- [2001.02.20] Malice Mizer no "aa mujou" Vol 2 ~Les Mizerables de Malice Mizer~
- [2001.04.25] Bara no Seidou Buranshu ~Livre Rose Blanche~
- [2001.12.10] Bara no Higeki
- [2001.12.21] UV Special: Malice Mizer File
Others
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. 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
- Malice Mizer (Malice Mizer's official home page)
- Monologue Theater (Mana's official home page)
- Gackt ~ Dears ~ (Gackt's official home page)
- Cryptogram (Klaha's official home page)
- Közi Info (Közi's official home page)
- Eve of Destiny (Eve of Destiny’s official home page)
- Gardenia (Malice Mizer fan site with comprehensive photo gallery)
- The Malice Mizer Fanlisting
