Onmyo-za

Onmyo-za promoting "Kureha" (2008)

Onmyo-za (陰陽座) is a Japanese heavy metal band that is one of the best-known of the genre in Japan. Their sound mixes traditional Japanese mythology with heavy sound and lyrics written in archaic Japanese. The concept of yin and yang is very prominent in their music by fusing many opposites together (for example, calm traditional folk instrumentation with heavy metal and female vocals with male ones). They are also a very theatrical act, and they are also notable for their powerful female and male duo vocals and at times Iron Maiden-inspired guitar riffs. The yukata is the band's trademark costume.

Members

• Kuroneko (黒猫) - Vocals
• Matatabi (瞬火) - Bass, vocals
• Maneki (招鬼) - Guitar, chorus
• Karukan (狩姦) - Guitar
• Atsushi Kawatsuka (河塚篤史) - Support drums

Discography

Albums

• [1999.12.05] Kikoku Tenshou (鬼哭転生)
• [2000.12.24] Hyakki Ryouran (百鬼繚乱)
• [2002.01.10] Koujin Rasetsu (煌神羅刹)
• [2003.01.22] Houyoku Rindou (鳳翼麟瞳)
• [2004.03.03] Mugen Houyou (夢幻泡影)
• [2005.06.22] Garyou Tensei (臥龍點睛)
• [2007.07.25] Maou Taiten (魔王戴天)
• [2008.09.10] Chimimouryou (魑魅魍魎)
• [2009.09.09] Kongou Kyuubi (金剛九尾)

Other Albums

• [2002.07.24] Fuuin Kairan (封印廻濫) (mini-album)
• [2003.06.25] Sekinetsu Enbu (赤熱演舞) (live album)
• [2006.02.08] Inyou Shugyoku (陰陽珠玉) (best album)
• [2006.06.07] Onmyouraibu (陰陽雷舞) (live album)

Singles

• [2000.08.19] Ouka no Kotowari (桜花ノ理)
• [2001.12.16] Tsuki ni Murakumo Hana ni Kaze (月に叢雲花に風)
• [2002.12.25] Youka Ninpouchou (妖花忍法帖)
• [2003.06.04] Houyoku Tenshou (鳳翼天翔)
• [2003.10.01] Mezame (醒)
• [2004.01.07] Nemuri (睡)
• [2004.09.23] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" ~ Akkihougan (組曲「義経」～悪忌判官)
• [2004.10.27] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" ~ Mumaenjou (組曲「義経」～夢魔炎上)
• [2004.11.26] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" ~ Raisekaikou (組曲「義経」～来世邂逅)
• [2005.04.27] Kouga Ninpouchou (甲賀忍法帖)
• [2007.06.27] Kokui no Tennyo (黒衣の天女)
• [2008.08.06] Kureha (紅葉)
• [2009.01.21] Soukoku / Doukoku (相剋 / 慟哭)
• [2009.08.26] Aoki Dokugan (蒼き独眼)

VHS / DVDs

• [2002.01.10] Hyakki Kourinden (百鬼降臨伝)
• [2003.06.25] Hakkouranbu (白光乱舞)
• [2004.02.14] Hyakki Kourinden (百鬼降臨伝)
• [2005.03.02] Waga Shikabane wo Koeteyuke (我屍越行)
• [2006.06.21] Shugyoku Enbu (珠玉宴舞)
• [2008.01.23] Tenkafubu (天下布舞)
• [2010.04.21] Ryuuou Rinbu (龍凰輪舞)

Trivia

• Onmyo-za's name is written 陰陽座 in Japanese and is often misread as inyou-za because even some Japanese natives do not realize that even though 陰 and 陽 are pronounced in and you separately, they form a special compound when together and are pronounced onmyou. The meaning of onmyou is the meeting of yin and yang.
• Maneki and Matatabi are brothers.
• Onmyo-za's concerts are only held in summer and spring, and the crowd receives fans instead of glow sticks.

External Links

• Official Website