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; Wailing Demon Reincarnation )
• [2000.12.24] Hyakki Ryouran (百鬼繚乱; Demon Horde Scattered Everywhere)
• [2002.01.10] Koujin Rasetsu (煌神羅刹; Radiant God Rasetsu)
• [2003.01.22] Houyoku Rindou (鳳翼麟瞳; Wing of Phoenix, Eyes of Qilin)
• [2004.03.03] Mugen Houyou (夢幻泡影; Illusion of Vapor and Shadow)
• [2005.06.22] Garyou Tensei (臥龍點睛; Finishing Touch)
• [2007.07.25] Maou Taiten (魔王戴天; Devil King Conquers the Heavens)
• [2008.09.10] Chimimouryou (魑魅魍魎; Evil Spirits of Rivers and Mountains)
• [2009.09.09] Kongou Kyuubi (金剛九尾; Indestructible Ninetails)
• [2011.12.21] Kishiboshin (鬼子母神)

Other Albums

• [2002.07.24] Fuuin Kairan (封印廻濫; Perfectly Circular Seal) (mini-album)
• [2003.06.25] Sekinetsu Enbu (赤熱演舞; Red Hot Dance) (live album)
• [2006.02.08] Inyou Shugyoku (陰陽珠玉; Jewel of Yin and Yang) (best album)
• [2006.06.07] Onmyou Live (陰陽雷舞; Yin and Yang Live) (live album)

Singles

• [2000.08.19] Ouka no Kotowari (桜花ノ理; Reasoning of Cherry Blossoms)
• [2001.12.16] Tsuki ni Murakumo Hana ni Kaze (月に叢雲花に風; Moon in the Clouds, Flower in the Wind )
• [2002.12.25] Youka Ninpouchou (妖花忍法帖; Ninja Scroll of Alluring Cherry Blossoms)
• [2003.06.04] Houyoku Tenshou (鳳翼天翔; Wings of Soaring Phoenix)
• [2003.10.01] Mezame (醒; Awakening)
• [2004.01.07] Nemuri (睡; Sleep)
• [2004.09.23] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" ~ Akkihougan (組曲「義経」～悪忌判官; Suite "Yoshitsune" ~ Sympathy for Dark Mourning of Tragic Hero)
• [2004.10.27] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" ~ Mumaenjou (組曲「義経」～夢魔炎上; Suite "Yoshitsune" ~ Blazing Nightmare)
• [2004.11.26] Kumikyoku "Yoshitsune" ~ Raisekaikou (組曲「義経」～来世邂逅; Suite "Yoshitsune" ~ Accidental Meeting in the Afterlife)
• [2005.04.27] Kouga Ninpouchou (甲賀忍法帖; Ninja Scroll of Kouga)
• [2007.06.27] Kokui no Tennyo (黒衣の天女; Black Robed Heavenly Maiden)
• [2008.08.06] Kureha (紅葉; Crimson Leaf)
• [2009.01.21] Soukoku / Doukoku (相剋 / 慟哭; Rivalry / Lament)
• [2009.08.26] Aoki Dokugan (蒼き独眼; Blue One-Eyed)
• [2011.02.09] Konpeki no Soujin (紺碧の双刃)

VHS / DVDs

• [2002.01.10] Hyakki Kourinden (百鬼降臨伝; The Legend of Descent of Hundred Demons)
• [2003.06.25] Hakkouranbu (白光乱舞; White Shining Boisterous Dance)
• [2005.03.02] Waga Shikabane wo Koeteyuke (我屍越行; Go Beyond the Corpse of Mine)
• [2006.06.21] Shugyoku Enbu (珠玉宴舞; The Live for Profoundness and Spirits)
• [2008.01.23] Tenkafubu (天下布舞; Jewel of Feast and Dance)
• [2010.04.21] Ryuuou Rinbu (龍凰輪舞; Conquer the World with Pageant)

Books / Magazines

Magazines

• [2010.09.xx] FOOL'S MATE 2010 November Issue (Feature)
• [2010.10.xx] FOOL'S MATE December Issue (Feature)

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