Onmyo-za

Onmyou-za (陰陽座) is a Japanese heavy metal band that is one of the most known in the genre in Japan. Their sound mix traditional japanese mythology with heavy sound and lyrics written in archaic japanese. The concept of yin and yan is very prominent in their music fusing two opposites together (for example calm traditional folk instrumentation with heavy metal and female vocals with male ones). They are also a very theatrical act. They are noted for their powerful female and male duo vocals and also at times Iron Maiden inspired guitar riffs. The yukata is also their trademark costume.

Members

• Kuroneko - vocals
• Matatabi - bass/vocals
• Maneki - guitar/chorus
• Karukan - guitar
• Atsushi Kawatsuka (previously Tora) - 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)
• [2002.01.10] Kikoku Tenshou (鬼哭転生) (Re-release)
• [2002.01.10] Hyakki Ryouran (百鬼繚乱) (Re-release)
• [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)
• [2006.02.08] In'youshugyoku (陰陽珠玉)
• [2007.07.25] Maoutaiten (魔王戴天(まおうたいてん))
• [2008.09.10] Chimimouryou (魑魅魍魎)

Mini Albums

• [2002.07.24] Fuuin Kairan (封印廻濫)

Live Albums

• [2003.06.25] Sekinetsu Enbu (赤熱演舞)
• [2006.06.07] Onmyouraibu (陰陽雷舞)

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

• [2002.01.10] Hyakki Kourinden (百鬼降臨伝)

DVDs

• [2003.06.25] Hakkouranbu (白光乱舞)
• [2004.02.14] Hyakki Kourinden (百鬼降臨伝)
• [2005.03.02] Wa ga Shikabane wo Koeteyuke (我屍越行)
• [2006.06.21] Shugyoku Enbu (珠玉宴舞)
• [2008.01.23] Tenkafubu (天下布舞)

Curiosities

• Onmyou-za's name is written 陰陽座 in Japanese and is often misread as "inyō" because even some Japanese natives do not realize that even though they are pronounced 'in' and 'yō' separately, they form a special compound when together, and are pronounced 'onmyō'. The meaning of Onmyou is the meeting of yin and yang.
• Maneki and Matatabi are brothers.
• Onmyou-za's concerts are only held on summer and spring and the crowd receives fans instead of lightning sticks, etc.

External Links

• Official Website