After a four-year break, Japanese power metallers Versailles have announced a comeback of sorts. The visual kei outfit will release The Greatest Hits 2007-2016 on September 14th via Warner Music Japan. The album will contain re-recorded versions of eleven old tracks plus two new songs. The quintet previously played a show at Tokyo's Zepp DiverCity on June 25th to mark their 9th anniversary.

Read more ››

Source:	cdjapan.co.jp
Band profile:	Versailles

Japanese power metallers Galneryus have announced a change of personnel. Following the end of their recent nationwide tour, longstanding drummer Junichi Satoh has stepped down, citing differences of opinion over the band's future musical direction. Galneryus have wasted no time in finding a replacement, unveiling Fumiya Morishita as their new drummer.

Read more ››

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Galneryus

Japanese power metallers X Japan have been forced to put all current plans on hold after long-time guitarist Pata was hospitalised in Tokyo. According to management, he received treatment for colon diverticulitis and portal vein thrombosis. Consequently, X Japan's March 12th show at London's SSE Arena Wembley has been rescheduled for March 4th next year. Furthermore, the release of the band's as-yet untitled sixth album, originally slated for March 11th, will also be pushed back.

Read more ››

Source:	xjapanmusic.com
Band profile:	X Japan

Spanish symphonic metallers Dark Moor have announced the surprise return of bassist Dani Férnandez to the line-up. He replaces Ricardo Moreno, who had only joined the band back in February. During his first tenure, Férnandez played on the albums from Beyond The Sea until Autumnal before leaving in 2008. Dark Moor have made no comment regarding the circumstances of Moreno's departure.

Read more ››

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Dark Moor

After a turbulent ten years, Japanese heavy metallers Destrose have announced they'll be going on an indefinite hiatus from July. No specific reason was given for the decision, but the all-female outfit has been dogged by lineup issues throughout its existence. They were dealt a particularly severe blow back in February, when founding guitarist Mina bowed out for good.

Read more ››

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Destrose

Bellfast, one of Japan's few Celtic folk metal bands, have started the pre-production work on a new album. The band broke the news by posting photos of frontman Koh Nishino and friends at work in the studio. It's been almost five years since the release of their full-length debut Insula Sacra in October 2010.

Read more ››

Source:	bellfast.net
Band profile:	Bellfast

Japanese power metallers Concerto Moon announced a shake-up of their lineup. Guitarist Norifumi Shima and vocalist Atsushi Kuze are joined by bassist Shigeharu Nakayasu (Marge Litch), keyboardist Aki (Jack Rose) and ex-Onmyo-Za drummer Atsushi Kawatsuka, who replaces the departing Masayuki Osada. The band also announced they're now set to begin recording the follow-up to 2013's Black Flame.

Read more ››

Source:	concerto-moon.com
Band profile:	Concerto Moon

Japanese psychedelic metallers Boris will be heading down under this May. Starting on May 27th, the week-long Live Noise Alive Tour will visit five Australian states. Tickets for all six dates are available online through Life Is Noise and Oztix. A full list of dates can be seen below.

Read more ››

Source:	lifeisnoise.com
Band profile:	Boris

Japanese heavy metallers Mardelas have released a video for the song "Eclipse", the opening track from their upcoming debut album Mardelas I. Originally the solo project of ex-Destrose frontwoman Marina Hebishii, Mardelas was expanded to a four-piece with the additions of guitarist Kikyo Oikawa (Screaming Symphony) and Light Bringer's rhythm section. The video can be viewed at your leisure below.

Read more ››

Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Destrose

Destrose just can't seem to catch a break. In the latest blow to the long-suffering Japanese heavy metallers, guitarist Mina has announced her departure from the band. For some years, she's struggled with multiple chemical sensitivity, which had already restricted her touring activities, and as there's been no improvement in her symptoms, she's decided to bow out for good. Having co-founded the band as Destroya back in 2005, Mina was the last surviving member of Destrose's original line-up.

Read more ››

Source:	destrose.net
Band profile:	Destrose

Japanese brutal death metallers Desecravity have released a video for the song "Deviltry", the opening track of their sophomore album Orphic Signs. As with "Bloody Terpsichorean Art", the video is a low-key affair showcasing the band's technical abilities. You can see it for yourself below.

Read more ››

Source:	desecravity.net
Band profile:	Desecravity

Visual kei survivors Dir En Grey have announced the addition of a European leg to their upcoming Tour15 The Unstoppable Life. The Japanese quintet will touch down in Minsk, Belarus on May 17th, then work their way west for a further seven shows. This will include a two-night stand at London's O2 Academy Islington. You can see a full list of tour dates below.

Read more ››

Source:	direngrey.co.jp
Band profile:	Dir En Grey

Japanese melodeath trio Gyze have recently unveiled the cover of their forthcoming second album Black Bride. The record will feature guest vocals by Ettore Rigotti (Disarmonia Mundi), who also co-produced and mixed the album. It will be released in Japan via Victor Entertainment on February 25th. Feast your eyes on the cover here.

Read more ››

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Gyze

One month on from the departure of drummer Haruna, Destrose have revealed her replacement. Risa Risa (so good they named her twice) is the band's sixth permanent drummer, and previously plied her trade as session musician with various rock and jazz bands.

Read more ››

Source:	destrose.net
Band profile:	Destrose

Visual kei power quintet Jupiter have released a new video for "The Birth Of Venus". The song is the opening track from the band's sophomore album The History Of Genesis, which was released January 7th via Universal Music Japan. You can watch the new video below.

Read more ››

Source:	youtube.com
Band profile:	Jupiter