Japanese Rock Band - X Japan
Posted on July 26, 2009
Filed Under Japanese Music |
X Japan is a Japanese band founded in 1982 by Toshimitsu “Toshi” Deyama and Yoshiki Hayashi. Originally named X, the group achieved its breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood. They started out as a power/speed metal band and later gravitated towards a progressive sound, at all times retaining an emphasis on ballads. After three more albums, X Japan disbanded in 1997.
Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label, the group is widely credited for pioneering the visual kei movement, though most of the group’s members toned down their on-stage attire in later years. They were formerly known for their excessively large hairstyles resembling fountains. As of 2007, the band has sold over twenty million records and over two million home videos.
On 4 June 2007 it was announced the band would reunite with a new song released via digital download in January 2008 and live performances scheduled for March and May.
In March 2007 Toshi announced on his website that he and Yoshiki had recently resumed working together, stating that a “new project” would commence soon. An X Japan reunion was officially confirmed on 4 June 2007, with Yoshiki announcing a tour, as well as a new single (a re-recording of the song “Without You”, originally from Yoshiki’s 2005 solo album Eternal Melody II) to be underway and that he was in talks with Heath and Pata regarding their participation.
The band made its first public appearance on 22 October 2007, on the rooftop of the shopping center Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo, during which a music video for the newly recorded song “I.V.” was filmed. “I.V.” also appears on the soundtrack of the movie Saw 4. It is written by Yoshiki and recorded with all living X Japan members of the pre-breakup lineup. Previously unreleased guitar tracks by hide were used for the lead guitar part. “I.V.” was released through the iTunes Store on 23 January 2008, topping the store’s daily charts on that day. It is also set to be included in an upcoming greatest hits compilation, along with the previously announced “Without You”. When asked whether there would be further new material Yoshiki gave it a “fifty-fifty” chance. Regarding the vacant lead guitar part it was initially stated in June 2007 that about ten guitarists were to fill in for the late hide during concerts, yet no names were mentioned. Yoshiki was later quoted that a guitarist not from Japan and/or a “new face” may be performing with the band.
Japanese Rock Band - X Japan
By: Wikipedia
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