Hizaki
Encyclopedia
Hizaki is a Japanese
visual kei
musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal
band Versailles
. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.
In 2002, Crack Brain disbanded and Hizaki and Airi formed the band グロテスクロマンティッカー (Gurotesuku Romantikkaa), who in May 2003 changed their name to Schwardix Marvally. They released two EPs
, one composed of cover songs from various bands. Soon after releasing the two EPs, Schwardix Marvally disbanded in 2004.
Hizaki then proceeded to start a solo career that same year and released Maiden Ritual. He published two more EPs: Dance with Grace and Maiden Ritual -Experiment Edition- with a variety of musicians in the visual kei
scene. In 2005 he put his solo work on hold and joined Sulfuric Acid, staying until they disbanded in October 2006.
He then restarted solo activities and formed his solo group, Hizaki Grace Project, with Hikaru (Izabel Varosa
) on vocals, Yuu
(Jakura) on bass and support drummer Seiji (Sulfuric Acid). After recruiting Mikage (Babylon) on drums, Teru (Aikaryu) on guitar and Juka (Moi dix Mois
) on vocals, they released the album Dignity of Crest. Hizaki Grace Project's latest album, Curse of Virgo, was released on December 26, 2007, two days after their latest live performance.
In the beginning of 2007, he became support for Node of Scherzo, a project fronted by Kamijo, Juka and Kaya
(Schwarz Stein
), and also supported by Jasmine You
and Asagi (D). At Node of Scherzo's first live performance on March 14, Kamijo and Hizaki announced they were forming a band together.
On March 30 the details of the band were announced, it would be named Versailles
and also included drummer Yuki (Sugar Trip) and Hizaki Grace Project's Jasmine You and Teru. Currently Hizaki's solo work in on hold while he is focused on Versailles.
On July 15, 2010, Hizaki partook in the one-night only revival of Crack Brain, at a concert for their old record label, Crow Music.
In January 2011, he and the rest of Versailles started starring in their own TV mini drama called Onegai Kanaete Versailles (おねがいかなえてヴェルサイユ "Fulfill My Wish Versailles"). The show also starred Rina Koike
and aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System
and TV Kanagawa until March. In response to the March 11, 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
, Hizaki composed and dedicated the song "Prayer" to its victims.
- ESP Maiden Hizaki Custom Rose
Other
- ESP Horizon-III Hizaki Custom Pearl White Gold w/flake
- ESP Horizon-III Orange (color changes depending on angle)
- ESP Bottom Line GT
- BOSS GT-10 Guitar Effects Processor
- BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
- Ibanez Jemini Distortion Pedal
- Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer
- Marshall Guvnor
- Morley Wah Pedal
- Custom Audio Electronics Cables
- TC Electronic G Major
- Korg DTR-1 Rack Tuner
- EX-PRO Wireless System
- Furman Power Conditioner
- Roland FC-200 Midi Foot Controller
- Hughes & Kettner, Bogner, Brunetti, Mesa Boogie & Marshall Amps
DVD
Omnibuses
Japanese people
The are an ethnic group originating in the Japanese archipelago and are the predominant ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide, approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent; of these, approximately 127 million are residents of Japan. People of Japanese ancestry who live in other countries...
visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
band Versailles
Versailles (Japanese band)
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements....
. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.
Biography
Hizaki debuted as guitarist for the Kyoto based band Garnet Grave in 1997. After two years, Hizaki and bassist Hizumi departed from Garnet Grave to form Crack Brain with guitarist Airi (Madeth Gray'll).In 2002, Crack Brain disbanded and Hizaki and Airi formed the band グロテスクロマンティッカー (Gurotesuku Romantikkaa), who in May 2003 changed their name to Schwardix Marvally. They released two EPs
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, one composed of cover songs from various bands. Soon after releasing the two EPs, Schwardix Marvally disbanded in 2004.
Hizaki then proceeded to start a solo career that same year and released Maiden Ritual. He published two more EPs: Dance with Grace and Maiden Ritual -Experiment Edition- with a variety of musicians in the visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
scene. In 2005 he put his solo work on hold and joined Sulfuric Acid, staying until they disbanded in October 2006.
He then restarted solo activities and formed his solo group, Hizaki Grace Project, with Hikaru (Izabel Varosa
Izabel Varosa
Izabel Varosa is a Japanese visual kei rock band. They were formed by KAZUI and Chihiro in 2004 and were picked up in 2005 by Applause Records, an indies label run by popular visual band Lareine's vocalist, Kamijo. To date, Izabel Varosa have released one single, three maxi-singles and two...
) on vocals, Yuu
Jasmine You
Jasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
(Jakura) on bass and support drummer Seiji (Sulfuric Acid). After recruiting Mikage (Babylon) on drums, Teru (Aikaryu) on guitar and Juka (Moi dix Mois
Moi dix Mois
Moi dix Mois is a musical project founded by Japanese musician and fashion designer Mana in 2002 after his previous band, Malice Mizer, paused activities.- History :...
) on vocals, they released the album Dignity of Crest. Hizaki Grace Project's latest album, Curse of Virgo, was released on December 26, 2007, two days after their latest live performance.
In the beginning of 2007, he became support for Node of Scherzo, a project fronted by Kamijo, Juka and Kaya
Kaya (Japanese musician)
is a Japanese visual kei musician, who was vocalist of the now defunct electro/darkwave duo Schwarz Stein , and also Meties and Isola under the alias of Hime. Originally on Mana's record label, Midi:Nette, Kaya recently signed to , and the label's name was changed to Kaya is also known for his...
(Schwarz Stein
Schwarz Stein
Schwarz Stein was a Japanese visual kei electronic music duo formed by Hora and Kaya in 2001 and disbanded in 2004.-History:...
), and also supported by Jasmine You
Jasmine You
Jasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
and Asagi (D). At Node of Scherzo's first live performance on March 14, Kamijo and Hizaki announced they were forming a band together.
On March 30 the details of the band were announced, it would be named Versailles
Versailles (Japanese band)
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements....
and also included drummer Yuki (Sugar Trip) and Hizaki Grace Project's Jasmine You and Teru. Currently Hizaki's solo work in on hold while he is focused on Versailles.
On July 15, 2010, Hizaki partook in the one-night only revival of Crack Brain, at a concert for their old record label, Crow Music.
In January 2011, he and the rest of Versailles started starring in their own TV mini drama called Onegai Kanaete Versailles (おねがいかなえてヴェルサイユ "Fulfill My Wish Versailles"). The show also starred Rina Koike
Rina Koike
is a Japanese actress and idol affiliated with Very Berry Production.Koike started a junior Idol career with the DVD Big Brother at age 10, when she was in 4th grade. Koike also works for Very Berry Production as a model. Koike Rina had a role on the live-action version of Sailor Moon, Pretty...
and aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System
Mainichi Broadcasting System
is a broadcasting station in Osaka, Japan, affiliated with Japan Radio Network , National Radio Network , Japan News Network and TBS Network, serving in the Kansai region. MBS is also one of the major stockholders of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, Inc...
and TV Kanagawa until March. In response to the March 11, 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
, Hizaki composed and dedicated the song "Prayer" to its victims.
Last line-up
- Hizaki – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
- Yuu/Jasmine YouJasmine YouJasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Teru – guitar
- Mikage – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Juka – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
Equipment
Current- ESP Maiden Hizaki Custom Rose
Other
- ESP Horizon-III Hizaki Custom Pearl White Gold w/flake
- ESP Horizon-III Orange (color changes depending on angle)
- ESP Bottom Line GT
- BOSS GT-10 Guitar Effects Processor
- BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
- Ibanez Jemini Distortion Pedal
- Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer
- Marshall Guvnor
- Morley Wah Pedal
- Custom Audio Electronics Cables
- TC Electronic G Major
- Korg DTR-1 Rack Tuner
- EX-PRO Wireless System
- Furman Power Conditioner
- Roland FC-200 Midi Foot Controller
- Hughes & Kettner, Bogner, Brunetti, Mesa Boogie & Marshall Amps
Discography
Albums and EPs- Maiden Ritual (September 29, 2004)
- Dance with grace (April 27, 2005, two editions: regular was instrumental)
- Maiden Ritual -Experiment Edition- (May 11, 2005)
- The song "Tragic Serenade" was replaced by the instrumental "Scarlet", while "Ritual" has been replaced by its instrumental version.
- Grace Special Package I (2005)
- Three disc box set: includes Dance with grace, Maiden Ritual -Experiment Edition- and bonus CD-R with "Members Comment" and instrumental version of "Tragic Serenade".
With Hizaki Grace Project
Albums- Dignity of Crest (January 1, 2007)
- Ruined Kingdom (September 19, 2007)
- Curse of Virgo (December 26, 2007)
DVD
- Eien no Kokuin (永遠の刻印, February 17, 2007, distributed at concert)
- Monshou (紋章, May 9, 2007)
Omnibuses
- Graceful Playboys (Auguzt 5, 2006, with "Race Wish")
- -Unique- (August 9, 2006, split EP with +Isolation, with "Solitude" and "Cradle")
- Summit 03 (November 29, 2009, with "Cradle")
- Final Summit 2000~2010: Sequence Records (February 16, 2011, with "Philosopher")
With Crack Brain
- "Crack Diary" (July 24, 1999, demo tape)
- "Sokubaku Izonshou" (緊縛依存症, April 18, 2000, demo tape)
- "Sunadokei" (砂時計, June 27, 2000, demo tape)
- "Kankinshitsu no Tobira" (監禁室の扉です, April 14, 2001)
- -Reset- (March 23, 2002)
- "-Speed･R-" (May 11, 2002, freely distributed at concert at Meguro Rock-May-Kan)
With Schwardix Marvally
- Kairoroku ~Dai san Shou~ (回顧録～第三章～, August 20, 2003)
- Four track EP with covers of Gargoyle, Luna SeaLuna SeaLuna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
and Madeth gray’ll and one original song, track one credited to グロテスクロマンティッカー (Gurotesuku Romantikkaa).
- Four track EP with covers of Gargoyle, Luna Sea
- Heaven's Romance (January 28, 2004)
- Released in two versions, each with a different bonus disc.
- Schwardix Marvally ~Tenkuu e no Monogatari~ (Schwardix Marvally～天空への物語～, January 1, 2007, compilation album)
With Sulfuric Acid
- "Vanilla Sky" (September 19, 2005, freely distributed at concert at Meguro Rock-May-Kan)
- "Aka Hebi -Kimi to Mita aka no Kioku-" (赤蛇 -君と見た赤の記憶-, December 28, 2005)
- "Ao Hebi -Boku no Naka no Aoi Yami-" (青蛇 -僕の中の青い闇-, December 28, 2005)
- 【s∧lfj'urik 'aesid】 (April 27, 2006)
- Kyousei Inyou [03-06] Ongenshuu (強制引用【03-06】音源集, November 29, 2006, compilation album)
- Final Summit 2000~2010: Sequence Records (February 16, 2011, omnibus with "Acid Trip")