Balzac (Band)
Balzac is a founded in 1992 Japanese horror punk band that describes their music style right itself as " Japan 's premiere Devil Rock".
History
The band was founded in 1992 by Hirosuke Nishiyama, today the only member of the starting cast, in Osaka. Previously, he had already played in the band Astro Zombies, which was strongly influenced by the Japanese band Gastunk. After some years Balzac could also increase their notoriety outside of Japan and the reunited Misfits were aware of them. Since then get Balzac of Jerry Only awarded support. Their records were released in the U.S. on the same record label, on which also the Misfits are located, and finally produced one also a common split CD ( Day the Earth caught fire - Do not open till Doomsday / The Haunting ).
By 2003 Balzac has released five albums, two DVDs, several singles and videos. In addition to the main group, there are also two side projects called Zodiac and The Deranged Mad Zombies.
At their first European tour in 2004 enabled them Bela B. and Rodrigo González of the doctors performing as a support act in dance fountain in Cologne. On April 13th 2007 onwards ( Why Not Try Me Instead Sun) appeared a split single in collaboration with Bela B., on the Balzac the Bela B. songs day with dust jacket (The Day With Dust Cover ) and go at it with me in English covers. In return coverte Bela B. Balzac songs Tomorrow and Wall (including the Japanese texts).
In early 2008 it appeared Complete Legacy Book in two different versions, with different bonus CDs and a listing of their publications, their collector figures and a complete history of the band.
Style
Although Balzac see the Misfits as role models and it would not exist without this band, they play a few cover versions of American band and have their own style, both in music and in clothes, developed. Motives, they nevertheless occasionally borrow from their role models, so contact the musicians on skeleton suits. Another influence is the band Samhain. Balzac combine different styles in their music, their first albums and demo recordings combine punk rock with typical J-rock melody, to later works marked effects are represented in the Metal. Balzac vary even within the same album with different styles, it is not uncommon for a punky song followed by a metal -oriented and the next already contains elements from the noise or Digital Hardcore. The mini-album Paradox is to determine a good example of the influences of the noise and Digital Hardcore area on Balzac, besides hard played guitar riffs can be found here electronic beats and electric drums, the voice is distorted effects and were alienated.
Critics praise the stylistic diversity, they represent a surprise effect and provide variety for the listener.
Marketing
In addition to limited CD and vinyl editions are available in Japan, numerous additional merchandise such as action figures and comics to the band. It should also be mentioned that three fashion brands exist, even with the band members act as models and designers: Shocker, Culture and Dementia 13 clothing brands, for example, by the doctors ( Shocker ) worn.
The name of the Japanese fan club Balzac Fiendish Club is an allusion to the fan club of the Misfits, the Fiend Club. In addition, there is a paid fan club for fans outside of Japan, which bears the name Fiendish Club International. In addition to a gift package for new registrations, members receive access to an exclusive area of the Internet shop " Shocker Worldwide".
Discography
Albums ( selection)
Singles
Videos
- 2008: Complete Legacy Book ( two versions )