Seikima-II

Founded in Shinjuku (Tokyo), Japan in 1982, Seikima-II (聖飢魔II) is a Japanese heavy metal band. Inspired by Kabuki (a form of traditional Japanese theatre), the band adopted the identities of mythological demons, performing in extravagant costumes and make-up. Their rich discography consists of 12 studio albums, 11 live albums, around 30 singles and numerous compilations, many of which feature re-recordings. In 1985, the group made its debut with Seikima II - Akuma ga Kitarite Heavy Metal, followed by The End of the Century (1986) which saw the band rise to number 5 on the Oricon chart, followed by From Hell with Love (1986), Big Time Changes (1987) and experimental, jazz-inspired The Outer Mission (1988) Their 1989 compilation album Worst, released in 1989, saw Seikima-II become the first Japanese metal band in history to reach number 1 on the charts. A world tour followed the 1991 release of Yūgai, with the band returning to its dramatic, Satanic style with Kyōfu no Restaurant in 1992. Changing direction again, the band fused metal and folk-rock genres, producing the ballad-filled Ponk!!, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England. Signing with BMG Japan, Seikima-II released the power-metal infused Mephistopheles no Shōzō (1996), followed by News (1997) and Move in (1998). Their final album Living Legend was released in October 1999, before theatrically disbanding after three days of concerts on December 31, 1999 at one minute to midnight, farewelling a fourteen-year career. Over the next ten years, the band reunited for several reunion tours and charity concerts, and in 2022, announced the release of Bloodiest, their first album of original material in 23 years.

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