girugamesh is a Japanese metal band formed in 2003. The band consists of Satoshi (vocals), Nii (guitar), ShuU (bass), and Яyo (drums). They have gained popularity in the visual Kei/ metal scene with their energetic and aggressive sound, combined with their striking visual style. girugamesh released their debut album, “13’s Reborn,” in 2004, which showcased their heavy and melodic sound. They continued to release numerous albums and singles over the years, exploring different musical styles and experimenting with their sound. Their music often featured a blend of heavy guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and powerful vocals. The band’s live performances were known for their high energy and intense stage presence, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. They toured extensively in Japan and also gained a dedicated international fanbase through their overseas tours.
We had the privilege of meeting with the band after their rehearsal in their hometown to discuss their EP “Chimera.” They warmly welcomed us into a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
——Why did you name the new album Chimera?
Ryo (Dr.): In mythology, the chimera is a creature that symbolizes a hybrid combination of various animal parts. The choice to name the album “Chimera” holds multiple reasons for Girugamesh. It may not be easy to explain, but the chimera perfectly encapsulates the essence of the band in its current state. Girugamesh’s music is a fusion of different genres, extending beyond the confines of being solely identified as a visual-kei group. Their sound is eclectic and diverse, reflecting their inclination to explore various musical styles. Additionally, the band actively collaborates with musicians from different musical backgrounds, a rarity within the visual-kei scene. Girugamesh refuses to be confined to a single classification and aims to establish their own unique identity. Just like a chimera, they are a hybrid and distinct entity. Girugamesh is not easily categorized; they are simply Girugamesh, creating their own musical path.
——I see.
Could each of you recommend a particular track from the album?
Shuu (Ba.): Absolutely. Personally, I highly recommend “Horizon”. This song has a captivating energy that builds up tension and reaches a climactic point. It’s specifically designed for live performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere. During the chorus, the entire audience joins in harmony with the band, creating a powerful connection. It’s a song that unites the audience and the band, which is why I believe it’s a standout track.
Ryo (Dr.): For me, “Chimera” is the track I would recommend for two reasons. Firstly, I’m drawn to its grotesque ambiance, which adds a unique flavor to the song. Secondly, I feel that “Chimera” encapsulates the essence of our band as a collective entity. It represents the culmination of our musical journey and showcases our current identity.
Satoshi (Vo.): My choice would be “Slip Out”. When we performed it as a preview during our last tour, the audience’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming. It created an unexpected sense of surprise and excitement. The crowd’s response was incredibly lively and engaged. It’s challenging to put into words, but the song’s impact was simply incredible. That’s why I believe it’s a must-listen track.
Nii (Gt.): Personally, I recommend the album’s closing track, “END”. It perfectly encapsulates the band’s evolution and the dynamic growth we’ve achieved. We’ve successfully merged the essence of the old Girugamesh with the new, and I believe fans will be able to hear that transformation in this song. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the album and showcases the progress we’ve made as a band.
——Is there a particular song that resonates with you more in terms of its lyrics or the theme it addresses?
Ryo (Dr.): Hum… When it comes to the lyrics, I think “Chimera” stands out from the others! Yes, this song was also my choice for the previous question. I believe I appreciate it as a whole, including its lyrics. It conveys a sense of madness and… I can speak a little English, so if my Japanese becomes too complicated at any point, please let me know… But upon further consideration, my English proficiency is quite limited… (general laughter).
——In the studio, could you elaborate on how you work together as a band?
What are the specific steps involved in creating a typical Girugamesh album?
Ryo (Dr.): When it comes to the creative process of our songs, Nii and I usually start by laying down the foundation. We collaborate closely, discussing and agreeing upon the overall concept and direction we want to take. Using various tools like MIDI systems, we experiment and refine our ideas until we have a demo that closely resembles the final version of the track. Once we reach that stage, we eagerly share our work with the other band members. During this crucial phase, we engage in extensive discussions and exchange ideas to further enhance and solidify the concept of each song. It’s a collaborative effort where everyone’s input is valued and considered. We collectively work towards refining the tracks, ensuring that they align with our artistic vision and convey the desired emotions. To give you a clearer understanding, let’s take the example of “Chimera.” We initially chose the concept of “ikari” (rage, anger in Japanese) as the foundation for this song. This concept served as a guiding force, shaping the musical elements and lyrical themes. We believe that having a strong concept helps us maintain a cohesive and focused approach throughout the album. Additionally, we place great importance on visual representation. We believe that imagery plays a significant role in the creation of a song. Therefore, we go through a phase where we visually represent our music, almost like drawing or painting. This step allows us to add depth, color, and a visual dimension to our compositions, enhancing the overall experience for our listeners. Finally, we carefully select a lead track that represents the essence of the album. In the case of our latest album, “Chimera,” it was an obvious choice. The central theme of rage naturally unfolds and intertwines with the other tracks, creating a cohesive and impactful musical journey. In summary, the creation of a girugamesh album involves a meticulous process that begins with conceptualization, followed by experimentation, collaboration, and refinement. It’s a collective effort where each member’s creativity and ideas contribute to the final product. We believe that experiencing the album in its entirety, preferably through the CD format, allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the intended concept and musical journey we’ve crafted.
——Do you ever encounter any differences or disagreements?
Ryo (Dr.): Since the inception of the band, I have taken on the role of the primary composer. I am responsible for laying down the initial framework of our songs, often with a clear vision in mind. However, despite my role as the main composer, we have always maintained a harmonious and collaborative dynamic within the band. When I present my ideas to the other members, they are always open and receptive. We engage in discussions and exchange thoughts, allowing everyone to contribute their input and shape the direction of the music. It’s a collective effort where each member’s perspective is valued and respected. Our mutual understanding of the band’s vision has fostered a strong sense of unity and cohesion among us. Their opinions have always aligned with mine. We are in perfect musical symbiosis.
——Your last full-length album, MONSTER, was released in 2013. Why have you chosen to release only mini-albums in recent years?
Ryo (Dr.): Creating a complete album is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, and as a band, we are driven by our emotions and artistic instincts. We approach our music with a deep sense of authenticity and a desire to express ourselves genuinely. This means that we release our work when we feel it is the right time, regardless of the format or the number of tracks. EPs are great if you want to create a cohesive narrative or atmosphere within a shorter duration. But yeah, we are aware that it has been quite some time since our last full-length album, and we understand the anticipation from our fans. Rest assured, we have been considering and discussing the possibility of releasing a new full-length album. We believe that the time will come when we feel the creative energy and inspiration align for such a project. Ultimately, our decision to release mini-albums or full-length albums is driven by our artistic vision and the emotions we wish to convey through our music.
——What do you appreciate the most about the person sitting to your right in terms of work?
Shuu (Ba.): Ah, huh! So, I’m the one who has to start, right? Well, what I appreciate the most about Ryo is his decision-making power. I mean, his ability to make the right choices, his role as a leader that he handles very well. I blindly trust him as the main composer.
Ryo (Dr.): Alright, now it’s your turn (he points his finger at Satoshi with a mischievous look)! You’re in for it now (general laughter)! Just kidding (smiles). Satoshi is very serious, almost solemn, and always very focused, which I appreciate in terms of work. In the studio, when I propose an idea for the others to experiment with, he jumps right into it and gives it his all! He is very concerned about the progress of recording an album. I also love his way of screaming, especially compared to his early days in the band. It’s completely different! He always takes criticism well, listens to advice. In short, he is very serious about his work.
Satoshi (Vo.): Nii is very free-spirited in his way of being, in general, I mean, not just on stage. He is very skilled at improvisation, very spontaneous. He is a true performer, he has presence. He knows how to build tension during concerts, that’s his biggest strength. That’s what I love the most about him (smiles).
Nii (Gt.): So, that leaves only ShuU, but he’s at the other end of the table.
——Indeed, it’s now my turn to receive praise being to your right laughs).
Nii (Gt.): Really (asks with a puzzled look)? But this is the first time we’ve met… What can I say (asks, feeling embarrassed)? Help me out (the group continues to burst into laughter)!
——No, no, I’m just kidding!
Nii (Gt.): Ahh (smiles)! Well, when you’re a leader, it’s important to surround yourself with people who push you to see beyond. ShuU is undoubtedly one of those people. He has the ability to see the bigger picture, to take a step back, and he knows how to question things. He can easily put himself in the audience’s shoes, for example, which is very important for us. He sees things with a discerning eye.
——Can you tell me more about the album cover and how involved you are in the overall development of the band’s image?
Ryo (Dr.): We are always actively involved in the development of the band’s image. It is a crucial aspect for us as it helps convey our artistic vision and connect with our audience. Speaking specifically about the album cover of ‘chimera,’ it portrays an egg from which a hybrid creature, the chimera, emerges. This chimera serves as a metaphorical representation of the band. If you observe the cover closely, you’ll notice that as the chimera breaks free from the egg, a crack forms, revealing fire. This fire symbolizes various emotions such as passion, anger, and determination. It represents the intense energy and raw emotions that are at the core of our music. The concept of ‘rage’ plays a significant role in the ‘chimera’ album, and it serves as a driving force behind the artistic direction and themes explored throughout the record. The idea for the album cover came from Satoshi, our vocalist, who also took charge of the design. He had a clear vision of how he wanted to visually represent the essence of the ‘chimera’ concept. We collaborated closely to ensure that the cover accurately captured the intensity and symbolism we wanted to convey. In addition to the album cover, we are involved in various aspects of the band’s image, including stage design, costumes, and visual aesthetics. We believe that these elements contribute to creating a cohesive and immersive experience for our fans. By actively participating in the development of our image, we can ensure that it aligns with our artistic vision and enhances the overall impact of our music. Overall, the album cover serves as a powerful visual representation of the ‘chimera’ concept, and it reflects our dedication to crafting a cohesive and impactful image that complements our music.
——Although both album-covers feature a sphere, is there any intentional connection between them? I noticed the similarities and wondered if they were deliberate.
Satoshi (Vo.): No, not at all. There is no intentional link between the artwork of the previous mini-album and ‘chimera’. The presence of the sphere on both covers is purely coincidental, and I hadn’t even noticed this similarity until you mentioned it (laughs). The sphere on ‘gravitation’ represented the concept of gravity, while on ‘chimera’, it simply represents an egg (smiles)!
——How would you describe the band’s evolution since its inception?
Ryo (Dr.): Almost everything has undergone a transformation (laughs)! While our passion for music and our enthusiasm remain unchanged, our style and mode of expression have experienced significant growth. We were mere children when we started, but now we have become adults. Although our musical preferences have remained the same, with bands like Linkin Park, KoRn, and Slipknot still being our favorites, we have matured both personally and artistically. Our music has evolved alongside us, resulting in the creation of ‘chimera’ (smiles)!
——What has been the biggest challenge for the band to overcome?
Ryo (Dr.): The most challenging moment in our band’s journey was a true test. Three years ago, we faced a year-long separation. It was a time filled with worry and uncertainty about the future of the band. But, we held onto the hope of eventually regrouping and picking up where we left off. Each member was determined to find solutions that would satisfy everyone involved. During that time, our current record label expressed their desire for us to disband. In response, I simply said, “fuck it” (he gestures with a defiant middle finger). We refused to let external pressures dictate our path. We fought against the odds and persevered, ultimately finding a way to continue pursuing our musical journey together. It was a challenging period, but it only made us stronger and more determined to overcome any obstacles that come our way.
——What was the reason behind the label’s request?
Ryo (Dr.): They explicitly asked us to tone down our music and create something less aggressive. They wanted us to follow the path of our predecessors, specifically mentioning l’Arc~en~Ciel. It’s a traditional and conservative mindset in Japan. They believed that as we grew older, we should transition towards making more commercially appealing music, although they couldn’t provide specific guidance on what that meant or how to achieve it. We felt stuck and unable to make any progress under those circumstances. As a result, we made the decision to take a break for approximately a year… We had to be patient. Our unity is our greatest strength. We stayed together throughout that depressing year. But we made it through, we can overcome anything as long as we stay united and support each other.
——You have achieved everything a band could hope for in a career. What would you say is your proudest accomplishment as a group, and do you have any new goals on the horizon?
Ryo (Dr.): Being able to continue making music and performing concerts after all these years is a tremendous accomplishment in itself. One of the standout moments in our career was participating in the J-Rock Revolution in Los Angeles, an event organized by Yoshiki (X-Japan) back in 2007. It was truly a memorable experience. As for new goals, our objective remains the same – to constantly push ourselves further. We aspire to embark on world tours whenever we desire, reaching fans across the globe. Additionally, in the future, I personally have a desire to establish my own company, exploring new avenues and opportunities within the industry.
——As you prepare to embark on your European tour, I’m curious to know what you enjoy the most and the least about being abroad.
Nii (Gt.): Well, one thing that immediately comes to mind is the frustration of constantly exceeding the weight limit for baggage and having to pay extra fees each time. It’s definitely something I need to address and find a solution for (laughs).
Satoshi (Vo.): When we’re on tour abroad, we have the luxury of staying in specially designed tour buses. These buses are equipped with incredibly comfortable beds, allowing us to get a good night’s sleep and fully recover after giving our all during concerts. And let me tell you, that kind of rest is absolutely priceless (laughs)! Feeling comfortable and well-rested is crucial. On a slightly different note, it’s a shame that automatic toilets aren’t as common abroad. Japanese toilets are truly top-notch, the Rolls Royce of toilets, if you will (laughter all around).
——Absolutely! Japan has truly mastered the art of toilets. They are undeniably the best in the world. It’s like having a luxurious experience every time you use one (laughter).
Satoshi: Couldn’t agree more (proudly raises a thumbs-up)!
Shuu (Ba.): Personally, I see touring abroad as an incredible opportunity to encounter people from diverse backgrounds. It’s fascinating to witness different cultures, languages, and perspectives that are both distant and yet interconnected. Each experience is unique and leaves us with beautiful memories. I’m truly excited to create new ones in the future.
Ryo (Dr.): I wholeheartedly agree with ShuU. The exchange with overseas fans is truly amazing. It has motivated me to prioritize improving my English skills for better communication. I promise to dedicate myself to learning and connecting with all of you. Well, best of luck with your language learning journey.
——Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Ryo (Dr.): Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement! We are deeply grateful to all our fans who continue to stand by us. Your presence and support mean the world to us. It’s because of you that we can continue pursuing our passion for music. As long as you are there, our strength remains unwavering. We eagerly look forward to meeting each and every one of you. Until then, take care and see you soon!
——Thank you.
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Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
