From the depths of emotion to the essence of sound: HAZUKI explores lynch.’s new album, D.A.R.K, born of unyielding dedication
lynch. is a Japanese visual kei rock band that was formed in 2004. The band consists of vocalist Hazuki, guitarist Reo, bassist Akinori, and drummer Asanao. They are known for their intense and aggressive sound, combining elements of metal, rock, and alternative music. lynch. gained popularity within the visual kei scene in Japan and has since expanded their fan base internationally. They have released numerous albums and singles throughout their career, with their music often featuring dark and introspective themes. The band’s energetic live performances and distinctive visual style have also contributed to their popularity. Over the years, lynch. has evolved their sound, experimenting with different genres and incorporating electronic elements into their music. They continue to be an influential force in the visual kei and rock music scene, captivating audiences with their powerful performances and emotional lyrics.
——Your 8th album, “D.A.R.K.,” has recently been released in Japan and Europe. Can you tell us about the process of creating this album? How long did it take, and where was it recorded? Who did you work with?
HAZUKI: For “D.A.R.K.,” we recorded the drums and vocals at King Records studios, while the guitars and bass were recorded at our respective guitarist and bassist’s studios. The album was a collaborative effort, with each member contributing their parts individually. We didn’t have a producer for this album, but we had the talented sound engineer Kenichi ARAI, who also worked with us on our previous album, “GALLOWS.” In terms of the creative process, we aimed to create a more solid and refined structure for the songs. We wanted compositions that were stronger and more assured. This was something we were already exploring with “GALLOWS,” but with “D.A.R.K.,” we took it further. The album has a deeper and better-written quality, which is particularly evident in the drumming. We wanted to achieve a clean, intense, and solid sound, and I believe “D.A.R.K.” successfully combines these elements. It’s a heavy and noisy album with a gothic atmosphere.
——That sounds intriguing. Now, how would you compare “D.A.R.K.” to your previous album, “GALLOWS”? What are the differences and similarities between the two?
HAZUKI: In terms of differences, “D.A.R.K.” is, as the name suggests, darker than “GALLOWS.” It has a more somber tone and atmosphere. Additionally, “D.A.R.K.” feels more refined and well-crafted. We spent more time working on it, and that attention to detail is evident in the final product. On the other hand, “GALLOWS” left me with a sense of incompleteness after its release. I felt like there were certain elements missing. With “D.A.R.K.,” I was able to develop and add those missing elements, creating a more complete and satisfying album. However, it’s important to note that these additions were reworked to fit the dark universe and overall theme of “D.A.R.K.” So, in a way, “D.A.R.K.” can be seen as a logical and darker continuation of “GALLOWS.” Interviewer: Thank you for sharing those insights. It’s fascinating to hear about the evolution and progression between your albums.
——You mentioned that “D.A.R.K.” was the crystallization of your blood, sweat, and tears. Which songs would you say best represent these three notions?
HAZUKI: Ah, yes, I did say that (laughs)! It’s an image that signifies how we threw ourselves wholeheartedly into this album. In that sense, it truly is the result of our blood, sweat, and tears. It’s hard to pinpoint specific songs that represent each notion, but if I had to choose… (takes a pen and thinks) I would say the song that represents our blood the most is “ANTARES.” As for sweat… I would say “INVADER.” And for tears… “ETERNITY.”
——Interesting choices.
Now, what is your favorite track from the new album?
HAZUKI: Definitely “COSMOS.” I find this song to be heavy, intense, and profound. I also think it represents the band as we are today. It brings a fresh breath. There’s a particular atmosphere emanating from this song. It has an almost religious feel, which is new for the band.
——Can you tell us about the biggest challenge you faced in the creation of “D.A.R.K.”?
HAZUKI: Certainly! The biggest challenge we encountered during the creation of “D.A.R.K.” was the initial process of crafting the songs themselves. This stage, which precedes writing the lyrics and recording, proved to be quite demanding. We had to create the entire atmosphere of the album and develop each song from scratch. Building the foundation of an album requires a great deal of creativity and dedication. We wanted to ensure that every song on “D.A.R.K.” had its own unique identity while still contributing to the overall cohesive experience. This meant carefully considering the arrangement, structure, and musical elements of each track. Additionally, time constraints added to the challenge. Since transitioning to a major label, we had deadlines to meet, which put pressure on us to deliver the album within a specific timeframe. Despite this, we remained committed to creating a high-quality and impactful record. Once we moved past the song creation phase, the recording process itself was relatively smooth. We had a clear vision for the sound we wanted to achieve, and the actual recording sessions flowed well.
——Can you provide more details about the album cover for “D.A.R.K.” and your involvement in shaping the band’s image?
HAZUKI: Certainly! The concept for the album cover, featuring a burning piano by the seaside, was actually my idea. I wanted to create a visually striking image that would capture the essence of the album’s dark and intense atmosphere. I felt that the juxtaposition of the piano, a symbol of elegance and beauty, engulfed in flames against the backdrop of the serene seaside, would evoke a sense of turmoil and contrast. Once I shared this concept with the artistic team at King Records, our record label, they took charge of bringing it to life. They meticulously staged the scene, setting a real piano on fire, and captured the moment through photography. The resulting image became the cover of “D.A.R.K.” and perfectly encapsulated the album’s themes and emotions.
——Looking back, can you tell us about the biggest changes that have occurred in the band since “greedy dead souls”? Has there been any significant evolution, both musically and beyond?
HAZUKI: Well, lynch. is still fundamentally the same band it was from the beginning, but we have definitely undergone some changes. Back during the “greedy dead souls” era, our ideas and aspirations were not very well-defined. We were unsure of our direction and simply went with the flow. It was a more spontaneous approach. However, as time went on, our approach to music started to shift. We began to mature and develop a clearer vision of what we wanted to achieve. Nowadays, before embarking on any project, we take the time to carefully consider and determine our musical direction. Each album we create is the result of thoughtful and deliberate decision-making. The shift in our approach has had a significant impact on our albums. Previously, our albums may have felt more disjointed, with a mix of different styles and ideas. But now, with our more deliberate approach, each album has a cohesive theme and a sense of purpose.
——After 10 years in the industry, what keeps you motivated to continue?
HAZUKI: In these past 10 years, our passion has never wavered. It hasn’t diminished. Making music, creating our own songs, and performing live are activities that still bring us immense joy. In fact, our motivation is even stronger now than it was when we first started. I believe that seeing more and more people listen to our music and attend our concerts intensifies our drive. The audience is one of our driving forces. The fans’ support and enthusiasm fuel our motivation to keep pushing forward. When we see people connecting with our music, singing along at our shows, and sharing their experiences with us, it’s incredibly inspiring. It reminds us why we started this journey in the first place. The energy and connection we feel with our audience during live performances is indescribable. It’s a reciprocal relationship where their presence and support give us the strength to deliver our best on stage. Their passion and dedication drive us to continuously improve and create music that resonates with them.
——In your opinion, what would you say is the greatest achievement in the band’s career?
HAZUKI: Urgh! Hmm… It’s really difficult to choose just one standout moment because there have been several significant milestones. Actually, as you asked the question, I was trying to quickly count all the memorable moments the band has experienced so far. Let me pick a few (smiles): the first one would be the formation of the band itself. Then, our transition to a major label, signing with King Records. The release of our album GALLOWS, our previous album. And finally, the album D.A.R.K. These are the points that stand out to me as the most important in our career. Interviewer: Those are indeed remarkable moments. Each of these milestones represents a significant step forward for the band. The formation of the band was the starting point of our musical journey, where we came together with a shared vision and passion for creating music. It was the foundation upon which everything else was built. Transitioning to a major label was a major turning point for us. It opened up new opportunities and allowed us to reach a wider audience. It was a validation of our hard work and dedication, and it gave us the platform to further develop our sound and artistic direction. The release of the album GALLOWS was a pivotal moment because it marked a new chapter in our musical evolution. It was an album where we pushed ourselves creatively and explored new sonic territories. The positive response from our fans and the music industry reinforced our belief in our artistic vision. Lastly, the album D.A.R.K. holds great significance because it represents our growth and maturity as a band. It was a project where we delved deeper into our emotions and pushed ourselves to create something truly meaningful. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we are grateful for every milestone we have reached. We look forward to creating more memorable moments in the future.
——Any message for your foreign fans?
HAZUKI: At the moment, we unfortunately don’t have any tours planned for Europe, but I really hope that changes soon. Honestly, it’s incredibly exciting to know that our European fans will be able to get their hands on the album. I imagine them buying it, listening to it, and discovering our universe and appreciating its content. It’s an indescribable feeling. I envision them opening the booklet and seeing the photos inside. I highly recommend that our European fans listen to the songs while reading the lyrics. It would be fantastic for us to know that they are doing both. For all these reasons, I would love for them to purchase the album as soon as it’s released. And if you can’t understand the lyrics, I hope you can grasp our interpretation of the world through the music.
——Thanks.
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Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
