Shazna
Vocals: Izam
Guitar: Aoi
Bass: N.I.Y.
Started: 1993
Status: Active
Profile
While Izam (The lead singer) was in college, he decided he wanted to make a tribute band to Culture Club with some of his friends, and his brother (the bassist).In 1993 Shazna released their first Demo, Enmity with only 1000 copies made. After this, they recorded their first single Stilness for Dear in April of that year. Shazna gained a cult following that grew and grew with each release.
Shazna held their first live in the Shinjuku LOFT in December of 1995, and gave all the audience a copy of Dizziness (their new single) to the audience. Afterwords, nearly every Shazna live event sold out for almost the remainder of their time together.
Despite the success of ‘95, ‘96 was probably Shazna’s biggest year. They released the mini albums Rasberry Time and Melty Case. Izam’s highly androgynous image, and pure soft voice helped push Shazna above and beyond any visual kei band of the time. Even the greats that were just starting (Malice Mizer comes to mind, along with Baiser).
Shaznafs first major release was the album Promise Eve in January followed by the video Lavender in July, which reached No. 1 on the Oricon major charts. During the time, Shazna slowly softened their image even more.
In 1998 they held their first major concert in the Nippon Budokan, and nearly sold it out. They also released one of their most famous albums Gold Sun and Silver Moon in two editions. During this time, Shazna could be seen everywhere. Magazine covers, talk shows, t.v., there was no escape.
As big as they became though, their popularity began to spiral at the end of the century. ‘99 saw Shazna trying to change their image, which alienated a very large portion of their fanbase. After intense debate, they decided to disband in 2000. Izam went on to modelling, and acting in dramas, and the rest of the band slid into obscurity.
Shazna fans need not fear though! They will be reforming. They have a maxi single scheduled for release in early ‘07. They will have a new look, and their music will be more like they were when they started the band.
Derlanger
Thoughts
Shazna is an excellent band dating all the way back to Visual Kei’s origins. It is said between Malice Mizer, Shazna, X-Japan, and Luna Sea, and Buck-Tick that visual kei was born! Shazna is extremely soft and melodic. With Izam at the helm of the band, they create masterpieces of music. In Japan their status is near legendary, and they are quite possibly the biggest Visual Kei band ever formed. If you like soft music with very subtle and evocative vocals, Shazna is the band for you! My favorite song by them is Hana. Keep an eye out for their upcoming single in ‘07..Click to read/add your opinion!
Derlanger
Music Samples:
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Melty Love (4th Recording Version) |
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Hana |
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Koibito |
akfgfan
Pictures
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shisha
Discography
Albums
10th Melty Life
Best Album 1993-2000 Oldies
Pure Hearts
Gold sun and silver moon
Mini Albums
Promise Eve
Raspberry Time
Melty case
Sophia
Singles
Winter’s Review
Aqua
Tokyo Ballet Reprise
Piece of Love
Pink
Koibito
Love is alive
Pureness
Sweet Heart Memory
Silent Beauty
White Silent Night
Sumire September Love
Melty Love
Dizziness
Stillness for Dear
Demo
Escape + Voice + Lovers
Links
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