SMASH THE BRAIN
Interviewer, writer: akfgfanTranslator: 1-5
Band Members: Masaki Kamomiya (Drums), Ippei Shimada (Guitar/Vocal), Hidenori Kizawa (Guitar/Vocal), Shuji Minamikatsu (Vocal), Shinichi Katano (Bass)
Questions Answered by: Shimada and Shuji
Forming in 1997 with only two members, SMASH THE BRAIN, has transformed into an incredible metal band of five members. In 2006, they released their third full length album titled "Construction of Despair". The album has been released worldwide, and is perhaps one of the band’s best works yet. J-Music Ignited recently had a chance to interview the band about their latest release and the band’s history.Thank you for doing this interview. Could you please explain the band’s name?
Shimada: Yamaguchi, who started the band, named it. Because he was crazy about The Smashing Pumpkins at the time, it seems like it was inspired by that. I don’t think it has an important meaning or message. He probably didn’t think that we’d keep this name for ten years. All the present band members are comfortable with this name.
In the beginning, there were only two members, Shimada and Yamaguchi. Shimada, were lives difficult with only two members?
Shimada: It wasn’t a problem. To be specific, as we used more than one guitar amp and the bass amp at the same time to emit the sound, the weight (power) [of the sound] was always kept. Having two vocalists probably added to the depth of the sound as well. The sound made by only two members didn’t sound like there were only two members on stage. The impact was sufficent. However, we aimed at a higher level of music and put a period after this style.
SMASH THE BRAIN finally had all of its members for the first time in 2004. Did your music change when more members were added?
Shimada: I wrote the music and the songs from the album "Construction of Despair" had already been completed before these members joined. Though we made use of the individuality of each of the new members, the music didn’t change.
Shiroi Vitus was the guest vocalist on "caged..." from "Construction of Despair". What was it like performing with a guest vocalist?
Shimada: Until then, "caged..." was not the type of song SMASH THE BRAIN did and it’s the most catchy song on the album. Because Shiroi understood perfectly the point of the song and what I wanted, the recording went smoothly. Although we played a live together, by having a female member on stage, the audience seemed to enjoy it more.
Many of your songs in "Construction of Despair" have references to raw emotions like sadness, lonliness, and anger. What inspired the lyrics for these songs? Is there a theme or message that is portrayed through "Construction of Despair"?
Shuji: Of the current themes, "despair" is the best.
This "despair" is not the negative influences from the surroundings, environment and things around us, it is the anger that exists within ourselves; emptiness, uneasiness, impatience. Also, the material is made from malicious feelings. Barren "karma" is also voluntarily built up and it’s the cause of the lyrics.
Still, there are many people all over the world who are fighting to survive.
Although there is a visible enemy and it’s the Establishment, I think that we, who live in this country and America and European countries, that reach a total state of happiness, are materialistic and the other parties who try to pull us down into despair are also ourselves. Although it could in a sense be called the luxury disease, we concentrated on there this time and it expanded into the the world of the lyrics.
It can be said that the leading part in this world of the lyrics is me, you and all people all over the world.
Secret enemy
Secret perversion
The emblem of despair that’s built up secretly on the inside.
Does a spoilt child desperately think of the hero who can continue in any conditions? I don’t intend to push [the question].
All the stories are seperate things that haven’t been concluded yet.
What is most important to you when you write lyrics and music?
Shimada: The most important thing in composing is the melody. There are a lot of tunes on the album that people who listen to SMASH THE BRAIN can hum along to. I hum whilst humming the melodies too.
Out of all of the demo tapes and cd’s that SMASH THE BRAIN has created, which is your favorite?
Shimada: From the point of view of the person who made them, all our works have a place in my heart and I’m thinking really hard [about this]. However, having written a lot of music, various things have been taken in and unnecessary things were cut down and I’ve grown. If I could choose one, I’d choose "Construction of Despair" without hesitating.
Would you like to perform in any foreign countries?
Shimada: Other than Japan, we went to South Korea twice before and received a warm welcome. We want to try performing a live in a foreign country with the current line-up of the band. If we get an offer, we’ll always make preparations to go.
Are you working on any new songs?
Shimada: I write every day. But there’s only a few that have been completed. I’m improving musically and I’m trying to go forward to a new stage.
What are your future plans for the band?
Shimada: Because we’ve receive support from people who usually listen to metal and hardcore, I’d like a lot of [other] people to listen to SMASH THE BRAIN’s music and extend this circle [of listeners].
Could you give a message to your fans?
Shimada: We want to express our gratitude to people who always support us and send us messages. I hope people who read this interview, and hear of SMASH THE BRAIN for the first time and are interested [in us] even just a little, will listen to "Construction of Despair".
Everyone can listen to album samples at:
http://www.myspace.com/smashthebrain
Thank you.
Additional Information
Official SiteCheck out SMASH THE BRAIN’S Official Site for more information on their history, lyrics, discography, and more!
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