Wizards’ Hymn

Interviewer, writer: akfgfan
Band Members: Kensuke Imai (Drummer), Kimiko Shirao (Vocals), Tsutomu Aruga (Guitar), Toshimasa Kato (Bass)



Rising from the Indies scene in Japan, is a new metal band called Wizards’ Hymn! Originally known as "WHIP", the band first started by performing cover songs. They soon began composing their own original songs and were immediately successful with fans. After the release of three demo CDs in 2004, several of their songs recieved air time on radio stations in Japan, USA, Germany, Chile, Ecuador, Bosnia, and Herzegovnia!

In Summer 2006, the band finally released their debut album "Hymnal". J-Music Ignited was given the opportunity to talk to the band’s drummer, Kensuke Imai, about their band and first album!



First of all, thank you for this opportunity! How did you come up with your band name?

Well. At first I wanted to put fantasy term and musical word together for our band name. I felt that "Wizard" and "Hymn" seemed to suit very well and "Wizards’ Hymn" was very fascinating for me.


What age did you start playing music at?

I can’t remember exactly when my musical career started, but I guess when I was 15. Now I’m 21 years old, so I’ve been playing the drum for about 6 years.


What are your inspirations musically?

Of course, lots of good metal music because we’re a metal band which is based on power metal, speed metal, melodic metal and so on. But I’m also listening to other genres such as rock, alternative, pop, classical music, folk music etc. So sometimes it’s interesting to put other musical elements into metal music.


Wizards’ Hymn started originally as a cover band. What covers did you play?

Punk, Metal and Rock such as Hi-Standard(J-punk), Helloween, Gammaray, Van Halen and that kind of music.


What inspired your band to start composing original songs?

As you know, we had been playing as a cover band, but our attitude to music was getting changed little by little. We began to think of music and this band more seriously. At first we had to do was to compose our original songs. We needed our identity, I mean, something which showed us what we were.


Your first album, "Hymnal", was released this past July. What is different about this album compared to your demo cds?

Actually most of songs are from our three demos. But, of course album versions are of better sound quality, with sophisticated arrangement. I think the album is worth hearing even if you have all the demo CDs.


How did you come up with the title "Hymnal"?

Actually at first, "Hymnal" was the name of my CDR in which there’re lots of song data I composed. Of course because of our band name "Wizards’ Hymn", I labeled that CDR "Hymnal". But when we finished the recording and had to decide the album name, I thought "Hymnal" was suitable for the album title too.


What would you like fans to listen for in "Hymnal"?

Every song, hahahaha. Well, "Hymnal" has varied songs, speed tune, ballad, true metal song, middle tempo tune. I think this variety is one of the charms of Wizards’ Hymn. I would like everyone to find their own favorite song after hearing the entire album.


Do you ever get together and randomly play music outside of the recording studio or concerts?

No, not at all.


Do you plan on performing in any other countries besides Japan?

We’re eager to go to other countries on tour. But so far, there’s no plan. If any promoters are reading this interview and get interested in us, please get in touch with us, hehehe.


Are you working on any new songs?

Yes, I’m looking forward to getting back to studio and starting to work for 2nd album.


What direction do you see your band heading in?

I want to spread our name not only in Japan but also all over the world. We made a worldwide deal and released first album in every country. And I hope we can make a big promotion all over the world and go to Europe or North & South America on tour. Anyway, we’ll just make progress toward forthcoming album.


What advice would you give your fans that want to be musicians?

Just work hard, practice hard, don’t waste time, concentrate on music. Your effort will pay off.


Thank you very much for the interview. I hope you enjoy our music!!

Additional Information

Official Site
Check out Wizards’ Hymn’s Official Site for more information on their history, lyrics, discography, and more!


Wizards’ Hymn @ J-Music Ignited
Click here to see J-Music Ignited’s page for Wizards’ Hymn!

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