Japanese metal never had a strong influence or impact in the West. It's only in recent years that we've heard the name Babymetal mentioned outside of Japan .
However, within the country itself, the metal scene is taken quite seriously, being used several times to produce opening themes in anime ( Fear, And Loathing in Las Vegas , Galneryus , Unlucky Morpheus , Yousei Teikoku , Maximum The Hormone , among other bands) and also in soundtracks for games such as the Yakuza ( Sega Sound Team ) and the Trails ( Falcom Sound Team ).
Among these big names, we find Ningen Isu , a heavy metal band that forged its path to success in the midst of a rigid industry.
Ningen Isu, whose name literally translates to "Human Chair" in English, was formed in 1987 in Hirosaki, an administrative city in Aomori, Japan. The band's current members are co-founders Ken-ichi Suzuki (bass and vocals), Shinji Washima (guitar and vocals), and Nobu Nakajima (drums and vocals). Nakajima joined the group in 2004 and is currently the band's fourth drummer.
Both natives of Hirosaki, Suzuki and Washima met at a local music venue, where they quickly became friends and frequently exchanged music records. It was around this time, in 1981, that Suzuki introduced Washima to some of his favorite bands, such as Kiss , Saxon , and Judas Priest . Washima, on the other hand, shows a love for groups like The Beatles , King Crimson , Deep Purple , and Led Zeppelin.
In 1987, when Noriyoshi Kamidate joined the group, they formed the band under the name Ningen Isu, based on the short story by author and critic Edogawa Ranpo , published in 1924. The story tells of a chairmaker who one day built a sofa capable of housing a person inside. Considering it his masterpiece, the individual could stay inside the furniture for several days, since it was possible to store water and food in it. The maker uses this sofa to commit crimes at night and then returns inside it so as not to be discovered.
Ningen Isu first gained public attention in 1989 with their performance of "Injuu" at a music competition on Tokyo Broadcasting System Television . Their unique sound, technique, and lyrics filled with literary references surprised the judges.
Ningen Shikkaku , the band's first album, was released in 1990, followed by Ōgon no Yoake two years later. It was after the recording of this album that Kamidate decided to leave the group. Two more drummers were part of the project: Masuhiro Goto and Iwao Tsuchiya . However, it was in 2004 that the current drummer Nobu Nakajima joined Suzuki and Washima in Ningen Isu. In 2013, the band played at Ozzfest , presented by none other than Ozzy Osbourne, and they, as fans of the band that inspired them, felt incredibly honored.
They also participated in two Japanese animated series, performing the 20th ending theme for Ninja Slayer From Animation , with the track "Doro no Ame," and the 2nd opening theme for Mugen no Juunin: Immortal , with the song "Mugen no Juunin Butouhen."
Their most successful album, Shin Seinen Oricon music charts , their highest ranking to date. In May of that same year, they released the music video for "Heartless Scat," which has over 15 million views on YouTube. Check it out below:
Ningen Isu and what makes them unique
Each member embodies a character on stage, thus embracing various aspects of Japanese culture and tradition: the lead vocalist, Washima, plays a master of literature from the Meiji era. On bass, Suzuki plays the role of a Buddhist monk, and the drummer, Nakajima, dresses as a member of the yakuza , a transnational criminal organization originating in Japan.
When we talk about the music itself, it's impossible to ignore Washima's incredibly heavy and captivating riffs, enveloped by Suzuki's brilliant bass lines, which are supported by Nakajima's strong and energizing drumming.
The lyrics cover a fascinating diversity of topics, such as hell, Buddhism, the universe, samurai culture, and gambling. They also make numerous literary references to various authors, both Japanese and renowned Western writers, including Osamu Dazai , Edogawa Ranpo, Edgar Allan Poe , H.P. Lovecraft , Friedrich Nietzsche , and others. Another interesting aspect of their music is the use of complex words from the Edo period to the Showa period, which brings a certain mysticism to their compositions when combined with the dark themes of the lyrics.
Beyond their musical genius, their live shows are no less impressive. We all know that there are many bands that promise everything in the studio, but when it comes to performing live, they leave much to be desired. Ningen Isu has a very theatrical performance, and along with the costumes, they also create incredible light and smoke effects to create the right atmosphere and match the music's ambiance. Give this incredible and charismatic Japanese heavy metal band a chance by watching one of their live performances below:
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