Tag Archives: japanese metal

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A Reason To Live: Why I Love Satanic Punish

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When I first met Satanic Punishes Manomu in Germany at IKIGAI Vol. 1 in 2023, she asked me what kind of idol groups I liked during one of our first cheki sessions. I answered honestly, expressing my love of cute and orthodox idol groups such as Houkago Princess, LONDON BLUE and others. Then Manomu asked:

“If you’re a fan of cute idols, why do you like Satanic Punish?”

I didn’t know how to answer that. I just do. Honestly, I forgot I was even asked this until the same question was posed to me this year during IKIGAI Vol. 2, this time from the groups newest member, LinLin. “You like cute groups? So why Satanic Punish?”

It was almost like Déjà vu and, once again, I couldn’t give a decent answer. All I could say was “I really like the lyrics,” and the group itself. This time though, the question stuck with me and has since made me really think about why I like Satanic Punish.

I don’t think there’s ever an easy answer as to why you like something as much as you do. There are multiple factors that come into play, from how something looks to how it makes you feel deep down; those sorts of feelings and reasons can be hard to articulate in any form I think, but as always, I will try my best.

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Interviews

BRIDEAR shine in the dark: An Interview with BRIDEAR

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Bridear

After what feels like a lifetime of lock-downs and restrictions, it goes without saying that what transpired this past October was an event that had been a long time coming for fans of the Japanese live music scene. Of course, whilst things have not quite returned to complete normality, here in the UK and Europe music has made its triumphant return with the explosive tour from BRIDEAR.

Bringing their Into The Dark Forever tour to several cities across the UK and Europe, BRIDEAR delighted the fans who travelled near and far for what was the first (of hopefully many) Japanese tours in almost 2 years. It goes without saying that this was more than just the music; this was a reunion of fans and friends, a reason to rock out and enjoy themselves after enduring many months without leaving their homes, let alone their counties. This was about everyone embracing their love for the music, the band and the metal that they bring.

Now that a few weeks have passed since BRIDEAR graced us with their incredible performance, the girls have since returned to Japan, but Beyond Senpai’s team were able to catch up with the members and reminisce about their time touring overseas. So, please welcome Kimi, Haru, Ayumi, Natsumi and Misaki as they join Beyond Senpai for a post-tour chat.

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Interviews

From Glaciers to Oceans: An Interview with Esprit D’Air

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Kai

In a year where so much has slowed down, there’s one artist who has been busy. Enter Japanese electronic metal multi-instrumentalist, Esprit D’Air.

Reformed back in 2016 as a solo project by the talented Kai taking the reins as vocalist, musician, composer and producer, Esprit D’Air have been bringing hard-hitting aggression with melodic vocals and electronic synths to an ever growing fanbase.

With over 3 million YouTube views and 80k Spotify listeners, and a growing social media presence, the fresh and unique sound of Esprit D’Air has continued to evolve.

After the release of the incredible Leviathan back in December 2020, 6 weekly consecutive releases in 2021 including the 10th Anniversary Live Album, and the most recent single, Glaciers, Esprit D’Air are certainly making an almighty impact which will culminate at the end of the year with the album Oceans.

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