Merry (band)
Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 2001.
Merry is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in Tokyo in 2001. The current lineup consists of vocalist Gara, guitarist Yuu, bassist Tetsu, and drummer Nero. The band is known for its eclectic musical style and connections to prominent acts such as Dir en grey.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Tokyo, Japan
- Genre
- Alternative rock
- hard rock
- heavy metal
- punk rock
- Years active
- 2001–present
- Label
- Gekiyaku
- Fullface
- FRocks
- Victor Entertainment
- Firewall Div./SMEJ
- Current members
- Gara
- Yuu
- Tetsu
- Nero
- Past members
- Kenichi
Facts from the source article.
History
In late 2000, after the disbandment of their respective bands After effect and Shiver, vocalist Gara and guitarist Yuu, who were only briefly acquainted through a few live events, contacted each other in hopes of a fresh beginning. Over the following months of 2001, a series of meetings and phone discussions led to the recruitment of Tetsu, Nero, and Kenichi, and the five formed in October 2001 what became Merry. Early activities as an obscure indies band included distributing 500 copies of a 2-track MD in indie CD stores nationwide, along with secret live shows in Tokyo and Nagoya. Regular serious activities began in 2002. After more live shows, the band created their own independent label Gekiyaku records and released their first maxi-single "Haikarasan ga tooru" in February, with three versions—gold, silver, and bronze—each limited to 1000 copies. Gold and bronze versions were available only through mail order via the rock magazine Fool's Mate, while the silver version was sold in stores; all sold out at pre-order. In March, the band held their first one-man live at Meguro Rockmaykan. A second press of the single, including a new song "Tokyo Telephone," was released in May. In mid to late 2002, the maxi-singles "Koseiha Blend ~Tasogare-hen~" and "Koseiha Blend ~Junjou Jounetsu-hen~" were released, each limited to 3000 copies and sold out at pre-order. The band also contributed to two omnibus compilations. In March 2003, they released their first full album Gendai Stoic on Kiyoharu's Fullface records, selling over 10,000 copies on release day. In June, Merry opened for Sadd at Zepp Tokyo, and in August released a third press of "Haikarasan ga Tooru" titled "Haikarasan ga Toorisugita Ato..." with re-recordings and a secret track. That same month, they worked on their first promotional video for "Violet Harenchi," released on a DVD limited to the one-man live at Shibuya Koukaidou on 29 August. The year closed with a live tour and participation in "Beautifool's Fest '03."
Members
Gara (vocals) was born 6 July in Gunma prefecture; ex-Visage (as Makoto), ex-Dir en grey roadie, ex-After effect (as Makoto). Yuu (guitar) was born 2 April in Ehime prefecture; ex-Shiver; also in X Japan cover band X Suginami. Tetsu (bass) was born 21 November in Aichi prefecture; ex-ACiD; live support for Deadman since 2019. Nero (drums) was born 11 February in Saitama prefecture; ex-Smoky Flavor (as Kuni), ex-After effect (as Kuni). Kenichi (guitar) was born 14 July in Gunma prefecture; ex-Crescent (as Ken), ex-Syndrome (as Ken).
Musical style
Merry mainly blend classical rock 'n' roll, hard rock, punk, alternative, blues, and jazz fusion, occasionally experimenting with undertones of heavy metal, surf, techno, ballads, and more. Former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman described the result as "totally fresh." The members were influenced by Japanese pioneer rock bands of the 80s and early 90s such as Buck-Tick, D'erlanger, Luna Sea, Kuroyume, The Blue Hearts, and Boøwy. The main songwriters are guitarists Yuu and Kenichi; Yuu writes the majority of slower, groovier songs, while Kenichi composes faster, catchier melodies. The band's music and lyrical imagery are likely influenced by the liberal Taisho and early Shōwa era, a period of significant artistic and musical movement when Japan shifted toward Western concepts, introducing jazz and blues and the rise of music cafes, bars, and clubs. Merry fuse these genres with modern rock to create a style they call "modern-garde," as their second album is named. Vocalist Gara writes lyrics on topics including war and patriotism, politics and society, and dreams, life, love, and hate, with some carrying a retro feel attributed to Taisho era romanticism.
In-depth information
Merry is notably connected to Dir en grey, with the band's name appearing in the "very special thanks" credits of every release. Before forming Merry, Gara was a roadie for Dir en grey and formed a close bond with vocalist Kyo, whom he still considers his senior and mentor. Gara also holds much respect for Kiyoharu. Horror punk band Balzac has been very supportive; in 2006 they combined efforts on a reconstruction of Merry's song "Hi no Ataranai Basho" and have performed together at several live events. Merry is also closely related to Mucc, Kagerou, and Craze, with members being good friends. The alter-ego band Super Merries features members under different stagenames: Gara as Mamurasaki, Yuu as Zaku, Kenichi as Serpico, Tetsu as Shadow, and Nero as Fukurokouji Kaname. Very little is known about them; they have appeared in only a few live shows and a special feature in Fool's Mate and seem currently defunct.
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