Monday, November 12, 2007

Time for you to meet....

X-Japan

X Japan (エックス ジャパン) is a Japanese band founded in 1982 by Deyama Toshimitsu "Toshi"and Hayashi Yoshiki. Originally named X (エックス), the group achieved its breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood. They started out as a power/speed metal band and later gravitated towards a progressive sound, at all times retaining an emphasis on ballads. After three more albums, X Japan disbanded in 1997.

Besides being one of the first Japanese acts to achieve mainstream success while on an independent label, the group is widely credited for pioneering the visual kei movement (characterized by the use of eccentric, sometimes flamboyant looks. This usually involves striking make-up, unusual hair styles and elaborate costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics), though the group's members toned down their on-stage attire in later years save for lead guitarrist Hideto Matsumoto "hide", who died in 1998. As of 2007, the band has sold over twenty million records and over two million home videos.

The band broke up in 1997. X Japan performed their farewell show at the Tokyo Dome on 31 December, making it the last of five consecutive New Year's Eve the group performed in that stadium. In 2007 the band came together again, without replacing hide, and on 2008 they gave several concerts and are on schedule for more shows outside of Japan.

Kurenai - Last Live


Weekend - Back when they were Visual Kei


Forever Love - Last Live

2 comments:

KaritoGlam said...

YAY!
X Japan makes me super happy.

I still remember the 1st time I listened to them... you "introduced" them to me long ago xD

All of their songs are awesome. Although none of those are any of my fave =P


Hail X JAPAN!

xoxo
*~Karito~*

Unknown said...

My favorite isn't there either, nor is their best song Art of Live (I should have posted the radio edit, but what the hell).

I'm glad you like the band.