When it comes to dime-a-dozen vis-kei bands, there can be none held more responsible for their existence than Malice Mizer. One of the earliest vis bands to play in what is now known as a steriotypical vis-kei sound and style, they were also the incubator that spawned both singing sensation Gackt and guitarist Mana, two of the biggest names in the visual scene.
While Gackt moved into less visual and more pop-rock oriented territory, Mana went further into the gloom and doom to form Moi dix Mois, and his own fashion juggernaut. One of the singers of Moi is Seiji, and it is he who has gone on to become part of Art Cube, changing his name to Z. Art Cube itself is apparently a reformation of the band Brain Hacker. Anyway, as you can see, the world of Japanese visual rock is small and incestuous, to say the least.
Art Cube is still extremely new to the scene, having released only two singles thus far, starting in 2008. The musical style between them ranges from the usual schmaltzy and saccharine Casio quality preset ballads to some genuinely skilled symphonic metal. While they fall a bit short of the sheer epicness of Versailles, they do manage to rise above the vast sea of vis-mediocrity when they put their minds to it.
Right now it's too early to slot them into column A or B. The world will have to wait for a full length album before any real idea of the band can be solidified. Plus, as their history shows, they are far more likely to fizzle out long before they have time to shine. Until then, Art Cube is worth keeping an eye on.
Suna no Hana
Official Site
Members:
N - Bass
S - Drums
Z - Vocals
M - Keyboards
Y - Guitar
Releases:
Shitsu Raku Cho (2008)
Suna no Hana (2008)
Pain Wing
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