Onmyo-za (陰陽座)

Onmyo-za (or Onmyouza) is a rather unique metal band. Right from the start, if you see them you'll notice that they don't dress in the typical leather, jeans or t-shirts. Instead they wear large flowing robes more suitable for ancient Japanese priests, the perfect match for their long flowing hair. Second, their stage-names all contain double meanings related to cats (Kuroneko means "black cat," Karukan is a brand of cat food, Tora means tiger etc...) Also, instead of playing a modern form of metal like death metal or nu-metal, they stick to classic metal, very much in the vein of Iron Maiden. Their songs highlight the dual vocals of Kuroneko (female) and Matatabi (male) as well as dual lead guitars, which is another Iron Maiden throwback. They are much like Sex Machineguns in both sound and tendency to tread the fine line between seriousness and humor. Many of Onmyo-za's songs are about magic, demons (oni), spirits (yokai) and dragons.

Their take on classic metal also includes a few metal ballads in which Kuroneko really gets to strut her stuff and sing in a more traditional style. These songs are almost poppy in a way, softer yet still full of guitars. Onmyo-za isn't afraid to turn things down a notch for every time they turn it up. Many of their slightly tamer songs would be a perfect fit for an opening to an action-based anime series. In fact they did have a song in the opening to Basilisk.

While fans of epic, sweeping, melodic metal will find a lot to love in Onmyo-za's classic sound, those who like their music a bit more on the friendly side will also find a lot to grab hold of.

BUY ONMYO-ZA RELEASES HERE

Nemuri (睡)

Official Site

Members
Matatabi ("silver vine") - Bass and Vocals
Kuroneko ("black cat") - Vocals
Maneki - ("welcoming cat") Guitar and Chorus
Karukan - (a cat food brand) Guitar
Tora - ("tiger") Drums

Major Releases
KIKOKU TENSHO - 1999/12/05
HYAKKI RYORAN - 2000/12/24
KOJIN RASETSU - 2002/01/10
FUIN KAIRAN - 2002/07/24
HOYOKU RINDO - 2003/01/22
MUGEN HOYO - 2004/03/03
GARYO TENSEI - 2005/06/22
MAOU TAITEN - 2007/07/25

Kokui no Tennyo