metal - AVO Magazine - One click closer to Japan

The photo depicts five members of the Japanese visual kei metal band Zeke Deux, positioned in front of a red curtain backdrop. Each member is uniquely dressed in black attire - seemingly a long jacket and under it a button-down shirt and tie - with diverse hair colours and hairstyles. They are all standing in a line, with vocalist Kakeru standing a bit more in front while holding his arm out showing his hand jewellery with what seems metal nails.

Coming September, the metal band Zeke Deux will travel all the way from Japan to Germany for a one-off concert ...

Still from the music video "ゆうれい (Yuurei)" by the band TEKKA. The still showcases a woman in black attire sitting on a swing in an outdoor playground with next to her a person with a white sheet over them, representing a ghostly figure. This creates a surreal contrast.

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 06, 2024)

by Francisca Hagen

11 February 2024

With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music ...

This photo displays three members of a metal band called GUNGIRE, standing in front of a grey wall near a flight of stairs. They are all dressed in black attire—two men in the back and one woman in front.

2-in-1 CD Review: GUNGIRE – SCATTERED / SURGE

by Peter Dennis

28 January 2024

Although Japan has a long history of producing top-quality metal acts (think Loudness and E.Z.O.), the last decade has seen ...

Still from Hana Iida's music video for the song "ハタチ (Hatachi)". The still depicts a serene field with fluffy pampas grass swaying in the wind and trees visible in the background.The sky is clear and blue.

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 03, 2024)

by Francisca Hagen

28 January 2024

With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music ...

Still from the music video for "Hameln" by the band 灰かぶり (The Cinder). The still shows one of the dancers in the music video wearing white shoes and a white dress with colourful marks made by paint as she walks away from the screen and the camera is pointed at the floor. The surroundings of this location looks very dark.

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 51, 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

24 December 2023

With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music ...

The photo depicts Himari Tsukishiro lying on a snowy surface, while being equipped with a sword and is clad in an outfit that includes a black leather dress and an the top part of her outfit has been decorated with an armour-like component. Her long black hair is spread out behind her, and she has red lipstick on. She is also wearing black gloves and a black headpiece that features a spikes. The environment around her is a serene, snow-covered expanse. The photo has been used as a cover for the single 浄土独唱 (Jodo Dokushou), released in April 2023.

Himari Tsukishiro’s Isiliel will return to Europe for “Moonbow Yuletide” mini tour

by Francisca Hagen

12 December 2023

Solo idol Himari Tsukishiro, with her solo dance/vocal project Isiliel, had plenty to do this year, including a hefty world ...

Band photo of the five-piece coldrain made with what seems a fisheye lens. The band members are standing next to each other, some band members look away, the vocalist Masato, who stands in the middle, leans forward towards the camera lens. Photo by Yao Lange

coldrain to return to Europe for tour in 2024

by Francisca Hagen

22 November 2023

After four years, post-hardcore/metalcore band coldrain will return to Europe for a headline tour in February and March 2024. The ...

Still from the music video "Gene" by Stone Flower Blooms. A moment in the music video where the camera focuses on one of the musicians with the addition of RGB glitch giving it a sort of psychedelic effect. The video is directed by Kouhei Nagamune.

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 46, 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

19 November 2023

With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music ...

A couple of the members of SIGH (in total there are three people in the photo), including founder Mirai Kawashima (dressed in black) and Dr. Mikannibal (dressed in traditional clothing but edited it in wearing it off the shoulders and with a bloody face), standing next to each other, two of the are holding swords while all are looking into the direction of the photographer. Behind them is a big tapestry or mural with the album cover of "Shiki".

SIGH bringing 30 Years of Eastern Darkness to Europe with tour

by Lecros

18 October 2023

If you are interested in some screaming distorted guitars with rough shrieking singing of epic proportions make sure to go ...

Five members of DIR EN GREY stand against a dark background for a group photo. They are arranged in two rows – three in the front and two in the back. The band members are dressed mostly in black, complementing the backdrop.

DIR EN GREY to tour Europe for the first time in four years

by Francisca Hagen

12 October 2023

The five men of DIR EN GREY are set to make a triumphant return to Europe with their EUROPE TOUR24 ...

Text of "Bandcamp Friday" and "Suggestions October 2023" on top of a radio, edited in a way that there was a glitch. The result is that there are more radio's in the image. With added filters it is made colourful with the added colours of red, blue and green and mixes of that.

Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (October 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

6 October 2023

It is the first Friday of October, you know what that means: Bandcamp Friday is back! When a Bandcamp Friday ...

RYUJIN © Napalm Records - Four band members of the band RYUJIN are dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, hakama, their look is inspired by samurai, especially with the addition of the swords, and one of them has an oni mask on. All members are facing forward and surrounded by old Japanese buildings. The dominant colours in this photo are dark; black and green-greyish. The sky is dark and cloudy, illumminated by flashes of lighting. The scene has an air of mystery about it, but is placed in Japan giving an extra touch to the traditional vibe.

RYUJIN to tour Europe as support act for Peter Tägtgren’s PAIN

by Francisca Hagen

2 October 2023

At the start of 2023, the Japanese heavy metal band RYUJIN kicked off the year with some significant moves. They ...

Still from DaimonOrchestra's music video for "キシロカイン (Xylocaine)". One of the members of DaimonOrchestra is walking in the streets past shops with windows plastered with advertisements. She wears a white wool jumper and a blue scarf. The still is a bit blurry because the camera and the musician are both moving.

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 39, 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

1 October 2023

With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music ...

The four men of Satsuriku Robot are standing in front of a building, posing for the camera. They are wearing band shirts or hoodies in mostly dark colours. In addition, they are all wearing sunglasses.

Album Review: Satsuriku Robot – NO THRASH METAL, NO LIFE!!

by Peter Dennis

20 September 2023

Formed on the bustling streets of Tokyo, Satsuriku Robot have come a long way since their inception in 2020. After ...

This image shows a group of women that are part of the Japanese band Little Lilith in various costumes, gathered together for a photo. The majority of the group wears black clothing, with some variations in style and colour. The photo seems to be taken in an industrial space.

Little Lilith to make live debut in Europe

by Francisca Hagen

20 September 2023

Coming October, the Tokyo-based four-piece metal band Little Lilith will tour Europe for the first time. The four-piece will performing ...

The photo shows a group of five people in black clothing standing inside what seems to be an industrial space. All five musicians appear to be looking off into different directions while maintaining their composure despite being surrounded by such an industrial setting.

GERTENA ready to show off how “RADIANT” they are at Gammaco in Switzerland

by Lecros

19 September 2023

Just a couple more weeks until the Japanese visual kei band GERTENA will have their first performance outside of Japan ...

Collage of promotional photos of GARUDA and Satanic Punish, on the left is Yuffie aka GARUDA dressed in a gothic-style dress and wings leaning on a baseball bat decorated with spikes. She also holds a long-beaked mask in her hands towards her face as if she were about to put it on. On the right is ManaManomu dressed in a gothic lolita dress and long hair in twintails.

IKIGAI – Vol. 1 brings GARUDA and Satanic Punish to the Netherlands and Germany

by Francisca Hagen

2 September 2023

In less than a week's time, Tokyo-based underground idols GARUDA and Satanic Punish will embark on a mini tour in ...

Text of "Bandcamp Friday" and "Suggestions September 2023" on top of a radio, edited in a way that there was a glitch. The result is that there are more radio's in the image. With added filters it is made colourful with the added colours of red, blue and green and mixes of that.

Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (September 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

1 September 2023

It is the first of September and it is a Friday, you know what that means: Bandcamp Friday is back! ...

Still from HAPPY's music video for "Sundowner". The still consists of splashes of colours, a round circle representing the sun and effects that make the still abstract looking.

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 34, 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

27 August 2023

With a large music industry such as Japan has, the second largest in the world, it is inevitable that music ...

Text of "Bandcamp Friday" and "Suggestions August 2023" on top of a radio, edited in a way that there was a glitch. The result is that there are more radio's in the image. With added filters it is made colourful with the added colours of red, blue and green and mixes of that.

Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (August 2023)

by Francisca Hagen

3 August 2023

After a break of a few months, Bandcamp Friday is back for the month of August. But what does it ...

The four current members of ASK I FALL (in 2023) posing a dark area with limited light sources allowing the faces of the band members to be visible on one side.

AVO Interview with Rid of ASK I FALL: “With hard work and perseverance, we will achieve our goals and dreams”

by Peter Dennis

31 July 2023

ASK I FALL are an international metalcore band based in Tokyo. Despite some early line-up changes, the group is now ...

Ryo Kinoshita sits on a stool while surrounded by darkness and only one lamp shines light on him. His face is also not visible in the picture, giving it a mysterious appearance.

KNOSIS to join Stray From The Path’s upcoming 21-date European tour

by Francisca Hagen

30 July 2023

KNOSIS, the new project of former Crystal Lake vocalist Ryo Kinoshita will be joining American hardcore punk band Stray From ...

DEATHROLL's Kazu in a leather jacket and sunglasses stands by a pair of leafless trees. The picture has been edited where everything is in monochrome except for some elements of Kazu's clothing, which have a red colour, such as his blouse, the trim on his leather jacket.

Interview with Kazu of DEATHROLL: “I make music with my own sensibility”

by Peter Dennis

25 July 2023

Formed in 2011, DEATHROLL is a one-man project led by multi-instrumentalist Kazu. With a dark and discombobulating sound, DEATHROLL captures ...

The four men of Phantom Excaliver stand near each other and pose with their hands at their sides, with singer Kacchang flashing a big smile while carrying his signature sword.

Phantom Excaliver to perform in the Netherlands before hitting the stage at Wacken Open Air 2023

by Francisca Hagen

23 July 2023

Before taking the renowned Headbangers Stage at the long-sold-out Wacken Open Air 2023 for the first time after winning the ...

Tag: metal

Zeke Deux to return to Europe for an exclusive show in Germany

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 06, 2024)

2-in-1 CD Review: GUNGIRE – SCATTERED / SURGE

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 03, 2024)

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 51, 2023)

Himari Tsukishiro’s Isiliel will return to Europe for “Moonbow Yuletide” mini tour

coldrain to return to Europe for tour in 2024

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 46, 2023)

SIGH bringing 30 Years of Eastern Darkness to Europe with tour

DIR EN GREY to tour Europe for the first time in four years

Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (October 2023)

RYUJIN to tour Europe as support act for Peter Tägtgren’s PAIN

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 39, 2023)

Album Review: Satsuriku Robot – NO THRASH METAL, NO LIFE!!

Little Lilith to make live debut in Europe

GERTENA ready to show off how “RADIANT” they are at Gammaco in Switzerland

IKIGAI – Vol. 1 brings GARUDA and Satanic Punish to the Netherlands and Germany

Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (September 2023)

7 New Music Videos You Need To Check Out (Week 34, 2023)

Five Japanese artists and labels to support during Bandcamp Friday (August 2023)

AVO Interview with Rid of ASK I FALL: “With hard work and perseverance, we will achieve our goals and dreams”

KNOSIS to join Stray From The Path’s upcoming 21-date European tour

Interview with Kazu of DEATHROLL: “I make music with my own sensibility”

Phantom Excaliver to perform in the Netherlands before hitting the stage at Wacken Open Air 2023

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