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Malice Mizer
Biography
Even in the flamboyant world of Japanese visual kei, Malice Mizer managed to stand out. They were the most theatrical, ambitious, and romantic band of the pack, both in their shows and professed philosophy, as well as music, which, despite its commercial aim, incorporated elements from darkwave, metal, techno, classical music, synth pop, and early gothic rock. Their career was short and tumultuous, if successful, but perhaps that's only appropriate, considering that the band's name -- made of French words for "malice" and "misery" -- stands as an answer to the question "What is human?"

The band was founded in 1992 by guitarists Mana and Kozi, whose views on humanity, malice and misery were then shared by Tetsu (vocals), Yu~ki (bass), and Gaz (drums). Malice Mizer premiered their first song, "Speed of Desperate," only in 1993, and after that Gaz was replaced by Kami, who played on the band's first album Memoire (1994), which was released on the Mana-founded label Midi:Nette; it sold out and was re-released as Memoire DX. At the time the group, bent on dark themes and French romanticism, expanded its live shows to include dance and pantomime, and that led to vocalist Tetsu leaving Malice Mizer, although he stayed on good terms with the band, who included his songs in their set lists later on.
Selected Discography
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