| Hizaki | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Also known as | HIZAKI |
| Born | February 17, 1979 Shiga |
| Origin | Kyoto, Japan |
| Genres | Neo-classical metal, symphonic metal, power metal, hard rock |
| Occupations | Musician, guitarist, songwriter, record producer, model, actor |
| Instruments | Guitar, bass |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Kappa, Sequence, Sherow Artist Society |
| Associated acts | Versailles, Node of Scherzo, Sulfuric Acid, Schwardix Marvally, Crack Brain, Garnet Grave |
| Website | Official site |
| Notable instruments | |
| ESP Maiden, ESP Horizon-III | |
Hizaki (stylized as HIZAKI) is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.[1]
Contents |
Hizaki debuted as guitarist for the Kyoto based band Garnet Grave in 1997. After two years, Hizaki and bassist Hizumi departed from Garnet Grave to form Crack Brain with guitarist Airi (Madeth Gray'll).
In 2002, Crack Brain disbanded and Hizaki and Airi formed the band グロテスクロマンティッカー (Gurotesuku Romantikkaa), who in May 2003 changed their name to Schwardix Marvally.[2] They released two EPs, one composed of cover songs from various bands. Soon after releasing the two EPs, Schwardix Marvally disbanded in 2004.
Hizaki then proceeded to start a solo career that same year and released Maiden Ritual.[1] He published two more EPs: Dance with Grace and Maiden Ritual -Experiment Edition- with a variety of musicians in the visual kei scene. In 2005 he put his solo work on hold and joined Sulfuric Acid, staying until they disbanded in October 2006.[1]
He then restarted solo activities and formed his solo group, Hizaki Grace Project, with Hikaru (Izabel Varosa) on vocals, Yuu (Jakura) on bass and support drummer Seiji (Sulfuric Acid). After recruiting Mikage (Babylon) on drums, Teru (Aikaryu) on guitar and Juka (Moi dix Mois) on vocals, they released the album Dignity of Crest. Hizaki Grace Project's latest album, Curse of Virgo, was released on December 26, 2007, two days after their latest live performance.
In the beginning of 2007, he became support for Node of Scherzo, a project fronted by Kamijo, Juka and Kaya (Schwarz Stein), and also supported by Jasmine You and Asagi (D). At Node of Scherzo's first live performance on March 14, Kamijo and Hizaki announced they were forming a band together.
On March 30 the details of the band were announced, it would be named Versailles and also included drummer Yuki (Sugar Trip) and Hizaki Grace Project's Jasmine You and Teru. Currently Hizaki's solo work in on hold while he is focused on Versailles.
On July 15, 2010, Hizaki partook in the one-night only revival of Crack Brain, at a concert for their old record label, Crow Music.
In January 2011, he and the rest of Versailles started starring in their own TV mini drama called Onegai Kanaete Versailles (おねがいかなえてヴェルサイユ "Fulfill My Wish Versailles"). The show also starred Rina Koike and aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System and TV Kanagawa until March.[3] In response to the March 11, 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Hizaki composed and dedicated the song "Prayer" to its victims.[4][5]
Both Hizaki and Teru participated in the Blue Planet Japan project, which was created in response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The project is comprised on many visual kei artists, including members of DaizyStripper, heidi., Matenrou Opera, and Dolly. They performed live at Shibuya O-West on June 25 and released the single "Hitotsu Dake ~We are the One~" on September 14, with the proceeds from the single donated to the victims.[6][7]
- ESP Maiden Hizaki Custom Rose
- ESP Horizon-III Hizaki Custom Pearl White Gold w/flake
- ESP Horizon-III Orange (color changes depending on angle)
- ESP Bottom Line GT
- BOSS GT-10 Guitar Effects Processor
- BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
- Ibanez Jemini Distortion Pedal
- Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer
- Marshall Guvnor
- Morley Wah Pedal
- Custom Audio Electronics Cables
- TC Electronic G Major
- Korg DTR-1 Rack Tuner
- EX-PRO Wireless System
- Furman Power Conditioner
- Roland FC-200 Midi Foot Controller
- Hughes & Kettner, Bogner, Brunetti, Mesa Boogie & Marshall Amps
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