WIZARDS' HYMN – Interview with Kensuke Imai (drummer)

Hey! How does look the Metal Scene in Japan?

Well, Im afraid that Japanese metal scene is merely known among metal fans in Europe, America. But actually, we have lots of good young bands out there and Japan may be one of the biggest metal markets in the world. Thats why many famous bands add Japan to their tour list. There are two problems, one is that most of Japanese people can hardly speak English and lots of bands dont even try to communicate foreign people and try to get out of this small island in Eastern Asia. Another is that most of heavy metal fans in Japan dislike Japanese metal. They really love heavy metal music from Europe or America, but never try to listen to Japanese bands. These problems prevent us from getting out to the world and spreading the name of Japanese metal. So I want to let our band more famous to be the pioneer of Japanese metal band.

And what is your place on the scene?

Of course not so big, because were just young band, its been several years since starting this band. But we got high score in some magazine reviews, surprisingly large sales as a debut album and good reputation for stunning performance of the show. Were gonna absolutely typify this Japanese metal scene. By the way, in the end of September, our first album Hymnal will be released worldwide, so Im really looking forward to the response to it from foreign metal fans.

You exist 3 years only just, you gave 3 demos and 1 album “Hymnal”, but from the beginning your musical style is stable – this is energy, very melodious and full of virtuosity Heavy/Power Metal with considerable influences of Classic Music

Well, yes. Hymnal was made up of lots of songs from demos. So of course the style was not changed. This metal style which is melodic, energetic and neo-classical was what Id wanted to realize for years since I was into heavy metal music. And now that I did it, so Im thinking that it will be probably interesting to put the elements of other genre into this Melodic metal style. But of course, I dont want to change the base and identity of this band.

Why are you (Japaneses) interested in European Classic Music?

Hard to explain, but its exotic for me. I think it may be the same feeling that you feel when you see or hear foreign art or music. It sometimes excites me, sometimes touches me and sometimes soothes me. I dont know why Im involved in it myself, but I am.

What did bands influence for you?

Too many to say one by one. But Helloween, Gammaray, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, Angra, Shaaman, Edguy, Avantasia, Sonata Arctica, Blind Guardian and so on. Mainly we call melodic metal, power metal, speed metal.

Maybe would be better if will connect the elements of Japanese folklore with Heavy the Metal? For example adding to your composition musical subjects leaning on Japanese scales or applying the image of your band like Samurai I Think it would be interesting and original. Many bands connect Metal with folklore (e.g. Folk, Viking, Pagan, Pirate, Slav, etc. Metal)

Yeah, I think its interesting too. But it seems no longer brand-new idea. I think many Japanese have already tried this way for long. It may be very easy to put Japanese music and metal music together. But we have to be very careful when we innovate this way, otherwise the music will be just stale.

Maybe youre right. The idea is similar to the connection Metal with the elements of Polish mountaineers folklore. In Poland the connection of Rock with the folklore is just stale Ok, we let go – To playing the tunes of WIZARDS' HYMN are requires very well skills. In your songs are full quick parties and masterly serves (in principle for the every instrument). Do you have behind some musical schools?

No. Not at all. Ive been learning musical techniques, composition and that kind of things on my own. I think the most important point is not where or in which school you learn, but the will to improve your skills and create good music. This is my musical philosophy.

Why did you assemble the songs from your all demos and only you added several new songs for Hymnal?

Well, several songs are totally new. Olden Story Tells, The Glory of the Desert and Live My Life were not released as demos. And I think many people have 2nd and 3rd demo, but theres few people who have 1st demo. Beside, we arrange some tunes from demos, so this Hymnal album is not boring even for those who have demo CDs.

How do foreign listeners accept you?

Very good. Id been wondering people in Europe or America really accept metal music from Japan. But I didnt have to worry about it. Anyway, after worldwide release, WH will be accept by much more people all over the world. As I told before, Im looking forward to the response from foreign people.

Did you play with foreign band some concert?

No. I really want. I hope we can go to foreign country on tour. Is there any one who invites us?? Hehehe.

Tell something about your texts for readers?

Though I dont dare to explain the meaning of the lyrics one by one, my lyrics are almost about things like how to live your life, bygones or trials in life, vanity, conflict, etc. Try to guess what the lyrics imply.

Mostly the author of texts is you, Kensuke Imai (drummer). Why Kimiko Shirao (vocalist) don't write own texts?

Well, one reason is that she is not good at English. When we started the band and composing, she tried to write words, but it didnt works very well. So I started to write instead. But I like thinking and writing the lyrics anyway.

In Poland are very popular Japanese anime, e.g. seinen, sentai, maho shojo, maho shonen, mecha, tokusatsu as well as ecchi and hentai. I think your music would be good soundtrack for some anime about subject matter of fantasy…

I think so too. Its gonna be good promotion as well for us. Is there anyone who uses our tunes in Poland for TV?? Hehehe.

The covers to every material are about subject matter of fantasy even. Did the same man draw it?

No, Hymnal artwork is created by C.A.Beckston who is working with TNT, Brazen Abbot, etc. Hes done absolutely great job. I love his artwork.

At present in Poland are fashionable Japanese horrors. Would you can some recommend (except The Ring and The Grudge)?

Horror?? Im not quite familiar with horrors, but do you know Chakushin Ari, Siren or Battle Royal? I think they seem worth watching.

To the end I have one question about plans of the band for a future?

Well, the album will be released worldwide in the end of September, 2006. We have some shows in Japan. And well start to prepare for next stuff. But after world release, I hope to go on tour to foreign countries if the album has good reputation.

Thanks for interview!

Thank you very much. And thank you guyz for supporting us!! Stay metal!!!!!