9Goats Black Out
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Music albums, singles, DVDs |
9Goats Black Out (also stylized as 9GOATS BLACK OUT) was a Japanese visual kei rock ensemble formed in 2007, affiliated with the independent label Dalli.
History
After the disbandment of Gullet in 2004, Ryo shifted his focus from music to design, taking a three-year hiatus from performing. Guitarist Uta and bassist Hati, who admired Ryo’s artistic work, initially reached out to him to create their album artwork. Following the dissolution of their previous group, they invited Ryo to collaborate on forming a new band based in Tokyo.[1]
Agreeing to the proposal, they began working together in Tokyo. By December 2007, they had founded the independent label Dalli and launched their official website. Their debut album, Devils in Bedside, experienced significant demand, leading to additional pressings. In September 2007, their debut single "Sleeping Beauty" attained position 161 on the Oricon singles chart.[2] This was followed by two live shows and an autumn tour. In 2008, they embarked on a national tour alongside Sugar and released the mini-album Black Rain. Subsequent tours named "Howlingbird at the Hell" and "Bright Garden" visited key cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo; the latter tour resulted in a DVD release. Their first full-length album, Tanatos, whose title references death, was released in March 2009.
Origin of the name
The vocalist Ryo explained that the band's name is derived from combining "9," representing his birth date (January 19), "Goats," symbolizing his Capricorn zodiac sign, along with the terms "Black" and "Out."
Hiatus and return
In spring 2010, following the exit of support drummer Aki, the group announced a temporary break. During this period, they performed under the moniker "Baphomet," playing 9Goats Black Out material with Hiroshi Sasabuchi (formerly of Plastic Tree and Cuckoo) on drums.
The band made a comeback in January 2011 with the "Melancholy Pool" tour. By April, they initiated a collaborative tour titled "Inu no Atama to Kuroyagi Suupu" (Dog Head's and Black Goat's Soup) alongside hard rock outfit Inugami Circus-dan. Midway through the year, they released a DVD capturing their January concert at Shibuya O-West and introduced Takumi as their new support drummer.
9Goats Black Out contributed a cover of Buck-Tick's "Speed" for the compilation album Crush! 2 -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, issued on November 23, 2011; this project featured contemporary visual kei bands reinterpreting influential tracks from the 1990s visual kei scene.
Throughout 2012, they continued touring extensively, collaborating with Amber Gris in January and sharing stages with Moran and Dolly between February and March.
By 2013, guitarist Uta had joined Sukekiyo, a band formed by vocalist Kyo of Dir En Grey, alongside other prominent Japanese musicians.
Disbanding
The group officially disbanded following their final concert on February 9, 2013, which was succeeded by the release of their concluding album.
Members
- Ryo – vocals (formerly of D'elsquel, Galruda, Gullet)
- Uta – guitar (formerly of Laypua, Layarch, Rayarch)
- Hati – bass (formerly of Laypua, Luberie, Rayarch)
Support members
- Takumi – drums (2011–2013; formerly of Virgil)
Previous support personnel
- Aki – percussion (2007–2010, formerly of Sin, Gullet, Clozet)
- Akaya – keyboards and sound manipulation (2007–2012)
Studio Albums
- Devils in Bedside (Released 30 April 2008)
- Black rain (Released 14 February 2009)
- Tanatos (Released 24 March 2010)
- Calling (Released 11 December 2012)
- Archives (Released 29 May 2013)
Singles
- "Sleeping Beauty" (Released 9 September 2008)
- "Rorschach Inkblot" (Released 10 August 2011)
- "Draw" (Released 9 November 2011)
- "Karte" (Released 14 February 2012)
DVD Releases
- Bright Garden (Released 25 July 2009)
- Melancholy Pool (Released 23 April 2011)