Aion (band)

Aion

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1983
Founder	Izumi Ochiai
Headquarters	Osaka , Japan
Products	Heavy metal music, albums, singles, EPs, VHS/DVD releases

Aion is a heavy metal group originating from Osaka, Japan, established in 1983 by guitarist Izumi. The band significantly influenced the early stages of visual kei and stood out as one of the most prominent Japanese metal acts in the early 1990s, achieving placements on the Oricon charts and sharing tours with prominent bands such as Luna Sea. By 2010, their discography included 15 studio albums, 6 singles, 2 EPs, and more than 10 VHS/DVD releases. Following the departure of longtime bassist Dean and vocalist Nov in April 2017, Izumi remains the only official member.

History

Izumi Ochiai formed Aion in 1983 but put the project on hold in 1985 to create Mein Kampf alongside future X Japan guitarist Kerry and Color's drummer Toshi. After Mein Kampf dissolved in 1986, Izumi reassembled Aion with bassist Tatsuya "Dean" Miwa and vocalist Kenichi "Rod" Fujisaki, adding drummer Jun "S.A.B" Saburi. The initial vocalist Rod was soon replaced first by Salee, then by Satoru Sasano, under whose tenure the band released their debut single "Hang on Night" in 1987. In 1988, Hisayoshi Hiraga took over vocal duties from Sasano, leading to their first album Deathrash Bound in 1989. Hiraga’s departure shortly afterward made way for Nov to become their long-term frontman.

In 1990, they issued Human Griefman, a re-recorded version of Deathrash Bound featuring Nov’s vocals and new lyrics. That same year, signing with BMG elevated their status within the visual kei community. Their momentum continued into 1991 with the release of Aionism, which included backing vocals from Luna Sea during several joint performances. By 1992, Aion transitioned from thrash and speed metal to a power metal style with the well-received album Aion -Aion-. Drummer Shu replaced S.A.B that year. From 1991 through 1995, their media presence grew until the release of Freak-Out. Although the band disbanded in 1995, Nov and Izumi kept producing music under the Aion name, returning to their thrash and speed metal origins.

In 2000, Dean and Shu rejoined for the album Magnitude, released in Japanese, English, and fully English editions. Following Shu’s exit, S.A.B returned to restore the classic lineup. The band released Sister in 2003 and maintained active performances at smaller venues until S.A.B left again in 2009. Support drummer Youth-K stepped in, and in 2010 Aion unveiled their first single in sixteen years titled "Black Heart." They also took part in Luna Sea’s Lunatic Fest at Makuhari Messe in June 2015. On April 18, 2017, bassist Dean and vocalist Nov departed, leaving Izumi as the band's sole official member.

Current members

• Izumi Ochiai – guitar (1983–1985, 1986–present; also involved with Mein Kampf and The Braincase), vocals, bass, drums (2017–present)

Former members

• Taro – vocals (1983)
• Potukun – vocals
• Shin'ichi "Shin" – drums
• Hideki – drums (1983–1985)
• Ray – bass (1984–1985)
• Kamizi – vocals (1985)
• Kenichi "Rod" Fujisaki – vocals (1986; also associated with Mein Kampf, Justy Nasty, Craze)
• Salee – vocals (1986–1987)
• Satoru Sasano – vocals (1987–1989; also known for Paranoia and Sweet Death)
• Hisayoshi Hiraga – vocals (1989; previously with Rosenfeld and Thread Worm)
• Shue "Shu" Sakai – drums (1992–1995, 2000; affiliated with Virus and Girl Tique)
• Jun "S.A.B" Saburi – drums (1986–1992, 2000–2009; connected to Virus and Lizer) Deceased October 2, 2016.
• Nov Takafumi – vocals (1989–2017; formerly linked to Paranoia, Z-Sect, Volcano, Zigoku Quartet)
• Tatsuya "Dean" Miwa – bass (1986–1995, 2000–2017; also part of Mein Kampf)

Studio albums

• Deathrash Bound (released March 21, 1989)
• Human Griefman (issued February 25, 1990)
• Aionism (October 8, 1991) – reached No. 37 on the Oricon Albums Chart
• Peaked at No. 34
• Z (also known as Z [ZETTO], released June 2, 1993) – attained No. 40
• Absolute (March 2, 1994) – charted at No. 41
• Freak-Out (November 22, 1995) – peaked at No. 96
• Mithras (February 22, 1997; exclusive to fan club members)
• Eve (April 4, 1998; fan club limited release)
• Ceremony of Cross Out (September 9, 1999; available only to fan club)
• Judge of Death Line (September 9, 1999; fan club exclusive)
• Manners of Kill and Wound (September 9, 1999; restricted to fan club)
• Magnitude (December 24, 2000; fan club only, issued in both Japanese and English editions)
• Sister (October 24, 2003; distributed solely through fan club)

EPs

• MA-G-MA (November 25, 1990) – achieved No. 77 on charts

Self-cover album

• Nine Bells (July 7, 2012)

Live albums

• Plasmatic Mania (April 8, 1992) – reached No. 46
• Threatened Species Mania (December 13, 2011)

Singles

• "Hang on Night" (July 1987)
• "Fatalism" (August 3, 1990; distributed exclusively at Nakano Kokaido concert)
• "Gasp for Breath" (August 5, 1990; released alongside Rockin' f magazine)
• "Be Afraid" (October 2, 1991) – peaked at No. 45 on the Oricon Singles Chart
• "Piece of My Life" (1991; limited edition for buyers of both "Be Afraid" and Aionism) – reached No. 68
• "Missing" (February 23, 1994)
• "Black Heart" (October 13, 2010)