Baiser
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Yukari |
| Defunct | January 5, 2001 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Music albums, singles, videos |
Baiser (the French term for kiss) was a Japanese visual kei rock ensemble established in 1991 by vocalist Yukari. They initially performed live in Tokyo before making their debut under an independent label in 1994.
History
The founding members featured Hiderou and Akane handling guitars, Haiji on bass, and Gaz (formerly of Malice Mizer) as a support drummer until 1993, when Akihiro assumed drumming duties. Their first demo tape, titled "Daraku," was released in 1993 with a limited run of 100 copies, followed by the 1994 release "Fleurs des Fleurs." That same year marked the arrival of their debut album, Seppun Kuchizuke.
In 1995, Toshimi succeeded Akihiro as the drummer. Baiser's sophomore album, Ash, achieved the number two spot on the Oricon chart for indie albums. During this period, the band self-produced the video Pictures and contributed songs to compilations such as Sacred Seed and Turn Over Eagle Vision.
Following Toshimi's departure in 1996, Baiser briefly disbanded. However, Yukari revived the band in September 1997 with a new lineup: Shaisuke (ex-Penicillin) on bass, Katsura (ex-Shazna) on drums, and Mizuki alongside Rei (both formerly of Iris) on guitars.
Throughout 1998, Baiser issued several singles, mini-albums, full-length albums, and videos. They secured a contract with Fortune Records Japan (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment) in May 1999 and released their major-label debut single "Prism," produced by Hakuei from Penicillin. This track served as the opening theme for the anime Gokudo. Later releases included maxi-singles "Angel" and "Doku," along with their only major-label album, Hana. That year also saw their inaugural major tour titled Prismatic Colors.
The band's last release was the maxi-single "Pegasus" in May 2000. After a period of inactivity, Baiser officially announced their disbandment effective January 5, 2001.
After Baiser
Following the breakup, Yukari and Mizuki formed Endorphine with two additional members; however, this group dissolved in 2003 after releasing only three records. Meanwhile, Rei, Shaisuke, and Katsura created Swallowtail, featuring Rei as vocalist under the alias Sin and former Baiser guitarist Hiderou as a support member; this project also ended shortly thereafter. Katsura went on to establish Vinett in 2002, which disbanded three years later in 2005.
Shaisuke passed away on July 16, 2001; details regarding the cause were not made public. Yukari has continued his involvement in music production, including contributions to Rentrer en Soi’s works. Katsura supported Rentrer en Soi as a session drummer during their early phase and appeared on their first singles prior to Mika joining the band.
Singles
- "Kuchizuke" (くちづけ) (July 29, 1998) Oricon Peak: 40
- "Kuchizuke - Lawson special Edit" (Maxi-Single) (September 1998)
- "Psychoballet" (November 26, 1998) Oricon Peak: 59
- "Paradise Lost ~ The Case of Adam" (Maxi-Single) (April 1999)
- "Prism" (May 21, 1999) Oricon Peak: 50
- "Angel" (エンジェル) (August 11, 1999) Oricon Peak: 92
- "Doku" (毒) (October 1, 1999)
- "Pegasus" (ペガサス) (May 3, 2000)
Mini albums
- En Fleur (February 1998)
- Kaleidoscope (April 1998)
Albums
- Seppun (接吻) (June 12, 1994)
- Ash (February 1995)
- Terre (August 1998) Oricon Peak: 37
- La Luna (October 1998)
- Hana (November 1999)
Videos
- [Pictures-Virtue Style] (video) accompanied by the CD [PICTURES-Vice Style] (August 1995)
- Kaleidoscope Picture ~Kuchizuke~ (Video) released in April 1998
- Kaleidoscope Picture ~Glass~ (Video) also issued in April 1998
- Utopia (Video Box) launched in October 1998