Bellzlleb
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 in Chiba Prefecture, Japan |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Chiba Prefecture , Japan |
| Products | Heavy metal music recordings and performances |
Bellzlleb (presented as BELLZLLEᗺ) was a Japanese heavy metal ensemble established in 1985 by Tetsu and Yuji in Chiba Prefecture. Their musical style combined elements of black metal, doom metal, and hardcore punk, infused with philosophical themes drawn from Aleister Crowley, occultism, horror literature, and satanic imagery, alongside the heavy influence of Black Sabbath. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, they performed extensively across Japan’s club scene, issuing multiple recordings before their dissolution in 1992.
History
The origins of Bellzlleb trace back to 1985 when junior high school friends Tetsu (guitarist and composer; also associated with Genkaku Allergy, Spooky Six Mouse, E.G.O., Love House, Zeus) and Yuji (drummer and arranger; formerly of Scarecrow and Love House) founded the band. Following auditions, bassist Rick (Norihiko Hayashi) and vocalist Koizumi (Atsuko Koizumi), recognized for leading local Black Sabbath tribute groups, joined to complete the initial lineup. Koizumi’s vocal style was characterized by high-pitched tones inspired by Ozzy Osbourne.
The group built momentum by performing at local venues such as Dancing Mother’s and participating in regional metal festivals, culminating in their nomination at the 1985 Yamaha East West junior finals held in Tokyo. Their significant breakthrough arrived in 1986 when they opened for thrash metal act Black Rose, whose guitarist Pata later became a member of X Japan. This opportunity led to the release of the live phono-sheet "Satanic Metal," which broadened their audience.
In 1987, Bellzlleb featured on the compilation Heavy Metal Force IV and expanded their touring circuit nationwide. That year saw vocalist Koizumi depart due to creative differences and health concerns; he was succeeded by Rei, formerly of Hardwave. Yuji exited in 1988 owing to divergent musical directions. Drummer Eby (ex-Zi:Kill) supported live performances and recording sessions after Yuji’s departure. In 1989, Fumi joined the band to record their first full-length album Bellzlleb, released via Nude Records. Soon after, Rick left over artistic disagreements and was replaced by Mataro, an ex-bassist from Jurassic Jade.
The lineup in 1990 produced their second album Section II ~Aru Gusha no Shougai~, distributed through Captain Records. Bellzlleb increased their national touring efforts to promote this release; however, both Mataro and Fumi left to pursue other ventures domestically and internationally. By 1991, with only Tetsu and Rei remaining active members, they issued an acoustic mini-album titled Inori on Nude Records.
In 1992, the final formation included bassist Takami Rosenfeld and drummer Kimura. That year marked the release of their third and concluding full-length album Mr.Ree: ~Kairai to Sad~, which they supported with extensive tours across Japan and media engagements. Nevertheless, continual lineup changes undermined group cohesion. Acknowledging limitations in evolving their sound further, Tetsu resolved to end Bellzlleb’s activities. Their farewell concert took place at Meguro Rock-May-Kan in 1992, with Kuroyume serving as the opening act.
Original lineup 1985–1987
- Vocals: Atsuko Koizumi
- Guitar: Tetsuji "Tetsu" Yamada (Genkaku Allergy, Spooky Six Mouse, E.G.O., Love House, Zeus)
- Guitar: Masanori "Nori" Hashimoto (Tokyo Yankees, Lawless Dogs)
- Bass: Norihiko "Rick" Hayashi (Spooky Six Mouse)
- Drums: Yuji Niwano (Scarecrow, Love House)
1987–1988
- Lead Vocals: Yoshiyuki "Rei" Miyamoto (associated with Hard Wave, Samurai Blondies, Spooky Six Mouse)
- Guitar: Tetsu
- Bass Guitar: Rick
- Drums: Yuji
1989
- Lead Vocals: Rei
- Guitar: Tetsu
- Bass Guitar: Rick
- Drums: Eby (support role, from Zi:Kill)
1989–1990
- Lead Vocals: Rei
- Guitar: Tetsu
- Bass Guitar: Mataro (formerly of Jurassic Jade)
- Drums: Fumi
1991–1992
- Lead Vocals: Rei
- Guitar: Tetsu
- Bass Guitar: Takami (previously in Rosenfeld and Salamander)
- Drums: Kimura (Genkaku Allergy)
Discography
- "Satanic Metal" (Released October 25, 1986, Private PLM-130)
- Bellzlleb (October 1989, Nude Records NUDE-0002)
Video
- Dead Don't Die (Issued September 30, 1991, Free-Will)
Compilations
- East West '85 (1985, Various Artists, C40A-00433, Canyon Records)
- Heavy Metal Force IV (April 1987, Various Artists, Explosion Records)
- Emergency Express Metal Warning 2 (1989, Various Artists, Crown Records)
- Declare a State of Emergency - Emergency Express III (1991, Various Artists, Toy's Factory Records)
- Hyp No.4 - Special Supplement (1991, Various Artists, HYP)