Devil Kitty
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | September 2002 |
| Founder | Yuuga |
| Defunct | December 4, 2004 |
| Fate | Disbanded; later revived 2015–2018 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Area served | Japan |
Key people | Yuuga (founder) |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Devil Kitty, also presented as DEViL KiTTY and DEVIL KITTY, was a Japanese rock group associated with the visual kei movement, established in 2002.
History
Devil Kitty was created in September 2002 by Yuuga, who initially performed under the name Paro. The early lineup soon featured Yura (formerly of Misery and Kilah), Reika (formerly of La'miss Fairy), and Yuune. Their debut full-length album was released in November 2002. Guitarist Reika departed in February 2003, with Yuune leaving in June of the same year. The band’s roster later solidified with Yura and Sasaki (previously with Lυτёη∀) on guitars, Shita (formerly of Loon Eye's Millyie) handling bass, and Rin (ex-Lilith Noir+) on drums. Yuuga owned Luciffer's Record, the label responsible for managing Devil Kitty alongside other groups such as Loon Eye's Millyie and Lυτёη∀—the latter’s former vocalist eventually joining the well-known visual kei band Kiryu. Devil Kitty concluded their activities following their final concert on December 4, 2004.
After the dissolution, Yuuga embarked on a solo path before stepping away from music in 2006; he later resurfaced with the band Gokiburi. Yura and Rin became members of the visual kei ensemble Ghost and participated in subsequent projects including Hi:Brid and Kanabun. Sasaki reunited with ex-Lυτёη∀ musicians in MADARA before moving on to join CELLT.
A significant portion of Devil Kitty’s output was distributed exclusively at live shows, with several planned releases never materializing, resulting in some recordings becoming lost media.
In 2015, Devil Kitty announced a revival featuring an entirely new lineup: Kazuto on guitar, Ruchi on bass, and Majyu on drums. The reformed group toured widely and produced fresh material until ceasing activities again in 2018.
Sound
At inception, Devil Kitty’s style combined elements of heavy metal with pop rock and punk influences, often characterized by low-fidelity production values. Following their 2015 reunion, their sound evolved towards metalcore and deathcore genres while still incorporating aspects of pop rock. Due to the marked changes in personnel and musical direction, Yuuga considers the original 2002 formation and the later 2015 version as distinct entities.
Yuuga’s creative process frequently involved reusing components from earlier compositions; for instance, "Kikei no 2 channeler" fused his prior Kar'MariA tracks "Kikei no Egao" and "Dokuzetsu na 2channeler," with "Kikei no Egao" itself being a blend of two earlier pieces titled "Smile" and "Kikei no Kimi he." This method persisted through Yuuga’s solo endeavors and his work with GOKIBURI but was discontinued upon establishing the 2015 incarnation of Devil Kitty.
Controversy
The band encountered controversy during its career, including lyrical references such as those found in Kikei no 2 channeler, which hinted at previous conflicts involving the Japanese online community 2 channel. In 2003, allegations of sexual assault were made against guitarist Totto by a fan, resulting in his expulsion from the group. Following this incident, Yuuga issued warnings advising others to avoid partnerships or meetings with Totto through dating platforms.
Singles
- Eseikare Rock Star (エセイカレ☆ROCK STAR) released October 23, 2003
- Vo.Shita (Vo.弑夕) released October 1, 2004
Albums
- Akuma Kicha (悪魔鬼茶) initially released November 30, 2002; reissued December 23, 2002
- Akuma Kourin (-悪魔降臨-) released August 11, 2004
EPs
- Kiai (鬼愛) released May 5, 2003
- -Cobra- released April 28, 2004
- -Fukou Jiman- (-不幸自慢-) released May 26, 2004
- -Ware, Akumako- (-我、悪魔故-) released June 30, 2004