Lareine

Lareine
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Predecessor	Laliene
Founded	1994
Founder	Kamijo, Mayu
Defunct	2007
Fate	Disbanded
Successor	None
Headquarters	Japan, Japan
Area served	Japan
Key people	Kamijo (lead singer)
Products	Albums, EPs, Singles
Parent	Sony Music Entertainment Japan (from 1999)

Lareine (presented as LAREINE) was a Japanese visual kei rock ensemble established in 1994. The band's name is said to be inspired by the French monarch Marie Antoinette. In 1999, they secured a contract with Sony. Following the departure of all members except lead singer Kamijo in 2000, he launched Applause Records to maintain the band's activities. After undergoing several personnel shifts and issuing multiple albums, EPs, and singles, Lareine ultimately dissolved in 2007.

Laliene (1994–1996)

The group originated in November 1994 under the name Laliene (styled as LALIENE), created by vocalist Kamijo (then known as Shoki) and guitarist Mayu (formerly Kaito), who initially connected while employed as roadies for Malice Mizer. The lineup included guitarists Sakureu and Hirono, drummer Kyouka, and bassist Emiru. Prior to their debut show in March 1995, Mayu briefly exited but rejoined shortly after Sakureu's exit. In October 1995, both Kyouka and Hirono left the band; Machi, another ex-roadie from Malice Mizer, took over drumming duties. On March 26, 1996, they commemorated their first anniversary with a live event and adopted the name Lareine.

Lareine (1996–2000)

August 1996 saw Akira join as a second guitarist. Their debut EP, Blue Romance, was released in December of that year. Akira departed in August 1997. By January 1999, Lareine had signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan, leading to the release of their sophomore album, Fierte no Umi to Tomo ni Kiyu ~The Last of Romance~, in February 2000. Soon after, Emiru announced his exit, followed by Mayu and Machi. The band held a farewell fan club concert in August 2000.

Kamijo's Lareine (2000–2002)

Although the other members had left, Kamijo continued Lareine as a solo endeavor under his own label, Applause Records. This phase persisted until 2001 when Kamijo paused Lareine activities to establish New Sodmy with Mayu. After New Sodmy disbanded in 2002, Lareine was revived.

Reunited (2003–2006, 2015)

On March 26, 2003, Emiru rejoined along with new drummer Kazumi; Mayu returned on May 17. The album Never Cage was launched on September 5, 2004.

Kazumi departed in March 2006 and was succeeded by session drummer Kazami. Due to Mayu's irregular involvement, Lareine disbanded following their final official show on October 31, 2006, featuring guest guitarist Hizaki. Subsequently, Kamijo formed Versailles alongside Hizaki, while Emiru took on bass duties for Anubis under the alias Run.

During Kamijo's December 28, 2015 concert marking his two-decade milestone at Zepp DiverCity, the classic lineup of Lareine reunited for a special appearance.

Former members

Kamijo/Shoki – vocals (1994–2007, 2015; New Sodmy, Versailles)
Emiru – bass (1995–2000, 2003–2007, 2015; Ribbon, Anubis)
Mayu/Kaito – guitar (1994–1995, 1995–2000, 2003–2006, 2015; New Sodmy)
Kazumi – drums (2003–2006; Ribbon)
Machi – drums (1995–2000, 2015; Chanton L'amour)
Akira – guitar (1996–1997; D+L)
Hirono – guitar (1994–1995)
Kyouka – drums (1994–1995; Eliphas Levi, Cupid)
Sakureu – guitar (1994–1995)

Support Personnel

Kazami – drums 2006–2007 (Daizystripper)

Studio Albums

Blue Romance: Yasashii Hanatachi no Kyousou (, released September 7, 1997)
Fierte no Umi to Tomo ni Kiyu: The Last of Romance (, released February 16, 2000) Oricon Weekly Albums Chart Highest Position: 20
Scream (released November 1, 2000)
Vampire Scream (released November 1, 2000)
Reine de Fleur I (released March 26, 2003)
Reine de Fleur II (released March 26, 2003)
Crystal Letos (released March 31, 2004)
Never Cage (released September 5, 2004)

Extended Plays (EPs)

Blue Romance (released December 24, 1996)
Lillie Charlotte (released October 1, 1998) Oricon Weekly Albums Chart Highest Position: 70
Etude (released December 25, 2002)
Majesty (released September 30, 2003)
Knight (released November 28, 2003)
Etude: Platinum White (released December 25, 2003)
Princess (released March 24, 2004)
Winter Romantic (released March 18, 2006)

Singles

"Saikai no Hana" (再会の花, released March 26, 1996)
"Romancia" (released April 26, 1997)
"Fleur" (released March 14, 1998)
"Metamorphose" (released December 18, 1998) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Highest Position: 50
"Fiancailles" (released May 26, 1999) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Highest Position: 21
"Billet (Osanaki Natsu no Binsen)" (, released August 25, 1999) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Highest Position:30
"Fuyu Tokyo" (冬東京, released December15,1999) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Highest Position:29
"Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru/Ano Hito no Aishita Hito Nara" (薔薇は美しく散る/あの人の愛した人なら, released February9,2000) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Highest Position:40
"Grand Pain" (released October12,2000) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Highest Position:64
"Chou no Hana/Lesson" (蝶の花/レッスン, released November27,2002)
"Saikai no Hana" (reissued March26,2003)
"Scarlet Majesty" (released July30,2003)
"With Present Letos" (released November14,2003)
"Trailer" (released July19,2004)
"Doukeshi no Bukyoku" (道化師の舞曲, released November27,2005)
"Setsurenka" (雪恋詩, released November27,2005)
"Cinderella Fantasy" (released November27,2005)
"Sakura" (さくら, released March18,2006)
"Drama" (released March18,2006)
"Last Song" (released May9,2007)

Demo Recordings

"Laliene" (distributed March29,1995)
"2ND DEMO" (distributed during tour on July27,1995)
"Tsukiyo no Kageki" (, distributed live on July20,1996)
"Mist" (distributed April28,1997)

Video Releases

Chantons L'amour: Lillie Kara no Tegami (, released August25,1999)
Fierte no Umi to Tomo ni Kiyu: Film Tracks (, released February16,2000)
Scarlet Majesty (released April1,2004)
KAMIJO in Vienna (released July19,2005)
Live Document Film In Tokyo Kinema Club (released August31,2005)
The Last Of Romance I (released August,2006)
Legend Of Fantasy (released December,2006)