Malice Mizer

Malice Mizer

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1992
Founder	Mana, Közi
Defunct	2001 (hiatus)
Headquarters	Japan , Japan
Area served	Japan
Key people	Mana, Közi, Yu~ki
Products	Music albums, singles, live performances

Malice Mizer (presented as MALICE MIZER) was a Japanese visual kei rock ensemble active between 1992 and 2001, distinguished by their music and visually striking live performances that featured period costumes and dramatic theatrical introductions.

The band was established by guitarists Mana and Közi, experiencing several lineup alterations and three significant stylistic transformations, with Mana, Közi, and bassist Yu~ki remaining the core members throughout. Their initial sound was heavily influenced by French and classical music, which later shifted towards incorporating Gothic elements following various difficulties the group encountered.

During their zenith in the mid-to-late 1990s, particularly in the "Gackt era," Malice Mizer was regarded as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of visual kei," alongside La'cryma Christi, Fanatic Crisis, and Shazna. Their third studio album, Merveilles (1998), stands as their most acclaimed work and was named by Kerrang! in 2021 among 13 essential albums in Japanese rock and metal. Despite this acclaim, Malice Mizer declared an indefinite hiatus toward the end of 2001. Since 2010, Mana, Közi, and Yu~ki have reunited sporadically for live appearances.

1992–1994: Tetsu era

Following their departure from Matenrou, guitarists Mana and Közi formed Malice Mizer in August 1992 with vocalist Tetsu, bassist Yu~ki, and drummer Gaz. The band's name originates from the French term "Malice et Misère" ("malice and misery"), embodying their philosophical perspective. From inception, they crafted a signature "twin guitar" style featuring polyphonic melodies. Their sound during this period combined elements of early 1980s gothic rock, progressive rock, and classical music. Their first official track appeared on the 1993 compilation Braintrash as "Speed of Desperate." Before this release, they distributed a vocal-free demo tape titled "Sans Logique." Soon after, Gaz departed to join Kneuklid Romance, with that band's drummer Kami stepping in. In 1994, Malice Mizer launched their debut album Memoire under Mana's independent label Midi:Nette, which was later reissued as Memoire DX including an additional track. Shortly thereafter, Tetsu exited due to creative disagreements and discomfort with the band's theatrical image; however, his continued lyric contributions imply an amicable separation.

1995–1998: Gackt era

After nearly a year without activity, Mana enlisted Gackt from Cains:Feel as the new vocalist, debuting with him on October 10, 1995. The group's first single featuring Gackt, "Uruwashiki Kamen no Shoutaijou," was released in December 1995. This period marked a stylistic shift as Mana and Közi integrated choreographed dance elements into performances, setting them apart from contemporaries. Inspired by Gackt’s fascination with human themes, their musical direction evolved toward more art rock and synthpop, blending stronger classical and electronic influences. Visually, they embraced vibrant historical costumes infused with gothic aesthetics.

In 1996, Malice Mizer issued their sophomore album Voyage Sans Retour, followed by their inaugural home video in 1997 showcasing intricate stage designs. That year also saw them sign with major label Nippon Columbia, releasing hit singles such as "Bel Air", "Au Revoir", and "Gekka no Yasōkyoku", along with a short film. Their major label debut album Merveilles, released in March 1998, achieved both commercial success and critical praise, reaching number two on the Oricon Albums Chart and remaining on the charts for 16 weeks. Both the album and its single "Gekka no Yasōkyoku" earned Gold certification from the RIAJ, surpassing sales of 200,000 copies. The May single "Illuminati" attained seventh place on the charts with over 100,000 units sold.

The band hosted a radio program and performed a two-night concert at the prestigious Nippon Budokan, featuring elaborate theatrics and scripted segments; this event was later released on video as Merveilles (Shuuen to kisuu) l'espace. Their July 1998 performance at Yokohama Arena marked Gackt's final appearance with Malice Mizer. In September that year, they released "Le Ciel", which peaked at number four on the Oricon Singles Chart, exceeding sales of 100,000 copies.

At the pinnacle of their popularity in January 1999, Gackt suddenly departed to embark on a solo career. Factors cited include dissatisfaction with slow band progress, lack of songwriting credits despite his coordination role, conflicts with management at Midi:Nette (Mana's agency), interpersonal tensions intensified by sudden financial success, and feelings of isolation from other members. Bandmates later clarified that Gackt had insisted on continuing activities when others preferred a hiatus; however, they denied forcing him out. Reports indicate mismanagement by management and inadequate protection from media intrusion contributed to his exit.

1999–2000: Passing of Kami

Malice Mizer parted ways with Nippon Columbia and rejoined Midi:Nette, which was then operating under the name Midi:Nette M.†.M. On June 21, 1999, Kami succumbed to a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Prior to his death, he had contributed several tracks that were later included in the EP and video collection Shinwa, featuring two of his compositions alongside the band's song "Saikai." Rather than appointing an official replacement, Malice Mizer continued utilizing support drummers, with former Aion drummer Shu notably filling this role without formal credit in subsequent promotions. Kami was honored posthumously as the "eternal blood relative" in future album credits. During late 1999 and early 2000, despite lacking a permanent vocalist, the group released multiple singles and initiated work on a new studio album.

2000–2001: The Klaha Period

In August 2000, the band welcomed Klaha, previously the vocalist for the dark wave ensemble Pride of Mind, as an official member. This marked a transition from the brighter pop tones characteristic of the Gackt era to a more theatrical fusion of classical influences, dark wave elements, and occasional heavy metal undertones, accompanied by an elegant gothic visual aesthetic. Their last studio album, Bara no Seidou, was released in the summer of 2000, reaching number 17 on music charts with sales totaling approximately 22,000 copies. On August 31 and September 1, they staged an elaborate two-night concert at Nippon Budokan featuring sophisticated stage designs. In 2001, Malice Mizer appeared in a vampire-themed film titled Bara no Konrei and issued three singles: "Gardenia", "Beast of Blood", and "Garnet ~Kindan no Sono e~". The singles "Gardenia" and "Garnet" suggested a shift toward a lighter sound. Nevertheless, the band members decided to discontinue activities that same year by declaring a "hiatus," leaving open the possibility of reuniting in the future.

Subsequent Endeavors

Following his departure in 1994, Tetsu pursued a solo career and participated in bands including Zigzo, Mega 8 Ball, Nil, and most recently The JuneJulyAugust. Beginning in 2000, Gackt launched an immensely successful solo career, establishing himself as one of Japan’s leading solo artists and television figures.

Klaha embarked on a solo path starting December 2002 but ceased active work around 2004 after disbanding his fan club; occasional updates occurred but no consistent comeback materialized. Since 2004, Yu~ki has remained mostly inactive aside from composing "Memento" for Közi’s solo project; he has expressed interest in resuming musical activities. Közi created the industrial duo Eve of Destiny, developed his solo career, performed with Dalle (from 2008 to 2022), joined My Horror Revue (initiated in 2010), and established XA-VAT with their debut single released in December 2010. In 2012, he formed ZIZ alongside his solo support musicians.

In 2002, Mana initiated his solo venture Moi dix Mois, performing extensively across Europe. He also manages his fashion brand Moi-même-Moitié (founded in 1999), which specializes in Elegant Gothic Aristocrat and Lolita fashion styles. Additionally, Mana continues overseeing his independent label Midi:Nette and has produced acts such as Schwarz Stein and Kanon Wakeshima.

Malice Mizer's legacy endures: their track "Gekka no Yasōkyoku" was covered by D on the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs- (2011), while "Illuminati" received a cover by Moran on its follow-up release (2011).

Original drummer Gaz passed away on December 22, 2017 due to illness.

Deep Sanctuary reunions

Since 2008, Mana's project Moi dix Mois has organized the Deep Sanctuary series—special gatherings connected to Malice Mizer, typically occurring every two years. The first installment, Dis Inferno Vol.VI: Last Year Party on December 27, 2008, featured a rendition of Malice Mizer's "Speed of Desperate" performed by Mana (drums), Közi (guitar), and Mana’s cousin Katsuo U.K (vocals). This event marked the first occasion Mana and Közi reunited since 2001. In 2009, Moi dix Mois and Közi embarked on a brief tour that included Deep Sanctuary performances in Osaka and Tokyo.

Deep Sanctuary II took place in July 2010 with six concerts, notably including a show at Akasaka Blitz where Yu~ki joined as a special guest—signifying the first time in nine years that the three original members of Malice Mizer performed together. Supported by Hayato (Moi dix Mois) on drums, they played "Saikai no Chi to Bara," "Beast of Blood," and a cover of Rob Zombie. The trio reconvened twice more in 2012 for Deep Sanctuary III events held at Akasaka Blitz and Osaka Muse Hall.

In October 2014, Deep Sanctuary IV was held at Akasaka Blitz, representing the first live performance under the Malice Mizer name since 2001. This was succeeded by Deep Sanctuary V in August 2016. To celebrate the band's 25th anniversary in September 2018, Mana, Közi, and Yu~ki delivered two concerts at Tokyo Toyosu Pit as Deep Sanctuary VI. Moi dix Mois and ZIZ also took part, with Sakura—Kami's drum mentor—playing drums on Kami’s original kit. Attempts to involve former members Tetsu, Gackt, and Klaha were unsuccessful; Tetsu and Gackt declined due to divergent musical directions, while Klaha was unreachable. Instead, former roadies Shuji (Cali Gari), Kamijo, and Hitomi appeared as guest vocalists. A Blu-ray recording of this performance was released on June 21, 2019.

Deep Sanctuary VII was scheduled for June 7, 2020 at Mynavi Blitz Akasaka but had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2025, no additional Deep Sanctuary events have taken place.

Musical style and influences

Malice Mizer’s sound underwent substantial transformation over time, integrating aspects of dark wave, metal, techno, classical music, synth-pop, and early gothic rock while maintaining commercial accessibility. Mana, the band’s founder, attributed their unique "twin guitar" approach—which avoids harmonizing or bending notes—to influences from childhood fears and classical composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach.

During the "Tetsu era," their style and visual presentation drew heavily from French romanticism and early 1980s goth-rock aesthetics. With Gackt joining the lineup, elements from progressive rock, art music, classical compositions, electronic music, Baroque influences, French pop, and dark wave became increasingly prominent.

The album Bara no Seidou, featuring Klaha as vocalist, introduced strong heavy metal characteristics including power chords and aggressive singing styles combined with orchestral instrumentation like pipe organ, harpsichord, string sections, choir arrangements, and operatic vocals. The track "Beast of Blood" illustrates this blend of classical music with metal and pop genres.

Their lyrics are mainly written in Japanese but often incorporate English and French phrases; themes frequently revolve around darkness—such as malice, tragedy, death, loss, and vampirism.

Malice Mizer is acknowledged as a trailblazing visual kei band that influenced many groups following X Japan. Their legacy includes promoting the presence of onnagata performers within the scene. Among artists inspired by Malice Mizer are Golden Bomber, Matenrou Opera, Kamijo from Lareine and Versailles, guitarist Sakito from Nightmare, as well as Dir En Grey drummer Shinya who cited them as a major influence for his side project Seraph.

Members

Past members

• Mana – guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion (1992–2001, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
• Közi – guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion, backing vocals, occasional cello (1992–2001, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
• Yu~ki – bass, contrabass, percussion (1992–2001, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
• Gaz – drums (1992–1993; deceased 2017)
• Tetsu – lead vocals, occasional guitar (1992–1994)
• Kami – drums (1993–1999; passed away)
• Gackt – lead vocals, piano (1995–1999)
• Klaha – lead vocals (2000–2001)

Supporting members

• Shu "Shue" Sakai – drums (2000–2001)
• Kazune – keyboards, synthesizers (2000–2001)
• Hayato – drums (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
• Sakura – drums (2018)

Timeline

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id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitar
id:Keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass,_contrabass
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id:Perc value:claret legend:Custom/electronic_percussion
id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_releases

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at:06/09/1996 color:black layer:back
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at:08/23/2000 color:black layer:back

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bar:Tetsu text:"Tetsu"
bar:Gackt text:"Gackt"
bar:Klaha text:"Klaha"
bar:Mana text:"Mana"
bar:Kozi text:"Közi"
bar:Yuki text:"Yu~ki"
bar:Gaz text:"Gaz"
bar:Kami text:"Kami"

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bar:Tetsu from:08/01/1992 till:12/27/1994 color:Vocals
bar:Gackt from:06/01/1995 till:01/15/1999 color:Vocals
bar:Gackt from:06/01/1995 till:01/15/1999 color:Keys width:3
bar:Klaha from:01/15/2000 till:12/11/2001 color:Vocals
bar:Mana from:08/01/1992 till:12/11/2001 color:Guitar
bar:Mana from:08/01/1992 till:12/11/2001 color:Keys width:3
bar:Mana from:06/21/1999 till:12/11/2001 color:Perc width:7
bar:Kozi from:08/01/1992 till:12/11/2001 color:Guitar
bar:Kozi from:08/01/1992 till:12/11/2001 color:Keys width:3
bar:Kozi from:06/21/1999 till:12/11/2001 color:Perc width:7
bar:Yuki from:08/01/1992 till:12/11/2001 color:Bass
bar:Yuki from:06/21/1999 till:12/11/2001 color:Perc width:3
bar:Gaz from:08/01/1992 till:10/01/1993 color:Drums
bar:Kami from:10/01/1993 till:06/21/1999 color:Drums
bar:Kami from:10/01/1993 till:06/21/1999 color:Perc width:3

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Discography

Studio albums

• Memoire (1994)
• Voyage Sans Retour (1996)
• Merveilles (1998)
• Bara no Seidou (2000)

External links

• Official website