Phantasmagoria (band)

Phantasmagoria

Company type	Independent music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1 November 2004 (2004-11-01) in Osaka, Japan
Founder	Kisaki, Jun
Fate	Disbanded in 2007; reunited intermittently 2008–2010
Headquarters	Osaka , Japan
Area served	Japan
Products	Music albums, singles, live performances

Phantasmagoria was a visual kei rock ensemble originating from Osaka in November 2004, established by bassist Kisaki alongside guitarist Jun. They rose to prominence as one of the top three acts under Kisaki's independent label, Under Code Production.

History

The inception of Phantasmagoria occurred when Jun proposed forming a band together to Kisaki. Having been involved with numerous visual kei groups previously, Kisaki acknowledged Jun for reigniting his enthusiasm for music, recognizing him as the primary composer and the architect of the band’s sound. Former Mar'derayla guitarist Iori, who had played alongside Jun, joined the lineup. After evaluating potential vocalists, including future Sadie frontman Mao, they ultimately selected Riku as their singer. Upon their formation, Kisaki declared that Phantasmagoria would be his final musical project to underline his dedication. Their debut single "Material Pain" was featured in Shoxx magazine on December 21, 2004, followed shortly by the maxi-single "Moonlight Revival". Within a month, they secured the cover spot on the visual kei publication Cure, signaling swift success within the indie scene.

Kisaki emphasized the significance of their 2006 trilogy—"Kousou Kyoku", "Kyousou Kyoku", and "Gensou Kyoku"—as a pivotal creative phase that broadened their audience. The group concentrated on crafting unique compositions and memorable music videos to strengthen their market presence. Plans for a major label debut via the single "Kami Uta" were derailed following Kisaki’s arrest and conviction related to tax evasion, which also impacted labelmates Vidoll and 12012. Following this, Kisaki issued an apology to the band members and opted to dissolve Phantasmagoria after completing a final nationwide tour focused on enjoyment and leaving a lasting legacy. This tour sold out venues across major cities and culminated at the Osaka International Exchange Center, cementing their status as an iconic indie group. Their concluding performance took place on August 31, 2007, succeeded by the tribute compilation Tribute to Phantasmagoria released in October. Subsequently, Kisaki retired from performing to dedicate himself to managing Under Code Production and producing other artists. Meanwhile, Riku went on to establish Chariots in 2007.

Responding to strong fan interest, Phantasmagoria reunited for a Tokyo concert on August 31, 2008, followed by an appearance at Ajinomoto Stadium during the Hide Memorial Summit on May 3. Kisaki highlighted the importance of paying homage to Hide’s influence despite some criticism. A second tribute album titled Past New Phase was launched in August 2008.

The band regrouped once more for performances in 2009 and twice during 2010, including shows at Tokyo Cinema Club and Osaka Big Cat. Alongside these live events, they issued previously unreleased tracks: the four-song mini-album Seeds of Brain and the single "Diamond Dust," which included an instrumental version. Kisaki described these releases as their final offerings intended for devoted fans. In June 2010, a "memorial CD" entitled "Actuality," featuring four unreleased songs, was released, while October 2011 saw the arrival of the compilation album Wailing Wall 2004-2010.

Following Phantasmagoria's disbandment, Jun and Iori launched the duo Spiv States in November 2009 (with Iori departing in September 2010), whereas Kisaki and Riku formed Lin -the End of Corruption World- in 2010. After Lin’s initial phase concluded in 2013, Kisaki revived it as its sole original member.

Members

• – lead vocals, keyboards
  • Vocalist born on January 3, 1978, in Hyōgo Prefecture; formerly performed under a different name in Kawon and Hiskarea.
• Jun (JUN) – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Guitarist born November 17, 1983, in Kobe; previously a member of Se'lavy and Mar'derayla.
• – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Guitarist born January 10, 1984, in Kobe; also associated with Se'lavy and Mar'derayla.
• Kisaki (KISAKI) – bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, bandleader
  • Bassist and band leader born March 10, 1976, in Kainan, Wakayama; former member of Shey≠de, Stella Maria, La:Sadie's, Mirage, and Syndrome.
• – drums, percussion
  • Drummer born September 25, 1981, in Osaka; previously involved with Kawon and Hiskarea.
• – drums (active during 2004–2005)

Singles

• "Material Pain" (released December 21, 2004)
• "Moonlight Revival" (released December 22, 2004)
• "Never Rebellion" (issued June 1, 2005) Oricon Weekly Singles Chart Peak Position: 83
• "Never Rebellion – Fool's Mate Edition" (issued July 1, 2005)
• Peak chart positions include: 22, 80, 90, and 75 respectively for various editions.
• "Under the Veil" (issued December 13, 2006) Peak Position: 77
• "Vain" (released February 14, 2007)
• "Kisaki Chronicle" (released June 21, 2007) Peak Position: 32
• "Vanish..." (issued August 31, 2008)
• "Diamond Dust" (released March 10, 2010)
• "Actuality" (released June 16, 2010)

Mini-albums

• Synthesis Songs (released September 20, 2006)
• Sign of Fragment (issued December 20, 2006)
• Subjective or Ideal (issued December 20, 2006)
• Seeds of Brain (released March 10, 2010)

Compilation albums

• Splendor of Sanctuary (United States release: October 21, 2005)
• Requiem: Floral Edition (issued September 5, 2007)
• Requiem: Funeral Edition (issued September 5, 2007)
• No Imagination (released October 10, 2007)
• Dejavu: Sanctuary of Revival (issued August 20, 2008)
• Wailing Wall 2004-2010 (released October 26, 2011)

Home videos

• Kindling Vol.1 (released March 1, 2005)
• Survivor's Guilt: USA Houston Park Plaza Hotel Reliant – October 21 & 22, 2005 (issued June 21, 2006)
• Territory of Divine: Shibuya-AX March 27, 2006 (released July 25, 2006)
• Japanesque Rock Collectionz Cure DVD Vol.01 (issued September 27, 2006)
• Creatures in Imagination (released November 15, 2006)
• Black-Veil Before Christmas: La Foret Museum Roppongi December 17, 2006 (issued February 21, 2007)
• At the End of the Rest Period: Shibuya-AX February 23, 2007 (released April 25, 2007)
• Shinki: Graduation & Departure (issued May 30, 2007)
• Forbidden: Insanity of the Underworld (released November 20, 2008)
• History of Phantasmagoria 2004-2008 (issued December 24, 2008)
• Diamond Dust in Truth (released June 26, 2010)