Shazna

Shazna

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1993
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Music albums, singles

Shazna (presented as SHAZNA) is a Japanese visual kei rock ensemble that has operated sporadically since its inception in 1993. Originally drawing from gothic and post-punk inspirations, their musical style evolved into a new wave direction by 1996. During their 1990s prominence, they were recognized as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of visual kei," alongside La'cryma Christi, Malice Mizer, and Fanatic Crisis. Their 1998 debut album under a major label, Gold Sun and Silver Moon, achieved the number two spot on the Oricon charts, surpassed one million in sales, and earned the "Rock Album of the Year" accolade at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. The band reassembled in 2006 to release fresh material, reunited once more in 2017 with three female additions, and resumed activity as a core trio in 2023.

History

Established in 1993, Shazna's original lineup featured vocalist Izam, guitarist A・O・I, bassist Niy, and drummer Katsura—who departed in 1996 to join Baiser. The group attracted notice partly due to Izam's unique cross-dressing aesthetic, inspired by artists like Boy George and Culture Club.

Their major label debut single "Melty Love," released on August 27, 1997, climbed to number two on the Oricon singles chart and secured them the "Best Newcomer" title at the Japan Cable Awards. The related album Gold Sun and Silver Moon earned Million certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan and was honored as "Rock Album of the Year" at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. It remains among the top-selling albums spanning 1989–1998.

In 1999, Izam's widely publicized marriage and rapid divorce from idol Hinano Yoshikawa generated controversy. That same year, Shazna transitioned to Toshiba EMI, releasing Pure Hearts in June followed by their final single "Winter's Review" in December. After compiling a singles collection in January 2000, they entered an indefinite hiatus starting October.

Following this break, members explored diverse paths: Izam embarked on solo music projects and acting roles; A・O・I concentrated on acoustic music and filmmaking; Niy became part of the band Fanble.

The band reunited once again in June 2006, producing the single "Heart" (April 2007) and album 10th Melty Life (August 2007). They disbanded after concluding with a final concert in March 2009.

Their track "Melty Love" was later covered by BugLug for the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs- (2011), which celebrated influential visual kei groups from the 1990s.

In August 2017, Shazna marked their 20th anniversary since their major debut by reforming with original members Izam, A・O・I, Niy alongside new female musicians: vocalist Raychell, drummer Natsume, and saxophonist Asuka.

Members

• Izam – lead vocals (1993–2000, 2006–2009, 2017–2019, 2023–present)
• A・O・I – guitar (1993–2000, 2017–2019, 2023–present)
• Niy – bass guitar (1993–2000, 2006–2009, 2017–2019, 2023–present)

Former members

• – drums (1993–1996)
• Raychell – vocals (2017–2019)
• Natsume – drums (2017–2019)
• Asuka – saxophone (2017–2019)

Studio albums

• Sophia (November 30, 1994)
• Melty Case (March 14, 1996)
• Raspberry Time (August 1, 1996), Oricon Albums Chart Peak: No. 43
• Promise Eve (January 22, 1997) No. 16
• Gold Sun and Silver Moon (January 22, 1998) No. 2
• Pure Hearts (June 30, 1999) No. 15
• 10th Melty Life (August 8, 2007)

Compilation albums

• Best Album 1993–2000: Oldies (released January 1, 2000) reached No. 24
• Single Best Shazna & Izam (September 5, 2007), a collection featuring singles and Izam's solo work
• Shazna Love Selection - EP (December 12, 2014), a compilation of ballads

Singles

• "Stillness for Dear" (April 17, 1994), limited edition of 330 copies
• "Dizziness" (December 8, 1995), limited to 500 copies
• "Dizziness" (reissued January 5, 1996 with B-side), limited to 1000 copies
• "Melty Love" (August 27, 1997) – peaked at No. 2 on the Oricon Singles Chart

Used as the ending theme of

• "White Silent Night" (December 3, 1997) – reached No. 1

Served as the ending theme of

• "Sweet Heart Memory" (January 7, 1998) – attained No. 2

Featured as the ending theme of

• "Pureness" (April 22, 1998) – peaked at No. 4

Theme song for Crayon Shin-chan: Blitzkrieg! Pig's Hoof's Secret Mission

• "Love is Alive/Dear Love" (April 29, 1998) – No. 6 on the charts

"Lover" – ending theme of

"Virgin" – ending theme of

• "Pink" (January 27, 1999) – reached No. 15

Used as the ending theme of

• "Piece of Love" (March 31, 1999) – charted at No. 17

Theme track for Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne

• (Title omitted) – peaked at No. 20
• "Aqua" (September 22, 1999) – reached No. 45

Ending theme of

• "Winter's Review" (December 8, 1999) – attained No. 44

Ending theme for the Japanese version of The Rugrats Movie

Demos

• "Enmity" (1993)
• "Shazna" (1993)
• "Voice of..." (January 9, 1994)

Videos

• Lavender Color Shazna Feeling (June 4, 1997)
• Melty Love (October 8, 1997)
• Silent Beauty (January 1, 1998)
• Pure Hearts (April 28, 1999)
• Dear September Lovers Shazna Live at Budokan '98 (December 26, 1998)
• Complete. -Last Live- (July 15, 2009)