Shingetsu
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970s |
| Founder | Makoto Kitayama, Akira Hanamoto, Naoya Takahashi, Shizuo Suzuki, Haruhiko Tsuda |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
| Website | shingetsu |
Shingetsu () is a progressive rock ensemble from Japan that emerged in the 1970s and is widely recognized as one of the country's premier progressive rock groups.
Fronted by Makoto Kitayama, who is often dubbed the "Japanese Peter Gabriel" due to his profound and emotive vocal style, Shingetsu developed a cinematic progressive sound that invited comparisons to the classic period of Genesis and earned them acclaim beyond Japan.
The founding members—Kitayama, Akira Hanamoto, Naoya Takahashi, Shizuo Suzuki, and Haruhiko Tsuda—produced a single studio album during their original tenure, followed by two live albums featuring previously unreleased concert recordings. In 2015, the band issued From A Distant Star (recorded in 2005), which contains compositions penned prior to their 1981 dissolution as well as a studio demo laid down after their 1979 debut.
Their self-titled album, Shingetsu, is hailed as a symphonic prog classic distinguished by its elaborate arrangements, incorporating gentle organ and synthesizer textures, Mellotron, and intricate 12-string guitar work reminiscent of British progressive bands from the 1970s. Kitayama’s unique vocal delivery further differentiates them from Western contemporaries.
Around 2014, the group recommenced touring under the name "Shingetsu Project." While Kitayama no longer participates in live performances, he continues to contribute to studio projects with the band.
Current members
| Shingetsu's lineup | |
|---|---|
| Vocals | Makoto Kitayama |
| Guitar | Haruhiko Tsuda |
| Keyboards | Akira Hanamoto |
| Bass | Shizuo Suzuki |
| Drums | Naoya Takahashi |
Collaborated members
| Guest contributors | |
|---|---|
| Takashi Kokubo | Synthesizer programming and live keyboard support |
| Hiroshi Morimura | Saxophone (on track 4) |
Studio albums
- 1979: "Shingetsu" (Zen Records, Victor Entertainment)
- 2016: "From a Distant Star" (Belle Antique) (recorded in 2005; released as a studio album in 2016)
Compilations
- 1994: "Akai Me No Kagami: Live '79" (live compilation)
- 1995: "Night Collector" (科学の夜) (also known as "Kagaku No Yoru" or "Serenade")
- 2004: "Live 25-26 July 1979, ABC Kaikan Hall, Tokyo" (live compilation)
- 2005: "Zenshi" (also titled "Shingetsu Zenshi") (compilation encompassing both studio albums plus bootleg material including "Out-Takes 1979-1980" and "Night Collector")
Meaning and disambiguation
Shingetsu is also the title of a shakuhachi honkyoku piece from the Dokyoku tradition. The term combines shin, meaning heart, mind, or spirit, with getsu, meaning moon, symbolizing enlightenment or perfection. Hence, it can be interpreted as "heart moon," "spirit perfection," or "enlightenment of the mind." This composition is noted as the slowest and most tranquil within the Dokyoku repertoire.
Renowned shakuhachi performers such as Watazumi Doso, Yokoyama Katsuya, and Alcvin Takegawa Ramos have recorded versions of "Shingetsu."