Taia (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Okinawa , Japan |
| Products | Metal music albums, singles, EPs |
is a metal group originating from Okinawa, Japan, whose name is inspired by the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe.
History
Established in 1998 by university friends Taka, Yasha, and Hakua initially as an Iron Maiden tribute band, Taia received its name from their first female drummer. Early in their formation, vocalist Seika joined despite lacking any previous heavy metal background, contributing a distinctive dynamic.
In 2000, the band introduced their self-titled demo, followed by the release of "Sanctus" in 2001. The recruitment of a keyboard player played a key role in shaping their characteristic sound.
Taia gained prominence in 2002 with the track "Beware," which earned them an award that year. After replacing their keyboardist with Fuuga, they debuted their first single "Sorrow." The following year saw the release of their second single "Yumegatari," a tour across Tohoku, and the addition of second guitarist Higa.
By 2005, Taia contributed to compilations such as Trendkill2005 and Total Steel Okinawa 2005. Their first full-length album Asymmetry was launched on November 16, followed by tours covering Okinawa, Tokyo, and Osaka.
In 2006, drummer Hakua was succeeded by Ara. That July 19, they issued the EP Prayer, which included a DVD.
Early in 2007, music videos for "Praise" and "Kazamai" were unveiled ahead of their third album Seeds of Rain, released on March 14 and supported by a subsequent tour.
Their fourth studio album, Through Your Tears, became available on September 9, 2009, offered in both Japanese and English editions.
Taia’s song "Praise" appeared on the compilation Iron Angel dated January 15, 2011. Shortly after, on January 22, they performed at Iron Angel Live alongside fellow female metal bands like Destrose, Ancient Myth, and Dazzle Vision.
The band halted activities at the close of 2013 but reunited in 2017 to participate in Okinawa's Metal event "Balls of Steel," supporting label colleagues Soundwitch. Following positive feedback and a resurgence in the local metal community, Taia continued live performances through 2019.
Members
- Seika – vocals
- Munekazu "Taka" Takayama – guitar
- Masanobu "Ura" Higa – guitar
- Kuniya "Yasha" Kawamitsu – bass
- Takuya "Fuga" Uehara – keyboards
- Kengo "Ken" Chibana – drums
Former members
- Hakua – drums (1998–2006)
- Ara – drums (2006–?)
- Higa – guitar (2004–?)
Albums
- Asymmetry (November 16, 2005)
- Seeds of Rain (March 14, 2007; 10th Anniversary Edition December 3, 2017)
- Through Your Tears (September 9, 2009, Japanese edition)
- Fuu En Ya Sou -Taia 2010 Works- (December 15, 2010)
Enhanced CDs
- Gray Ocean (August 1, 2007, limited Okinawa release)
- Through Your Tears (September 9, 2009, English edition)
EPs
- Prayer (July 19, 2006, included DVD)
- Einsatz (October 1, 2008, included DVD)
Singles
- "Sorrow" (2002)
- "Yumegatari" (2003)
Demos
- "Taia" (2000)
- "Sanctus" (2001)
Omnibuses
- Trendkill2005 (February 2, 2005; tracks: "Sand and Rain," "Wind Dance")
- Total Steel Okinawa 2005 (May 11, 2005; track: "Beware")
- Enter the Rampage (November 25, 2009; track: "Falling" English Version)
- Iron Angel (January 15, 2011; track: "Praise")
DVDs
- Gekka Sou Sou Tour "Blessed Rain" (Released September 19, 2007; Available in Limited and Standard editions)