Oblivion Dust
Encyclopedia
Oblivion Dust is a Japan
ese post-grunge
/alternative rock
band very influenced by early 90’s American rock bands, but with a trademark sonority that makes the band unique. They stand out in the Japanese scene because a big part of their songs are written and sung in fluent English
.
(who had joined the band a short while ago) decided to form a new band and take a "western style". In late '95 they recruited Kazuhito "K.A.Z" Iwaike
as lead guitarist and in early '96 recruited Ken Lloyd
as vocalist and (in the beginning) guitarist. They started to make songs and went to Los Angeles, California
to record their first album (which wasn't released until the following year) with Ray McVeigh (The Professionals
, Zilch
, Wild Crash 500, etc.) as producer (he would also be the producer of their second and third album), but once recording of the album was completed Derek Forbes
dropped out of the band and was replaced on bass by Koozie "Jer Koozie" Johns as support member in a few shows from mid 1996 until the end of that year, then he left the band and was replaced by Matt Garrett as an official member. Soon after, thanks to the help of hide
, they signed with alternative label, Cutting Edge, a label owned by the Avex Group. The name of the band was changed to Oblivion Dust in September 1996, with their debut under this name in November 1996.
In January 1997, they released their first single entitled "Sucker". March witnessed the release of their second single "Numb". In April the group toured the West Coast of the United States
with a series of 10 concerts. In May, they managed to release one more single and in June their first full length album entitled Looking for Elvis. In July, they returned to the West Coast of the United States
to play 10 more concerts and Matt Garrett left the band. In September they had their first Japanese tour consisting of a total of 11 shows and 5 extra shows in October.
In January 1998, a new bassist joined the band as official member: Rikiji Masuda. That same month they played as the opening band for the UK electronic group, The Prodigy
's gig in Tokyo before a crowd of 10.000 fans, gaining a name for themselves. 1998 also saw the release of 2 singles and their second album: Misery Days
. Between both singles, they toured the West Coast of the United States
again in April. The rest of year they toured Japan and in November 1998, Souta "Furuton" Oofuruton replaced Taka Motomura who left around August.
In 1999 Oblivion Dust released 4 new singles, another new album called Reborn and their first video, Overdose. Apart from that, they toured all year long, playing with other well known bands such as Marilyn Manson
and Zilch
. In September their official fan club, "Embryo", was temporarily opened and December witnessed the opening of their official website.
The band began 2000 with a nationwide "Reborn tour". In February their fan club was officially opened and in May their new song entitled "S.O.S." appeared on the Japanese version of the Mission: Impossible II soundtrack. In the same year, the band played numerous sold-out gigs; they also played at the Summer Sonic Festival
, released 2 singles, a new album called Butterfly Head and their second video. The gig performed on December 23 at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall
turned out to be Rikiji
's last, as he decided to quit the band soon after.
In January 2001, their support guitarist since September '98, Masaru "May" Yoshida gained the status of an official member and the band was joined by a new bassist Ju-ken
, as a support member. The members didn't enjoy their new roles for long, because only a few months later, on June 30, Oblivion Dust announced that they would officially disband. The last release was the compilation album entitled Radio Songs ~ Best of Oblivion Dust, which came out two months later. Finally the group held their last two concerts on September 22 and 23, these were titled "Last Two Nights Thank You & Good Bye".
On June 28, 2007 it was announced that Ken
, K.A.Z
and Rikiji
decided to get back together, playing two concerts called "Resurrected" on September 8 and 9. On November 7, it was announced they would release three digital downloads
in three weeks before the release of their new album in stores on January 23, 2008, this self-titled album was available in a regular edition and a limited edition that came with a DVD with the full performance of the September 9 gig and the "Never Ending" music video.
Early in 2008, Oblivion Dust had a short tour to signify their reformation. Then, they performed at one night of the two-night "hide
memorial summit" on May 4, alongside X Japan
, Luna Sea
, and others.
In mid 2008, the band released the single "Girl in Mono/Bed of Roses" and announced an album for early 2009, but in early 2009 it was announced that the album was delayed, because the members didn't have enough time due to their sides projects.
In late 2010, the band announced "Ashes to Dust 2011", the two shows were held at Shibuya-AX
on February 18 and 19. On March 1, 2011 the band's official fan club, "Overdose", was renewed. They will be going on their first nationwide tour in three years, entitled "Re-Creation Tour 2011", starting on June 11 and ending on July 18. This last gig was broadcasted on Ustream
, being watched by over 8.000 people around the world. Oblvion Dust will release their first material in over three years, the digital single
"Tune", on December 14, 2011.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese post-grunge
Post-grunge
Post-grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the mid-1990s as a derivative of grunge, using the sounds and aesthetic of grunge, but with a more commercially acceptable tone...
/alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band very influenced by early 90’s American rock bands, but with a trademark sonority that makes the band unique. They stand out in the Japanese scene because a big part of their songs are written and sung in fluent English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
.
History
In May 1995 the band Addict of the Trip Minds stopped activities due to differences in the direction of the band. The drummer Taka Motomura (who played on the self-titled album Addict of the Trip Minds in '94) and the bassist Derek ForbesDerek Forbes
Derek Forbes is a Scottish bassist and sometime guitarist, best known for his work with Simple Minds .His departure from the band was due to stylistic musical differences with the rest of the band during the...
(who had joined the band a short while ago) decided to form a new band and take a "western style". In late '95 they recruited Kazuhito "K.A.Z" Iwaike
K.A.Z
, better known by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.- Career :...
as lead guitarist and in early '96 recruited Ken Lloyd
Ken Lloyd
Kentaro James Shibuya Lloyd , better known as Ken Lloyd, is a British/Japanese musician and singer-songwriter. Fluent in both Japanese and English, he writes lyrics in both languages...
as vocalist and (in the beginning) guitarist. They started to make songs and went to Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
to record their first album (which wasn't released until the following year) with Ray McVeigh (The Professionals
The Professionals (band)
The Professionals were an English punk rock band in the late 1970s and early 1980s formed by ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and drummer and Paul Cook after that band's demise.-Career:...
, Zilch
Zilch (band)
Zilch is an alternative/industrial rock band formed in 1996 by Hideto "hide" Matsumoto , Ray McVeigh , Paul Raven , Joey Castillo and I.N.A...
, Wild Crash 500, etc.) as producer (he would also be the producer of their second and third album), but once recording of the album was completed Derek Forbes
Derek Forbes
Derek Forbes is a Scottish bassist and sometime guitarist, best known for his work with Simple Minds .His departure from the band was due to stylistic musical differences with the rest of the band during the...
dropped out of the band and was replaced on bass by Koozie "Jer Koozie" Johns as support member in a few shows from mid 1996 until the end of that year, then he left the band and was replaced by Matt Garrett as an official member. Soon after, thanks to the help of hide
Hide (musician)
, better known by his stage name hide , was a popular Japanese musician. He was primarily known for his work as lead guitarist of the heavy metal band X Japan from 1987 to 1997...
, they signed with alternative label, Cutting Edge, a label owned by the Avex Group. The name of the band was changed to Oblivion Dust in September 1996, with their debut under this name in November 1996.
In January 1997, they released their first single entitled "Sucker". March witnessed the release of their second single "Numb". In April the group toured the West Coast of the United States
West Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
with a series of 10 concerts. In May, they managed to release one more single and in June their first full length album entitled Looking for Elvis. In July, they returned to the West Coast of the United States
West Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
to play 10 more concerts and Matt Garrett left the band. In September they had their first Japanese tour consisting of a total of 11 shows and 5 extra shows in October.
In January 1998, a new bassist joined the band as official member: Rikiji Masuda. That same month they played as the opening band for the UK electronic group, The Prodigy
The Prodigy
The Prodigy are an English electronic dance music group formed by Liam Howlett in 1990 in Braintree, Essex. Along with Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers, and other acts, The Prodigy have been credited as pioneers of the big beat genre, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s and 2000s...
's gig in Tokyo before a crowd of 10.000 fans, gaining a name for themselves. 1998 also saw the release of 2 singles and their second album: Misery Days
Misery Days
-Track listing:...
. Between both singles, they toured the West Coast of the United States
West Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
again in April. The rest of year they toured Japan and in November 1998, Souta "Furuton" Oofuruton replaced Taka Motomura who left around August.
In 1999 Oblivion Dust released 4 new singles, another new album called Reborn and their first video, Overdose. Apart from that, they toured all year long, playing with other well known bands such as Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson (band)
Marilyn Manson is an American metal band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Formed in 1989 by Brian Warner and Scott Putesky, the group was originally named Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids with their uniquely theatrical performances gathering a local cult following in the early '90s. This attention...
and Zilch
Zilch (band)
Zilch is an alternative/industrial rock band formed in 1996 by Hideto "hide" Matsumoto , Ray McVeigh , Paul Raven , Joey Castillo and I.N.A...
. In September their official fan club, "Embryo", was temporarily opened and December witnessed the opening of their official website.
The band began 2000 with a nationwide "Reborn tour". In February their fan club was officially opened and in May their new song entitled "S.O.S." appeared on the Japanese version of the Mission: Impossible II soundtrack. In the same year, the band played numerous sold-out gigs; they also played at the Summer Sonic Festival
Summer Sonic Festival
The Summer Sonic Festival is an annual two or three-days rock festival held at the same time in Osaka and Chiba. The majority of the bands playing in Osaka the first day go to Chiba the following day and vice versa....
, released 2 singles, a new album called Butterfly Head and their second video. The gig performed on December 23 at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall
Tokyo Bay NK Hall
Tokyo Bay NK Hall was an indoor sporting arena located at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba, in Japan. The capacity of the arena is 7,000 people. It hosts local sporting events and concerts that require a smaller facility than Ariake Coliseum....
turned out to be Rikiji
RIKIJI
is a Japanese musician and bassist. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust and Mega8Ball.His musical career started as the bassist of Three Eyes Jack from 1993 to 1995, under the nickname "ChaChaMaru" . In fall 1995 Rikiji formed Mega8Ball with vocalist/guitarist Tetsu Takano...
's last, as he decided to quit the band soon after.
In January 2001, their support guitarist since September '98, Masaru "May" Yoshida gained the status of an official member and the band was joined by a new bassist Ju-ken
Ju-ken
Ju-ken is a Japanese session bassist. He is a member of GacktJob, The Wanderers and Anna Tsuchiya. He is one of the most in-demand bassists in Japan.- Career :...
, as a support member. The members didn't enjoy their new roles for long, because only a few months later, on June 30, Oblivion Dust announced that they would officially disband. The last release was the compilation album entitled Radio Songs ~ Best of Oblivion Dust, which came out two months later. Finally the group held their last two concerts on September 22 and 23, these were titled "Last Two Nights Thank You & Good Bye".
On June 28, 2007 it was announced that Ken
Ken Lloyd
Kentaro James Shibuya Lloyd , better known as Ken Lloyd, is a British/Japanese musician and singer-songwriter. Fluent in both Japanese and English, he writes lyrics in both languages...
, K.A.Z
K.A.Z
, better known by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.- Career :...
and Rikiji
RIKIJI
is a Japanese musician and bassist. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust and Mega8Ball.His musical career started as the bassist of Three Eyes Jack from 1993 to 1995, under the nickname "ChaChaMaru" . In fall 1995 Rikiji formed Mega8Ball with vocalist/guitarist Tetsu Takano...
decided to get back together, playing two concerts called "Resurrected" on September 8 and 9. On November 7, it was announced they would release three digital downloads
Music download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
in three weeks before the release of their new album in stores on January 23, 2008, this self-titled album was available in a regular edition and a limited edition that came with a DVD with the full performance of the September 9 gig and the "Never Ending" music video.
Early in 2008, Oblivion Dust had a short tour to signify their reformation. Then, they performed at one night of the two-night "hide
Hide (musician)
, better known by his stage name hide , was a popular Japanese musician. He was primarily known for his work as lead guitarist of the heavy metal band X Japan from 1987 to 1997...
memorial summit" on May 4, alongside X Japan
X Japan
is a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
, Luna Sea
Luna Sea
Luna Sea is a rock band from Kanagawa, Japan, formed in 1989. The band was initially founded by bassist J and rhythm guitarist Inoran, when they were in high school. They soon recruited lead guitarist and violinist Sugizo, drummer Shinya and vocalist Ryuichi, a lineup that has remained the same...
, and others.
In mid 2008, the band released the single "Girl in Mono/Bed of Roses" and announced an album for early 2009, but in early 2009 it was announced that the album was delayed, because the members didn't have enough time due to their sides projects.
In late 2010, the band announced "Ashes to Dust 2011", the two shows were held at Shibuya-AX
Shibuya-AX
Shibuya-AX is a concert hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, near the Yoyogi National Gymnasium.It is the only purpose-built concert hall or "live house" in the Tokyo metropolitan area that can accommodate 1,500 people...
on February 18 and 19. On March 1, 2011 the band's official fan club, "Overdose", was renewed. They will be going on their first nationwide tour in three years, entitled "Re-Creation Tour 2011", starting on June 11 and ending on July 18. This last gig was broadcasted on Ustream
Ustream
Ustream is a website which consists of a network of diverse channels providing a platform for lifecasting and live video streaming of events online. Established in March 2007, the site has over 2,000,000 registered users who generate 1,500,000+ hours of live streamed content per month with over ten...
, being watched by over 8.000 people around the world. Oblvion Dust will release their first material in over three years, the digital single
Music download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
"Tune", on December 14, 2011.
Members
- Kentaro "Ken" LloydKen LloydKentaro James Shibuya Lloyd , better known as Ken Lloyd, is a British/Japanese musician and singer-songwriter. Fluent in both Japanese and English, he writes lyrics in both languages...
– vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
(1996–2001, 2007–present) - Kazuhito "K.A.Z" IwaikeK.A.Z, better known by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.- Career :...
– guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1995–2001, 2007–present) - Rikiji Masuda – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1998–2000, 2007–present)
Support members
- Yuji – guitar (2011–present, guitarist of Mega 8 Ball)
- Arimatsu – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(2011–present, He has collaborated with several bands/artists such as VampsVampsVamps is a Japanese rock band formed in 2008 by Hyde and K.A.Z, and signed to Hyde's record label Vamprose.- History :...
and Anna TsuchiyaAnna Tsuchiyais a Japanese singer, lyricist, actress and semi-retired model.Tsuchiya was born to a Japanese mother and an American father of Polish-Irish descent from Buffalo, New York. In her earliest years, she spoke English and Japanese...
).
Former members
- Masaru "May" Yoshida – guitar (2001, support member 1998–2000)
- Souta "Furuton" Oofuruton – drums (1998–2001)
- Taka Motomura – drums (1995–1998)
- Matt Garrett – bass (1997)
- Derek ForbesDerek ForbesDerek Forbes is a Scottish bassist and sometime guitarist, best known for his work with Simple Minds .His departure from the band was due to stylistic musical differences with the rest of the band during the...
– bass (1995–1996)
Former support members
- Pablo – guitar (2007–2011, He started in the disbanded Giraffe in 1999. He was then a support guitarist for Fake?Fake?Fake? is a Japanese rock band formed in 2001 by Ken Lloyd and Inoran. Their music has been described as alternative mixed with electronic sounds...
and for Takui Nakajima. Also currently playing in the hard rock outfit out of LA/Tokyo, Pay money To my PainPay Money To My PainPay Money to My Pain is a Japanese alternative rock/metal band. All of the band's lyrics are in English.-History:...
.) - Masuo – drums (2007–2008, He has collaborated with several bands/artists such as J and Fake?Fake?Fake? is a Japanese rock band formed in 2001 by Ken Lloyd and Inoran. Their music has been described as alternative mixed with electronic sounds...
.) - Ju-kenJu-kenJu-ken is a Japanese session bassist. He is a member of GacktJob, The Wanderers and Anna Tsuchiya. He is one of the most in-demand bassists in Japan.- Career :...
– bass (2001) - Josh Lazie – bass (1997)
- Koozie "Jer Koozie" Johns – bass (some shows in 1996)
Studio albums
- Looking for Elvis (June 25, 1997)
- Misery DaysMisery Days-Track listing:...
(July 23, 1998) - Reborn (December 26, 1999)
- Butterfly Head (November 22, 2000)
- Oblivion Dust (January 23, 2008)
Singles
- "Sucker" (January 22, 1997)
- "Numb" (March 26, 1997)
- "Falling" (May 20, 1997)
- "Therapy" (March 25, 1998)
- "Trust" (May 20, 1998)
- "Blurred" (January 13, 1999, two editions)
- "You" (March 25, 1999)
- "Goodbye" (October 27, 1999)
- "Crazy" (December 26, 1999)
- "Forever" (July 12, 2000)
- "Designer Fetus" (September 27, 2000)
- "Haze" (December 26, 2007)
- "When You Say" (January 2, 2008)
- "Never Ending" (January 9, 2008)
- "Girl in Mono/Bed of Roses" (August 27, 2008)
- "Tune" (December 14, 2011)
Compilations
- Radio Songs ~ Best of Oblivion Dust (August 8, 2001, compilation album)
- Single Collection (December 27, 2001, Box set: 11 single CDs + 1 live CD)
VHS & DVDs
- Overdose (October 27, 1999, VHS, live concert)
- Overdose (March 27, 2000, DVD, live concert)
- Oblivion Dust - The Video (July 12, 2000, VHS, music videos)
- Oblivion Dust - The DVD (September 19, 2001, DVD, music videos)
Others
- Tribute SpiritsTribute SpiritsTribute Spirits is a hide tribute album released on May 1, 1999. It collects cover versions by various artists, among them most members of hide's former band X Japan....
(May 1, 1999, Track 12 "Genkai Haretsu") - Mission: Impossible II soundtrack (May 31, 2000, Track 18 "S.O.S")
Limited items
- Video Therapy (VHS for those who attended their concert at Hibiya on April 3, 1999)
- Dear embryo (CD for their fan club in September 1999)
- Free Sample Edit (CD for those who bought the first edition on the single "Forever" on July 12, 2000)
- Forever -English Version- (CD for those who attended their concert at Tokyo Bay NK HallTokyo Bay NK HallTokyo Bay NK Hall was an indoor sporting arena located at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba, in Japan. The capacity of the arena is 7,000 people. It hosts local sporting events and concerts that require a smaller facility than Ariake Coliseum....
on December 23, 2000) - Oblivion Dust Last Two Nights "Thank You & Goodbye" (VHS sold out to those who requested it in late 2001)