Siam Shade
Encyclopedia
Siam Shade was a five-piece Japan
ese rock band, which broke onto the visual kei
scene alongside a multitude of other artists in the early 1990s. They enjoyed a decade of relative popularity before disbanding in early 2002. On November 18, 2007, they reunited for a concert in honor of their recently deceased manager. On July 17 and October 21, 2011, the band reunited once again for free concerts dedicated to the victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Outside Japan, Siam Shade is best known for "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
", one of the many ending themes of the Rurouni Kenshin
anime.
vocalist Ryuichi Kawamura
, who, impressed with the band's demo tape and live performances, expressed interest in touring with the group. The two bands embarked on a three month tour together at the end of 1993.
Siam Shade underwent a brief lineup change in 1994 when A left the band and was replaced by Jun-ji, solidifying the group's lineup until their disbandment. Later that year, the band released their first self-titled album. Roughly one year later, the band signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan
and released their second album, Siam Shade II. The album was met with favorable reactions, and the success of the album's two singles, "Rain" and "Time's", helped to solidify the band's presence in the rock scene.
The band burst into the mainstream in late 1996 when "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
", a single from their latest album Siam Shade IV, was selected as an ending theme for the Rurouni Kenshin
anime
series. The song's popularity led to increased ticket sales, concert DVDs, and television appearances.
The band continued to release albums and DVDs well into the next decade. In 2002, while touring in support of their recently released compilation albums, the band announced that they would be disbanding in favor of pursuing solo careers. Siam Shade's 10-year career came to an end on March 11, 2002 at the Nippon Budokan
. Later that month, the band released their final album, Siam Shade X, a compilation of all their previous releases.
, before leaving in 2006 to focus on his solo career again. However, in 2007 he formed Detrox with KAZ (Sads
) and they have been releasing work quite frequently.
Kazuma also started his solo career after the disbanding. In 2003, he performed a duet with Vivian Hsu
, "Moment", which was used as the second opening theme to the anime Gundam Seed. He has also played support guitar for Anna Tsuchiya
and Damijaw (solo project of Janne Da Arc
member Ka-yu).
Daita started a solo career, wrote the soundtrack for the movie Volcano High, and played support guitar for Kyosuke Himuro
. In 2005 he formed the band Binecks.
Natin, now going by the stage-name "Natchin", has a solo career and in 2008 formed the band Big Bites with Anchang (Sex Machineguns
) and Annie (The Yellow Monkey
).
Junji has a solo career, was support drummer for TM Revolution, and in 2008 formed the band Bull Zeichen 88. He is also a regular support member for Acid Black Cherry
.
Siam Shade held a reunion concert, titled "Heart of Rock", on November 18, 2007 at the Nippon Budokan, in honor of their manager who died the previous April. The band stated that the reunion was a one-off event, and would not pave the way for a new single or album release.
On October 27, 2010 a tribute album
to Siam Shade was released, Siam Shade Tribute
. It is composed entirely of Western artists such as Sebastian Bach
, Richie Kotzen
, Mike Vescera and George Lynch
.
Siam Shade's song "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
" was covered by Nogod
on the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, which was released on January 26, 2011 and features current visual kei
bands covering songs from bands that were important to the '90s visual kei movement. "Glacial Love" will be covered by Guild on its sequel, Crush! 2 -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, that will be released on November 23, 2011.
On April 29, 2011, Siam Shade announced on their new website, which went online on the same day, that they would reunite once again. This time for a free concert on July 17 at Zepp
Sendai, entitled "Siam Shade Spirits ~Return The Favor~", "to bring hope" to the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
. On June 20, a second concert was announced for October 21 at Saitama Super Arena
.
, born – bass
, born – rhythm guitar
, backing vocals, born – lead guitar
, born – drums
Albums
Compilations
Various Artists Compilations
Tribute album
Videos
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 rock band, which broke onto the visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
scene alongside a multitude of other artists in the early 1990s. They enjoyed a decade of relative popularity before disbanding in early 2002. On November 18, 2007, they reunited for a concert in honor of their recently deceased manager. On July 17 and October 21, 2011, the band reunited once again for free concerts dedicated to the victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Outside Japan, Siam Shade is best known for "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
is a single by Siam Shade released on November 27, 1997. It is the band's best known work and best selling single, reaching number three on the Oricon chart. The title song was used as the sixth ending theme of the Rurouni Kenshin anime...
", one of the many ending themes of the Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin
, also known as Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The fictional setting takes place during the early Meiji period in Japan. The story is about a fictional assassin named Himura Kenshin, from the Bakumatsu who becomes a wanderer to...
anime.
Career
The band, originally called Power, was formed in 1991 by Natin and Hideki (then known as Chack), two high school friends with an affinity for music. Their aspirations started to become a reality in 1992, when they met guitarist Kazuma at a talent show. After seeing his performance, they recruited the guitarist into the band and changed their name to Ataeru. In 1993, guitarist Ataru and drummer A, completed the lineup and the group began touring, playing small clubs and local venues. Shortly after, they changed their name again, settling on Siam Shade. They released a demo on May 1, shortly after which Ataru left. Hideki then called on his former roommate and one-time band member Daita to fill in the lead guitar slot. Siam Shade soon caught the eye of Luna SeaLuna 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...
vocalist Ryuichi Kawamura
Ryuichi Kawamura
is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actor and record producer. He is best known as lead singer of the rock band Luna Sea. After the group disbanded in 2000, Ryuichi went on to a successful solo career. In 2005 he formed Tourbillon with, fellow Luna Sea member, Inoran and Hiroaki Hayama...
, who, impressed with the band's demo tape and live performances, expressed interest in touring with the group. The two bands embarked on a three month tour together at the end of 1993.
Siam Shade underwent a brief lineup change in 1994 when A left the band and was replaced by Jun-ji, solidifying the group's lineup until their disbandment. Later that year, the band released their first self-titled album. Roughly one year later, the band signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan
Sony Music Entertainment Japan
is Sony's music arm in Japan. SMEJ is directly owned by Sony Corporation and independent from the United States-based Sony Music Entertainment due to its strength in the Japanese music industry....
and released their second album, Siam Shade II. The album was met with favorable reactions, and the success of the album's two singles, "Rain" and "Time's", helped to solidify the band's presence in the rock scene.
The band burst into the mainstream in late 1996 when "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
is a single by Siam Shade released on November 27, 1997. It is the band's best known work and best selling single, reaching number three on the Oricon chart. The title song was used as the sixth ending theme of the Rurouni Kenshin anime...
", a single from their latest album Siam Shade IV, was selected as an ending theme for the Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin
, also known as Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The fictional setting takes place during the early Meiji period in Japan. The story is about a fictional assassin named Himura Kenshin, from the Bakumatsu who becomes a wanderer to...
anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series. The song's popularity led to increased ticket sales, concert DVDs, and television appearances.
The band continued to release albums and DVDs well into the next decade. In 2002, while touring in support of their recently released compilation albums, the band announced that they would be disbanding in favor of pursuing solo careers. Siam Shade's 10-year career came to an end on March 11, 2002 at the Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan
The , often shortened to simply Budokan, is an indoor arena in central Tokyo, Japan.This is the location where many "Live at the Budokan" albums were recorded...
. Later that month, the band released their final album, Siam Shade X, a compilation of all their previous releases.
Post projects
After the disbandment Hideki quickly begin his solo career. In 2003, he joined the band AcidAcid (band)
Acid was a Japanese rock band originally created by Hideki after Siam Shade disbanded.In the beginning, Hideki had a huge influence on Acid and they played a mix of alternative metal and emo with emphasis placed on his and Junpei's twin vocals...
, before leaving in 2006 to focus on his solo career again. However, in 2007 he formed Detrox with KAZ (Sads
SADS (band)
Sads is a post-punk and glam rock band formed in Japan in 1999. The band made its debut with the single "Tokyo". They released nine singles and four albums before their disbandment in 2003. In 2010, Sads reformed with a more metal sound and signed to the Avex label...
) and they have been releasing work quite frequently.
Kazuma also started his solo career after the disbanding. In 2003, he performed a duet with Vivian Hsu
Vivian Hsu
Vivian Hsu is a Taiwanese singer, actress, and model who has gained remarkable popularity in East Asia, mainly in Taiwan and Japan.Hsu rose to prominence in Japan, where she made her first appearance in 1995 and has become a highly-recognized celebrity with her countless appearances in media...
, "Moment", which was used as the second opening theme to the anime Gundam Seed. He has also played support guitar for Anna Tsuchiya
Anna Tsuchiya
is 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...
and Damijaw (solo project of Janne Da Arc
Janne Da Arc
is a Japanese rock band from Hirakata, Osaka. The band's name is often seen shortened to either "Janne" or "JDA".- Career :The band is currently signed to the Motorod record label, which is owned by Avex Group...
member Ka-yu).
Daita started a solo career, wrote the soundtrack for the movie Volcano High, and played support guitar for Kyosuke Himuro
Kyosuke Himuro
is a popular Japanese singer. He was a member of the rock group Boøwy from 1981 to 1988. After the group disbanded he started a successful solo career. In 2003, HMV Japan ranked Himuro at number 76 on their list of the 100 most important Japanese pop acts...
. In 2005 he formed the band Binecks.
Natin, now going by the stage-name "Natchin", has a solo career and in 2008 formed the band Big Bites with Anchang (Sex Machineguns
Sex Machineguns
Sex Machineguns is a Japanese speed metal band formed in 1983. Their music is characterized by a heavy focus on bass as well as extremely fast guitar and bass solos...
) and Annie (The Yellow Monkey
The Yellow Monkey
The Yellow Monkey , often abbreviated as Yemon , was a Japanese rock band active from 1989 to 2001. They officially disbanded on July 7, 2004....
).
Junji has a solo career, was support drummer for TM Revolution, and in 2008 formed the band Bull Zeichen 88. He is also a regular support member for Acid Black Cherry
Acid Black Cherry
Acid Black Cherry is Janne Da Arc vocalist Yasu's solo project, formed in 2007 when they went on hiatus. The band's name is often seen shortened to A.B.C..-Background:...
.
Siam Shade held a reunion concert, titled "Heart of Rock", on November 18, 2007 at the Nippon Budokan, in honor of their manager who died the previous April. The band stated that the reunion was a one-off event, and would not pave the way for a new single or album release.
On October 27, 2010 a tribute album
Tribute album
A tribute album is a recorded collection of cover versions of songs or instrumental compositions. Its concept may be either various artists making a tribute to a single artist, a single artist making a tribute to various artists, or a single artist making a tribute to another single artist.There...
to Siam Shade was released, Siam Shade Tribute
Siam Shade Tribute
Siam Shade Tribute is a tribute album to Siam Shade, released on October 27, 2010. It is composed of covers of their songs by Western artists and is produced by well-known American producer Marti Frederiksen.- Track listing :...
. It is composed entirely of Western artists such as Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach is a Canadian heavy metal singer who achieved mainstream success as frontman of Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. Since his departure from Skid Row, he has had many television roles, acted within Broadway plays, and leads a successful solo career.-Early life:Bach was born Sebastian...
, Richie Kotzen
Richie Kotzen
Richie Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter.At a young age, Richie Kotzen was taken by music and first began playing piano at the age of five. At the age of seven he was inspired by the band KISS to learn the electric guitar...
, Mike Vescera and George Lynch
George Lynch (musician)
George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
.
Siam Shade's song "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou
is a single by Siam Shade released on November 27, 1997. It is the band's best known work and best selling single, reaching number three on the Oricon chart. The title song was used as the sixth ending theme of the Rurouni Kenshin anime...
" was covered by Nogod
Nogod
Nogod , is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 2005 by vocalist Danchou. Originally named , the band has been using simply Nogod since signing to the major label King Records in 2010.-2005–2009: Formation and rise:...
on the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, which was released on January 26, 2011 and features current visual kei
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
bands covering songs from bands that were important to the '90s visual kei movement. "Glacial Love" will be covered by Guild on its sequel, Crush! 2 -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-, that will be released on November 23, 2011.
On April 29, 2011, Siam Shade announced on their new website, which went online on the same day, that they would reunite once again. This time for a free concert on July 17 at Zepp
Zepp
The Zepp music halls are a group of Japanese music halls covering every area of the country. The Zepp halls play host to many international tours and are a popular stop among Japanese musicians. Each venue takes the Zepp name, along with the city in which it is located...
Sendai, entitled "Siam Shade Spirits ~Return The Favor~", "to bring hope" to the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
. On June 20, a second concert was announced for October 21 at Saitama Super Arena
Saitama Super Arena
is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Chūō-ku, Saitama City, Saitama, Japan. Its spectator capacity is 37,000 at maximum settings.This main arena capacity is between 19,000-22,500 when events such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, ice hockey, gymnastics, boxing, mixed martial arts and...
.
Members
, born – vocalsSinging
Singing 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...
, born – bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, born – rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
, backing vocals, born – lead guitar
Lead guitar
Lead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, born – drums
Drum kit
A 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 ....
Discography
Singles- "Doll" (December 19, 1993, distributed for free at first one-man live)
- "Rain" (October 21, 1995) OriconOricon, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
Singles Ranking: #49 - "Time's" (February 1, 1996) #44
- "Why Not?" (February 21, 1997) #69
- "Risk" (May 21, 1997) #42
- "Passion" (July 30, 1997) #35
- "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou1/3 no Junjou na Kanjouis a single by Siam Shade released on November 27, 1997. It is the band's best known work and best selling single, reaching number three on the Oricon chart. The title song was used as the sixth ending theme of the Rurouni Kenshin anime...
" (1/3の純情な感情, November 27, 1997) #3 - "Glacial Love" (グレイシャルLOVE, May 13, 1998) #10
- "Dreams" (August 5, 1998) #4
- "Never End" (October 28, 1998) #9
- "Kumori Nochi Hare" (曇りのち晴れ, February 24, 1999) #8
- "Black" (September 15, 1999) #5
- "1999" (September 29, 1999) #7
- "Setsunasa Yori mo Tooku e" (せつなさよりも遠くへ, April 19, 2000) #10
- "Life" (April 11, 2001) #13
- "Adrenaline" (アドレナリン, September 27, 2001) #14
- "Love" (November 28, 2001) #20
Albums
- Siam Shade (December 10, 1994) Oricon Indies Ranking: #2
- Siam Shade II (November 11, 1995) Oricon Albums Ranking: #27
- Siam Shade III (October 2, 1996) #20
- Siam Shade IV - Zero (January 21, 1998) #3
- Siam Shade V (December 2, 1998) #6
- Siam Shade VI (July 26, 2000) #8
Compilations
- Siam Shade VII (November 29, 2000) #23
- Siam Shade VIII B-Side Collection (January 30, 2001) #17
- Siam Shade IX A-Side Collection (March 6, 2002) #20
- Siam Shade X ~Perfect Collection~ (November 27, 2002) #98
- Siam Shade XI Complete Best ~Heart Of Rock~ (September 26, 2007) #26
- Siam Shade XII ~The Best Live Collection~ (October 27, 2010) #23
Various Artists Compilations
- Emergency Express 1994 (February 1, 1994)
- 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) - Tokyo Rock CityTokyo Rock CityTokyo Rock City is a compilation album, issued by Sony BMG in cooperation with Kastella Media, featuring tracks by artists who mostly are from the Japanese visual kei scene.- Track listing :...
(November 6, 2007) - Genten (October 6, 2010)
- Climax J-Rock History (December 22, 2010)
Tribute album
- Siam Shade TributeSiam Shade TributeSiam Shade Tribute is a tribute album to Siam Shade, released on October 27, 2010. It is composed of covers of their songs by Western artists and is produced by well-known American producer Marti Frederiksen.- Track listing :...
(October 27, 2010)
Videos
- Siam Shade (VHS: March 1, 1997, DVD: December 6, 2000)
- Siam Shade V2 Clips '95 - '97 (VHS: March 1, 1998, DVD: December 6, 2000)
- Siam Shade V3 (VHS: March 20, 1999, DVD: December 16, 2000)
- Siam Shade V4 Tour 1999 Monkey Science Final Yoyogi (VHS: August 30, 1999, DVD: September 22, 1999)
- Siam Shade V5 (September 6, 2000)
- Siam Shade V6 Live Otoko ki (December 31, 2000)
- Siam Shade V7 Live in Budokan Legend of Sanctuary (March 27, 2002)
- Siam Shade V8 Start & Stand Up Live in Budokan 2002.03.10 (May 29, 2002)
- Siam Shade V9 The Perfect Clip (January 8, 2003)