Zombie

Zombie formed in 2004 with vocalist Shizuo, guitarist Aoi, bassist Yama-P, and drummer Ko-ichi. Their name pointed toward the dark themes they'd explore, though early on their intense live shows and uncompromising style made it hard to break through in a mainstream-dominated scene.

Things shifted in 2008 with the single 'Makkura,' a haunting track that blended aggression with melody and became a hit. That led to albums like 'Gallows' in 2009 and 'R.I.P.' in 2013, which built their reputation as a formidable Japanese rock band. Their sound mixed heavy metal intensity with goth-inspired darkness and ethereal melodies.

Their lyrics often dealt with violence, death, and the occult, and their stage shows sometimes included graphic imagery, which drew criticism. But they kept releasing music, with later albums like 'Psycho Circus' in 2015 and 'The Last Waltz' in 2021. Songs like 'Abril' and 'Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Thing' continued in that vein.