陰陽座 (Onmyo-Za)
煌神羅刹 (Kojin Rasetsu)

The Onmyo-Za (literally "the union of yin and yang") are a Japanese heavy metal band formed in Osaka in 1999.

Their genre is a mix of classic heavy metal mainly influenced by Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but you can also sense Zeppelin-like influences, as well as Japanese folk and pop. Their lyrics are all written in classical Japanese and the themes of their songs revolve around Japanese mythology and historical figures. The band members use stage names and wear the typical costumes of the Heian period (794-1185 AD).

The group is composed of bassist Matatabi (a huge fan of Judas Priest) who writes almost all of Onmyo-Za's songs. Other members include guitarists Maneki, Karukan, and vocalist Kuroneko. The supporting members are Daboshi Makoto on drums since 2011 (from 1999 to 2009 Tora / Atsushi Kawatsuka was the official drummer of the band. He left the group for personal reasons in 2011 and since 2015, he has been the official drummer for Concerto Moon, a Japanese power metal band) and keyboardist Abe Masahiro.

The album I am going to review is titled Kojin Rasetsu, released in 2002. This record is their third in their discography and the first major under the King Records label. Before this release, Onmyo-Za released two indie albums Kikoku Tensho from 1999 and Hyakki Ryoran from 2000. In Japan, Kojin Rasetsu is considered an important debut for the band, also gaining an excellent score in the renowned Japanese magazine BURRN!. The album is quite varied, featuring direct and aggressive tracks like Rasetsu, Oboroguruma, Kirameki. From these first three songs, we can already notice the massive use of Japanese scales and Kuroneko's great vocal abilities. A j-horror atmosphere characterizes the entire album. The fourth track is Ushioni Matsuri, a Japanese-style doom piece with a ritualistic, Shintoistic atmosphere, followed by Karasu Tengu, a track characterized by galloping riffs that give this song a sparkling sound. The sixth track is Kagero Ninpocho, one of the best pieces, a Judas Priest-style track characterized by prog elements and a great performance by Tora on drums. Then comes the major debut single Tsuki ni Murakumo Hana ni Kaze and the suite Kumikyoku "Kurotsuka" divided into two tracks: Adachigahara and Kikoku Shūshū (in my opinion, the best song on the album could be considered as the "Phantom of the Opera" Japanese style). The album closes with an experimental piece (aside from Kishibojin from 2011, similar pieces will close all Onmyo-Za albums) and a festive typical Matsuri Japanese style song Orabinahai characterized by lyrics written in the dialect of Ehime prefecture, where Matatabi and Maneki come from.