SEIKIMA-II (read as "seikimatsu") translates to "The End of the Century". Their history, as it has been prophesized, is that they are a group of demons preaching a religion in order to propagate Satan through the use of Heavy Metal. Each member is a demon of a different hierarchical class with His Excellency Demon Kogure (デーモン小暮) being leader of demons and His Majesty Damian Hamada (ダミアン浜田) being the "Crown Prince of Hell". In accordance to the prophecy and after completing the world conquest, the band would disband at the end of the century on December 31, 1999 at 23:59:59.
The band members include:
* His Excellency Demon Kogure (デーモン小暮) on vocals
* Ace Shimizu (エース清水) on guitar
* Sgt. Luke Takamura III (ルーク篁) on guitar
* Xenon Ishikawa on bass
* Raiden Yuzawa on drums
History
SEIKIMA-II was formed in 1982 by former guitarist, The Crown Prince of Hell His Majesty Damian Hamada. The band was formed while he was attending the Waseda University Folk Song Club (WFS) in late December of 1982. The original members were His Excellency Demon Kogure on vocals, Zod Hoshijima on bass and Ace Shimizu, at that time who participated as a drummer. The band was known especially for their interesting makeup, familiar to that of Kabuki theatre and their flamboyant outfits which added to their visual image. Although the exact date is unknown, Damian Hamada soon left the band but would later remain a respected founder and songwriter throughout their career.
In 1983 two new members had joined the bands lineup. Zeed Iijima replaced Ace Shimizu on the drums, as Ace was better at guitar he became the new guitarist as a replacement for Damian Hamada. Another member by the name of Ryoko became the new support keyboardist. That same year the band made its first live debut playing a series of small gigs they called “black masses” and gained popularity among heavy metal fans for their heavy music style and interesting appearance. Later that year Ryoko left the band while a new member called Giantonio Babayashi joined as a second guitarist.
In 1984 SEIKIMA-II continued to play small gigs at various concert halls when later that year they passed an audition for the CBS Sony label. Around that same time Giantonio Babayashi left the band, and due to this they were unable to make their debut on CBS Sony at the time. 1985 marked the year in which the band’s biggest lineup change would occur. A new second guitarist was chosen in replacement of Giantonio, called Gandhara Sangeria Tigris-Euphrates Kaneko. Drummer Zeed Iijima decided to finally leave the band. He was temporarily replaced by the new drummer named Jagy Furukawa. Gandhara soon left the group and Jagy also soon followed. At this point the band was lacking in both a second guitarist and a drummer. They soon discovered guitarist Jail O’hashi and drummer Raiden Yuzawa who would both go on being part of the first official lineup. Later in September of that same year, the band released their first full length album entitled "Akuma ga kitarite heavy metal". The album received mixed reviews by critics, but became very popular among Japanese heavy metal fans. The album exceeded 100,000 in sales, a first for any Japanese heavy metal album in history.
In 1986 they would go on to releasing their first major album entitled "The End of the Century". The album’s name was also the meaning behind SEIKIMA-II (seikimatsu), as they were destined to disband at the end of the century, meaning the year 1999. Later that same year they released their third album entitled "Jigoku yori ai wo komete" (also known as "From Hell With Love"). This was followed by their first major live concert called The Great Black Mass Tour held on December 24th 1986. At the end of that year the bassist Zod, who was also one of the original members, would finally leave the band.
One year later in 1987, guitarist Jail O’hashi also decides to leave the band. Later bassist Xenon Ishikawa and guitarist Sgt. Luke Takamura III (ルーク篁) join the band to form the final lineup. That same year the band released their "Big Time Changes" album. This album brought about a new change in the bands music style by mixing heavy metal with hard rock. Here also for the first time, Luke Takamura takes on the role as more of a lead guitarist and switching off while Ace Shimizu is heard playing more rhythm guitar. In 1988 they continued their experimentation with other genres on "The Outer Mission" album. With this album they experimented with a fusion of heavy metal, progressive rock and jazz music to add for an interesting new sound. Regardless of these changes they continued being praised by heavy metal fans while also receiving attention from the general fan.
After releasing their next album entitled "Yuugai" (also known as "有害" or "You Guy!”) in 1991 they began playing their first live concerts overseas in surrounding Asian countries and in Europe, the most notable being England and Spain. Later in 1992 they followed up by releasing their heaviest album yet, entitled "Kyoufu no Restaurant" (also known as "Frightful Restaurant"). The album was a drastic change in style from the last few albums while keeping to their heavy metal roots; they combined dark and satanic lyrics with heavy music.
The next album entitled "PONK!!" released in 1994, brought about even more change from the bands past style. This new album combined heavy metal with folk rock music and some balladic songs. The album was produced at ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS of London, England when the band was living there a short time; they showed this through their new appearance and trying to show life in London through photos used for the album booklet.
In the year 1996 the band went back to its heavy metal roots when they released their next full-length album entitled "Mephistopheles no Shouzou". Also for the first time, they left the CBS Sony label and were signed to BMG Japan. The album was a return to their heavier sound while also having elements of power metal and traditional metal. The move to the BMG label also made a noticeable difference in the sound quality of their following albums. In 1997 the album "NEWS" was released followed by "MOVE" in 1998. Both albums bring about a new digital sound combining various styles with heavy metal.
In 1999, the last studio album entitled "LIVING LEGEND" was released. The album is considered to be one of SEIKIMA-II's heaviest albums to date. They kept true to their heavy metal style and fans have considered it to be a proper final chapter in the band’s history before finally disbanding on December 31, 1999 at 23:59:59. The final concert held was called THE BLACK MASS FINAL 3 NIGHTS which was part of a three day concert lasting from December 29-31. The concert was separated into three days called the THEATRICAL DAY, THE SATAN ALL STAR’S DAY, and THE DOOMSDAY which at the end of, the band seen disappearing into a portal of light leaving the stage and finishing their 14 year career up to that point.
After disbanding in 1999, the band members have continued to have strong solo careers. Demon Kogure has been a solo artist since the early 90’s and still continues to perform and release new material. Ace Shimizu has been involved in his own two piece band called face to ace. Luke Takamura later formed his hard rock band called CANTA with Raiden Yuzawa. Xenon Ishikawa has been involved in the band ＲＸ with ex-SEIKIMA-II support keyboardist Yuichi Matsuzaki.
In late 2005, SEIKIMA-II held two special limited time reunion lives for their 20th anniversary. Both concerts included all original members and supporting members while the second one also included original guitarist Jail O’hashi as a special guest. The reunion lives were both very well received and were completely sold out within a short period of time. Since then they have released two live albums which include tracks recorded from both concerts. The second live album included a special third bonus CD which included 6 new songs written by the band.
Discography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEIKIMA-II_discography
有害ロック
聖飢魔II Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
許さない許せない 聴かせられない
そうさまったく有害 箱入り娘にゃ
脳ミソがとろけだす
病みつきになる
Oh 頭じゃわかるけど Ah 刺激的
どっかの祭禮では大人達でさえぶぁ
かさわぎ 恥さらし
Oh 今日も 一人死んだ
Ah 文化的
YOU GUY! ROCK'N ROLL
ロックだけはいけない
恋する乙女達よ
WHY NOT? ROCK'N ROLL
決めるのは自分だ
生命を感じるために
Oh 音色に 犯されて
Ah 止まらない
YOU GUY! ROCK'N ROLL
人生一度だけ
いきあげる男達よ
WHY NOT? ROCK'N ROLL
制服を脱ぎすて
泳げよ 音の海を
CAN'T STOP! ROCK'N ROLL
理屈じゃ止められない
生命の感じるままに
These lyrics are from the song "有害ロック" (translated as "Harmful Rock") by the Japanese rock band 聖飢魔II (Seikima-II). The song highlights the band's perspective on rock music and its impact on society, particularly on children and young people.
The first paragraph suggests that rock and roll (R&R) is viewed as dangerous and harmful, especially for children. It emphasizes the notion that it cannot be allowed or tolerated, and cannot be played for the younger generation. The phrase "箱入り娘にゃ脳ミソがとろけだす" can be interpreted as the influence of rock music melting minds of innocent young girls, making them addicted to it. The lyrics convey a sense of understanding that the excitement and stimulation of rock music may be intellectually comprehended by adults, but it can be overpowering and thrilling. It seems to criticize societal norms and adults for shunning rock music and judging its enthusiasts at festivals.
The second paragraph continues the theme of the harmfulness of rock music but also acknowledges its cultural significance. It suggests that even at festivities, the excitement and shamelessness of rock music captivate people, leading them to indulge in it. The mention of "一人死んだ" (one person died today) can be interpreted metaphorically, representing the way rock music can consume and transform individuals. The lyrics emphasize that rock and roll is not meant for romantic young girls, as it challenges them to question why they should not embrace it and make their own decisions in order to feel the thrill of life.
The third paragraph delves into the overpowering nature of rock music. The phrase "音色に犯されて" indicates being overwhelmed and consumed by the sound and melody. The lyrics express that the enjoyment and impact of rock music cannot be stopped, implying an addictive and unstoppable force. It encourages individuals, particularly men, to embrace and live to the fullest through rock and roll. The lyrics suggest breaking free from societal expectations and norms, represented by the act of discarding uniforms, and diving into the sea of music.
The final paragraph conveys the idea that the logic and reasoning behind attempting to stop rock and roll is futile. The lyrics advocate for embracing the raw emotions and sensations that rock music brings, as it allows individuals to truly feel alive. The phrase "生命の感じるままに" encourages individuals to follow their instincts and experience life through the prism of rock music. It conveys the message that rock and roll goes beyond intellectual understanding and should be appreciated for its ability to evoke strong emotions and unleash the raw essence of life.
Line by Line Meaning
これだからR&Rは子供達には
That's why rock and roll is not allowed for children
許さない許せない 聴かせられない
It is not forgivable, it can't be allowed, it cannot be heard
そうさまったく有害 箱入り娘にゃ
Yes, indeed, it is completely harmful, even for sheltered girls
脳ミソがとろけだす
The brain melts away
病みつきになる
Becoming addicted
Oh 頭じゃわかるけど Ah 刺激的
Oh, I understand it intellectually, but it's exciting
どっかの祭禮では大人達でさえぶぁ
Even adults at some festival, they are shocked
かさわぎ 恥さらし
Disturbance, humiliation
酔いしれている
They are intoxicated
Oh 今日も 一人死んだ
Oh, today someone else died
Ah 文化的
Ah, it's cultural
YOU GUY! ROCK'N ROLL
You guys! Rock and roll
ロックだけはいけない
Only rock is not permissible
恋する乙女達よ
Young girls in love
WHY NOT? ROCK'N ROLL
Why not? Rock and roll
決めるのは自分だ
It's up to oneself to decide
生命を感じるために
To feel alive
Oh 音色に 犯されて
Oh, being obsessed with the sound
Ah 止まらない
Ah, it doesn't stop
YOU GUY! ROCK'N ROLL
You guys! Rock and roll
人生一度だけ
Life is only once
いきあげる男達よ
Men who live to the fullest
WHY NOT? ROCK'N ROLL
Why not? Rock and roll
制服を脱ぎすて
Throw away your uniforms
泳げよ 音の海を
Swim in the sea of sound
CAN'T STOP! ROCK'N ROLL
Can't stop! Rock and roll
理屈じゃ止められない
It can't be stopped by reason
生命の感じるままに
As one feels alive
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: 小暮 デーモン
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Master Ataru
有害が発布された頃でしたか、なんか変わった・・・と感じた記憶があります。
たぶん、それまでは「悪魔の存在を人間に知らしめる」みたいな感じだったのに対し、人間に焦点を当てたものだったからかもしれません。
そして、人間に対するメッセージの様なものになっていったのかな？
全部では無いとは思いますが、そんな印象を受けています。
「男たちよ～♪」のところで、「おとこ～！」というのが印象的でした。
男よ、もっと頑張れ・・みたいなエールを受けました。
それはもっと強く・・・とかでは無く、もっとしっかりとした価値観を持てというのが個人的な感覚でした。
柵山亮子
ステージを走り回ったり有害アレイで頭ぽこぽこされてもギターを弾き続けるエース長官すごい！
syunbiohazard
ギタリストが素敵すぎる
ミンニコ
殿下のゾイヤァが好きすぎる
tntt
演奏や閣下の歌唱力も去ることながら、 曲に入るまでの件もうまいね。トーク面白い
司馬陸斗
「サイン書いちゃおー」で書いてもらえるの羨ましいしマジで欲しいわwww
Charlie Yamamoto
この曲大好きだし，このライブ映像も良いです！
Carles Puyol
いいよねぇ
ぼん・
聖飢魔IIの良い所 みんなめっちゃ楽しそう
Issac Milo
@Trey Evan Happy to help =)
Trey Evan
@Issac Milo thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) I appreciate it !!