Vocal: Satoshi (左迅)
Guitar: Nii (弐)
Bass: ShuU (愁)
Drums: Яyo
<… Read Full Bio ↴Vocal: Satoshi (左迅)
Guitar: Nii (弐)
Bass: ShuU (愁)
Drums: Яyo

ex-vocalist: Tora /Cyrien (left 2004)
ex-guitarist: Hotaru (left 2004)

girugamesh (ギルガメッシュ, girugamesshu) is a Japanese alternative metal band, formed in 2003. They have said their name is derived from a character from a popular game who’s name was Gilgamesh. The music of girugamesh is heavy rock with gloomy undertones, but recently the band has been experimenting with electronic sounds.

Formed in 2003 in Chiba, Shuu and Nii had been friends since elementary school, the earliest incarnation of the band made its first performance while the members were still in high school.Girugamesh began playing gigs in 2004, until they were signed to record label Gaina-Japan. Their first major single, “Kaisen Sengen” was ranked #10 on the Oricon Indies chart. In 2005, Girugamesh embarked on a nation-wide tour, after which they released their first live DVD, featuring footage from the tour, and after more touring, released an EP, Goku - Shohankei Enban.

In 2007, girugamesh was signed to the European label Gan-Shin. The band then was part of a 9-band Japanese rock festival in Los Angeles, California called “J-Rock Revolution”. They were part of the second night alongside Merry, D’espairsRay, and Mucc. Around the time of J-Rock Revolution, some of the performing bands released material on the iTunes Music Store, including Girugamesh. On this, Ryo has commented that “if you really like the band after the initial listen, you will buy the original CD.”

girugamesh combines many elements in their music like very low basses and guitars. Their sound is sinister and dark but still melodic. Satoshi’s voice is really unique with his demonic screaming and beautiful pure vocals and adding some rapcore singing.
Their appearance has gradually changed, while girugamesh began in the visual kei scene, their style has changed: the trademark black suits, and now the new trademark: the black hoodies they are wearing today.

Although the members are young, their sound is polished, professional and catchy. Their musical talent is exemplified not only through their lyrics, which cover topics such as betrayal, crime and lies, but their constantly evolving sound.
The music of girugamesh is heavy rock with dark undertones, but recently the band has been experimenting with electronic elements.

Break Down
girugamesh Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Break Down！

I think
大人達は言う
正しく生きろ
数ある答えの中で
正すモノがそう
侵してるのに

一体何を信じれば？

Don’t you know 『Why I’m Me!』
取り巻く【evil】
道中は荒波　自分らしくとは？
現代の傾向に　皆がgive up夢追い人よさぁ！

強がり笑え今 Boys & Girls
涙見せないように Boys & Girls
笑顔になれば強くなれるさ
遙か未来にの景色なんて
誰も分かりはしないだろう？
”これから”は今君が掴むもの

I think
この歌でもし
誰か救えたら
俺の願う事が
１つ叶えられるんだ
こんな俺でも
誰か動かす力が？

Don’t you know 『Why I’m Me!』
取り巻く【evil】
道中は荒波
自分らしくとは？
現代の傾向に　皆が give up
夢追い人よさぁ！

君が笑顔になれないなら
俺も笑えはしないだろう
ともに支えこの場所で歌え
全力で夢追えるなら
何度でもくじけりゃいいさ
それでも星は回り明日は来る

『今の若者なってない』 why?
そうさそりゃ育てたお前等が
子供に向き合ってない your life
だから俺達は迷い続け

強がり笑え今 Boys & Girls
涙見せないように Boys & Girls
笑顔になれば強くなれるさ
遥か未来にの景色なんて

誰も分かりはしないだろう？
”これから”は今君が掴むもの

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Girugamesh's song 'Breakdown' reflect the struggle of young individuals trying to figure out their place in the modern world. The opening stanza questions the authority of adults, who tell young people to live correctly, but the definition of the right way is not always clear. The singer is wrestling with the pressure of evil influences around him/her and the undertow of conformity in society. It all boils down to a single question- what to believe in life to stay true to oneself?

The chorus 'Don't you know why I'm me' is a retort to those who belittle and question the singer's dreams and aspirations. The lyrics encourage people to stay optimistic and pursue their dreams undaunted by the obstacles thrown by society. The song acknowledges the power of music in touching people's lives and inspiring them. The band wants their music to be more than just entertainment. They want their songs to be a call to action, to inspire their fans to push beyond limitations and achieve great things.

Line by Line Meaning

I think
The singer is introducing their thoughts and ideas

大人達は言う
Adults say that we should live correctly

正しく生きろ
Live righteously

数ある答えの中で
Amidst many answers

正すモノがそう
It is true that there is something to be corrected

侵してるのに
Despite the invasion

一体何を信じれば？
What in the world should we believe in?

Don’t you know 『Why I’m Me!』
The artist is asking if the listener knows why they exist

取り巻く【evil】
Surrounded by evil

道中は荒波　自分らしくとは？
Navigating through rough seas, what does it mean to be oneself?

現代の傾向に　皆がgive up夢追い人よさぁ！
Amidst the trends of society, everyone is giving up, but keep chasing your dreams!