Balzac

Album: HATRED:Destruction=Construction
Release Date: 28th July 2008
Label: Gan-Shin
Band

Since 1992, Balzac have been raising hell in the international punk scene. Often cited by many as Japan’s answer to The Misfits, this Osaka quartet shun the “campy” side of horror that the US punk legends are famed for, instead choosing to concentrate on horror’s darker side - isolation, loneliness, terror and fear.

After numerous singles through various indie labels, in October 1995 Balzac released their first full length album, “Last Men On Earth” through Alchemy Records, garnering attention not only in Japan, but, due to their unique sound, horror movie image concept and so-called ‘Devil Lock’ hairstyles, also overseas.

Tours

In 1997 they signed to Phalanx Records and released their second album, “Deep.” Shortly after the release of “Deep,” Balzac was chosen to open for the Misfits’ first tour of Japan. Such was their success on this tour, that the band were invited back to open for them again in 2000. 1997 also saw two nationwide tours of Japan with the Mad Capsule Markets. On Halloween 1998, Balzac released their third album, “13 Stairway,” followed by their first sold-out tour of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The following Halloween, Balzac released a four-song Maxi Single, “Into the Light of the 13 Dark Night,” which was followed by their first headlining national tour.

Toys

In August 2000 the limited production of 2,000 Balzac 12-inch figures by Medicom Toy Co. proved to be an unprecedented and widely talked about hit in the figure industry. Balzac and Medicom have since released many successful toy collaborations, reaching worldwide audiences in the collectible market.

Shops

Like the Misfits, Balzac has an extremely loyal and devoted cult following worldwide that eagerly awaits and obsessively collects everything the band releases. Unlike the Misfits, and indeed any other Rock band in history (with the exception of Motley Crue for 3 months), Balzac boasts their own retail stores. Their first, called SHOCKER, opened in Osaka on Halloween of 2000, with COFFIN opening the following year in Kyoto. Stocking everything Balzac related, the shops also carry three clothing lines - SHOCKER (designed by the members of Balzac), DEMENTIA THIRTEEN (designed by Hirosuke, Balzac vocalist) and CULTURE (Designed by AKIO, Balzac bassplayer).

Music

Combining Rockabilly tinged Punk with Metal flavoured J-Rock, Balzac’s appeal is widespread, with both old and new school punks, as well as J-Rock fanatics counting themselves as fans. Balzac will release HATRED:Destruction=Construction via Gan-Shin Records on 28th July.