SHAZNA is a Visual Kei/Japanese rock band. And the time period from whence they debuted speaks much of their music as they are somewhat reminiscent of mainstream sounding music of the day such as Alternative Rock (early), New Wave Music and Glam Rock. They also have a somewhat more 80s taste. Though it does help that IZAM (leader of the band whose choice of fashion was rather iconic due to its extreme cross-dressing feminine look) was influenced by Boy George and Culture Club, hence the almost similar fashion.
They've reached popularity after the release of their major debut single, Melty Love on August 27, 1997. This would since become their Signature Song from now on and be covered by visual artists in the future. Despite only 8 years being together, they've had an extensive career and released many singles and albums. When they disbanded in 2000, each had gained successful solo careers. IZAM by then had a less feminine look.
However, in 2007, they've reunited and released one single and album together entitled Heart and 10th Melty Life respectively. On November 3, 2008, they announced that they would disband and played their last concert on March 22, 2009 at Shibuya O-East which they did. In 2017, they officially reunited for their 20th anniversary along with three new members added to the lineup, resulting in a new single with an accompanying music video, Koi no Tempo
, being released the following year, 11 years since their last single.
Lineup:
Notable members
- IZAM - vocals (1993-2000, 2007-09, 2017-Present)
- A・O・I - guitar (1993-2000, 2007-09, 2017-Present)
- NIY - bass (1993-2000, 2007-09, 2017-Present)
- Raychell - vocals (2017-Present)
- 夏芽 [Natsume] - drums (2017-Present)
- Asuka - saxophone (2017-Present)
Previous members
- KATSURA - drums (1993-1996; joined Baiser)
Selected Discography:
Albums:
- [1994.11.30] Sophia
- [1996.03.14] Melty Case
- [1996.08.01] Raspberry Time
- [1997.01.22] Promise Eve
- [1998.01.22] Gold Sun and Silver Moon (named "Rock Album of the Year")
- [1999.06.30] Pure Hearts
- [2007.08.08] 10th Melty Life
Videos:
- [1997.06.04] Lavender Color Shazna Feeling/Lavender Color SHAZNA no Kimochi
- [1997.08.08] Melty Love
- [1998.01.01] Silent Encounter
- [1999.04.28] Pure Hearts
- [1998.12.26] Dear September Lovers Shazna Live at Budokan '98
- [2009.07.15] Complete. Last Live/Kanketsu. -LAST LIVE-
Provides examples of:
- The '90s: They debuted during this decade and is where they also reached their peak
- Alice Allusion: Their "Piece Of Love" music video.
- Alternative Foreign Theme Song: Their song "Winter's Review" is used as the Japanese ending theme for The Rugrats Movie.
- Caps Lock: Their band name is stylized as such. This extends to the founding member's stage names.
- Christmas Songs:
- "White Silent Night" (originally released as a single then a bonus track on Gold Sun and Silver Moon).
- "Winter's Review" is a more melancholic example which was used as the alternative foreign theme song for The Rugrats Movie, oddly enough.
- Cover Version: "Sumire September Love", originally performed by 1980s synthpop trio Ippu-Do.
- Dude Looks Like a Lady: IZAM, due to heavy makeup, long hair, and his tendency to wear dresses.
- Face on the Cover: Played straight most of the time with their single covers featuring IZAM.
- Fading into the Next Song:
- The first two tracks in Sophia.
- The second, third, and fourth tracks in Melty Case.
- The first two tracks in Raspberry Time.
- The first two tracks, fourth and fifth tracks, eighth and ninth tracks, and the final eleventh and twelfth tracks in Gold Sun and Silver Moon.
- Gender-Equal Ensemble: In addition to the founding members reuniting in 2017, they've also added three female members to the lineup.
- Soundtrack Dissonance: Their song "Love Is Alive" is quite beautiful. The video however shows some sort of gothic horror-themed banquet with vampires and monsters featuring a woman in an abstract stripperiffic costume. Not to mention the (clothed) orgy at the end.
- Textless Album Cover:
- Promise Eve◊ as well as a literal example of Face on the Cover.
- AQUA◊
- Promise Eve
- Title Track:
- Raspberry Time (before being featured as the B-side to Melty Love)
- Pure Hearts
- Wholesome Crossdresser: IZAM, to the point that he's mostly well-known for it.
