Klaha [MALICE MIZER]
●Klaha
“I'm not as delicate as everyone thinks. I've got pretty thick nerves.”
PROFILE
(From left): yu~ki (B), Mana (G), Klaha (Vo), Közi (G)
The band name, MALICE MIZER, holds the meaning of “malice and tragedy.” Their concept driven songs soaked in a medieval gothic atmosphere, and their live performances transcending mere “shows” are truly worth experiencing
“I've been influenced by the other members in a lot of ways.”
- Klaha who joined MALICE MIZER as their vocalist last summer had already known the members for some time before officially joining the band. But what led him to make the decision?
“I’ve never really been interested in the band scene. What I’ve always cared more about is simply wanting to sing. But I felt like, if it’s MALICE MIZER, they could help elevate my singing and that my singing might also deepen their musical expression. To me MALICE MIZER is a solitary presence radiating a unique, lonely aura that you can’t find anywhere else.”
- For Klaha joining the band didn’t just affect him musically it also had a major impact on his fashion sense.
“We actually go shopping together sometimes (laughs). Before that, I always wore all black like, even in summer I’d be wearing long sleeves, sometimes even a coat. But after joining that started to change thanks to the other members. These days I’m into more natural styles. Since MALICE MIZER delves into such a fantastical world, I think it's more interesting to keep things natural in daily life. The contrast feels really refreshing.”
- Klaha is currently exploring a fashion style he’d never embraced before. Naturally, that comes with some missteps…
“When I only wore black i could tell what suited me without even trying it on. But now, even when I’m sure something looks good I’ll try it on at home and the collar will look weird or something. I mess up a lot now (laughs).”
- What about his hair styling habits?
“Well i put some styling lotion in and wrap the ends of my hair around my fingers to give it a wavy look, like natural curls. But if I zone out, I end up curling it the wrong way inward instead of outward. When that happens, I just spray more lotion, run my fingers through it and mess it up like, ‘Whatever, good enough!’ Honestly, I can’t even draw a decent circle, I’m that clumsy. So if it’s not working out, I just give up and move on (laughs).”
- A great cook and athletic too. But a bit of an airhead!? Tall, slender and quiet, he might come across as delicate and highly sensitive. But Klaha’s real personality is surprisingly relaxed and easygoing.
“People assume I’m terrible at sports, but actually I’ve got pretty good reflexes. If there were a sports festival for visual kei bands, I’d totally want to join (laughs).”
- One of his talents is cooking—he says he can make almost anything without even looking at a recipe.
“I haven’t cooked for the other members or staff yet, so they’re all kind of skeptical about it. But what really gets to me is when people say I’m an airhead. They say the way I talk is kind of offbeat, but I’m like. What exactly about it is off? As far as I’m concerned, I’m explaining things logically. It all makes perfect sense to me totally perfect, actually (laughs).”
I did a translation of this interview. I hope you enjoy 🦋
Gackt: "You know, I can look someone in the eye and say, 'You're beautiful' (in a deep voice like Gackt's) even if it's the first time we're meeting (laughs)."
KO: "That's a very foreigner-like attitude."
Y: "Exactly. The way he delivers his lines perfectly fits his character. In a way, he's a dangerous person... ah, so scary, so scary (laughs)."
Everyone: (bursting out in laughter)
Y: "Honestly, I'm jealous. How many more encounters would I have if I could start conversations like that? I'll try my best."
M: "Well, isn't he the guy who gives off the most seductive male pheromones? (laughs). In fact, when I'm on stage with him, I'm just mesmerized. 'Ah, so this is the pheromone he's emitting...' (laughs)."
KO: "You both seem to be mesmerized by each other (laughs)."
M: "He just makes you feel all sorts of things. You're practically ravished with his eyes. I totally get why women are so taken with him. ♪I want to hold you tight and sleep♪ I experience it firsthand when I'm hugged on stage (laughs)."
Y: "Next time, let's sell Gackt's pheromone-infused perfume (laughs). We could advertise it in magazines with a tagline like, 'This will attract women to you,' and it would be a hit (←completely convinced)."
KO: "Hahahahahaha!! (bursting out in laughter)"
KA: "He always stays calm and gives answers that hit the mark. I always think that's amazing. I'm also envious of how he can do anything. I think he feels a sense of aesthetics in creating himself through every gesture. But if I were to point out one thing, it's that if you keep saying 'thank you' over and over it might be hard to tell which one is sincere. That's the risk."
Gackt: "I'm always grateful, though (laughs)."
KO: "He's quick-witted, and like KAMI said, he can handle pretty much anything. He can even ravish a woman with his eyes."
Gackt: (laughs)
KO: "That's why I try not to make too much eye contact with him, or I'll turn to stone (laughs). There's something strangely persuasive about his eyes and words. His daily life is quite mysterious (laughs)."
Interviewer: "So, what is the common ground between these five unique individuals?"
Gackt: "A sense of uniqueness, loneliness, creativity, a strong desire not to lose..."
KA: "Including all of that, I think it's destiny. The five of us are the 'chosen ones'..."
Gackt: "The chosen ones? (laughs)"
KO: "KAMI is actually a god (laughs)! (←Note: this is where you laugh)"
~ End ~
"This action which is almost unthinkable in the norms of rock bands, stirred up mixed reactions. However, this also became a hot topic and further boosted their popularity. You can witness this in performances like "S-CONSCIOUS," where they all wear bondage costumes and deliver digital hard tunes, and in the pop like "Je te veux," where all members except Gackt play percussion instruments while performing. In "Brise," there's even a scene where Mana rides a roller scooter around the stage, showing a playful expression.
Additionally, what deserves special mention is that many of their songs are very "pop" and easy to remember. The songs, crafted under the concept of medieval Europe possessed delicate and melancholic melodies. The meticulous and heavy arrangements, combined with Gackt's sweet and silky voice, polished these melodies into superb pop pieces that left an indelible impression, one that lingered long after you heard them. In fact, every single they released after their debut charted high in the hit rankings. This DVD includes live performances of singles with beautiful melodies such as "ma chériebeloved to you," "Gekka no Yasoukyoku (Moonlight Nocturne)," "Bel Air In the Blank Moment," and "Le ciel." Tracks like "N.P.s N.G.s," "Je te veux," and "Brise" also feature catchy melodies and are fan-favorites at their live shows. Moreover, there are many rare video clips included, such as the solo performance "Hamon/Concerto" where Gackt's piano intertwines with Kami's drums.
The DVD culminates in the final scene at Yokohama Arena, where all the members appear with feathers larger than their height. Among them, Gackt, with black wings reminiscent of a fallen angel, floats in the air and passionately sings "Le Ciel" while bleeding. It is truly a dreamlike scene that embodies the "ultimate visual kei." After watching this, it's easy to understand why, even after MALICE MIZER disbanded, there have been very few follower bands. With such a perfectly realized world, there was no room left for anyone to follow. They are indeed a one of a kind band. This DVD fully captures their appeal, and it's a must-see for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the sound and visuals of MALICE MIZER.
From SHOXX 179
Klaha in SHOXX #121 (March 2003)
(credits to the one who has this photo)
Translation:
There were quite a few voices saying that Klaha’s live performance on the “MAR” day of the “Luawataru no Anchor” tour felt deeply connected to life itself. Regardless of whether the songs were previously released or not, the fact that he could convey each emotion through his raw, unfiltered voice, before the songs had even fully sunk into the audience’s bodies, seemed to have a deeply moving and positive impact.
The unreleased song “Romanciaisn ow leaves~”, which served as the gateway into the latter half of the main show, carried with it a luxurious charm wrapped in a soft, embracing fragrance—delivering an early Christmas mood. During “Chocolat”, a fleeting, delicate piece, Klaha sat on a raised platform at the back of the stage, showing an ennui-laced side of himself. There was even a glimpse of unexpected cuteness, and I couldn’t help but feel like I caught a rare glimpse into a hidden side of him. Or was it just me…?
Then came “Sayonara”, gently closing in on the show’s final act. As if to further paint the world of “Sayonara” in even more beautiful colors, the following “penguin” saw Klaha begin to inject dynamic movement into its romantic and lyrical atmosphere.
The final song of the main set was the aggressive, unreleased track “Prism of image”. With this song, Klaha radiated a kaleidoscope of emotional light, offering both intense passion and deep intoxication and the main show came to a dramatic close.
During the encore, he performed the unreleased, baroque-techno style track “Tamashii ga Irodzuku Shunkan” ("The Moment the Soul Gains Color"). For this one, he took up a guitar and sang while strumming, showing yet another new side of himself. Then, the live performance at Shibuya ON AIR WEST, where his journey first began came to a splendid conclusion with the fitting farewell number “Green Tsutaetai Omoi” ("The Feelings I Want to Convey").
Of course, the opening and ending songs that framed the concert were also works Klaha had crafted especially for this day. Visually the production was intentionally restrained, and performance wise he kept the setup simple with just keyboard and guitar backing him. It was a stage entirely focused on expressing Klaha’s voice and message conveying his emotions as they are now and where he’s heading from here.
And so, this day’s opening act will lead into the upcoming February 15th performance at Akasaka Blitz: “Nostailab Kaihō Prism”. Be sure not to miss how this journey continues.
ARENA 37°C (アリーナサーティーセブン) Vol.181 1997年10月
KAMI: When you go on tour i think the tour finale is the culmination of how much you’ve grown during the process. For now, i want to make this tour something great and take it on as a challenge. Touring is such a valuable learning experience and i'm always thinking about how best to express myself as i go through it.
- Previously, Mana mentioned that recent stage performances are completely different from those a year ago. Does the way you present yourselves change as the venues grow larger?
MANA: It’s completely different. For example, when performing at a large hall like Shibuya Public Hall versus a live house there’s a significant difference in the distance between us and the audience. Back in the day we used to incorporate theatrical elements but in larger halls, those details can’t really be seen. That’s why we adjust our presentation and stage direction to suit the venue.
- At your recent performance at Akasaka BLITZ, I felt that while your image evokes dreams and illusions, there seems to be a stark reality behind that. Is that intentional?"
MANA: Yeah, you’ve touched on something pretty important. I think we give off a very fantastical image but at the core we’re actually expressing raw, visceral human emotions. If people can pick up on that contrast, I think that’s ideal.
- Alright, Gackt we’ll wrap up with you. Could you tell us about the significance of the upcoming 'Deuxième Anniversaire ~ The Magnificent Revival' performance on the 10th?"
Gackt: The 10th is a very meaningful day for Malice Mizer. As the name suggests, it’s a resurrection, a rebirth of sorts. It’s also an opportunity for those who have never seen Malice Mizer before to witness us. It might sound misleading, but Malice Mizer is Malice Mizer no matter the occasion. I often say that we are ever-changing but even if the way we express ourselves changes, the core remains the same. We are changing, yet unchanged. I want people to feel that duality. Additionally, the meaning of the 'Blank Moments' in the 'Pays de Merveilies ~ Blank Moments'... I personally felt those blank moments during the 'Voyage ~ Vérité' tour. I want to express that."
- Could you elaborate on that?"
Gackt: On July 20th, during the BLITZ performance, my dog, who had been my only family for over 20 years, collapsed just before the live. While I was performing, they were undergoing surgery. By the time I rushed over after the show, they had already passed away. I don’t know if that was the reason, but everything that day was utterly chaotic. I revisited the metaphorical 'door of blank moments,' and i came to realize that everything starts from that point. That’s why i want to present something meaningful every single day. During the first half of the tour, i was in a slump, but in the second half i want to get even a step closer to the ideal version of myself. I want to remain positive in all aspects, convey that to people and hope they can feel it.
KÖZI (g)
Q. Favorite food
A. Curry, my mother's home cooking
Q. Least favorite food
A. Sea urchin
Q. Favorite drink
A. Tea, Red Eye (a beer and tomato juice cocktail)
Q. Least favorite drink
A. Liquid Cabbage (a stomach relief drink)
Q. Favorite scent
A. It's difficult to put into words
Q. Least favorite scent
A. Various bad smells
Q. Favorite scenery
A. The sea just before dawn
Q. You can cry three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What about the other two?
A. Ore wa nanno namida mo nagasanai. Da-da-da! ("I won't shed any tears. Da-da-da!")
Q. If you could ride a time machine, when and where would you go, and what would you do? (Past or future is okay)
A. Into chaos. I'd want to see the Big Bang (the beginning of everything).
Q. If you were an assassin, what weapon would you use and why?
A. My hand blade. If you touch it carelessly, you'll get cut!
Q. Unlimited funding is provided. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of movie would it be?
A. Title: Manyan. Tagline: "A city possessed by an evil 'something' where strange phenomena occur one after another. A mysterious fake nose. A terrifying blend of comedy and psycho-suspense horror."
Q. What is the best "moment" for you?
A. Drinking an ice-cold beer after doing good work.
YU~KI (b)
Q. Favorite food
A. Sweet things
Q. Least favorite food
A. Bitter things
Q. Favorite drink
A. Sweet things
Q. Least favorite drink
A. Bitter things
Q. Favorite scent
A. Sweet things
Q. Least favorite scent
A. Bitter things
Q. Favorite scenery
A. A school on a red clay hill
Q. You can cry three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What about the other two?
A. Tears of emotion and sadness
Q. If you could ride a time machine, when and where would you go, and what would you do? (Past or future is okay)
A. I'd want to see what I look like at the very end of my life.
Q. If you were an assassin, what weapon would you use and why?
A. Fangs to the neck (so I could watch their face as they die experiencing ultimate pleasure).
Q. Unlimited funding is provided. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of movie would it be?
A. A romance film, without worrying about fame.
Q. What is the best "moment" for you?
A. When I'm enveloped in white light.
MANA (g)
Q. Favorite food
A. Of course, Orukubekki's curry
Q. Least favorite food
A. None
Q. Favorite drink
A. Tomato juice
Q. Least favorite drink
A. None in particular
Q. Favorite scent
A. Sweet fruits
Q. Least favorite scent
A. Strong perfume worn by women at night
Q. Favorite scenery
A. White sky and blue sea
Q. You can cry three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What about the other two?
A. I can't decide something like that.
Q. If you could ride a time machine, when and where would you go, and what would you do? (Past or future is okay)
A. I don't want to think about it since time machines don't exist.
Q. If you were an assassin, what weapon would you use and why?
A. A whip. I'm used to using it.
Q. Unlimited funding is provided. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of movie would it be?
A. The life of a phantom chef.
Q. What is the best "moment" for you?
A. The time when I can sleep when I'm sleepy.
ARENA 37°C (アリーナサーティーセブン) Vol.181 1997年10月
Check Out the Fashion of the Stars!
Vol. 5
Mana (MALICE MIZER)
Paying Attention to Invisible Style
Finally, the long awaited MALICE MIZER is here! This time we talked mainly about the costumes for their new song “The Blood and Roses of Reunion,” which will be released on November 3rd. Use it as a reference for cosplay. Also look forward to Közi in the issue coming out on November 1st and Yu~ki in the issue coming out on November 29th!
What About This Time’s Costume?
Mana: It’s inspired by “The Bloodline,” and we’ve unified the costumes for the three members. My role hasn’t changed. It’s supposed to be unclear whether I’m alive or dead...
Any Particular Details You Focused On?
Mana: The flouncy part of the mini skirt is a focus. This time, I wanted to create a sense of heaviness overall, so the fabric is relatively heavy, but the skirt is fluffy. Also, since the song is “The Blood and Roses of Reunion,” we’ve placed the emblem on each member's chest as a focal point. The color is blue, and I’ve also used a slightly darker lipstick than usual. And the knee-high socks—they’re worn over stockings. The color matches the blue theme. Even if they aren’t visible? It’s important to be stylish!
The Hair Roll Looks Great Too.
Mana: This time, setting the roll higher is key. Start by creating rolls at the roots, then curl them up and pin them. The number of rolls depends on the mood of the moment. The trick is to avoid making them too thick or too thin; use the curling iron carefully for each one. Straight hair is fine, but using the curling iron is tricky, so it takes practice. If you’re not used to it, it won’t curl easily. It’s better not to use too strong a hairspray; if it’s too hard it loses its natural softness.
It Won’t Show, You Know (laughs). This time all the lace parts of the costume are made from the same fabric and the headpiece is also made from the same lace.
You’ve Slimmed Down a Lot, Haven’t You?
Mana: I’m opening an original fashion brand shop (“Moi-même Moitie”), so the owner can’t be overweight (laughs). Plus gothic fashion doesn’t suit someone who isn’t slim. I’ve lost a few kilograms for that reason.
Are the Accessories for the Costume Store Products?
Mana: They aren’t store products; they were made specifically for this occasion. The earrings, rings, and necklace are all crosses, and they have a specific meaning. In “The Blood and Roses of Reunion,” the cross represents “spiritual communion.”
Regarding Mana’s Look...
Mana: It hasn’t changed; it’s the same (costume) (laughs). There are a lot of skirts. The points of style are mysterious, alluring, elegant, and extreme. The hairstyle is also carefully adjusted to match the occasion. It feels like “mysterious gothic horror,” right?
Any Future Challenges You Want to Try?
Mana: Maybe a pompadour. I really like pompadours. A big pompadour. It looks cool. I might incorporate that into a costume.
ARENA 37°C (アリーナサーティーセブン) Vol.181 1997年10月
Even for those who pride themselves on being Malice Mizer experts there might still be a lot you don’t know... So we’ve come up with these questions.
This survey painstakingly created overnight by this magazine’s Malice Mizer correspondent was so well received by the members that they even said, “What an interesting set of questions!” (lol). Now what kind of answers did the members of Malice Mizer give?
Gackt (vo)
Q. Favorite food:
Anything spicy.
Q. Least favorite food:
All sweet foods in general.
Q. Favorite drink:
Volvic (water), vodka, wine.
Q. Least favorite drink:
Sweet drinks that feel sugary in the throat.
Q. Favorite scent:
A faintly sweet shampoo fragrance.
Q. Least favorite scent:
The body odor of someone with armpit odor.
Q. Favorite scenery:
The sea at night.
Q. You are allowed to cry only three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What are the other two occasions?
When I meet someone I can truly love, and when I lose that person I love.
Q. If you could use a time machine, where would you go, to what era, and what would you do (past or future is OK)?
I would go back to the past to atone for all of humanity’s sins by erasing the existence of humans from this world by exterminating the creatures that would become human ancestors.
Q. If you were a hitman, what weapon would you use and why?
Since I’m still an active hitman, I’d prefer not to talk about work...
Q. You have an unlimited budget. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of film would you make?
A story about my birth 457 years ago and all the women I’ve met since then.
Q. What is the ultimate “moment” for you?
When I’m naked and sharing love.
Kami (ds)
Q. Favorite food:
Meat-based dishes.
Q. Least favorite food:
Tofu and potatoes.
Q. Favorite drink:
Melon milk.
Q. Least favorite drink:
Sake, whiskey, etc.
Q. Favorite scent:
Sweet scents.
Q. Least favorite scent:
Anything generally considered a bad smell.
Q. Favorite scenery:
Not night views, but the view from a high place during the day, looking down.
Q. You are allowed to cry only three times in your life. The first time is when you are born. What are the other two occasions?
When someone important to me dies and tears of deep emotion.
Q. If you could use a time machine, where would you go, to what era, and what would you do (past or future is OK)?
Since this is hypothetical, I can’t answer.
Q. If you were a hitman, what weapon would you use and why?
A ray gun that goes “pew pew...”
Q. You have an unlimited budget. If you were to direct a movie, what kind of film would you make?
A movie about a person who rises to power in the Warring States period, with an actual castle built for the production.
Q. What is the ultimate “moment” for you?
Probably when I’ve given my best at a live performance.
MALICE MIZER
● Special Supplement ●
Personal Imagination
Artist Q&A File63-MALICE MIZER || Translation in english
yu-ki (b)
Q1. Date of birth, blood type, height, weight, shoe size, vision?
August 8th, Type A, 175cm, 54kg, 26cm shoe size, both eyes 8.8.
Q2. Hobby?
Being alone in the dark.
Q3. Habit?
Staring off into the distance.
Q4. The CD you like the most right now?
(Answer not provided)
Q5. When you drink alcohol, what do you drink, how much, and with whom?
I don't drink much.
Q6. If you smoke, what do you smoke and how much?
GITANES (CAPORAL), two packs a day.
Q7. Favorite form of gambling?
None.
Q8. The kind of present you'd be happy to receive?
Something suspicious.
Q9. Your ideal type of woman (if you had to compare her to a celebrity)?
Trish Goff.
Q10. Pickup line for women?
Words aren’t necessary.
Q11. Where do you mainly write lyrics or compose music?
In a dark room.
Q13. The most memorable song from your own music?
"Kioku to Sora" (Memory and Sky).
Q14. A mistake you’ve made during a live performance?
I often forget to turn off the bypass switch, so the sound doesn’t come out.
Q15. What type of women catch your eye during live shows?
Those who are enjoying themselves.
Q16. How do you decide what to wear on stage?
It depends on the concept at that time.
Q17. The last thing you do before a show starts?
Have a smoke.
Q18. The first thing you do after a show ends?
Have five smokes.
Q19. A song you'd like to play as an intro during a live show?
A song I composed myself.
Q20. The most memorable live performance you’ve had, where and when?
The last indie live at Shibuya Public Hall.
Q21. If you could collaborate with someone outside of the band, who would it be?
Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance.
Q22. If one of your band's songs became a drama theme song, which would you choose?
It depends on the story…
Q23. If you had to describe the current state of the band with a color, what would it be?
Colorless.
Q24. Lastly, any message to the fans?
Please feel it.
kami(dr)
Q1. Date of birth, blood type, height, weight, shoe size, vision?
February 1st, 199X, Type A, about 180cm, average weight, 25.0cm shoe size, left eye: gray 2.0 / right eye: purple 2.0.
Q2. Hobby?
Enjoying being alone.
Q3. Habit?
If I knew, I wouldn’t need to worry about it.
Q4. The CD you like the most right now?
There are too many…
Q5. When you drink alcohol, what do you drink, how much, and with whom?
Kalua milk.
Q6. If you smoke, what do you smoke and how much?
Just a puff of smoke each time.
Q7. Favorite form of gambling?
Casino.
Q8. The kind of present you'd be happy to receive?
Cigarettes or CD vouchers.
Q9. Your ideal type of woman (if you had to compare her to a celebrity)?
Someone with piercing eyes and hair longer than mine. Like Maetel.
Q10. Pickup line for women?
You’re beautiful.
Q11. Where do you mainly write lyrics or compose music?
At home.
Q12. How do you compose—do melodies come to you first, or do you build from riffs and chords?
By humming.
Q13. The most memorable song from your own music?
"Bel air ~In the Moment of Blankness…" from MALICE MIZER
Q14. A mistake you’ve made during a live performance?
(Answer not provided)
Q15. What type of women catch your eye during live shows?
A little chubby and in cosplay, hahaha.
Q16. How do you decide what to wear on stage?
We have our own costumes, you know…
Q17. The last thing you do before a show starts?
Smoke a cigarette.
Q18. The first thing you do after a show ends?
Drink water.
Q19. A song you'd like to play as an intro during a live show?
We even compose our own SE (sound effects)...
Q20. The most memorable live performance you’ve had, where and when?
January 10th, at Nihon Seinenkan. I couldn’t stop crying.
Q21. If you could collaborate with someone outside of the band, who would it be?
There are many people.
Q22. If one of your band's songs became a drama theme song, which would you choose?
The song that fits the drama…
Q23. If you had to describe the current state of the band with a color, what would it be?
Five people, five colors.
Q24. Lastly, any message to the fans?
We will keep doing things beyond your imagination, so please grow with us and be able to keep up. Even mistakes are part of the performance!
The end!
Moi Dix Mois
Emperor of Darkness Stands in Europe
Have you already watched the live DVD DIXANADU Fated 'raison d'être' Europe Tour 2007 which captures the scenes from the European tour in October 2007? Focusing primarily on the final performance in France this work also features the atmosphere of the tour that visited eight locations in six countries. It gives insight into Moi dix Mois' popularity in the region and the 'heat' of the live performances can be felt through the screen. We spoke with the leader, Mana (G), about the contents of the DVD and his impressions of the various European countries he experienced firsthand.
― As we look back on the European tour let's talk about the live DVD DIXANADU Fated 'raison d'être Europe Tour 2007 which captures those moments. This tour took place in October last year and it was the first time you did something so extensive in Europe, right?"
"Yes, that's right. We went to six countries and performed in eight locations. Along the way the staff often mentioned how equipment would frequently break at the various venues. Apparently, that’s considered 'normal' over there. There were plenty of small issues like that but i’ve come to realize that if you let those things bother you, you won’t be able to tour in Europe or abroad. So recently, i’ve gotten used to it. I go with the mindset that something’s bound to happen (laughs)."
― So, I’d like to hear your impressions of each country you visited. Let's start with Finland, the first stop in Helsinki. It's a country that's also booming in the rock scene, right?
"Finland is home to bands like Children of Bodom and Hanoi Rocks, right? It was our first time there and i was struck by how rock is integrated into their culture. After the show, we saw a news program and they aired a special on rock music with footage from our concert."
― Wow, they featured Moi dix Mois on a regular news show?
"Yeah, that’s right. The cold, crisp atmosphere of Finland also left an impression. (laughs) We arrived late at night, so we didn’t have time for any sightseeing. That’s the biggest thing that stuck with me but the audience reaction was incredible."
― Finland’s government seems to be quite supportive of rock music, even promoting it as part of their culture, right?
"Ah...! Maybe that’s why. We were interviewed for TV, and they aired it during the night on a standard news program. I was surprised to see footage from our show being included in a regular news broadcast. But after hearing what you said, it kind of makes sense now."
― Next was Sweden, known as a haven for Nordic metal and melodic death metal. What were your thoughts before going?
"Before going, I had a strong image of Yngwie Malmsteen (laughs). I also had this vague image of beautiful scenery and a place I felt connected to. This was the only time we flew during the tour, and since we arrived during the day, the local promoter took us sightseeing. The area around our hotel was in the city center, and Stockholm was really lively. But if you walked a little further, the buildings and scenery were breathtakingly beautiful."
Most games tend to have a clear objective for the players to follow as the story unfolds. However, "MYST," with its completely different gameplay style, was a controversial masterpiece. Personally, I was drawn to its supreme graphics and was greatly impressed by the stunning CG, so naturally, i was a fan.
While the difficulty level of the game is extremely high, the sheer beauty of it is enough to captivate people. Despite stumbling through the game, I found solace in the mesmerizing world it presented, often getting lost in its enchanting visuals. "MYST" brought a fresh perspective to adventure games through its innovative approach, making it a monumental piece of work.
We're fortunate to live in an era where we can enjoy games with incredibly beautiful polygon graphics. Recently, I was engrossed in playing "Oblivion" on PS3, which gave me a similar sensation to "MYST." It's a game set in a medieval European-inspired open world, allowing players to freely explore its vast landscapes.
The world depicted in polygons is so visually stunning that it's almost indistinguishable from reality. The swaying grass and rippling water surfaces create an illusion of actually being in that world. Of course, "Oblivion" has its own objectives as a game, but my primary desire was simply to explore the vast world it offered. I even sacrificed sleep during the New Year's holiday a few years ago just to keep playing.
The evolution of gaming graphics in recent years is truly astounding, and it's astonishing to see how far we've come from the past. While I may have become accustomed to revolutionary games like those on high-spec machines in recent years, I believe that it's this connection to the past, such as with "MYST," that has shaped my gaming experience. It might seem outdated now, but delving back into that unique world of "MYST" brings back a sense of nostalgia.
"MYST" holds a special place in my heart, and I feel like I could approach it with a fresh perspective now. Plus, there are sequels I have yet to play, so that's definitely on my to-do list!
Malice Mizer 🕷️Translating interviews so everyone will have the chance to enjoy MM 🦋🫶🏻
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