Shazna
| Shazna | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres |
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| Years active | 1993–2000, 2006–2009 |
| Labels | BMG Japan, Toshiba EMI, Rock Chipper |
| Associated acts | Baiser, Anti Feminism |
| Website | shazna.jp |
| Past members | Izam Aoi Niy Katsura |
Shazna (stylized as SHAZNA) was a Japanese visual kei rock band originally active from 1993 to 2000. The band's original sound usually bordered on relatively hard gothic rock and post-punk, but the group later changed their sound to a softer pop sound mixed with new wave in 1996. They became one of the most popular visual kei bands of the 1990s, together with Malice Mizer, La'cryma Christi and Fanatic Crisis. Their 1998 major label debut album Gold Sun and Silver Moon reached the number two position on the Oricon chart, sold over a million copies and was named "Rock Album of the Year" at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. In 2006, Shazna reunited, though after releasing an album and a single they disbanded once again in 2009.
Formed in 1993 with Izam on vocals, Aoi (originally written A・O・I) on guitar, Niy on bass and Katsura on drums. Katsura left in 1996 and joined Baiser, leaving the trio. Perhaps the band's most notable feature was vocalist Izam and his choice of fashion; taking the cross-dressing feminine look to an extreme. Izam was largely influenced by Boy George and Culture Club, whom he later did a cover album of in 1998.
With the release of their major debut single "Melty Love" on August 27, 1997, Shazna gained immense popularity and many awards. It reached number two on the Oricon chart, earned them the "Best Newcomer" award from the Japan Cable Awards (Nihon Yusen Taisho) and helped their album Gold Sun and Silver Moon, which was named "Rock Album of the Year" by Japan Gold Disc Awards, be certified Million by the RIAJ. The album was named one of the top albums from 1989-1998 in a 2004 issue of the music magazine Band Yarouze.
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