Shazna (stylized as SHAZNA) is a Japanese visual kei rock band originally active from 1993 to 2000. Originally having a strong gothic/post-punk influence, the band's sound greatly shifted to a more new wave direction by 1996. At their peak in the mid-to-late 1990s, they were considered one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of visual kei" alongside La'cryma Christi, Malice Mizer 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. Shazna has reunited several times; first in 2006, which saw the release of a new album, then in 2017 with the addition of three new female members. The core trio resumed activities for a third time in 2023.

History

Formed in 1993 with Izam on vocals, 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. The album was named one of the top albums from 1989–1998 in a 2004 issue of the music magazine Band Yarouze.

In 1999, Izam married famous idol Hinano Yoshikawa, only to file for separation two months later and divorce two months after that.

Shazna's song "Melty Love" was covered by BugLug on the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-. The album was released on January 26, 2011 and features current visual kei bands covering songs from bands that were important to the '90s visual kei movement.

In August 2017, Shazna officially reunited for the 20th anniversary of their major label debut. In addition to Izam, A・O・I and Niy, their lineup includes three new female members; second vocalist Raychell, drummer Natsume and saxophonist Asuka.

Members

  • Izam – vocals (1993–2000, 2006–2009, 2017–2019, 2023–present)
  • A・O・I – guitar (1993–2000, 2017–2019, 2023–present)
  • Niy – bass guitar (1993–2000, 2006–2009, 2017–2019, 2023–present)

Former members

  • – drums (1993–1996)
  • Raychell – vocals (2017–2019)
  • Natsume – drums (2017–2019)
  • Asuka – saxophone (2017–2019)

Discography

Studio albums

  • Sophia (November 30, 1994)
  • Melty Case (March 14, 1996)
  • Raspberry Time (August 1, 1996), Oricon Albums Chart Peak Position: No. 43
  • Promise Eve (January 22, 1997) No. 16

Singles

  • "Stillness for Dear" (April 17, 1994, limited to 330 copies)
  • "Dizziness" (December 8, 1995, limited to 500 copies)
  • "Dizziness" (January 5, 1996, re-release with a B-side track, limited to 1000 copies)
  • "Melty Love" (August 27, 1997), Oricon Singles Chart Peak Position: No. 2

:Ending theme of

  • No. 2

Demos

  • "Enmity" (1993)
  • "Shazna" (1993)
  • "Voice of..." (January 9, 1994)

Videos

  • Melty Love (October 8, 1997)
  • Silent Beauty (January 1, 1998)
  • Pure Hearts (April 28, 1999)
  • Dear September Lovers Shazna Live at Budokan '98 (December 26, 1998)

References