MERRY

With a unique sound that has been described as everything from blues to acid-jazz to ska to punk-rock and everything inbetween, Merry is a difficult band to define but certainly not difficult to enjoy. Although part of the visual kei scene, their visuals are a far cry from the vinyl outfits, garish hair colours, and extreme make-up sported by most; this band seems to prefer dark suits and little else. This rather simple costuming choice allows Merry plenty of movement during their live shows, which're some of the most interesting and intense in the music scene.

Originally the brain child of vocalist Gara and guitarist Yuu, Merry was formed in late 2001. Consisting of five experienced musicians, Merry set out to create something not only visually different in the sea of outlandish visual kei bands but, most importantly, something different and unique musically.

After being joined by fellow guitarist kenichi, bassist Tetsu, and drummer Nero, the band set to work. They held their first live in the Rock May Kan and began handing out a free mini-disc containing two tracks, Rojiura Elegy and Binibon nichoume yachiyokan. Oddly, all of their lives at this time were "secret"; already they were establishing themselves as a group unafraid to do things differently. On January 28th of the next year, they held their first "real", non-secret live and then released their first single, Haikarasan ga tooru, the following the month. In March they held their first one-man back where they began in the Rock May Kan hall, which promptly sold out.

Merry released their first album, Gendai Stoic, the next year and the album was so hotly anticipated that it actually sold out during its pre-order period, prompting a second press to come out only a month later. Never a band to slow down, Merry toured like mad to promote the album and sold out live house after live house including the Shibuya Kokaido (now known as the C.C. Lemon Hall) and its two thousand seats. Near the end of the year they took part in the 'Beauti-Fool's Fest 03' event alongside acts such as MUCC and Miyavi. This helped further cement Merry's reputation as a band that must be experienced live to fully appreciate; between the energy of the guitarists, the vocalist who sings but does not speak, and the powerful rhythm section, many in the crowd were caught completely by surprise by this group. It was roughly around this time that they also opened their official fanclub, 'CORE'.

In 2004, the politically charged MODERN GARDE, was released and the indies group soon caught the eye of Victor Entertainment Japan, who offered them a contract. After a highly successful 'LAST INDIES' tour, Merry signed to Victor and released their first major album, nu chemical rhetoric, to rave critical reviews in 2005. The band then held a sold-out show at the Hibiya Yagai Ongakudo, a famous open-air venue in Tokyo and a concert hall they have since held a live at every year.

Opening for American punk-horror band Wednesday 13 in September, Merry wrapped up 2005 with a schedule packed with touring and events along with a DVD release of the concert held at the Hibiya Yagai Ongakudo. 2006 brought the release of their first major single, Sayonara rain, which was followed two months later by the album PEEP SHOW and seemingly endless touring including, at the end of the year, their first appearance overseas in Germany and then France. They ended the year with an outstanding pair of back-to-back shows celebrating not only the start of 2007, but also their five years together as a band at the C.C. Lemon Hall.

2007 brought news of a coupling tour with the famous Japanese punk band BALZAC, a new single to be featured in an animated TV show, and Merry's first trip across the Pacific to perform for their fans in America as part of the 'JRock Revolution' event held in May. In the past five years, Merry has yet to slow down and one can expect that they'll keep up their usual insane pace and ground breaking music for many more years to come.