MALICE MIZER

major - hiatus (1992 - 2001)

Malice Mizer are one of the most versatile and successful exponents of the visual kei genre. The band is as famous for its one-of-a-kind music as for its elaborate costumes and stage shows, which incorporate dance routines, pantomime plays, pyrotechnics and other special effects. The name Malice Mizer is based on the French words for malice and misery which, according to founders Mana and Közi, are the answer to the question 'what is human?' In keeping with this rather pessimistic concept, their lyrics tend to centre on profound, melancholy themes such as loss and death.

Malice Mizer's career can be divided into three separate eras, which are characterized by three distinctly different vocalists. Their music, however, defies categorisaton, as it blends a variety of different styles that change from era to era, and sometimes even within one and the same album.

Since 2001 the band has been on hiatus while its members explore other projects.