Zilqy First Global Press Conference

The newly formed metal band Zilqy officially marked its arrival on the music scene with its debut live show, Start The Fire, which was held at Daikanyama SPACE ODD in Tokyo, Japan on December 10th. After they conveyed their message through the universal language of music, they shared it in another form with a global press conference that followed the concert. The event served to introduce the group’s identity, reflect on the warm reception from fans and outline the next steps in their journey.

Zilqy consists of vocalist Anna, ex-Aldious guitarist Toki, ex-LOVEBITES bassist Miho and drummer Kano. The quartet blends heavy music with Japanese melodies and grooves influenced by electronic music, defining their sound as “post-melodic nu metal”— an approach that takes aim at an international audience without abandoning the members' roots.

At the center of this sound is bilingual vocalist Anna, whose expressive and powerful voice rises above the heavy foundation built by Toki, Miho and Kano. The singer, however, was quick to emphasize that Zilqy’s focus lies in collective expression rather than individual spotlight. “For me, it’s less about myself and more about the band as a whole. The vocals are just one element within that,” she said during the press conference.

Visibly energized, Anna also spoke about the experience of stepping on stage with Zilqy for the first time and meeting fans face to face. “It had been a while since my last performance, so I thought I would be extremely nervous. But seeing the audience’s faces and hearing their cheers gave me an incredible amount of energy. I feel like you inspired me to write these songs.”

Bassist Miho also highlighted the impact of the moment and the atmosphere on stage. “I was incredibly proud to be there. And every time I looked back and saw Kano smiling behind the drums, it truly made my day.”

Audience response played a key role in the live performance. According to Anna, a section of call and response that had been removed from the studio version of one song was brought back after the strong reaction from fans, reinforcing the importance of direct engagement with the crowd.

Another highlight of the night was the band’s performance of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. Despite the vocal challenge the song presents, Miho explained that the choice stemmed from an internal “mixtape” the band created during their creative process—songs that reflect the spirit and artistic direction of Zilqy.

Speaking about nu metal in the contemporary scene, Miho noted that, while all members are devoted metal fans, Zilqy’s goal is to incorporate a clearly Japanese identity—particularly in melody and songwriting—and present it authentically on a global stage.

When asked about her vocal presence in a still predominantly male-dominated environment, Anna once again emphasized that the band’s strength lies in the sum of its parts. Regarding lyrical themes, she explained that Zilqy’s current phase centers on the concept of liberation. “We live in an era where people feel restricted in how they can express themselves. We want listeners to feel that it’s okay to be who you are.”

Fittingly, the band’s upcoming tour is titled Rise to Liberation. Zilqy have confirmed the following dates in Japan:
March 22 — Yokohama
April 4 — Nagoya
April 5 — Osaka
May 3 — Shibuya

The band also announced that its debut album is scheduled for release in the fall of next year. Anna explained that the recording process has been essential in expanding the initial ideas behind the songs. “It’s during recording that the music becomes something bigger than we ever imagined.”

Another major announcement was Zilqy’s signing with US-based booking agency Dynamic Talent International, which will pave the way for international touring. Worldwide digital distribution of the group's works will be handled by Blood Blast, a joint platform between Nuclear Blast—the world’s largest extreme music label—and Believe, a global leader in digital distribution. Their management is provided by MAVERICK, a company known for bringing Japanese rock and metal artists to the global market.

Also present at the press conference was Trevor Swenson, the CEO of Dynamic Talent International. He praised both the band’s visual appeal and musical potential, expressing interest in placing them at festivals and in front of the right audiences worldwide.

Towards the end of the event, the members shared pivotal moments from their musical journeys that helped shape Zilqy. Anna cited a live show celebrating Miho’s birthday the previous year as a major source of inspiration, saying she wanted to bring that same energy to the audience at her debut performance.

Toki reflected on her early days learning guitar and the impact of watching performances from Wacken Open Air, an experience that sparked her desire to recreate that intensity on stage. Miho, in turn, spoke about a period of uncertainty after leaving her previous band, when she nearly gave up music altogether, before rediscovering her motivation upon returning to the stage and meeting Toki.

Kano recalled a pivotal improvisation session during her jazz studies, when she realized the power of the drums to move and connect people around her.

The press conference concluded with mutual praise among the members, ensuring that the event highlighted not only their musical chemistry but also the emotional connection and personal admiration they share. The exchange reinforced the idea of Zilqy as a creative unit built on respect, communication and collaboration.

With a sold-out debut show, an international structure already in place and a debut album in progress, Zilqy made it clear that Start The Fire was more than a symbolic title, it marked the starting point of a journey designed to cross borders and secure their place on the global metal stage.

Links to download and stream Zilqy's debut EP Vacant Throne, which was released in November 2025, on various music platforms are available here.

The music video for Carry On, a song featured on Vacant Throne, can be viewed below.