It Occurred to US here at FYB that We haven’t done a Musical Post since “The Goddamn Gallows” Piece so it’s About Time We did Another. This Time We decided to Cover Our Favorite Japanese Heavy Metal Band NINGEN ISU!!
Ningen Isu Musical Style yields The Band a True Unique Sound. The Band often writes about Classic Japanese Literature by Authors like Rampo Edogwa, Osamu Dazai, and Yukio Mishima. The Band’s other Literary Influences include the Word by Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, as well as Friedrich Nietzsche.
Ningen Isu often take on Topics such as Hell, Buddism, The Universe, Samurai, and Gambling.
Wajima and Suzuki have a Local Accent called “Tsugaru Dialect” which adds to the Unique and Heavy Atmosphere as well as the Rhythm to Their Songs.
Wajima often uses Difficult and Old Japanese words (used in the Edo Period to the Showa Period) that are often Hard to Understand even by Japanese Standards which adds a to the Solom and Powerful feel of Their Music.
Ningen Isu’s Musical Genres Include But are Not Limited to: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Doom Metal, and Progressive Rock.
How It All Started:
In the Early 1980’s Suzuki met Wajima at a Music Salon, and Suzuki was impressed by Wajima’s creative talent for Composing Songs. In 1983 They joined a The Band SHINE SHINE DAN (Translation: The Dead Dead Group) and played Hard Rock Songs at Music Festivals around Japan.
In 1985 after attending Different Collages (Suzuki went to Sophia University to Study Russian Literature, and Wajima went to Komazawa University to Study Buddhism) The Two Friends formed a Band Who’s name was changed in 1987 to Ningen Isu when Drummer Norriyoshi Kamidate joins the Band.
Ningen Isu gained a great deal of Popularity in 1989 playing Their Song Injuries (Strange Beast) on a Japanese Televison Show called Ikasu Band Tengoku (Translation: Cool Band Heaven). The Band’s Heavy Sound, Lyrics full of Literary References/Influences, and Musical Techniques Surprised the Show’s Judges.
Ningen Isu Consists of the Following Members:
Shinji Wajma- Guitars, Vocals, Theremin, Lead Singer, Main Lyric Writer, and Composer.
Ken-ichi Suzuki: Bass, Vocals, Lyrics, Composer.
Nobu Nakajima- Drums, Vocals, Lyrics, Composer (2004-Present)
Thanks for Reading/Viewing/Listening,
By Les Sober