Aikaryu : Biography

Members:

• Vocal : Kaworu
• Guitar : TERU
• Drums : ULI
• Bass : Daiki
• Guitar : Shagrath

• Guitar : Takamasa [gone : 2005]
• Guitar : Amare [gone : 2004]

BIOGRAPHY

Aikaryu formed early in 2002, initially with the five members; Kaworu (vo), Amare (gt), DEATH (gt), Shun(ba), and Uli (dr). Of this lineup, only Kaworu and Uli would survive the many member changes that would eventually come to form the current Aikaryu. This first lineup released one song on the Punishment Party Vol. 3 omnibus, and soon afterwards DEATH left the band to be replaced by TERU. Aikaryu would finish 2002 with two more songs on two more omnibuses and a series of event participation lives.

Successive demo cd releases lead to the band catching the attention of the Crow Music record label. They were signed in August 2003 and the following month then saw the release of the first Aikaryu single, Aizo Kyoto ~ Oreiro ni somaru kimi ga aho ni natte yuku...~. The lineup of members had again changed. Takamasa replaced Amare while there was a distinct lack of permanent bassist; Niku is credited only as 'support' on this first single.

The support of their new label contract gave Aikaryu a huge boost. Five months after their first single release, in February 2004 Aikaryu brought out Yanagi toushi shou followed by their first Oneman concert at the Kyoto ARC-DEUX livehouse. It was only a small venue with 130 people although for an unknown band who had not toured widely previously or made too many releases it was a success. They had by this time also acquired a bassist in the form of Daiki. These early successes were further when Aikaryu joined with Mizeria on a coupling cd, [Water and Oil] and then the release of their first mini album Kaizokuban ~ Aye aye sir~.

Aikaryu continued until the end of 2005 with their lineup of Kaworu, Teru, Uli, Takamasa and Daiki. They continued to tour extensively partaking in various multi-band events and two-man concerts, and it can be seen as a record of their success that in mid 2005 the band held their first oneman tour at venues in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama. In June however, Takamasa announced his departure at a concert at Meguro Rock May Kan. He was quickly replaced by Shagrath who immediately began work with more concerts and tours. 2005 culminated with the release of two singles, one a live-only release and the other being Ketsu ketsu ketsu ketsu ketsu ketsu ketsu ketsu ketsu - KYUUKETSU-, which was released as a CD and DVD package.

Tragically however, Aikaryu were involved in a car accident in early 2006 while driving home from a concert. Only Kaworu seemed to escape with minor injuries; Shagrath required surgery and Uli has injuries that would need at least six months of rehabilitation. The accident did not defeat the band though. Teru reappeared in HIZAKI's 'Grace Project' in October 2006, and the whole band (although without Uli who was still recovering) rejoined in December for a small tour: 'Love or Dragon LIVE!'. This tour ended in January 2007, and Uli is expected to return very soon so fans can equally expect more from this vibrant band.