{"id":6458,"date":"2024-12-31T18:12:47","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T18:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssoccer.uk\/?p=6458"},"modified":"2024-12-31T18:12:47","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T18:12:47","slug":"6458-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssoccer.uk\/?p=6458","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Matenrou Opera, the genre-defying rock band known for blending modern edge with operatic grandeur, has captivated audiences since 2007. Blending the aesthetics of visual kei with the symphonic depth of heavy metal, Matenrou Opera has forged a distinctive sound that leaves a lasting mark on Japan\u2019s music scene and beyond.<\/p>\n

With the release of their tenth album,\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA<\/em>, on December 18\u2014featuring 13 dynamic tracks\u2014the band showcases their unparalleled craftsmanship and immersive storytelling.\u00a0We sat down with Matenrou Opera to dive into the making of the album and explore the vision behind their sound.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Vocalist Sono<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
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Guitarist Yusuke<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
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Keyboardist Ayame<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
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Bassist Yo<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n
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Drummer Hibiki<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Congratulations on the release of your latest album,\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA\u00a0<\/em>(\u516d\u82b1). Why did you decide to give your album this name, and what is the significance behind it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0When we were working on the production of\u00a0Yoake wa yuki to tomo ni<\/em>\u00a0(\u591c\u660e\u3051\u306f\u96ea\u3068\u5171\u306b), we had already decided to release the full album in winter. At that time, the prototype for the song\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA<\/em>\u00a0was also created, which evoked feelings of winter and snow. We then searched for words that convey the essence of winter and snow and arrived at \u201cMUTSU NO HANA\u201d, which means \u201csnowflakes\u201d. One of the reasons is that I was born in a snowy region, and I am adept at creating songs that evoke the feeling of winter.<\/p>\n

MUTSU NO HANA<\/em>\u00a0has an epic, storytelling feel, especially in its track order and arrangement. Can you share the narrative or themes behind the album?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I didn\u2019t want the entire album to be monotonous, so I aimed for a grand work with a dramatic structure. The intensity and chaos at the beginning represent reality, and from there, the listeners are gradually immersed deeper into the world of Matenrou Opera, with the intention of rescuing them by the end.<\/p>\n

How did you decide on the album\u2019s track order? Did you aim to create a particular journey or progression for listeners?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0As in the previous answer, I arranged the track order with the image of immersing the listener in the world of Matenrou Opera, ultimately leaving them with a sense of positivity by the end.<\/p>\n

Some songs on this album are powerful with a feeling of velocity, like\u00a0Ruthless<\/em>, while others are profoundly sad and melodic, like\u00a0Yami wo hamu<\/em>. Which song feels the most personal to you, and what emotions shaped its creation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0BLOOD<\/em>. This is the kind of song I wanted to create when I first tried songwriting.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0I have a strong attachment to\u00a0DYSTOPIA<\/em>, where we managed to bring together a lot of experimental ideas\u2014like themes from classical pieces and lots of shout choruses\u2014into a cohesive Matenrou Opera song. As a new member, I was very aware of my important role in bringing an unprecedented perspective to the band\u2019s music.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0Incessant Snow<\/em>. I\u2019ve composed this song by building on three foundational elements: the 8-beat rhythm, the melody, and the bass line. Each band member then added their unique touches, resulting in a track that exceeded my expectations.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0For both\u00a0Incessant Snow<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Sazanami no Rondo<\/em>, the lyrics were written first, providing a basis for the synthesizer arrangements. I feel we\u2019ve successfully expanded on the song\u2019s world and brought it to life even more.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0From a drummer\u2019s perspective, there\u2019s an intense drumming sequence with three consecutive tracks:\u00a0BLOOD<\/em>,\u00a0DYSTOPIA<\/em>, and\u00a0Ruthless<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The album feels highly technical, with a stronger power-metal influence than some of your earlier work. Did you experiment with any new musical elements or techniques in this album that differ from your previous works?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I challenged myself to blend various genres like visual kei, melodic speed metal, death metal, and hard rock, depending on the song. I\u2019m pleased that we were able to bring all these elements together and express them as the unique sound of Matenrou Opera.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0When it comes to composition, I completely agree with Sono. As a guitarist, I focused on taking an inherently guitar-driven approach during the arrangement process. For example, instead of prioritizing whether a phrase is played at a high speed, I emphasized whether the phrase conveys a sense of drive and momentum. Similarly, when aiming for a heavy sound, I concentrated on choosing techniques that convey heaviness, rather than simply choosing phrases based on low pitch.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0From a bass perspective, there weren\u2019t any completely new approaches in this work, but I was able to incorporate fingerings for phrases that I hadn\u2019t managed to pull off before. I think this reflects an improvement in my fundamental skills.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0I focused on standardizing the synth tones as much as possible to create a cohesive feel across multiple tracks. Along the way, I also discovered some new favorite sounds.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0Having fully explored the power metal approach in our previous work and considering the number of fast tracks in this project, I\u2019ve focused on creating clear and straightforward phrases this time around.<\/p>\n

Which track from the new album are you most excited to play live, and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019d love to perform\u00a0Sazanami no Rondo<\/em>\u00a0live. I want to deliver a vocal performance that surpasses the recording.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA<\/em>. The guitar solo in this song feels really great to play.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0TABOO<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Ayame:\u00a0<\/strong>Ruthless<\/em>. I\u2019d love to sing it with the audience.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0Ruthless<\/em>\u00a0too. The double bass drum is so intense!<\/p>\n

Last year\u00a0Matenrou Opera collaborated in the \u201cJapanese Visual Metal\u201d (JVM) project. How did participating in it influence your perspective as a band or impact your approach to this new album?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019ve been greatly influenced by Mana\u2019s music. Touring together has reaffirmed the beauty of aesthetics for me. I believe this influence is strongly reflected in\u00a0BLOOD<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Suigyoku No Waltz<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0My new costume this time is the most aesthetic and provocative design I\u2019ve ever worn, so I believe it demands a corresponding level of stage presence. Experiencing the worldviews of the senior bands I toured with during JVM has sharpened my sense of staging, and I feel that this will continue to be a valuable asset moving forward.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019m not sure if it directly influenced me, but the Japanese Visual Metal project brought together artists who lean towards the aesthetic and stylistic beauty. It made me rediscover the cool and beautiful aspects of this type of presentation.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019ve had the chance to explore the worlds of many pioneering visual kei bands, and it\u2019s really reaffirmed how beautiful and cool visual kei music is. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ve been influenced by it unconsciously.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0Through the JVM tour, I was able to delve deeper into the aesthetic world of visual kei.<\/p>\n

How does this new album reflect your journey as a band over the past 17 years? Are there any elements that nod to your earlier work?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I don\u2019t consciously pay attention to my early works. If anything, I made a conscious effort to ensure that my new work doesn\u2019t end up being similar to my past creations.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0As the newest member, having been with the band for three years now, I always respect the world that the band has built from the early days. However, as Sono has mentioned, the 17-year history didn\u2019t serve as a constraint in the creation of this new work. Instead, I feel it stands as a foundation that supports who we are today.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0Ever since the band\u2019s formation, I\u2019ve been thinking about my approach as the bassist for Matenrou Opera, and I believe the fundamental aspects haven\u2019t changed from our early works. With this album, I feel like I\u2019ve been able to play in a way that\u2019s closer to my ideal.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0We\u2019ve created many albums, and each one is rich in its own world. I feel that this latest work continues that tradition beautifully.<\/p>\n

Matenrou Opera has gone through several lineup changes over the years. How has the band\u2019s sound or dynamic evolved as a result?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0The guitar and drums have evolved to embrace a more modern metal sound. As a result, I feel like my own range in composition has expanded as well.<\/p>\n

Yusuke :<\/strong>\u00a0When it comes to guitar playing, I believe I\u2019ve incorporated a lot of modern perspectives. However, since I also love old-school techniques, I take pride in being able to evolve the band\u2019s sound in a balanced and authentic way. At the very least, I can confidently say that the harmonic coherence of our songs and the technical level of our sound engineering have reached their peak with this project.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0With lineup changes, the arrangements and sound creation naturally evolve, so I\u2019ve always aimed to incorporate my own preferences while highlighting the strengths of the other parts. I think the balance we have right now is really great.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s not just the band members; our sound engineer has also had a major impact, and I think that\u2019s what\u2019s giving us an even more modern metal sound.<\/p>\n

Do you feel that the current lineup is the strongest version of the band to date? What unique qualities does each member bring to the table?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0Our current lineup is the strongest it\u2019s ever been. Yusuke is really responsible yet goofy, laid-back vibe. Hibiki is great at self-management.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0Since I don\u2019t know any other lineup, it\u2019s only natural that this one is my favorite. I believe there\u2019s no point in being part of the band unless it\u2019s with these five members. When it comes to creating our work, I always think that our latest project should be our best one yet.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0I approach each project thinking that the latest one should be the best, and I really want it to be that way. Plus, all the members love ramen!<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0As always, I truly believe that our latest work is our best yet.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0I approach it with the mindset that our current lineup is the strongest.<\/p>\n

What is something you\u2019d like to tell your fans directly?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019m really curious about how far Matenrou Opera\u2019s music has reached around the world. Recently, I was thrilled to receive a fan letter from Indonesia.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0Thank you all for your continued support. It means a lot to think that our music might be helping you in your lives, and if that\u2019s the case, it makes me happy. But truly, it\u2019s us who are constantly being saved by your support. We hope you\u2019ll continue to cheer for us!<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0We have lots of live shows coming up in 2025, so please come if you can! For those overseas who find it difficult to attend, please enjoy our music as much as possible. I hope we can share some video contents that fans abroad can also enjoy.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0I really want to perform overseas again after so long.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019m determined to make our 18th-anniversary show a success, so I hope you\u2019ll join us at the open-air venue.<\/p>\n

Where do you see the band headed musically in the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0I think we\u2019ll continue to incorporate more modern metal elements without changing the core of Matenrou Opera\u2019s music.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0To be honest, we only want to do what we love. But at the same time, we\u2019re eager to try new ideas. That\u2019s why I always feel the need to actively embrace new musical concepts out there. By incorporating them, I believe there\u2019s a new frontier for our band sound that we\u2019ve never imagined before, and I want to keep aiming for that.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0I believe we\u2019ll continue to refine our sound without changing the essence of the band.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0I think the key points of Matenrou Opera are our uniqueness and inability to be easily replicated. I hope we\u2019ll be able to express our individuality even more.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0We are proud to represent Japanese Visual Metal.<\/p>\n

Do you have any parting words for our readers around the world?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sono:<\/strong>\u00a0We are creating a one-of-a-kind music experience in the world. If you find yourself liking our music, please reach out to us. We\u2019ll come visit your country.<\/p>\n

Yusuke:<\/strong>\u00a0As a member of Matenrou Opera, I want to perform overseas. Get to know our music and videos, and please invite us over.<\/p>\n

Yo:<\/strong>\u00a0For those who haven\u2019t heard of Matenrou Opera yet, I encourage you to check out our new music. If you\u2019re already into visual kei, you might know the name \u201cMatenrou Opera\u201d. For those who have heard us in the past, I especially recommend listening to our album\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Ayame:<\/strong>\u00a0You can stream our music on various music platforms like Spotify, so please immerse yourself in the world of Matenrou Opera.<\/p>\n

Hibiki:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u2019d be thrilled if you could check out our music and live performance videos first. We\u2019ll keep working hard to perform live overseas, and when we do, we hope you\u2019ll come see us.<\/p>\n

\n

Don\u2019t miss\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA<\/em>, now streaming on all major platforms, and experience Matenrou Opera\u2019s latest evolution.<\/p>\n

The band hits the road next February with\u00a0their nationwide\u00a0MUTSU NO HANA: Snowflake<\/em>\u00a0tour, spanning 18 shows across 16 cities.\u00a0Mark your calendars for August 10, 2025, when they celebrate 18 years of groundbreaking music with a special anniversary concert at the iconic Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall.<\/p>\n

\n
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Matenrou Opera, the genre-defying rock band known for blending modern edge with operatic grandeur, has captivated audiences since 2007. Blending the aesthetics of visual kei with the symphonic depth of heavy metal, Matenrou Opera has forged a distinctive sound that leaves a lasting mark on Japan\u2019s music scene and beyond. With the release of their 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