DeathGaze

Deathgaze (デスゲイズ, desugeizu^?) is a Japanese alternative metal band with a Nagoya kei style akin to many other contemporary Nagoya-based bands. Throughout the band's musical direction, they have also stepped into the metalcore style.

History

Deathgaze was formed in the summer of 2003 by Hazuki, Ai, Naoki, and Kanna. After releasing their first single, "294036224052", vocalist, Hazuki, left in spring 2004 to form his own band, Lynch. Guitarist Kanna also left in 2004. As replacements, vocalist Sou and guitarist Naoto joined the group in late 2004. The band released several more singles and their first album, before Sou left in late 2006 to marry. In March of 2007, the band announced an eighth-month long hiatus.
On November 11, 2007, the band officially ended their hiatus with the bassist Ai becoming the vocalist. They continued as a three-member band until March, 2008 when Kosuke was added on bass guitar. On April 26, 2009, guitarist Naoto retired from the band and from music, but he stated that if possible in the future he would return. Since Naoto's retirement, Takaki (ex. ASS'n'ARROW) has played live support guitar for the band, while Ai contributed guitar work to "The Continuation" and "Blood." Takaki was added as an official member on November 20, 2009.
As of 2009, Deathgaze has released ten singles (one being a re-release) and three albums. Ai is the main composer and lyricist of the band, even when Hazuki was still a member. He is also in charge of art direction for their CD releases. The band also performed under the session name Knohhoso (野っ細), playing cover songs of older and popular Japanese rock bands. Knohhoso also featured Ai on vocals.