Kamaitachi (かまいたち) was a Japanese visual keipunk rock band, formed in Kyoto and active from 1985 to 1991. Their album Hachamecha Kyou reached number 10 on the Oricon chart and was named one of the top albums from 1989 to 1998 in a 2004 issue of the music magazine Band Yarouze.[1] They have performed several times since reuniting for a one-off performance in 2015.
History
Kamaitachi was formed in October 1985 by drummer Ken-chan and bassist Mogwai.[2] After several member changes, vocalist Sceana and guitarist Kazzy joined completing the final lineup. They signed with Free-Will in 1989 and released their debut album, Itachigokko, in September. The album sold out by pre-orders alone, so a second press was released the following year under the title, Super Itachigokko.[2] That year the band signed to Toy's Factory and in September released their major debut, Hachamecha Kyou.[2] They released their third album, Jekyll to Hyde -Masturbation-, on June 1, 1991. However, at a June 26 concert they announced they would disband after their last concert on September 6, 1991, for unknown reasons. Later that month a single and a compilation album, both titled "I Love You", were released to fulfill their contract.[2]
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of his musical activities, Kenzi held a special concert on October 12, 2015 at Shinjuku Blaze. Kenzi, Sceana, and Mogwai performed four songs as Kamaitachi with guest guitarist Sheja.[3][4] They reunited again to perform on the first day of the Visual Japan Summit on October 14, 2016 at Makuhari Messe.[5] They then performed two more shows, a one-man live at Shinjuku Loft on January 14, 2017 and a show at Kyoto Muse on April 1, before playing a final concert at Akasaka Blitz on August 5.[6]
