GIRUGÄMESH
(ギルガメッシュ, Girugamesshu) is a Japanese metal band, formed in 2003. The name is derived from the ancient king Gilgamesh, and is sometimes typeset with a metal umlaut as girugämesh.
History
2003-2006: Formation
Formed in 2003 in Chiba, Shuu and Nii had been friends since elementary school, the earliest incarnation of the band made its first performance while the members were still in high school. Girugamesh began playing gigs with their current lineup in 2004, until they were signed to record label Gaina-Japan. Their first major single, "Kaisen Sengen" was ranked #10 on the Oricon Indies chart. In 2005, Girugamesh embarked on a nation-wide tour, after which they released their first live DVD, featuring footage from the tour, and after more touring, released an EP, Goku - Shohankei Enban.
In 2007, Girugamesh was signed to the European label Gan-Shin. The band then was part of a 9-band Japanese rock festival in Los Angeles, California called "J-Rock Revolution". They were part of the second night alongside Merry, D'espairsRay, and Mucc. Around the time of J-Rock Revolution, some of the performing bands released material on the iTunes Music Store, including Girugamesh. On this, Ryo has commented that "if you really like the band after the initial listen, you will buy the original CD."
2007-present: Girugamesh and international success
In the summer of 2007, Girugamesh released an EP entitled Reason of Crying, and in December released their eponymous album, Girugamesh.
Main article: Girugamesh touring
In 2008, in support of Girugamesh, the band toured in both Japan and Europe, under the tour title "Stupid Tour '08". The Japanese leg had Girugamesh performing throughout Japan, and later in January, the band toured Europe for the first time, visiting Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Finland. Following their European tour, Girugamesh continued the "Stupid Tour '08 in Japan". In March, Girugamesh returned to touring visiting venues all over Japan including Okinawa.
Following a performance at Wacken Open Air, a support tour for Girugamesh will occur, entitled "Shining Tour '08". The first performances will endure through July, visiting Osaka and Nagoya, with one finale performance in August at the Liquidroom in Tokyo. Concerts in July will feature second acts, including Gelugugu, Tr. Dan, Sel'm, Dogma, and Deathgaze, while the tour finale show will be a one-man performance, with only Girugamesh.
In July 2008, an English version of their website was activated; shortly after this, the band announced they would release their debut American album, with Girugamesh being sold exclusively through Hot Topic stores.
The band's third full-length album, titled Music, was released on November, 5 2008. After a lengthy Japan tour throughout the first quarter of 2009, the band made its second appearance in the United States, showcased at Sakura Con in Seattle, Washington.
Members
* Satoshi (迅左?) – vocals, lyricist[4]
* Nii (弐?) – guitar
* Shuu (愁?) – bass guitar
* Яyo – drums, primary songwriter[4]
Former members
* Cyrien – vocals (2003, now with Sel'm)
* Hotaru – guitar (2003-2004)
Discography
Albums
* 13's Reborn (September 27, 2006)
* Girugamesh (December 26, 2007)
* Music (November 5, 2008)
Extended plays
* Goku -Shohan Kata Enban- (May 25, 2005)
* Reason of Crying (July 18, 2007)
Singles
* "Jelato" (August 3, 2004, distributed single)
* "Kaisen Sengen -Kikaku Kata Enban-" (August 15, 2004)
* "Mikongyaku" (August 24, 2004)
* "Kuukyo no Utsuwa -Kyosaku Kata Enban-" (December 25, 2004)
* "Kosaki Uta -Kaijou Kata Enban-" (February 8, 2005)
* "Senyuu Kyoutou Uta" (split CD with Marusa, April 20, 2005)
* "Kyozetsusareta Tsukue -Tandoku Kata Enban-" (June 17, 2005)
* "Fukai no Yami -Mayosake Kata Enban-" (September 14, 2005)
* "Honnou Kaihou -Kakusei Kata Enban-" (November 30, 2005)
* "Risei Kairan -Ranchou Kata Enban-" (November 30, 2005)
* "Rei -Zero- -Mukei Kata Enban-" (April 5, 2006)
* "Omae ni Sasageru Minikui Koe" (April 12, 2006)
* "Volcano" (DVD single, March 14, 2007)
* "Alive" (June 10, 2009)
Demos
* "Dekiai -Shisaku Kata Enban-" (2003)
* "Stupid -Kyoku Kata Enban-" (live distribution, 2007)
Live DVD
* "Crazy Crazy Crazy" June 3rd, 2009
