Balzac

Balzac is a Japanese punk rock band formed in 1992 in Kyoto by vocalist and songwriter Hirosuke Nishiyama, who remains the only constant member throughout the band’s history. Drawing heavy inspiration from the American horror-punk style of the Misfits and Glenn Danzig’s Samhain, Balzac also incorporates themes of darkness, fear, and loneliness into their lyrics. Musically, the band has ventured into punk, pop, industrial, and noise across various releases, producing a distinct horror-punk aesthetic.

Formation and Early Years (1992–1995)

Prior to founding Balzac, Hirosuke was the frontman of Astrozombies, a Kyoto band influenced by Gastunk and the Misfits. In 1992, Hirosuke formed Balzac, naming it after the French novelist Honoré de Balzac. The first lineup included bassist Yoritsugu “Anti” Azuchi, guitarist Tetsuya, and drummer Naoki. Their earliest demo cassettes, Scapegoat666 and Descent of the Diabolos, were limited releases, featuring raw, fast-paced punk heavily inspired by horror elements. Over time, the lineup changed, with guitarist Atsushi Nakagawa and drummer Koji joining in 1993. The band started their own record label, Evilegend13 Records, releasing their first single “The Lord of the Light and of the Darkness,” which paved the way for subsequent singles and compilation appearances.

By 1995, Balzac secured a deal with Alchemy Records to produce their debut full-length album, The Last Men on Earth. Soon after, bassist Anti and drummer Nishio departed, and bassist Akio Imai joined. Guitarist Tetsuya exited and was replaced by long-time friend and collaborator. Despite personnel shifts, Balzac pressed forward, producing music influenced by the Misfits’ style and forging their dark, theatrical brand of horror punk.

Breakout and Diwphalanx Records (1997–1999)

After recording Deep – Teenagers from Outer Space (their second album) in 1997, the band joined Diwphalanx Records, a respected indie label in Japan. Drummer Kill took over in 1998, a pivotal moment when the band opened for the Misfits in Japan. This exposure significantly expanded their fanbase, culminating in the release of their third album, 13 Stairway – The Children of the Night. Balzac’s increasingly elaborate performances and diverse releases, including splits with other Japanese rock bands, spurred the group’s growing reputation. By the late 1990s, Balzac regularly sold out concerts and worked with toy companies T.W.I.M. and Secret Base to create promotional figures and merchandise.

International Recognition and Store Launch (2000–2002)

In 2000, Balzac further refined their style with Zennou-Naru Musuu-No Me Ha Shi Wo Yubi Sasu (their fourth album), which introduced darker, industrial influences. Their performances became more theatrical, featuring concepts like Paperbag Man and a continuing horror motif. The band opened their first retail store, “Shocker!!!,” in Osaka, selling their clothing lines (Shocker!!!, Dementia13, Culture, XXXxxx, and Balzac brand). They also introduced the Fiendish Club for fans. By 2002, they released their fifth album, Terrifying! Art of Dying – The Last Men on Earth II, and made their first US appearance, performing alongside The Misfits in New York City.

Tours and Expanded Discography (2003–2005)

Balzac’s presence grew outside Japan as they toured Europe and the US, sharing stages with The Misfits, The Damned, and The Dickies. Their 2003 compilation Beyond the Darkness was issued on Misfits Records, and Out of the Light of the 13 Dark Night came out in Germany. In 2004, they released Came Out of the Grave, their sixth album, blending horror-punk with melodic hooks. In 2005, Balzac continued to push boundaries with the release of Dark-Ism and the single “D.A.R.K.”

New Chapters: Deep Blue, Hatred, and Beyond (2006–2008)

The seventh album, Deep Blue: Chaos from Darkism II, arrived in 2006, signaling a return to heavier, more ominous material. The band’s involvement with fashion and toy collaborations accelerated, introducing exclusive figurines, clothing, and vinyl collectibles. By 2008, Balzac’s eighth album, Hatred: Destruction = Construction, continued this dark streak. They also launched side projects like Zodiac and The Deranged Mad Zombies, each exploring other angles of Balzac’s signature horror brand.

Further Growth and 20th Anniversary (2009–2012)

In 2009, Balzac expanded their discography with mini-albums, toy sets, and more global tours. Paradox (2009) showcased the band’s fresh “digital horror punk” sound, produced by Takeshi Ueda of The Mad Capsule Markets. The next year’s Judgement Day (their ninth album) showed the group’s depth and variety in its heavier, thematic production. The band marked 2012 as their 20th anniversary, reissuing classic releases and launching special tours and re-mastered versions of their early works.

Recent Albums and Continuing Influence (2013–Present)

Balzac’s tenth studio album, Blackout, was released in 2013. Subsequent releases include Bloodsucker and Hybrid Black, highlighting the band’s ongoing commitment to horror-driven imagery and a relentless punk edge. Across their extensive output, Balzac has maintained a blend of bleak aesthetics, dynamic stage shows, and a strong presence in Japan’s punk underground.

Band Members

Current Lineup

• Hirosuke Nishiyama – Vocals (1992–present)
• Atsushi Nakagawa – Guitar (1993–present)
• Akio Imai – Bass (1996–present)
• Takayuki Manabe – Drums (2001–present)

Former Members

• Toyoki Takimoto – Guitar
• Tetsuya Kitagawa – Guitar (1992–1993)
• Yoritsugu “Anti”” Azuchi – Bass (1992–1996)
• Naoki Shinjo – Drums (1992–1993)
• Koji – Drums (1993–1994)
• Hajime Nishio – Drums (1994–1996)
• Masami – Drums (1996–1997)
• Futoshi Okano – Session Drummer (1997–2002)
• Kill – Drums (1997–2001)

Discography (Selected)

Studio Albums

• 1995 – The Last Men on Earth
• 1997 – Deep – Teenagers from Outer Space
• 1998 – 13 Stairway – The Children of the Night
• 2000 – Zennou-Naru Musuu-No Me Ha Shi Wo Yubi Sasu
• 2002 – Terrifying! Art of Dying – The Last Men On Earth II
• 2004 – Came Out of the Grave
• 2006 – Deep Blue: Chaos from Darkism II
• 2008 – Hatred: Destruction = Construction
• 2009 – Paradox (Mini album)
• 2010 – Judgement Day
• 2013 – Blackout
• 2015 – Bloodsucker
• 2019 – Hybrid Black

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