AZRAEL was united in early ‘90’s by the ex-student mates of University:
Take, Akira, Shigeru , Ryu and Yutaka. They were making songs and doing
live performances for years, and finally ready and went to the
recording for their 1st album in 1996.
In 1997, their 1st album ”RUN FOR THE NIGHT” was out as an indie release
(now it is out of press, after 1,200 units sold for 1 year from the
release). Then the original bassist left the band and they went on a
road in Japan with a support bassist (Akira’s elder brother., Satoshi).
In 1998, Kentaro (B / Blasdead) and Takuya (Key) joined the band and
came to the final line-up of recent 6 members.
After the tour, they started the recording for their 2nd album as well
as looking for a deal and they signed with a label Highways records, now
under the umbrella of a major-indie record company in Japan: Tokuma
Japan Communications. In 2000, they released their 2nd album "King of
the Steely Nation” via Highways/Tokuma Japan. They also provided
Japanese metal compilations "Make It Shine Vol.3” (album) and "Make It
Shine Vol.4” (video) with some tracks, then did a tour and joined a
metal live event at BIG CAT in Osaka, held by one of famous music
critics / DJs in Japan: Makoto Captain Wada.
In 2001, they started to write new songs for the forthcoming 3rd album
along with live performances and providing a metal compilation album
"Second Wave Vol.1”. Then went into the studios for the 3rd album. Their
marvelous 3rd album "Sunrise in the Dreamland” was dropped in August
2003 as the masterpiece of the band, and their good-enough music
positively keeps being hailed with many critical acclamation for months.
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