NIGHTMARE

Guitarists, Sakito and Hitsugi created Nightmare in Sendai in January of 2000. They were joined by vocalist Yomi, bassist Ni~Ya, and drummer Zennin, their lineup wasn’t complete until July when Zennin left and was replaced by Ruka, formerly of Luinspear.

Nightmare started their career by storming the scene in their early days and never slowing down. Their first tour took place in July and they released Zange, their first demo, in August. Carrying a heavy, violent sound, Hankouki, their next release sold out quickly during its pre-order period, demanding a second pressing the following month.

A fresh balance of jazz, rock, and synth was displayed with the release of their next single, a bit of a change in style for Nightmare. Always on the move, they followed the release with a tour of Nagoya and Osaka before heading back to the studio to record more singles. Outlaw, their first mini-album, was released in November of 2002, showing off a growing, maturing, Nightmare.

They started 2003 with a one-man tour, BATTLE, before releasing Djaïnism ~Omae no mono wa ore no mono~ and Djaïnism ~Ore no mono wa ore no mono~. Following two more one-man tours, Nightmare announced, at their June 1st show at Akasaka BLITZ, their major label status with Nippon Crown. Believe, their first major release, went to number 24 on the Oricon charts.

Three months later, the triple A-side single, Akane/HATE/Over, hit store shelves. This release was the precursor to their Ultimate Circus tour, which was followed by their likewise titled new album.

In 2004, Nightmare revealed their outrageous alter ego band, Sendai Kamotsu, by releasing the band's first DVD and maxi-single. As their true selves, Nightmare embarked on a thirty date tour that spanned from April to July, during which their hugely successful single, Tokyo Shounen, was released. This single garnered the attention of many new fans and the band ended the year with a bang with their CPU 2004 Ghz tour, of which the finale was held at Nakano Sun Plaza and later released on DVD. Another album and a PV collection were also released before the close of the year.

Nightmare's first performances of 2005 took place in their hometown, Sendai, and several promotional lives followed the release of their Jibun no Hana single. Kicking off another lengthy tour, the band played thirty-five dates across the country in addition to starting an online radio show, Jack in the box!, which aired on Wednesday nights.

Marking the first time Nightmare has been featured as part of an anime, their the WORLD/Alumina single served as the opening and ending themes for the DEATH NOTE anime series. The band then re-assumed their roles in Sendai Kamotsu for another of their trademark gay-themed releases.

The guys went through 2006 at full speed and with a packed release schedule, producing a new original album, a CD of hard to find indie-era tracks, and their first best-of album. In addition, another video clip DVD and a live DVD from their TOUR [anima]lism went on sale.

In February of 2007, Nightmare released their the WORLD ruler album and in June, a new single, Raison d'etre, which is used as the opening for the anime series Claymore. The band was also included as part of the line up for the 10th anniversary of Takadanobaba AREA, playing alongside bands like Jinkaku Radio, Charlotte, and Wizard. The latter half of 2007 saw single and DVD releases from both Nightmare and Sendai Kamotsu. Not only did Nightmare release a singles collection at the start of 2008, but Kyokutou Symphony ～the Five Stars Night～@BUDOKAN, the band's first ever performance at Budokan, was released as a live album and on DVD in two different editions. They've also spent the first part of the year busy with touring and fan club lives.

Nightmare is simply a band that does not quit. Creating, recording, and performing one-of-a-kind songs is something they've become known for, constantly varying their style to incorporate fresh sounds that always stay true to what Nightmare is. For listeners who are looking for something different, Yomi's operatic vocal style is enough to make the band's music just that. For those who've never given Nightmare a try, sit down and take a listen. Almost always packing their schedules nearly to capacity, Nightmare is sure to continue through 2008 providing pleasurable listening experiences and perhaps even a surprise or two.