Eliphas Levi

Eliphas Levi was formed in 1998 by Camus and Kyoka (ex-LAREINE), who were later joined by Shuri and Gilles. The latter, however, didn't stay in the band for very long and only provided vocals for the demo tape, Marorri fujin no hiyakana yokubou. His place was filled by Kei (ex-Rätsel), who was exactly what the other members were looking for, and they continued their career with this line-up.

Now, a few words about the origin of the band's name. Alphonse Louis Constant, more commonly known as Eliphas Levi, was a French occultist and magus, who initiated treating modern magic as a spiritual path. He played a very important role in the shaping of the modern day tarot, and he also had an influence on these four young people from Japan. Taking a cue from tarot imagery, each member played a role or character in the band. Kei was supposed to be a lolita-doll, Shuri was the Queen, Camus was the God of the Dead (aka Death) and Kyoka played the Witch.

On March 26, 1998, their second demo tape, Zange no asa ni..., was sold during a gig and, three months later, Enamell Records finally released their first album. They took a lengthy break following this release and returned in March 1999 with Tsumetai atelier majutsushi. Six months later, in December 1999, they released a box, which contained a VHS, CD, poster, demo tape and pictures of the band. Unfortunately, it was around that time that Kei left the band. Despite the setback, Shuri, Camus and Kyoka released an album in November 2000. Titled Kuroshinkari, it contained all instrumental tracks, which were composed mainly by Shuri. This was the last CD ever released by Eliphas Levi.

After Eliphas Levi's disbanding, Kei and Shuri played together in Vinett, while Kyoka joined Cupid. Lasting only a few short years, Vinett also disbanded as Kei decided to leave the music scene.