Matenrou Opera

Matenrou Opera are that rarest of things: a Japanese symphonic metal band who've been continuously active since they debuted.

Founded by former members of visual rock band Jeniva, the group took shape in the mid-2000s. Versailles frontman KAMIJO took them under his wing in 2008, releasing the band's debut album ANOMIE on his Shirow Artist Society label the following year. In 2010, Matenrou Opera signed with King Records, ultimately releasing seven albums over the course of their ten-year association with the major label. In 2020, they reverted to indie status.

While Matenrou Opera have always been committed practitioners of the symphonic subgenre, the band's songs have run the gamut of melodic metal styles over the years. Frontman sono's warbling vibrato and an even balance between keyboards and guitars have been consistent elements throughout.