Aldious

Aldious
OriginOsaka, Japan
Genres
Years active2008–present
Labels
  • Bright Star / Spinning
  • Radiant A / VAA
  • JPU
MembersYoshi
Toki
Sawa
Past membersRuki
Kaze
Rami
Aruto
Re:NO
R!N
Marina
Websitealdious.net

Aldious (Japanese: アルディアス, Hepburn: Arudiasu) is a Japanese heavy metal band from Osaka, formed in 2008 by guitarist Yoshi and vocalist Rami. After a few member changes, they released their debut EP Dear Slave the following year and soon after formed their own record label, Bright Star Records. A stabilized line-up including guitarist Toki, bassist Sawa and drummer Aruto was established by 2010. Their first album Deep Exceed (2010) reached the top 15 on the Oricon chart, as did their second Determination (2011). However, Rami announced she was leaving the group in June 2012 and new vocalist Re:NO joined Aldious just one month later. They produced their third album District Zero in 2013 and it became their highest-charting release to date, reaching number 7.

Their fourth album Dazed and Delight (2014) peaked at number 20, before Aruto left the band in September and was replaced by Marina in April 2015. Their fifth album Radiant A was released in December 2015 and was their first album on the VAA record label and their first released in Europe via JPU Records. After one more album, Unlimited Diffusion (2017), Re:NO left the band at the end of 2018 and was replaced by R!N in August 2019, until she too left in June 2021. Aldious have been labelled pioneers of the Girls Metal Band Boom that began in Japan in the 2010s.[6][7]

History

[edit]

Formation, debut and Rami's withdrawal (2008–2013)

[edit]
Poster for a November 2012 concert by The Agonist and Aldious in Osaka.

Aldious was formed in Osaka in June 2008 when guitarist and leader Yoshi teamed up with vocalist Rami.[1][8] The name Aldious was created by Rami shortening the phrase "Ultimate Melodious."[8] The singer said that they intentionally express their femininity by wearing dresses with big hair, a style that saw the band labelled "Age-jō".[8][9][10][11][12] In November they took part in the compilation album Red Hot Burning Hell Vol.16,[13] soon after which guitarist Ruki and bassist Sawa left. In January 2009, Toki and Kaze joined as guitarist and bassist respectively, later the band self-released and sold-out their debut four-track EP Dear Slave on November 7.[8][13] Kaze left in December, and drummer Aruto joined in January 2010. March saw the return of Sawa on bass and, around this time, Aldious formed their own record label, Bright Star Records.[13] Their first single "Defended Desire", released on July 7, sold-out all 7,000 copies, reached the number 4 position on Oricon's Indies singles chart and number 49 on its regular chart.[13][14] In April, Bright Star became a sublabel of Spinning and the band released their debut album Deep Exceed on October 13, 2010.[1] It reached number 15 on the Oricon Albums Chart and sold over 30,000 copies.[15]

Determination, the band's second album, was released on October 12, 2011, and reached number 13.[16][17] The song "Spirit Black" was used as the ending theme song of the Fuji TV show Shimura Ken. The album's single, "Mermaid", was previously released on April 6 and earned the number 20 position.[18] On June 29, 2012, it was announced that vocalist and co-founder Rami was leaving Aldious due to health concerns.[19] She had informed the other members of her condition the previous year, but finally offered to leave as she felt she was hindering the band's activities.[20] A month later, Re:NO (formerly of the pop duo Suitei Shoujo) was announced as Aldious's new singer on August 3.[21] This line-up's first release was the single "White Crow" on November 14, which reached number 19 and was co-produced by Akihito Kinoshita, guitarist and leader of the veteran heavy metal band Saber Tiger.[18][22][23] Re:No's first tour with Aldious was supporting Canadian metal band The Agonist at three Japanese shows in November 2012.[24]

On May 15, 2013, Aldious released their third album District Zero, which became their first release to break the top ten.[16][25] Its song "Scrash" became the ending theme song for the TBS TV show Ranking Kingdom from June to July. It was reported that for the album the band intentionally toned down their appearance and aimed for a "pure metal sound", so as to be recognized for their musicianship rather than being an all-female band.[26]

Record label and member changes (2013–present)

[edit]

Their fourth single and first double A-side, "Dominator / I Don't Like Me", was released on October 9, 2013, and is the group's highest charting, having reached number 12. Their next single, "Other World", peaked at number 22 and their fourth album, Dazed and Delight, released on June 18, 2014, was their lowest charting CD, only reaching the 20 position.[18][16] In September 2014, Aruto announced she was leaving Aldious and music entirely due to her upcoming marriage. She stayed with the group until the end of November 2014.[27] Aldious announced their new drummer Marina, step-daughter of American drummer Terry Bozzio,[28] on April 19, 2015. They also left their parent record label Spinning at their own request.[29]

Aldious released the triple A-side single "Die for You / Dearly / Believe Myself" on July 8, 2015. The band released their fifth album Radiant A on December 2. It was their first release on the VAA (Village Again Association) label, under their own sublabel that shares the Radiant A name, and their first featuring new drummer Marina, with a limited "Marina Edition" of the album available exclusively through HMV Group and Loppi.[30] A second triple single, "Female Warrior / Nostalgic / Fragile", was released on October 26, 2016. Throughout the year, the band played at several major festivals and concerts such as Summer Sonic,[31] Loud Park,[31] Visual Japan Summit,[32] and hide Birthday Party.[33] Radiant A became Aldious's first album released overseas when it was published in Europe by JPU Records on March 17, 2017, with two additional live tracks.[34]

The group released their sixth album, Unlimited Diffusion, on May 10, 2017.[35] The album marked the first time each of the five members contributed songs and, like their previous album, it was produced by Shinichi Kobayashi of Zigoku Quartet.[36] Their first mini-album, We Are, followed on November 29, 2017.[37] It begins with fans chanting "We are Aldious!" during a concert in Kōchi Prefecture which was recorded by Re:NO on an iPhone.[38] A second mini-album, All Brose, was released on November 21, 2018. Its title is a reference to blue roses, which do not exist in nature.[39] On November 28, Re:NO announced that she would be ending musical activities after consulting a doctor about her patulous Eustachian tube. She left Aldious after their December 17 concert at Tsutaya O-East.[40][41]

On April 20, 2019, Aldious began the national 45-date Evoke Tour with alternating guest vocalists R!N (SawanoHiroyuki [nZk]) and Saki (Cyntia).[42][43] Toki began temporary maternity leave from the group after their June 9 show due to her pregnancy. The remaining dates of the tour were performed with guest guitarist Narumi (Destrose).[44][45] The half-Filipino and English-fluent R!N officially joined the band as full-time vocalist on August 6.[46][47][48]

Aldious, with Narumi, performed their first international concert in Anaheim, California, at the NAMM Show on January 17, 2020.[49] Toki returned to live activities with a performance on March 1. On March 18, the band released a self-cover album titled Evoke 2010–2020, which also includes a new song written by R!N.[50] Their 2020 Japanese tour Unlash was scheduled to run from April 25 to November 23,[51] with their first shows in Europe scheduled to occur September 30 to October 2.[52] However, both tours were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the European dates initially rescheduled to October 2021 before being cancelled in August 2021.[53][54] Aldious held a concert with no live audience at Shibuya Club Quattro on August 14, 2020, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut, and released a second self-cover album, Evoke II 2010–2020, on September 30.[55]

On June 18, 2021, Aldious announced that R!N had left the band after being hospitalized for depression and stress.[56] The singer was first diagnosed in January and lost around 10 kilograms (22 pounds) as symptoms worsened.[57] She offered to leave the band and the other members accepted her resignation.[57] Maki Oyama performed with Aldious as guest vocalist for their rescheduled Unlash tour that started in July and ended in December, with the exception of the September 4 date, which was performed by just the four instrumentalists.[58][59] Oyama continues to perform with Aldious, including on the five-date tour commemorating their 15th anniversary, which began in July 2023.[60] They also held a special anniversary event at Club Citta on October 28, where the opening act included their former drummer Aruto.[61] On December 20, Marina announced that she would be leaving the band due to health issues. She explained that her ulcerative colitis, which she was diagnosed with before joining Aldious, had been worsening and that she feels she is at her physical limit.[62][63] Her final performances with the band were a trilogy of concerts titled Eternal Gratitude, which concluded on February 19, 2024.[63] Aldious will reunite with former members Aruto and Re:NO for one-night only at Club Citta on November 29, as part of the Queen of the Night two-man live with their former labelmates Cyntia.[64]

Band members

[edit]
Timeline

Discography

[edit]
Aldious discography
Studio albums6
Singles7
Video albums10
Mini-albums3
Self-cover albums2

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[16] 		JPN
Billboard
Hot
[65] 		JPN
Billboard
Top
[66]
Deep Exceed
  • Released: October 13, 2010
  • Label: Bright Star Records / Spinning
 15 — 26
Determination
  • Released: October 12, 2011
  • Label: Bright Star Records / Spinning
 13 — 18
District Zero
  • Released: May 15, 2013
  • Label: Bright Star Records / Spinning
 7 — 7
Dazed and Delight
  • Released: June 18, 2014
  • Label: Bright Star Records / Spinning
 20 — 19
Radiant A
  • Released: December 2, 2015
  • Label: Radiant A / Village Again Association, JPU Records
 16 19 18
Unlimited Diffusion
  • Released: May 10, 2017
  • Label: Radiant A / Village Again Association, JPU Records
 13 18 13
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or that the chart did not exist.

Mini-albums

[edit]
Title Mini-album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[16] 		JPN
Billboard
Hot
[65] 		JPN
Billboard
Top
[66]
Dear Slave — — —
We Are
  • Released: November 29, 2017
  • Label: Radiant A / Village Again Association, JPU Records
 11 15 10
All Brose
  • Released: November 21, 2018
  • Label: Radiant A / Village Again Association, JPU Records
 17 22 15
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Self-cover albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[16] 		JPN
Billboard
Hot
[65] 		JPN
Billboard
Top
[66]
Evoke 2010–2020
  • Released: March 18, 2020
  • Label: Radiant A / Village Again Association, JPU Records
 24 23 23
Evoke II 2010–2020
  • Released: September 30, 2020
  • Label: Radiant A / Village Again Association, JPU Records
 25 28 23
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[18] 		JPN
Billboard
[67] 		JPN
Top
Singles
[68]
"Defended Desire" 2010 49 — 80
"Mermaid" 2011 20 — 17
"White Crow" 2012 19 — 18
"Dominator / I Don't Like Me" 2013 12 — 11
"Other World" 2014 22 — 18
"Die for You / Dearly / Believe Myself" 2015 14 20 10
"Female Warrior / Nostalgic (ノスタルジック) / Fragile" 2016 42 — 39
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Digital singles

[edit]
Title Year
"Show Down" 2021
"Freedom"

Compilation appearances

[edit]
Year Song Album
2008 "Ultimate Melodious" Red Hot Burning Hell Vol. 16
  • Released: November 15, 2008
"Shion" (紫苑)

Video albums

[edit]
Title Video details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[69]
Determination Tour 2011 -Live at Shibuya O-East-
  • Released: May 16, 2012
 6
District Zero Tour ~Live at Shibuya O-East~
  • Released: February 12, 2014
 6
Live Tour 2014 "Dazed and Delight" ~Live at Club Citta'~
  • Released: February 11, 2015
 8
Radiant A Live at O-East
  • Released: October 12, 2016
 7
Live Unlimited Diffusion
  • Released: October 11, 2017
 8
Aldious Tour 2018 "We Are" Live at Liquid Room
  • Released: November 7, 2018
 8
Music Video Collection
  • Released: December 19, 2018
 32
Aldious Tour 2018 "We Are" ~Final~ Live at Tsutaya O-East
  • Released: April 24, 2019
 —
Aldious Debut 10th Anniversary No Audience Live 2020
  • Released: October 21, 2020
 —
Aldious Tour 2020–2021 "Unlash" Live at Liquid Room
  • Released: January 14, 2022
 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Ashcraft, Brian (June 2, 2011). "These Girls Will Rock Your Brains Out". Kotaku. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  2. ^ Huskey, Daniel (November 4, 2016). "Watch As Japanese All-Girls Metal Band Aldious Epitomizes "The Female Warrior"". Nylon. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  3. ^ DeGroot, Lauren (May 31, 2014). "J-Metal: The Women Ruling the Hard Rock Scene in Japan". Boxx Magazine. Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  4. ^ Cooper, Ali (September 14, 2020). "20 women in metal who don't need a microphone to take center stage". Alternative Press. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  5. ^ Ruchesko (April 15, 2017). "New Album from Aldious". JaME USA. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  6. ^ "アルディアス、Marina加入". barks.jp (in Japanese). April 20, 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  7. ^ "The DESTROSE Connection ~The Prologue~". jame-world.com. March 16, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  8. ^ a b c d "お待たせ！アゲ嬢メタラー 第2弾！". HMV Group (in Japanese). April 13, 2010. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  9. ^ "脳天直撃！アゲ嬢メタラー登場！！". HMV Group (in Japanese). March 29, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  10. ^ "キャプテン教えて！ Chapter01 ～ガールズロック篇～ その2". Beeast (in Japanese). January 9, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  11. ^ "美しさと激しさを兼ね揃えたガーリー･メタルバンドAldiousが、吉祥寺を席巻！！". We Rock City (in Japanese). September 16, 2010. Archived from the original on March 18, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  12. ^ "Aldious - 音楽ナタリー". Natalie (in Japanese). Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  13. ^ a b c d "Female metal band, ALDIOUS, release new PV". tokyohive.com. October 15, 2010. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  14. ^ "ギャルバン・ブームの最終兵器Aldious、遂に本格出陣！！". We Rock City (in Japanese). October 8, 2010. Archived from the original on May 23, 2011. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  15. ^ "ALDIOUS、バレンタイン・プレゼント企画を募集開始！募集期間は2/14まで。". Geki-Rock (in Japanese). January 26, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  16. ^ a b c d e f "Aldiousのアルバム売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  17. ^ "Aldious is Back with New Album this October!". jpopasia.com. September 11, 2011. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  18. ^ a b c d "Aldiousのシングル売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  19. ^ "Rami to Leave Aldious for Health Reasons". musicjapanplus.jp. June 29, 2012. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved July 1, 2012.
  20. ^ "ALDIOUSのヴォーカリストRamiが健康上の理由により脱退。". Geki-Rock (in Japanese). June 29, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  21. ^ "Aldious with new Vocalist Re:NO!". musicjapanplus.jp. August 3, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  22. ^ "Aldious Releasing Official Music Video for New Single "White Crow"". musicjapanplus.jp. November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  23. ^ "アルディアス、新ボーカルにRe:NOを迎え3rdシングル発表". barks.jp (in Japanese). November 8, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  24. ^ "エクストリーム・メタル・シーンの至宝THE AGONIST、11月に来日決定！さらにゲスト・アクトとしてALDIOUSが出演決定。". Geki-Rock (in Japanese). August 23, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  25. ^ "アルディアス、「新旧隔たりなく、数多くのリスナーに納得してもらえる1作」". barks.jp (in Japanese). May 9, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  26. ^ "Aldious: 'Work that will appeal equally to both old and new fans'". barks.jp. May 17, 2013. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  27. ^ "Aruto to Leave Aldious". jame-world.com. September 23, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  28. ^ "【ライブレポート】アルディアス、ニューアルバムのリリースを発表". barks.jp (in Japanese). October 13, 2015. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  29. ^ "New Drummer Joins Aldious". jame-world.com. April 20, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  30. ^ "アルディアス 1年半ぶりアルバムにHMV/Loppi 限定盤が登場". HMV Group (in Japanese). October 19, 2015. Retrieved October 23, 2015.
  31. ^ a b "アルディアス、＜LOUD PARK 16＞にも参戦". barks.jp (in Japanese). September 13, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  32. ^ "VISUAL JAPAN SUMMIT 2016 Day 2: Part 1". jame-world.com. October 30, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  33. ^ "hide生誕祭にPATA、スプレビメンバーら集結＆「MLJ 2017」開催発表". Natalie (in Japanese). December 12, 2016. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  34. ^ "Aldious Release First Overseas Album". jame-world.com. March 16, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  35. ^ "アルディアス、5月にニューアルバム『Unlimited Diffusion』をリリース！". netallica.yahoo.co.jp (in Japanese). March 29, 2017. Archived from the original on March 31, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  36. ^ "Aldious「Unlimited Diffusion」インタビュー". Natalie (in Japanese). Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  37. ^ "Aldious、9曲入り新作「We Are」収録曲＆ジャケット解禁". Natalie (in Japanese). October 27, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  38. ^ "Aldious「We Are」Yoshi（G）＆トキ（G）インタビュー". Natalie (in Japanese). Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  39. ^ "New Mini-Album from Aldious". jame-world.com. November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  40. ^ "AldiousのボーカリストRe:NOが脱退、耳管開放症の影響で". Natalie (in Japanese). November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  41. ^ "Re:NO to Leave Aldious". JaME. December 3, 2018. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  42. ^ "Aldious Tour 2019 "Evoke" ツアー前半戦(7月まで)に参加する2名のゲスト・ヴォーカリストが決定！". Aldious.net (in Japanese). March 8, 2019. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  43. ^ "Aldiousが2カ月の沈黙を破り再始動、ゲストVo迎え全国ツアー「Evoke」開催". Natalie (in Japanese). February 18, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  44. ^ "Aldiousトキ 結婚＆妊娠を発表!ライブは6/9まで". TV Asahi (in Japanese). May 16, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  45. ^ "Aldious's Toki Announces Maternity Leave". JaME. May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  46. ^ "PROFILE". R!N/Gemie Official Homepage (in Japanese). Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  47. ^ "Interview with Aldious". JaME. February 18, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  48. ^ "Aldious、新ヴォーカリストR!Nの加入を発表". barks.jp (in Japanese). August 6, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  49. ^ "2020年1月17日(金)、アメリカで開催される「NAMM Show」に出演決定！". Aldious.net (in Japanese). November 26, 2019. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  50. ^ "Aldiousセルフカバーアルバム「Evoke 2010-2020」収録曲明らかに". Natalie (in Japanese). February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  51. ^ "Aldious、初となるセルフ・カバー・ベスト・アルバムのリリース＆2020年ライヴ・ツアー[Aldious Tour 2020 "Unlash"]開催決定！". Geki Rock (in Japanese). December 20, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
  52. ^ "Aldious Announce European Tour and New Album's International Release". JaME. March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  53. ^ "Interview: Aldious". The Moshville Times. December 23, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  54. ^ @ORIONlive_UK (August 4, 2021). "We regret to announce that due to circumstances within the band and issues beyond our control, the Aldious UK/EU performances have been cancelled" (Tweet). Retrieved August 4, 2021 – via Twitter.
  55. ^ "Aldious、R！Nリレコーディング作品第二弾『Evoke II』発売決定". barks.jp (in Japanese). July 17, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020.
  56. ^ "Aldiousを応援してくださっている皆様へ". Aldious.net (in Japanese). June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  57. ^ a b "R!N Leaves Aldious". JaME. June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
  58. ^ "Aldious、ライブツアーのゲストボーカルにソロシンガーの大山まきが決定！". OK Music (in Japanese). June 28, 2021. Archived from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  59. ^ "Aldious、12月に[Aldious Tour 2020-2021 "Unlash"]ツアー・ファイナルの東名阪公演決定！". Geki-Rock (in Japanese). July 29, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  60. ^ "Aldious、15周年記念ワンマン公演を全国5都市で開催決定。ライブ映像も公開". barks.jp (in Japanese). February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  61. ^ "Aldious × TEARS OF TRAGEDY、結成15周年イベントを川崎CLUB CITTA'にて10/28開催決定！SAKI（CYNTIA ）、Rosana:miho、Aruto（ex-Aldious）によるスペシャルOPゲストも！". Geki Rock (in Japanese). July 27, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  62. ^ "Aldiousから大切なお知らせ". Aldious.net (in Japanese). December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  63. ^ a b "Aldious、Marina（Dr）の脱退を発表。2月に東名阪ワンマン開催". Geki Rock (in Japanese). December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  64. ^ "CYNTIA活動休止から7年、一夜限りの復活ライブをAldiousと開催！AldiousはRe:NO、Arutoをゲストに迎え、この日限りのスペシャル編成！11/29(金)川崎CLUB CITTA'". PR Times (in Japanese). September 26, 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  65. ^ a b c Peak chart positions for albums on Billboard Japan's Hot Albums chart
  66. ^ a b c Peak chart positions for albums on Billboard Japan's Top Albums chart
  67. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100│Charts│Billboard JAPAN". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 27, 2017.
  68. ^ Peak chart positions for singles on the Billboard Japan Top Singles Sales chart:
  69. ^ "AldiousのDVD売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved October 16, 2011.
[edit]
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