CRYSTAL LAKE
The Japanese metal machines will support Parkway Drive at their rescheduled Wembley mega-show in November
How have things been with you guys since we last spoke? Ryo Kinoshita (vocals): “We headlined the Never Say Die Tour, which was awesome. The Australian tour with Polaris, Wage War and Alpha Wolf was great too. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the US tour with Fit For A King, Chelsea Grin and Alpha Wolf due to coronavirus. Now all of our summer shows have been cancelled or postponed. I’ve put this anger into new lyrics so they’re gonna be pretty hard and heavy!”
How is the COVID-19 situation where you are right now? “No lockdown here in Japan. It’s going well because Japanese people are extremely afraid of the judgement of others and breaking the rules of what we believe is socially right. The entertainment industry is completely destroyed.”
You’re now supporting Parkway Drive at Wembley Arena… “Yes! I was like, ‘What the hell is going on?! We’re playing arena shows!’ when I heard. They’re the kings of metalcore but now they’re taking over the world as a metal band. That’s amazing. We played a couple of shows with Parkway in Europe last year. Those fireworks were unbelievable.”
You’ve been to the UK a few times now – any favourite traditions you have here?
“I love Greggs pasties. Every time I go to the UK, I get them.”
What are you most looking forward to when the world returns to normal?
“I miss playing shows so much. That keeps me alive. Without it I feel useless. I’d die if we couldn’t do any more shows.”
What five things can you not go on tour without?
“1. Apple juice (my fuel). 2. Volvic (my beer). 3. Vocalzone Throat Pastilles (my cocaine). 4. Death metal t-shirts! When I have free time I go out buying old-school death metal and black metal shirts. 5. Smash Bros. I need it to make friends.”
What other bands would you love to play with?
“Anaal Nathrakh, Paradise Lost, Carcass, Godflesh, Inme and Fightstar. There are a lot of great bands in the UK so I’d be happy if we could play with any of these bands!”