Kagrra

Kagrra, a Japanese visual kei rock group formed in 1998, originated from Tokyo and was known for its blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary rock; the band’s core lineup consisted of vocalist Isshi, guitarists Shin and Akiya, bassist Nao, and drummer Izumi, all of whom had met through the PS Company scene. The group first gained attention in 1999 with the demo Hyakuyae under the name CROW, before adopting the stylized moniker Kagrra in 2000; that year they released their debut single "Kotodama" and debuted on stage under the new name, followed by the full‑length album Nue on December 19, 2000, which introduced their signature blend of melodic guitar work and theatrical stagecraft. In 2001 the band released the album Sakura on March 6 and followed it with a series of seasonal singles-"Haru", "Natsu", "Aki", and "Fuyu"-which were later compiled into the compilation Irodori in 2002; the same year they issued the mini‑album Yume Izuru Chi and the full album Gozen on December 11, solidifying their presence in the Japanese rock market. The group signed with a major label in early 2004, changing their name to Kagrra,  and released the album Miyako on March 3, accompanied by a live DVD that month; subsequent releases included Ouka Ranman on September 24, 2004, San on July 20, 2005, and Shizuku on February 14, 2007. Their 2008 EP Core on January 9 and the 2009 EP Shiki on October 21 expanded their discography, while the 2010 single "Tsuki Ni Murakumo Hana Ni Ame" on June 16 and "Shiroi Uso" on August 11 demonstrated continued commercial activity. Kagrra,  maintained an international touring schedule, notably performing in France in August 2008 and in Hong Kong in 2001, and celebrated a decade of activity in 2010 with a tour and a special event at Shibuya O‑West. The band announced its disbandment in November 2010, embarking on a farewell tour that concluded in early 2011; the final album, Hyakki Kenran, was released on February 2, 2011, shortly before the group’s dissolution. The death of vocalist Isshi in July 2011 marked the end of the group’s active period; posthumously, the band’s work has been recognized for its contribution to the visual kei movement and remains a reference point for contemporary Japanese rock ensembles.

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