Galneryus

is a Japanese power metal band, formed in Osaka in 2001 by guitarist Syu and vocalist Yama-B. Originally the only official members, the two utilized several support musicians until bassist Tsui, keyboardist Yuhki, and drummer Jun-ichi officially joined for the release of their debut album in 2003. Yama-B left the group in 2008 citing musical differences, and Yu-To, who replaced Tsui in 2006, left the following year. Galneryus recruited Sho on vocals and Taka on bass, and released the album Resurrection in 2010. Jun-ichi left in 2016, and the following year the band released their highest-charting studio album, Ultimate Sacrifice, which reached number 13. In 2017, Loudwire named Galneryus one of the 10 Best Japanese Metal Bands. History 2001–2002: Formation and indie days Galneryus was formed in 2001 by guitarist and bandleader Syu (Valkyr, Animetal, Aushvitz) and vocalist Masahiro "Yama-B" Yamaguchi (AxBites, Rekion, River End and Gunbridge). While at a live house in Kujō, Osaka, Syu heard fellow Kansai-native Yama-B on the radio and knew he wanted to work with him. The name "Galneryus" was derived from Guarnerius violins, which are known for their rich tone in the low and mid ranges. Syu said they felt it was a fitting name because metal is "all about the low end". Both veterans of the metal scene, Syu and Yama-B formed the band with the intention to "express both of their musical tastes/ideas" and so they started looking for additional members to complete the lineup. They recruited A on keyboards (who had previously played with Syu in Valkyr), Shōgo Himuro on bass, and Toshihiro "Tossan" Yui (formerly of Cemetery, Honey Quest) on drums. In October 2001, the band released a two-track demo titled "United Flag". It was self-produced and released independently, but started gaining the attention of both fans and independent record labels as well. After playing with other metal bands like Fairy Mirror, Mephistopheles, Galactica Phantom, Mastermind, and Concerto Moon, Galneryus went back to the studio to record an EP. Rebel Flag was released through the independent label Iron Shock in August 2002. The EP again used support musicians to fill the band slots, with Shōgo Himuro again on bass, Toshihiro Yui again on drums, and Yoshinori Kataoka on keyboards.