Malice Mizer
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| RPF Fandom | |
|---|---|
| Name(s): | Malice Mizer/MM |
| Scope/Focus: | J-Rock |
| Date(s): | 1992-2001 |
| See also: | |
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Malice Mizer was a J-Rock band and one of the best examples of the visual-kei sub-genre. They were known for heavy use of EGL and Ouji fashion, a trademark "twin guitar" sound, and lavish historical sets and costumes.
History
The group was formed by guitarists Mana and Közi in 1992 after leaving their previous band, Matenrou. Mana was the primary composer of all of the band's songs for the band's entire career, with other members only being credited on occasion. The band had three vocalists over the course of their career, each marking a shift in the overall style and aesthetic of the group. The "Tetsu Era", around the time of the band's first album, had a less polished appearance and more of an indie charm. They hit the peak of their popularity during the tenure of Gackt, leading to several commercial successes and a more varied repertoire in terms of visual styles. After Gackt left the band to pursue a solo career, Malice Mizer recruited their third and final vocalist, Klaha, who had a background in opera. This change also coincided with the untimely death of Kami, and marked a much darker tone in both costumes and music.
Shipping
The band's photoshoots and promotional materials would often show Mana in female roles and costumes, leading to easy shipping primarily with Gackt and to a lesser extent Klaha. This portrayal may have contributed to the continued speculation and drama among fans that chose to see Gackt's departure as a result of in-fighting and drama between band members.
Due to them remaining the core three members after various departures, the OT3 ship of Mana/Közi/Yu~Ki is also popular.