Lareine


Lareine was a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1994. The band's name was derived from vocalist and sole-constant member Kamijo's interest in French history, specifically Queen Marie Antoinette. In 1999 the group signed to Sony, later in 2000 when all other members left, Kamijo created Applause Records. After a number of line-up changes and the release of several albums, EPs and singles, the group disbanded in 2007.

History

Laliene (1994–1996)

Lareine was initially formed in November 1994 under the name Laliene, by vocalist Kamijo and guitarist Mayu, who met while roadies for Malice Mizer. They were joined by Sakureu and Hirono on guitar and Kyouka on drums, later Emiru was recruited on bass. But before their first performance in March 1995 Mayu left, Sakureu left a short while later and Mayu returned to replace him. In October however Kyouka and Hirono both left. They recruited Machi, also a former Malice Mizer roadie, on drums. On March 26, 1996 they held their first anniversary live and changed their name to Lareine.

Lareine (1996–2000)

In August 1996 Akira joined as second guitarist. In December they released their first EP, Blue Romance. In August 1997 Akira left the group. In January 1999 Lareine signed with Sony Music Entertainment Japan and in February 2000 released their second album, Fierte no Umi to Tomo ni Kiyu ~The Last of Romance~. However soon after Emiru announced that he was leaving the group, and Mayu and Machi decided to leave as well. So in August 2000 Lareine held their last concert for fan club members only.

Kamijo's Lareine (2000–2002)

Although all other member's left, Kamijo decided to continue Lareine alone and created his own record label, Applause Records. This "solo project" continued until 2001 when he ceased Lareine activity and formed New Sodmy with Mayu. But New Sodmy only lasted a year up to 2002 and so Lareine resumed activity.

Reunited (2003–2006, 2015)

On March 26, 2003 Emiru announced he was rejoining Lareine, as was new drummer Kazumi. On May 17, at a concert, Mayu also rejoined the group. On September 5, 2004 the album Never Cage was released.
On March 1, 2006 Kazumi left the band and quit the music business. They recruited their roadie, Kazami, as support drummer and continued to perform. But Mayu started to blow off gigs and lose touch with the rest of the group, so Lareine disbanded. Their last official performance was on October 31, 2006, with Hizaki filling in on guitar. Vocalist Kamijo went on to form Versailles with Hizaki. Emiru changed his name to Run and was bassist for Anubis.
At his December 28, 2015 concert at Zepp DiverCity celebrating his 20th anniversary in music, Kamijo performed with Emiru, Mayu and Machi in a reunion of the classic Lareine lineup.

Members

Former members

  • Kamijo/Shoki – vocals 1994–2007, 2015
  • Emiru – bass 1995–2000, 2003–2007, 2015
  • Mayu/Kaito – guitar 1994–1995, 1995–2000, 2003–2006, 2015
  • Kazumi – drums 2003–2006
  • Machi – drums 1995–2000, 2015
  • Akira – guitar 1996–1997
  • Hirono – guitar 1994–1995
  • Kyouka – drums 1994–1995
  • Sakureu – guitar 1994–1995

    Support member

  • Kazami – drums 2006–2007

    Discography

Albums

  • Blue Romance: Yasashii Hanatachi no Kyousou
  • Fierte no Umi to Tomo ni Kiyu: The Last of Romance Oricon Style Weekly Albums Chart Top Position: 20
  • Scream
  • Vampire Scream
  • Reine de Fleur I
  • Reine de Fleur II
  • Crystal Letos
  • ''Never Cage''

    EPs

  • Blue Romance
  • Lillie Charlotte Oricon Style Weekly Albums Chart Top Position: 70
  • Etude
  • Majesty
  • Knight
  • Etude: Platinum White
  • Princess
  • ''Winter Romantic''

    Singles

  • "Saikai no Hana"
  • "Romancia"
  • "Fleur"
  • "Metamorphose" Oricon Style Weekly Singles Chart Top Position: 50
  • "Fiancailles" Oricon Style Weekly Singles Chart Top Position: 21
  • "Billet " Oricon Style Weekly Singles Chart Top Position: 30
  • "Fuyu Tokyo" Oricon Style Weekly Singles Chart Top Position: 29
  • "Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru/Ano Hito no Aishita Hito Nara" Oricon Style Weekly Singles Chart Top Position: 40
  • "Grand Pain" Oricon Style Weekly Singles Chart Top Position: 64
  • "Chou no Hana/Lesson"
  • "Saikai no Hana"
  • "Scarlet Majesty"
  • "With Present Letos"
  • "Trailer"
  • "Doukeshi no Bukyoku"
  • "Setsurenka"
  • "Cinderella Fantasy"
  • "Sakura"
  • "Drama"
  • "Last Song"

    Demo tapes

  • "Laliene"
  • "2ND DEMO"
  • "Tsukiyo no Kageki"
  • "Mist"

    Videos

  • Chantons L'amour: Lillie Kara no Tegami
  • Fierte no Umi to Tomo ni Kiyu: Film Tracks
  • Scarlet Majesty
  • KAMIJO in Vienna
  • Live Document Film In Tokyo Kinema Club
  • The Last Of Romance I
  • ''Legend Of Fantasy''