is a Japanese visual kei power metal band. The band was formed in 2007 by Sono and Yuu who were previously the vocalist and drummer of Jeniva.
History
Their first maxi-single was on the Office A to Z label. "Alkaloid Showcase" was released on May 4, 2007, the same day as their first concert; it sold out before the concert began.
In late 2007, guitarist Mika and female keyboardist Karen left the band; they were replaced by guitarist Anzi (ex-Masterpiece) and male keyboardist Ayame (ex-Ry:dia) respectively.
In 2008, after joining Kamijo's record label Sherow Artist Society, the single "Ruri Iro de Egaku Niji" reached number 11 on the Oricon Indies Chart; the EP Gilia reached number 7 and was also released in Europe. Matenrou Opera toured through Europe with Versailles from the end of March to the beginning of April 2008.
In late 2009, Matenrou Opera shared a national tour of Japan with Deluhi. Matenrou Opera covered X Japan's song "Kurenai" for the compilation Crush! -90's V-Rock Best Hit Cover Songs-. The album was released on January 26, 2011 and features current visual kei bands covering songs from bands that were important to the '90s visual kei movement. Matenrou Opera also covered hide's song "Dice" for the tribute album Tribute II -Visual Spirits-, released on July 3, 2013. Then, they released Avalon on September 3, 2014.
On May 15, 2016, guitarist Anzi announced that he would leave Matenrou Opera after eight years with the band. His final concert with the band was held in July of the same year in Tokyo, at Tsutaya O-East. Matenrou Opera continued performing with support guitarist JaY, the former guitarist for the Japanese rock band Light Bringer, until it was announced in May 2018 that Jay would be their new permanent guitarist.
They released Chikyuu on January 20, 2016, and on October 19, 2016 they released Phoenix Rising. They officially released Pantheon -Part 1- on April 12, 2017. Additionally, they released both 摩天楼オペラ 〜BEST & CLIPS〜 and 摩天楼オペラ 〜BEST & REQUEST〜 on October 19, 2016 for a limited time. In 2020, Sono announced the band would be switching from King Records to his self-owned label, amairo records.
In December 2020, Matenrou Opera announced JaY's departure from the band, with their last show with him being livestreamed on December 14. Shortly after, the band began performing with guest guitarist Yusuke Hiraga, formerly from the math-metalcore band Arise in Stability and a member of Babymetal's KAMI BAND. He was officially inducted as a permanent guitarist in May 2022, and contributed to the composition and songwriting for the album Shinjitsu wo Shite Iku Monogatari. Released in June 2022, this was Matenrou Opera's first full-length album as a complete band in three years.
Members
Current members
– vocals
– bass
– keyboards, keytar
- drums; also plays drums for Hazuki from lynch. during his solo tours
- guitar
Former members
– guitar (ex.ANCIENT MYTH) - keyboards, keytar Anzi – guitar – drums JaY – guitar Support members Leda (Far East Dizain) – guitar
Discography
Albums & EPs
Gilia (May 14, 2008) Anomie (June 24, 2009) Abyss (December 22, 2010) Justice (March 7, 2012) Kassai to Gekijou no Gloria (March 6, 2013) Avalon (September 3, 2014) Chikyuu (January 20, 2016) Phoenix Rising (October 19, 2016) Pantheon -Part 1- (April 12, 2017) Pantheon -Part 2- (November 15, 2017) Human Dignity (February 27, 2019) Chronos (April 22, 2020) Shinjitsu wo Shitteiku Monogatari (June 22, 2022) EVIL (December, 12, 2023)