Merry Go Round

Merry Go Round

Merry Go Round is a Japanese visual kei group from Nagoya, formed in 1991. The band goes through a large number of line-up changes in its early years and pauses activity at points in the 1990s, but it develops into a long-running indie act. Its work is also associated with nagoya kei, gothic rock and J-rock, and the verified facts identify the group with Italo disco and the single “My Reason for Life”.

Early years and first releases

From 1991 to 1994, Merry Go Round has a turbulent line-up, but during this period it still releases one demo tape, 毒・夢・月・殺・狂乱舞. The group halts activities at some point in 1994.

Stable line-up and productivity

In 1995, the only original member left in the band, vocalist 真 (Kazuma), recruits guitarist Hideno, bassist 准那 (Junna) and drummer Kyo to form the first stable version of Merry Go Round. From 1995 to 1998, the group releases one demo tape, three mini-albums and several singles. During this period, the band’s sound is close to that of many other visual kei acts.

Change in sound and later years

When Junna leaves in late 1998, Merry Go Round becomes a duo and all composition falls to Hideno. As sole composer, he steers the music towards a darker, heavier and more varied style, while keeping it rooted in visual kei. In 2003, long-time support players MAXX on bass and Shoji on drums officially join the group, making it a four-piece again. The band then dissolves on 15 May 2004, after 13 years of activity.

Members and related projects

Known members include 真 / Kazuma on vocals, Hideno on guitar, MAXX on bass and Shoji on drums. Former members include Junna on bass and Kyo on drums. After Merry Go Round ends, Kazuma forms Smells with MAXX and Shoji. He later works with Nagoya musician Aie in highfashionparalyze from 2010 to 2015, and from 2016 he performs in gibkiy gibkiy gibkiy with Aie, Kazu of 蜉蝣 and Sakura, formerly of L'Arc~en~Ciel. Hideno is later described as retired from music. Kyo returns to music in the project LOA-ROAR with deadman vocalist Mako. Junna dies on 27 July 2013.