Negasphere (Japan/Symph/Neo)

Negasphere hail from Japan and were formed in 1977. Kawasaki Kaoru founded the group and played keyboards on both studio albums. In the initial stages of the band the sound was closer to Led Zeppelin rather than the Symphonic sound they would soon adopt, and Kaoru played bass also. Majima Hiroyoshi joined in 1981 giving the band a more definitive sound with his electric guitar playing. An instrumental album was released ?Seishinkougakuyo Henyo?, and a self titled cassette with music that was influenced by Atoll. There was a revolving door membership in the rhythm section, but finally stability came in 1982 with the addition of Tokutake Hiroshi on bass guitar, and later ex Mahojin member Sugano Shiro on electric drums. In 1983 they were joined by keyboardist Yata Toru and Negasphere hit the studios to release their debut album ?Castle In The Air? in 1984. 

The band played live with a number of vocalists but before recording the debut the latest vocalist retired leaving them without a singer for the album. Majima stepped in to sing and the band felt the sound was successful enough to maintain utilising the guitarist as lead vocalist for the year of 1984. The following year the band released their second album ?Disadvantage? and opted to add a new vocalist Hirata Shiro who would lend her clear vocals to a more refined Symphonic sound, and allow Majima to focus on lead guitar. A live album was released in 1991 with some recorded material from 1985 and 1986 ?Negasphere 1985-1986?, with different band members to fill in for retired members, such as Bassist Keiichi Tezuka, drummer Toshihiro Domen, guitarist Osamu Watanabe, and Pianist Toru Yata. 5 songs were recorded on 6th May 1985 and 3 were recorded on 5 October 1986 at Silver Elephant, Kichijoji. 

The band?s sound may appeal to those who enjoy music from early Genesis, UK, T-Rat or Eloy.