the GazettE

the GazettE is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in Kanagawa on January 14, 2002. It grew out of the short-lived precursor band Kar+te=zyAnose. The lineup took shape after RUKI moved from drums to vocals; he, 麗, and れいた then recruited 葵 and drummer 由寧. When 由寧 left in January 2003, 戒 joined on February 1 of that year. The band’s music combines heavy guitar work and dramatic arrangements with a dark visual kei aesthetic, drawing on metal, visual kei, and alternative metal. After early independent releases such as the 2002 single "別れ道", the band signed with PS COMPANY in 2003 and adopted the name 大日本異端芸者「ガゼット」. In 2006, around the album NIL, it changed its stylization to "the GazettE". Releases associated with King Records marked the group’s move into major distribution. Albums such as DISORDER and STACKED RUBBISH accompanied its rise from the visual kei live circuit to larger venues, including 日本武道館. The band also performed "SHIVER," the opening theme for Kuroshitsuji.