Seikima-II Launch Season II Tour, Guitarist Recovers from Surgery
After 40 years of theatrical darkness, Seikima-II—Japan’s legendary shock-rock institution—just kicked off their GREAT BLACK MASS TOUR “SEASON II” at Hiroshima Culture Hall on May 5th, and the band shows zero signs of slowing down.
For those unfamiliar: Seikima-II debuted on Earth (yes, they claim an otherworldly origin) in 1985 as a “devil band” committed to spreading their peculiar brand of “devil doctrine” through hard rock spectacle. Think KISS-level theatrics meets Japanese metal audacity. After disbanding in 1999 following their initial mission, they’ve reunited periodically for anniversary campaigns, each time proving they remain one of Japan’s most uncompromising live forces.
The 17-date nationwide tour comes hot off an emotional finale last year at Saitama Super Arena, where vocalist Demon Chairman announced a surprise one-year extension. Tickets sold out instantly across all venues—Osaka even added an extra show due to demand.
The real story here? Guitarist Jail Dai-Kan required cervical spine surgery just before tour launch, battling nerve damage and mobility issues. Yet he showed up in a neck brace and delivered full-throttle performances anyway. Classic rock resilience.
The band’s 2025 album Season II marks their first release featuring only the current five-member lineup (Demon Chairman, Raiden Yuzawa on drums, Zenon Ishikawa on bass, Luke Sasaki and Jail Dai-Kan on guitars). It’s aggressive, uncompromising, and unapologetically ambitious—exactly what you’d expect from a group determined to “do everything we can while we’re able.”
Opening night proved this isn’t a nostalgia cash-grab. While setlists honoured their 40-year catalogue, Season II material dominated, delivered with almost-impossible polish for a first show. A birthday surprise for Dai-Kan midway through only reinforced what makes Seikima-II unique: undeniably theatrical yet genuinely warm.
The tour runs through September. If you’re in Japan and haven’t experienced a “Black Mass” (their term for concerts), grab tickets now—they won’t last long.