HAGANE - The Rising of the Shield (LIVE Music Video) Mixed by Hiro at STUDIO PRISONER, Japan, 2026. The LIVE Music Video from HAGANE's EP Release Tour "METAL QUEST" TOUR FINAL @ Tokyo EX THEATER ROPPONGI performance has been released! HAGANE-The Rising of the Shield(LIVE Music Video) HAGANE - 月光-TSUKIKAGE- (Official Music Video) Napalm Records Signs Japanese Melodic Power Metal Force HAGANE Tokyo's "Harmonic Metal" Quintet Expands Globally with Worldwide Physical Deal for Upcoming Studio Album Through The Night Record Deal & Global Expansion Premier Austrian rock and metal imprint Napalm Records has officially announced the international signing of Tokyo-based melodic power metal outfit HAGANE. Under this landmark partnership, HAGANE has inked a worldwide physical distribution agreement (excluding Japan) for their highly anticipated upcoming studio album, Through The Night. Scheduled for physical release outside Japan on January 15, 2027, the LP marks a defining milestone in the quintet's career, positioning their distinctive blend of epic melodies, soaring vocals, virtuosic musicianship, and traditional Japanese spirit in front of an expanding global audience. International Breakthrough & Festival Impact Rise from the Tokyo Scene (2018–Present) Formed in Tokyo in 2018, HAGANE has steadily built a reputation across the Japanese heavy metal landscape for high-velocity neoclassical guitar trades, tight rhythm section dynamics, and infectious, hook-laden songwriting. European Live Debut at Rockharz Festival Following widespread acclaim across domestic stages, the band made an indelible mark on European soil with a celebrated appearance at Germany's renowned Rockharz Festival, demonstrating that their electrifying stage presence and "Harmonic Metal" ethos translate powerfully to international festival crowds. Upcoming Studio Album: Through The Night Slated for physical release on January 15, 2027, through Napalm Records, the full-length effort serves as the vanguard of HAGANE's next international chapter, combining high-speed power metal with progressive and neoclassical arrangements. Release Metadata Artist HAGANE (鋼) Label Partner Napalm Records (Worldwide Physical, Ex-Japan) Title Through The Night International Release Date January 15, 2027 Format Physical LP / CD Genre Melodic Power Metal / Neoclassical Heavy Metal HAGANE (鋼) "Harmonic Metal" Quintet, Dual-Lead Neoclassical Shred & High-Speed Melodic Power Metal Biography & Band History Formed in Tokyo, Japan, in June 2018 around guitar virtuoso and band leader Sakura (alongside former co-guitarist Mayto), HAGANE is an all-female melodic power metal band renowned for their signature concept of "Harmonic Metal"—a high-energy fusion of neoclassical twin-guitar harmonies, soaring clean vocals, driving power metal double-bass tempos, and classical counterpoint. Following the acclaimed release of their debut mini-album Episode 0 (2020) and full-length album Code ; 9021 (2022), the band confronted a major transition in May 2023 with the simultaneous departure of three founding members (vocalist Uyu, guitarist Mayto, and bassist Sayaka). Undeterred, Sakura and powerhouse drummer JUNNA rebuilt the ensemble. In May 2024, HAGANE unveiled their rejuvenated "Chapter 2" lineup featuring phenomenal new lead vocalist Nagi, twin-lead guitarist Hazuki (a prominent Tokyo underground shredder, not to be confused with KOIAI/NEMOPHILA's Hazuki), and bassist Juka, debuting with the explosive single EP Life Goes On! and a sold-out showcase at Spotify O-WEST. Current Lineup & Instrumental Mastery Sakura (桜) – Lead Guitar, Leader & Primary Composer The creative engine and centerpiece of the group. Celebrated for her dazzling technical command, Sakura executes blazing neoclassical alternate picking, clean multi-octave sweep arpeggios, fluid whammy bar phrasing, and complex harmony writing heavily influenced by neoclassical icons and European power metal. Nagi (凪) – Lead Vocals Frontwoman recruited in 2024, possessing a massive vocal range characterized by operatic high-register belts, crystal-clear projection, and dynamic power that easily cuts through heavy high-tempo metal walls. Hazuki (葉月) – Lead & Rhythm Guitar The co-lead guitarist joining in 2024, matching Sakura's speed note-for-note with razor-sharp alternate picking, tight syncopated rhythm chugs, and harmonized twin-lead interplay. Juka (珠佳) – Bass Guitar Anchors the low-end frequency drive with aggressive fingerstyle and pick attack, locking tightly with rapid double-kick patterns and contributing melodic bass counter-lines. JUNNA – Drums The rhythm powerhouse behind the kit since 2019, renowned for relentless high-speed double-bass endurance (often exceeding 200+ BPM), rapid snare fills, and tight technical transitions. Band Profile & Major Record Deal Origin Tokyo, Japan (Formed 2018) Genre & Musical Style Melodic Power Metal, Neoclassical Metal, Speed Metal, and Harmonic Metal. Major Record Deal Announcement After establishing their reputation as one of the most prominent independent metal bands in Japan, HAGANE finalized a landmark major label recording contract with King Records / Nexus—a legendary Japanese label long associated with titans of Japanese hard rock and heavy metal (such as Anthem, Earthshaker, and Galneryus). The deal marks a major step forward, funding expanded international distribution, major studio productions, and high-profile festival slots. Selected Discography & Releases Full-Length Studio Albums Code ; 9021 (2022) Their landmark full-length debut album, acclaimed internationally in metal circles for its blistering speed and melodic hooks on cuts like "Fly Infinitely," "Gun开放," "BlackCult," and "Sword of Judgement." Mini-Albums & EPs Episode 0 (1st Mini-Album) (2020) The breakthrough introductory mini-album featuring signature anthem "WintrySky," which catapulted Sakura's neoclassical shredding to global viral fame on YouTube. Life Goes On! (Mini-Album / EP) (2024) The triumphant debut release of the new five-piece lineup (Sakura, JUNNA, Nagi, Hazuki, Juka), led by the soaring, high-octane title track and "SuperVillan," reaffirming the band's twin-guitar power metal vitality. Key Singles & Signature Works "WintrySky" (Single & Music Video) (2020) The band's definitive breakthrough track, featuring sweeping twin-lead harmonies, blistering gallops, and high-velocity guitar solos. "Labradorite" (2nd Single) (2021) A melodic speed-metal showcase demonstrating Sakura's intricate classical composition and fluid phrasing. HAGANE - The Rising of the Shield (LIVE Music Video) Mixed by Hiro at STUDIO PRISONER, Japan, 2026. The LIVE Music Video from HAGANE's EP Release Tour "METAL QUEST" TOUR FINAL @ Tokyo EX THEATER ROPPONGI performance has been released! HAGANE-The Rising of the Shield(LIVE Music Video) HAGANE - 月光-TSUKIKAGE- (Official Music Video)

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