Interview by Kris Peters
Sometimes I feel Japanese bands don't get the recognition they deserve.
Sure, you could mount that same argument the world over, but after having toured Japan on close to ten occasions with different bands and seeing around 100 of the country's emerging artists on the same line-ups I feel I am qualified to highlight Japanese music in this instance.
Take Boris for example, widely recognised and revered in their home country but relatively unknown here in Australia.
The band are considered pioneers of heavy rock in Japan, having recently notched up three decades in the music industry. Their ability to channel 70s proto-metal vibes into a fresh and unique sonic explosion has seen the band attain great heights in Japan but failed to earn them global recognition outside of their core fanbase.
Following their 2022 album Heavy Rocks, Boris are finally returning to Australia with first-time visitor Kiyoharu for a run of shows and festivals this March.
HEAVY recently spoke with Boris frontman Atsuo Mizuno via a translator to find out more.
"We're very excited for this tour," he began. "We haven't done a national tour for a while. Last time we came back was only Sydney, Tasmania and Melbourne, so we are looking forward to this tour. Also, very excited to tour with respectful Kiyoharu, the Japanese artist. It is our first time touring together. There should be some songs we will play together on stage as well, so very excited."
In the full interview we ask Atsuo to give us a brief history on Boris and what to expect from their live show, what has changed with the band since their last visit, the difference between Japanese and Australian crowds, the latest album Heavy Rocks and how it was received, how much of that album will be in the set list, new material and more.