Vercingetorix

Err, Japan's track record on that particular crime ain't actually all that great...

"Due to circumstances" is the answer most artists would give. Haruna, one of DESTROSE's (many) ex-drummers. "retired" to go get married, then didn't get married, so came back with LOVEBITES.

BRIDEAR will release a new 4-song EP called "Rise" at some point in March. Exact date and song titles are TBC.

Arthurian fantasy metallers KNIGHTS OF ROUND will release their 4th album "The Meaning of Life" on 14/12/16. The guys have been pretty generous with trailers. More excitingly, guitarist Ryusa (far right) has ditched his gas mask! Frontman CAZ:NIE looks keen to keep the mystery though.

Might be just what the scene needs: edge.

Chiaki Ishikawa, Yuki Kajiura's old partner-in-crime from See-Saw, will release her new album "スワンの夢が意味するものは" (Swan no yume ga imi suru mono wa) on 08/03/2017. Contents are TBC.

Was he serenely murdered?

I think you've just identified what Yoshiki most often dreams about. The self-love the man exudes these days is grotesque.

2016 just keeps it coming... what're the odds LUNA SEA's Christmas Eve gig at Saitama Super Arena will turn out to be farewell show?

Big surprise. Frankly I can't see a way forward for them without Wakiko.

Rey Mysterio's keeping busy.

Everyone's favorite all-woman melodic death band G∀LMET will lose their drummer E-chang in December. MIKI gave the usual "sorry for the sudden announcement" spiel but didn't actually say why she's going.

Isn't he the most expendable member of the band anyway? Certainly no Taiji.

Well those four songs aren't practically identical... the mystery new song better be Nessun Dorma or something. FFS its not only got 5 tracks; they just haven't announced the new tracks - knowing Lantis, they'll do it striptease style with a new title every week...

The great extinction event of 2016 goes on.

Theodore Roosevelt?

Album will be called "Urban Night" - tracklist is as follows: 1. introduction 2. Urban Night 3. ハピネス (Happiness) 4. Bless of the Fire 5. Life Goes On 6. Un!verse 7. 不眠症シンデレラ (Fuminsho Cinderella) 8. if 9. Call Me. Preview for title track's MV below - it ain't exactly Run To The Future, but sounds like they're at least going back to rock.

Wolves' new digi-single "Hey Now" produced by the surviving BOOM BOOM SATELLITE out 03/12/2016.

Girls rock band Hysteric Lolita will be on hiatus from 27/12/16 after "Hysteric Lolita FINAL 2016". There was nothing in the statement to suggest it'll be indefinite, but didn't offer much info on what they'll be doing in the meantime.

Album's release date is confirmed as 14/12/2016 - title and tracklist are TBC - Aldious gt.トキ (Toki) will feature as a guest.

What's with all these keyboardless metal bands suddenly embracing screechy synths?

Well that took no time at all - guess Mana taught him all he needed to know about self-management.