Guitar Player REACTS to NINGEN ISU - Heartless Scat |

[@xagorvangard]

They sound old school because they are. They've been around since 1987. You nailed it, their influence was Black Sabbath.

[@akaalexanderking]

Makes sense Xagor, can't go wrong with that sound!

[@johnnylaroux9517]

@@akaalexanderking 'Nuff Said! #GoodStuff

[@johnnylaroux9517]

The new Offspring tune, got an opinion?

[@akaalexanderking]

Haven't listened to it yet, didn't even know it was out already ahahah

[@johnnylaroux9517]

@@akaalexanderking 'Let The Bad Times Roll' ;)

[@cembor]

You're following a similar journey as I am. I found Ningen Isu after discovering Band-Maid and Maximum The Hormone. The amount and level of talent in the Japan rock scene is insane. For dudes in their 50s they kick ass with such a classic old school sound that still sounds fresh. The tones on all of their instruments is so satisfying as well. Really liked you mentioned the lack of over-production of the song as well. Its nice to hear songs that aren't relying on so much heavy handed production that is typical to much of the music out there now.

[@akaalexanderking]

Agreed Brian. Production is great, but over production kills a song

[@iiiittttssssme]

watch with the captions on this song has a profound message, adds to the mastery of this piece.

[@akaalexanderking]

Going back to check that out now, thanks!

[@aterui8266]

Nice reaction and analyze! dude! Next "namahage" This is great performance!

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks! Adding to the list :)

[@Paul247to]

The saddest thing about this band is that they went viral with this song and actually got to do some touring outside of Japan. guitarist Shinji Wajima had a dream all his life to visit Abbey Rd studios and to take a photo walking across Abbey Rd Beatles style. here is a video of Shinji shopping at Beatle store and talking about his idol John Lennon in front of Abbey Road studios. they had a small European tour planned for 2020 and North America later in the year but covid hit just as Ningen Isu was becoming better known than ever before. I hope they will be back on tour asap. if you dig deep with Ningen Isu you will be rewarded! Cheers

[@akaalexanderking]

Hope so too, that's extremely unfortunate. Looking forward to hearing more from them 🤘🏻

[@guardry1605]

They got to play in London :)

[@NewAeonWarlord]

Awesome band, awesome dudes! They actually each did a "reaction" video to this video themselves where they talk about the song and the video shoot. Also you can switch on subtitles and see the english translation of the lyrics in this video. As others have said. this band has been around for over 30 years already and have around 20 albums under their belt but are just now getting international recognition. Seems this video was kind of a breakthrough for them. They even did a little international trip and did 3 shows in Germany and Britain right before Corona prevented bands from touring. Guitarist Shinji Wajima and Bassist (he also does vocals on other tracks) Kenichi Suzuki (master of bass, master of face!) have both been in the band since it's beginning in 1987. Their stage outfits represent an old japanese literary scholar, a death-version of a budhist monk and a Yakuza gangster. I'm still kinda kicking myself for not being able to catch them live when they played here in Germany!

[@akaalexanderking]

Amazing, guess it proves that you never know when you next big thing could be :)

[@fikryhasan5225]

Nice analysis and explanation!! Yes there is something unique about 70s and 80s music, especially rock and metal, that's hard to reproduce in today's music. But seeing that this band is already on the scene for about 30 years, of course they can always bring the glory of retro rock/metal music with them. Thanks for finally reacting to Ningen Isu (yes you were right the first attempt of pronounciation). Cheers 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks a lot man, glad you could make it for the premiere 😁

[@fikryhasan5225]

@@akaalexanderking my pleasure!! 👌🏼

[@DerSkalde]

I saw them February 2020 in Germany (before Covid) - one of the best concerts i've ever seen.

[@akaalexanderking]

Just in time! Hope they'll be able to finish that tour soon

[@minamihideki7123]

I am so glad you like them. They have many songs with evil vibes. Please react more. Your pronunciation of Ningen Isu is perfect.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks, I'm glad I liked them as well ahaha 😁

[@steveratcliffe2181]

What a headbanging song!!! Must check out more. Loved every element of it. Would like to hear some of your favourites of all genres Good job again

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed ;)

[@melocitysolo9574]

Great reaction. The technology of the Internet unearthed treasures that had been buried for 30 years in the Land of the Rising Sun in the Far East and provided them to the world.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thank goodness for that!

[@maxmaidiac2237]

I want to thank all of the rock/metal bands that toured in Japan since the beginning. They inspired these great bands to rock. Great rock from around the world now.

[@akaalexanderking]

And I'm sure these Japanese bands are now inspiring younger generations, the cycle goes on 🤘🏻

[@northstar7694]

Guitarist did a great yt video where he discusses how he builds pieces of his gear, so cool.

[@akaalexanderking]

Someone shared the link with me anyway, but I haven't had the chance to watch it yet. Sounds great though 👍🏻

[@schelin1447]

To old stoner/doom heads Ningen Isu are legends. Fantastic musicians that finally got the fame they deserve. I finally got to see them last year in London.

[@akaalexanderking]

Must have been right before covid hit, just in time 🤘🏻

[@schelin1447]

@@akaalexanderking It was, late february

[@rollingjunkie]

I watched them when they first appeared on TV 30 years ago. But it was when I found them playing King Crimson songs on KZbin that they really became my favorite. I am happy that Babymetal resulted in bringing international attention to Ningen-Isu. They are quite unique in that theirs is "literature metal". They even incorporated "Rakugo", the traditional comic story telling, in one their songs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX2xnnyhat6BfZI

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks for sharing Michinori 🤘🏻 I'm very curious to check out the King Crimson covers!

[@rollingjunkie]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJLUZ5mYjr6tjqs

[@rollingjunkie]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6GQnXydqZl4aLc

[@revangerang]

Yessssss I love Shinagawa Shinju. It's underrated fr

[@JuanSan66]

Excellent!. They are an incredible band. Many of their lyrics speaks about Buddist philosophy, in this one about overcoming through insistence after defeat. I think you would enjoy it.

[@akaalexanderking]

Sounds great, I'll definitely go back and check them out. Thanks Juan!

[@CDMS_pt]

They have a huge discography, this band is awesome. 🤘😎🤘

[@akaalexanderking]

I noticed! 🤘🏻

[@Sergof]

You're pretty much spot on with their age, they're all in their mid 50s. When I saw them live I was especially impressed by the guitarist, even though he could be my father age wise, he was jumping around on stage and seemed to have more energy than me :) Another interesting thing is that while they have extra instruments in the studio recordings, they play without them live. Which of course is another "old" thing to do that seems refreshing nowadays. Since they're been around for over 30 years and have 22 albums, it's hard to get a feel for their sound from one song. Some recommendations (somehow they all ended up being live videos): Namahage (I love this song, shows off the bassist singing and the Shamisen like guitar technique they use sometimes): kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbZfKipnpVog6M Chou-nouryoku ga Atta nara (one of the few drummer songs): kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5awn319j8mAmbM Odoru Issunboushi (not a song for first time listeners to the band, but very interesting): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nILFeoqKi8lqp7s

[@akaalexanderking]

22 albums? Jesus ahahah, thanks a lot for the info Sergof :)

[@Sergof]

@@akaalexanderking I must admit that even though I found them almost 2 years ago and would call them one of my favorite bands, I still haven't listened to all of their songs.

[@akaalexanderking]

That happens to me with a lot of bands. Even bands like Iron Maiden, I'm sure there are songs I haven't really listened to (especially from the 90s ahahah)

[@johnnylaroux9517]

@@akaalexanderking Jesus WHO?

[@akaalexanderking]

"ahahah"? 😂

[@SocialNetwooky]

Finally got around to check your reaction and you didn't disappoint :) Ningen Isu was probably the most surprising band I stumbled upon when I started listening to rock, because of course they are awesome but they also have been around for *ages* and it makes you wonder what other gems went unnoticed by the West in the last 30 years.

[@akaalexanderking]

Especially considering they have more than 20 records, according to what people told me. That's crazy ahahah

[@satocalbee8857]

The band name "The Human Chair" was taken from a novel by Ranpo Edogawa. The sad man who couldn't even confess to the woman he fell in love with was to sneak into her chair. Beautiful melody and lyrics of sadness, despair, a little hope. But in reality they are cheerful and lovable people.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Sato, I had never heard of that. No doubts they are :)

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

I love this trio. Their look is unique and fun, the lyrics are deep, and the sound is killer. The song this one reminds me most of is my favorite Black Sabbath song, "Into the Void." The bass guitarist was influenced by Gene Simmons' performances, so he often does expressions and mannerisms that are like what Gene does on stage. The bass guitarist and guitarist are original members of theband with the drummer joining them I believe in 2004. There's a video out there somewhere that has Kanami from BAND-MAID dueling Shinji Wajima from Ningen Isu. The play guitar, and the sound waves push around cups with pipe cleaner arms and bad drawings of them attached. Whoever is the last cup standing wins. It's hilarious. I don't know if it's for a TV show or a web series, but I can't find the original video to save my life. If you or someone else can find it, that's my recommendation, but otherwise, I'd suggest finding a reaction to it just to see it. Kanami duels other guitarists, too.

[@akaalexanderking]

Ahahahah that sounds hilarious and very japanese tv friendly 😂

[@COTTERO]

On KZbin you used to find a funny "guitar duel" between Shinji Wajima and Kanami Tono (Band-Maid) ... sadly it was deleted.

[@akaalexanderking]

Somebody mentioned that to me, what a shame :(

[@Wagoo]

I have a backup of that vid.. remind me later in the week and I'll dig out a link (I'm moving house right now so my fileserver is offline)

[@Wagoo]

hey.. as promised.. here are the vids of Shinji vs Kanami: tmp.kami.band/guitarbattle :)

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks!

[@ranger_a6953]

Black Sabbath was playing blues, which partially explains the minimalist recordings of the time. But they knew all about dynamics, and compression wasn't being used yet, leaving wide open, live sounding, breathing recordings. That is so missed by today's popular music recordings. So often they are so compressed that all you can hear is the wash of harsh cymbals over the recording. I love Ningen Isu. Look up the live show from Germany. Just excellent.

[@akaalexanderking]

Will do for sure, thanks!

[@mintomacco]

my first time hearing them as well. Enjoyed it a lot! 🤘🎸 so strong and so grounded and solid. 👌

[@akaalexanderking]

Really beautiful old school music 🤘🏻

[@Wagoo]

You've opened up a portal to a deep dimension, they're already 22 albums in - there's a lot of amazing music to discover.. and this song was off their most recent record :D I'd suggest Namahage next.. and perfect on the band pronunciation by the way :)

[@akaalexanderking]

That is crazy, blowing up on your 22nd record must be a truly unique experience!

[@JFrancoDrums]

Curious to see how you react to this one! These dudes ROCK!

[@akaalexanderking]

They absolutely do. I wasn't expecting a song like this to be honest, but hope you'll enjoy the reaction: it's a long one 😅

[@JFrancoDrums]

@@akaalexanderking Totally unrelated question, what are the biggest differences if im choosing between EMG 81/85 vs Fishman? Im looking to upgrade my pickups and am not sure what direction to go. Mostly for Rock/Metal.

[@akaalexanderking]

I've honestly never tried Fishman, so I can't really give a judgment on those. They are both active pick-ups though, so you will 100% be fine with more distorted guitar tones. I'm more a passive pick-up guitarist myself, but can never go wrong with some EMG

[@JFrancoDrums]

@@akaalexanderking Ye i'm leaning more toward the EMG's myself because most people seem to agree they are a good choice overall. So when you say you prefer passives is because you mostly play clean/low distortion tones, am i right?

[@akaalexanderking]

Not necessarily that, but they give me a bit more control on my tone. Especially when I play blues, even with higher distortion

[@alxvdark]

The lyrics to their songs (I second Namahage for a later reaction) draw from literature and history, and are really great. Gotta turn on the english captions.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks for letting me know man 👍🏻

[@jeanbrunma]

I am so thinking Sabbath. The singer is doing some serious heavy lifting.

[@akaalexanderking]

Great performance, absolutely 🤘🏻

[@hiawatha.g]

Like a lot of folks here I only discovered them after getting into Japanese metal through groups like Band-maid. What the hell did I miss? I'll probably never hear 90% of what these guys did, but as an old Sabbath/Purple/Zeppelin fan (I saw all those groups live) I take my hat off to them. It's almost nostalgic.

[@akaalexanderking]

Right? They have that "something" that the great bands of the 70s had. Wonderful discovery :)

[@yushi3430]

Amazing reaction! I love it!

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Yushi, glad you enjoyed!

[@CoolClearWaterNM]

I had my introduction to this group back in '90 or '91. The bass player, Ken-Ichi will always be the lead singer for this band for me. No disrespect to Shinji!

[@AlanG512]

Maybe the word you're thinking of is "ominous" instead of evil. Great reaction. Love Ningen Isu! Try Namahage and Love Nirvana.

[@akaalexanderking]

That's 100% the word that I was looking for ahahah, thanks for the suggestions Alan :)

[@COTTERO]

At last.👍 These guys are legends. Also they are a great live band.😎

[@akaalexanderking]

Can see why! 🤘🏻

[@dragonvert3633]

The sound that Wajima himself considers 'evil' might be a little bit more 'thin and high' lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYe8gIWDrKitg9U This video is about his effector board, with Eng. sub.

[@akaalexanderking]

Fantastic, thanks for the link 🤘🏻

[@robertcraane7910]

And you know your music!

[@Weisnet1995]

I feel like this is almost a modern day YT classic :D Gret reaction and commentary as always :) If you are interested in a japanese Doom Metal Act that has "Sabbath" written all over them (exept maybe the vocals) you could check out Church of Misery. The official video of Brother Bishop seems like a good starting point (sorry, I'm more familiar with their albums, not so much with their YT content...)

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Tobias, adding to the list :)

[@vincentwee632]

Please react to their official music video "Love Nirvana". That's a banger.

[@akaalexanderking]

Looking forward to that, thanks Vincent :)

[@davidornberg]

Oh yes! Besides Galneryus and Versailles / Jupiter this is on of my top male bands!

[@akaalexanderking]

Such an interesting listen, hope you'll enjoy the reaction: it's a long one 😅

[@davidornberg]

@@akaalexanderking It is noting if You react to my suggestions in Your pinned message! Both songs is 16 minutes long but worth it! And both have versions on YT with english subs...

[@akaalexanderking]

Can't wait to!

[@makokoro9073]

Lets not forget Dir en grey, and Buck Tick

[@akaalexanderking]

Adding to the list ;)

[@autohmae]

Would love to see a Ningen Isu Namahage reaction as well, I'm glad some others have also requested it. The other reason why Babymetal and Ghost can be compared is because it's the vision of a single person. And I think Nightwish belongs in that category as well. About commercial success and shorter songs without long intros, while I agree, the biggest songs in rock/metal are songs like Bohemian Rhapsody and Stairway to heaven ;-)

[@akaalexanderking]

True that, many great songs slipped through the cracks. It's always good to see that people can recognize a masterpiece even when it's not tailor made to appeal to the masses :)

[@PaulEngineer]

Yeah! I vote for doing a songs-you-love series every now and then - you could even show us a riff or two.

[@akaalexanderking]

That was the idea ;)

[@david_ii11]

Yes to analyses of favorite songs.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks for the feedback David :)

[@白龍-f8g]

🤘😎🤘🎸🇯🇵

[@akaalexanderking]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@solomonkane8944]

the lyrics of this song are great..Check it out..they are imazing

[@akaalexanderking]

Will do, thanks!

[@solomonkane8944]

@@akaalexanderking Thanks.

[@mikeperkins3469]

Check out Ghost Train by Ningen Isu on KZbin!👍

[@robertcraane7910]

Listen to Ayeron... the day that the world breaks down...pure prog metal from now but sounds like the 70s

[@vincentwee632]

There are English subtitles

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks :)

[@yamaharzv500r]

ありがとう！！

[@MA-ig6pw]

Enjoyed the wonderful analysis and impressions, thank you You're a guitarist, so I think you'll enjoy this video. 　　　Board to Death: Shinji Wajima (NINGEN ISU) 　　　kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYe8gIWDrKitg9U He talks about how to make old school sounds and the hardships with modern equipment. There is a comment that even people who have no knowledge of guitar could enjoy it.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Jeth, much appreciated!

[@andreasdizazzo3239]

BRIDEAR - Ghoul. Another cool japanese band

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Andreas :)

[@christopherjohnferrer3771]

I think you should see Kanami vs Wajima guitar battle, maybe soon🎸🤟

[@akaalexanderking]

Sounds interesting, thanks 😁

[@jonasw3945]

It wasn't a battle, it was just a fun tv show, nothing serious and no one of them took it seriously, so it wasn't anything impressive but very fun to watch

[@christopherjohnferrer3771]

@@jonasw3945 I already knew that, I'm not a kid.

[@jonasw3945]

@@christopherjohnferrer3771 Yeah just clarified it since when I first read battle I really thought it was a real guitar battle and was disapointed in the end.

[@lindalane9496]

Evil = Desire

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

You should get hold of the english translation of their lyrics, you will be blown away by it, some times it's not for the faint of heart because it's quite grose at times. Ningen Isu's lyrics are very deep and inspired by litterature, mostly Japanese writers. Please react to a song from their latest album, Toshishun - link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2S9qmubmMqNmrc&ab_channel=%E4%BA%BA%E9%96%93%E6%A4%85%E5%AD%90

[@PaulEngineer]

G'day GG. Visiting Japanese legends now? If you started doing weekly Ningen Isu, you could be in for some long videos for a long, long time. ;) A great catalogue to visit.

[@akaalexanderking]

I've read about 20+ records, we could be here doing that until I get in my fifties as well 😂

[@PaulEngineer]

By the way, I'm no Ningen Isu expert, but I do like 'Voice of Nothing' - these guys take their time with their music.

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

Rumor has it he bought that SG new in 61...lol...

[@akaalexanderking]

I could see that happening 😂

[@davidornberg]

The signature guitar. sago-nmg.com/artists/wajima/

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

wow! big fan of sago guitars (know them through machiya wagakki band). but I didn´t know this one. what a cool one. thank you david.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks a million David :)

[@akaalexanderking]

You know the drill guys: what's next? :)

[@davidornberg]

Well.. If you want guitarorgasms.... Galneryus / Angel of Salvation (live) or Versailles / Faith and Decision (live)

[@PurpleDracos]

For Ningen Isu I would probably say Colour Out Of Space, Namahage, Life For Sale and Great King Of Terror for a start but they have so much stuff. To see what three of the best guitarists in Japan can do I throw in with the Galneryus and Versailles / Jupiter suggesters. I know you have said you know X-Japan but what about some of the other earlier bands influential in Visual Kei like Buck-Tick and Luna Sea. And on the ladies side Show-Ya coming up to 40 years since they first formed and 35 years since their first release.

[@akaalexanderking]

I like the sound of that 😁

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks for the recommendations as always, that would be interesting 👍🏻

[@horstdaniels4303]

Aldious - Sweet temptation kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqPEc5ecfZernKs Nemophila posted quite a few covers, could be fun to compare the originals with their take on the song

[@alexn4843]

Another great live concert video of them is their song "Namahage". I think I like that song more than "Heartless Scat". The breakdown is fantastic. I wish it was longer. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbZfKipnpVog6M

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Alex, looking forward to that 🤘🏻

[@MetalRunYT]

とうとう人間椅子までたどり着いたか。 pls react 'Strawberry Song Orchestra' next. they are Awesome. 臓物にジグソウ（MV）／ストロベリーソングオーケストラ(Strawberry Song Orchestra) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioKumZmPos18e6M

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks, adding to the list :)

[@Wirmish]

Should have activated the subtitles...

[@akaalexanderking]

Good lyrics?

[@ranger_a6953]

If you want a change of pace sometime, try this rock band from India called Bloodywood. Great band, excellent humour (they did a euro tour and called it "Raj Against the Machine" :D They've played the Waken outdoor festival in the "before times". kzbin.info/www/bejne/faTcZqaArpqSaZY

[@akaalexanderking]

Raj against the machine is genius 😂 thanks!

[@robertcraane7910]

Yeah man...there is life after 50.... sex too...if you will blieve that, so you got a future, handsome man....

[@juhanivartiala352]

Activate subs.Story gives you greater boost and meaning.Texts after struggling for decades to be famous. Pain of creator. Gods heard the call.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks Juhani, will do!

[@Chananda]

Excellent detour. Perhaps some DOLL$BOXX next? Then more Band Maid 🙂

[@Chananda]

Btw watch it again yourself with the English subtitles. The lyrics are quite profound.

[@akaalexanderking]

They're on the list, I'll try to find a balance between new bands on the channel and cycling through the ones we've done already ;)

[@jmetallover]

Well the AARP band that has last longer than most marriages (30+ years). They only recently are full-time musicians as they worked during most of their career. If you want to hear how good they are then try Namahage LIVE (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbZfKipnpVog6M). These seniors are wicked good and play better than a lot of bands half their age. OLD SCHOOL and proud of it!!! This is what music sounded like before studio magic, auto-tune and lip sync took over. To keep at it as a group for 30+ years is a testament to the character of these men. Really enjoyed the reaction now try the LIVE and be really impressed!!! They are into a lot of the Lovecraft stories and influences in their songs, love the 70/80 vibe they have.

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks for the link, looking forward to that!

[@Wirmish]

Some Japanese bands. Take your pick: BAND-MAID [All their songs... really!], LOVEBITES [Raise some Hell, and all the other songs], MAXIMUM THE HORMONE [Yoshu Fukushu], CROSSFAITH [Catastrophe], SiM [Killing Me], NINGEN ISU [Heartless Scat], UNLUCKY MORPHEUS [Black Pentagram], YOUSEI TEIKOKU [Astral Dogma], COLDRAIN [Die Tomorrow], CRYSTAL LAKE [The Circle], GIVEN BY THE FLAMES [Ronove], ANGRY FROG REBIRTH [2Step Syndrome], SILENTLY SHOOTING TRAITORS [Manipulate], ALDIOUS [Dominator], BRIDEAR [Light in the Dark], CINQ ELEMENT [Destiny], MARY'S BLOOD [Marionette], GRAUPEL [Bereavement], DOLL$BOXX [Take my Chance] , SOKONINAR [Tenohira De Odoru], HELLO SLEEPWALKERS [Flying Saucer], TELECiDE [Tied up Memories], SPIRITBOX [Belcarra], NEKO [Ghost on a Record], ROTTENGRAFFTY [Hallelujah], DIR EN GREY [Ningen wo Kaburu], X JAPAN [Kurenai], DAZZLE VISION [Second], JUPITER [My Enemy], GALNERYUS [Angel of Salvation], BLOOD STAIN CHILD [Del-Sol], and many more...

[@akaalexanderking]

Thanks :)

[@charly_tan]

Still got that Canadian band on your list of Japanese bands..

[@akaalexanderking]

True 😅

[@yolandria]

Fun fact: The guitarist from this band went head to head with Kanami (Bandmaid) in a guitar battle on a kids TV show.

[@akaalexanderking]

Now, THAT'S what we should be showing kids. Not bleedin' Peppa Pig 😂

[@yolandria]

@@akaalexanderking I was looking for a link to that vid. But I have a feeling KZbin took it down. Sadly. But you can still find a few reactors with it on their channels if you want to watch it for fun.