You’re returning to Australia after six years — what does it mean to be back, and what can fans expect from these shows?
YD: Honestly, it’s a real honor and makes me very happy to be able to share our music with people there through live shows. Since it’s been a while since we last played in Australia, we’re putting together a set that both long-time fans of Crystal Lake and those who discovered us through the latest album can enjoy, so I hope everyone is looking forward to it.
Also, our bassist’s older brother works as a tattoo artist at the Gold Coast, so being able to see him again is something that makes this trip even more meaningful.
How has Crystal Lake evolved musically and as a live band since your last visit?
YD: One of the biggest things is that after going through several lineup changes, the current members came together and we’ve built a strong bond as a band. Everyone now faces Crystal Lake as official members and takes on different roles to push the band to the next level. Alongside improving as musicians, we’ve also learned a lot about communication, especially through spending time with people overseas.
On stage, nothing has changed. We still give everything we have. The way we live through our performances is a big part of our identity.
From a personal musical perspective, I’ve come to value music that naturally comes from my own experiences and background, rather than following trends. I think Crystal Lake’s grand and atmospheric melodies are a defining characteristic.
When writing new material, what usually comes first for you — riff, rhythm, or atmosphere?
YD: It depends on the song really, but recently I tend to start with a concept and think about the overall structure first. But of course, sometimes songs are born from rhythm, and sometimes from riffs.
Which songs are your favourite to play live at the moment, and why?
YD: I would say, “Everblack” and “The Weight of Sound.”
“Everblack” pushes forward with aggressive riffs, which really drives our energy on stage.
“TWOS” builds a beautiful world with Crystal Lake’s signature lead guitar melodies, so I think people can really feel the emotional side of our music.
Can you walk us through your current live guitar rig — guitars, amps, and key effects?
YD: For guitars, I’ve always used ESP E-II Horizon 7-string models with an Evertune bridge on stage. Both my main and backup guitars are set up the same way, running at 18V pickups. I’ve also made some small wiring adjustments mainly to avoid troubles during live shows. For amps, everything is handled within the Quad Cortex, and I use buffers to shape the tone.
How do you adapt your guitar work from the studio to a live setting without losing detail?
YD: I actually treat studio and live performances as completely separate, so I’ve never really thought about it too much. The lead tone tends to have more personality live, so I try to play instinctively and let it come naturally.
You’ll be joined by PK from PROMPTS on this tour — what does he bring to the live dynamic?
YD: PK’s energy and passion will definitely turn our shows into something chaotic but happy. He’s very dedicated and hardworking, and he really understands the kind of stage presence and expression we’re aiming for, so I think there’s great chemistry between us. His scream style is also very emotional and fits Crystal Lake’s music perfectly, so I hope everyone looks forward to experiencing it live.
Who or what is inspiring you musically at the moment?
YD: Movies and art exhibitions always inspire my creativity. Of course, I’m influenced by heavy music bands too, but since music trends tend to repeat, I’ve stopped trying to imitate other bands. Lately, I’ve been listening to artists like Headache, The Midnight, and An Gella.
How would you describe your sound in food form, and why?
YD: That’s a tough and odd one. I’ve never really thought about it.
If I had to compare it to something, maybe Japanese ramen. It’s made by combining many different ingredients and slowly building layers of flavor over time. Crystal Lake’s music is similar. We build layered, complex arrangements and add different elements to create something unique. Maybe that’s a bit of a stretch.
What’s your scene?
YD: I’ve been rooted in the Tokyo hardcore scene for nearly 25 years. Even after Crystal Lake moved towards a more metalcore direction, I’ve stayed connected to hardcore culture through my other bands, and that’s still my foundation. In the hardcore scene, there are a lot of young, energetic bands emerging right now, which is exciting. There are also new bands in the metalcore scene, but the market itself isn’t expanding as much. However, more Japanese bands are getting opportunities to play overseas, which is a great thing. In Japan, we often refer to it as the “Loud Music” scene, and there’s a lot of crossover between metal, hardcore, and punk bands, which helps expand audiences. Japan has had a strong metal and hardcore scene for a long time, and it continues to evolve with new influences, which makes it really interesting. We’re also seeing more international fans coming to music venues in Japan, so I definitely encourage people to come experience the live scene. It’s something special and I am sure you will enjoy!
