Interview originally published on October 7th 2020

Metalcore has slowly become one of the fastest evolving genres of metal around the world and the wave hit Japan a long time ago. With bands like Crossfaith and Crystal Lake making strides on the international scene over the last ten years, it is only natural that the scene back in their home country would be thriving. One of the most exciting up and coming bands has been Tokyo act Graupel. With one of the most active social media presences, a sound that is dynamic and exciting and with a determination to show the world who they are, Graupel has been quickly making a name for themself.

Guitarist Yuu Kakimoto spoke to Noise ‘N’ Visuals on behalf of the band, giving us a bit of their history, their influences and how they have been able to get through the downtime caused by Covid19.

Graupel is starting to get noticed by metalcore fans around the world, so for new fans, can you tell us how you all came together?

Graupel was formed in 2015. Yuu(Gt) and Julien(Dr) are original members. They have known each other for 5 years.
 Other members Sota(Vo), Tomo(Ba) and TKG(Gt) were friends of us before Graupel but they joined Graupel by passing an audition.

You’ve listed bands like Parkway Drive and I Killed The Prom Queen as some of the band’s influences, what other bands are you influenced by and what drew you to them?

We are influenced by many other bands like Misery Signals, Bring Me The Horizon, Jimmy Eat World, American Football, Veil of Maya and The Dillinger Escape Plan.

They are so melodic, aggressive, progressive and fast, and we love these points of them.

We can’t ignore the impact of the Covid19 on the music scene, but Graupel has been able to start playing shows again, how did the band manage through this time and how does it feel to be back in front of an audience?

Coming back in front of audiences is so amazing.
 We got so excited to perform our 1st show after quarantine. It was so beautiful moment.

What we did while quarantine is so simple. We didn’t stop band practice because we know our performance gets worse than before if we stop playing together.

*We could go outside and practice together while Japanese Government Restriction, of course.

There is most likely some differences between shows before COVID19 and now, what are some of the major ones?

There are many differences before COVID19 and novas you know.
 Positive ones are that audiences try to listen to our music while we play a show, and many audiences really desire real shows more than before. Negative ones are that lower profit per show than before and fewer audiences than before COVID19.
 Some audience stop going to show and listening to heavy music because they got new interest while quarantine.

In addition, audiences still can not mosh or crowd surf as you know.


The new single ‘Fade Away’ has really gained some attention and has found its way onto Australian radio show ‘Short, Fast, Loud’ hosted by Triple J. Being influenced by Australian metalcore bands, is a tour to Australia part of the plans?

Not yet but we want to tour Australia if we can get the opportunity. So we need more props in Australia. Spread our music with your friends. 
For promoters,

contact us if you are interested in booking our Australian tour.


What is next in the plans for Graupel?

We plan to drop a new EP or album in 2021, and we plan to tour after the borders get reopened.

Lastly, how can fans support the band?

Listen to our songs on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, grab your merchandise here and come to our show after COVID19.
In addition, the most helpful support is sharing our music with your friends and community.

https://graupel.bandcamp.com/merch

Keep enjoying our music and stay tuned on us.

You can check out Graupel and follow them on social media below, as well as their latest single ‘Fade Away’ HERE

Remember in this difficult time, supporting your favourite musicians goes along way.

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