All photos, including header, by Takashi Konuma (@takashi_konuma)

Three cities.
Three nights.
Three unique shows.
Experimental metalcore project KNOSIS will keep you on your toes.

Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid) gives us the lowdown on KNOSIS’s latest One-Man Tour in Japan.

This is the final part in the series.

Shibuya Cyclone, Tokyo 29th July 2024

Tokyo is essentially KNOSIS‘s home town audience, which always guarantees a pretty solid turnout. No matter who they are playing with, the Tokyo KNOSIS fans always come out in droves. Honestly, they don’t even need to be on the bill for there to be at least one KNOSIS shirt in a crowd at a metalcore show.

As passionate as they are, I have observed that crowds in Tokyo are always a little more reserved- at least initially. There is almost this waiting for permission for them to be able to completely unleash. Something I had not noticed at the previous two shows, but having Ryo on guitar seemed to act as a barrier for the audience to completely express themselves in the way I am used to seeing at the bands other performances in the capital. Often, he would take the initiative, throwing himself into the crowd from the start or getting close and in their faces, which he cannot do in the same way playing guitar.

This is not a criticism though, because as the set went on, the fans did loosen up. It took a little coaxing on Ryo’s behalf, plus him putting the guitar down for a second- but one thing is for sure, once the flood gates open, they well and truly open. All it takes is that little spark, a little nod of approval and the Tokyo KNOSIS fans get wild.

Within moments, I was crushed under the surge of crowd surfers, who were all clamouring for a piece of Ryo as he stood over the barricade. As people sang back the infamous lyrics of ‘Imi Oni’ there was not many places to hide in the venue if you were looking to escape the pit. The set list was pretty much identical to the Nagoya show, but the banter between songs was a little different.

The bond between audience and Ryo is even stronger in Tokyo. There is this sense of him being more relaxed as he laughs with the Tokyo crowd. Kosuke on bass/programming is also looser, apparently his sister is in the attendance. Moro on drums is also showing a sense of chillness, a cheeky smile occasionally crossing his face listening to Ryo. We are well and truly on their home turf.

As the show starts to wrap up, of course as always with ‘Yakusai’, there is a sense of restlessness and expectation that overcomes the crowd. Everybody is sensing the demand. In Nagoya the week before they avoided this encore, but in Tokyo, it did not seem like they could get away. Ryo addressed the elephant in the room. He said that they would not be playing ‘Yarushikanee’ going forward, at least for awhile and only possibly in Nagoya to make up for missing it. His light hearted comment ringing a little true, he wished that people would go as crazy as they do for the original songs as they do for this Fire Boys cover. Still, a man of the people, he got ready to perform it- passing the duties over to Kosuke.

As Kosuke started to speak, instead of ‘Yarushikanee‘ he instead burst into ‘Happy Birthday’. It was the day before Ryo’s birthday and the crew decided to surprise him with a cake. His face said it all. The dread at the attention but the warmness from the love, his protests about how he did not want them to do this as it was not yet his birthday fell on deaf ears. Forever the goofball- his manager brought over the cake, he put his face directly into as the crowd sang to him.

After the formalities and wiping (most) of the cake off his face came to pass it was then time for maybe the last time in awhile- ‘Yarushikanee‘. Absolute mayhem ensued. With all three of the musicians getting in the action. Over the almost two years of KNOSIS, as much as this review focuses on Ryo and his impact on the audience- it was very much evident that he was no longer the sole provider of mood and vibes. The energy that Kosuke and Moro bring are equally different, but just as fun. Seeing them break out even more over their time performing as KNOSIS has inspired a looseness and freedom with the Tokyo fans. People were tripping in the pit, stage diving, being dragged but there was no sense of panic- smiles were all around as it was evident that everybody was exactly in the place they wished to be.

Breathless, sweaty and hair in disarray. The crowd was quickly ushered out of the venue. That didn’t stop the merch sales. Much like the other two nights, Ryo stood at the merch desk as people lined the stairs to speak to him and buy some goods. People from around the globe were attendance. It was one of those moments when as somebody who has been following KNOSIS since the start you realise something big is brewing. There is a different energy that has taken over. One of excitement. The demon of the stage seems no longer fuelled by darkness and anger, but more of chaos and ecstasy.

This one-man tour may have been the precursor to their regional tour- but as you see the tickets selling out in Osaka and Nagoya- you can see the impact of these shows. That is why if you have the opportunity to see KNOSIS. Take it. You will not regret it.

Those in Tokyo next week, KNOSIS will be appearing at a taiban at Shinjuku Loft. More information available here.

As mentioned KNOSIS will also be embarking on a regional tour in September, check the flyer below for dates.

Second round of applications are now closed but head here for any updates, or alternatively, the bands social media channels. 

Alternatively, they are also supporting Australian metalcore legends Northlane in November. Tickets to the Tokyo show are almost sold out, so get in quick here.