INTRODUCTION

this was updated on 12/13/2007

Duel Jewel is: Hayato (Vocals), Shun (Guitar), Natsuki (Bass), Yuya (Guitar), and Baru (Drums). They first formed in 1997 and are from the Tokyo area. Baru is a co-founding member of the band, along with Shun (they went to highschool together).

When Duel Jewel were still very new, three memers had joied and left : Takashi (Guitar), Psy, and Kanon(Bass). Kanon can be heard playing on their first album release "Lapidary". By the next release, a mini album "Noah", he had already left however. Later on the current members joined and have been ever since. Hayato had joined as the vocalist, and since he had also gone to highschool with Yuuya, it became that Yuuya would join the band.

I first discovered Duel Jewel from a friend who had attended a live concert at Akon 13 anime convention 2002(their first US live). Upon hearing them, I was an instant fan! I too travelled to other anime conventions to see them perform live, as did many others.

They have played a total of eight lives in America (if memory serves me right) their last being at the very first Jrock Revolution in May 2007. Among all their US lives, I feel the one at Jrock Revolution had the most impact. There were so many other bands collected there that brought many different fans. This led to Duel Jewel getting exposed to people who previously knew nothing about them and the result has seemed most positive!

Duel Jewel is also gaining popularity and exposure very quickly in Japan. This is marked by their growing number of appearences, promotional items, and the music itself. They have appearead in various magazines such as SHOXX and Cure; and on radio and TV shows. They've had anything from just an ad, to interviews and pictures. With their first album and mini album, there were no promotional videos[PV]. Their first PV was for "Never Blue", which featured footage of them playing live and some other shots. Since then, their PVs have grown tremondously in quality.

One major factor to notice is that their music has grown. Natsuki has written a couple songs for the band, when at first Shun was the prominent writer. Also, Yuuya and Baru have written a couple. With the release of their recent singles, and the much awaited 2nd full length album in Dec. of 2007 (the first being way back in 2001), we have seen a much more mature Duel Jewel. Especially in the different styles of songs (hard vs. soft).

For them I think it is not a fact that they are trying something new, but that their talent has become greater. Their sound is still that of Duel Jewel, but it's much more prominent now. As well as seeking outside opinions on the music, I'm sure all these factors are helping to shape and grow this band. Which is exactly what their name entails.

MEMBERS

The name "Duel Jewel" indeed has a special meaning. The members hope that in coming together to form this band they will create one sound. They will put their talents and abilities against each other, in other words "dueling". Much like how a precious jewel is polished to become something sparkling and desirable. This is the vision for Duel Jewel.

One interesting fact is according to the dictionary, Lapidary is English for "1 : a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones usually other than diamonds, 2 : the art of cutting gems". This was the title of their first album.


Shun
Part: Guitar
DOB: 2/3
Shun is the leader and has been a part of the band the longest, along with Baru. He does the majority of writing the music, as well as writing some lyrics. His style varies pretty widely I'd say. Some of his songs are heavy, energetic songs and others are soft and dark. One aspect that seems to tie them all together is the framework of the song. Songs have a pattern like verse - ridge - chorus - verse - ridge - chorus, etc. I've noticed that Shun's songs tend to be pretty complicated when it comes to that. He just doesn't have a couple parts, he has several parts. I like this writing style.

Shun is the "monster" of the group with his token red hair. His personality he has in lives and interviews is one that is serious and dark. Most of his clothes and hair styles also covey this. I find him interesting because he also has a lighter side. If one can get Shun to laugh and smile, he is actually not a monster at all!


Baru
Part: Drums
DOB: 2/4 Baru is a very talented drummer I think. (You don't have to take my opinion, I've never played drums before!) His skills are very impressive in comparison to others I've heard. And I think many fans of Duel Jewel and otherwise will agree with me. He is fast, but he has beautiful rhythm as well. Alot of people comment specifically on his great usage of double bass drums. For him, they certaintly aren't just for looks.

Baru is very stoic. His style isn't very flashy, it's very simplistic. His stage personality is the same. He is not very "out there" but rather he looks intense when he's drumming, which just serves to draw you in. But even so, he does like to joke around too. more >>


Hayato
Part: Vocal
DOB: 12/29 Hayato is the charismatic vocalist. It is certain his stage prescense is great. He doesn't over do anything, it's just right. I think his voice is pretty unique. There aren't any other bands with a vocalist like him. Esp. with so many Indies bands, their vocalists tend to sound alike (at least to me). Hayato's voice really stands out to me. It has a good range and he can sound strong or soft when he needs to be.

Hayato has written about half of the lyrics for the band. Songs he has written for include "etsu", "never blue", "inochi no kagayaki" etc. I believe Hayato likes skateboarding and his favorite is Elements. And has a love for animals, it seems he has a few pets which includes ferrets!


Natsuki
Part: Bass
DOB: 9/11 Natsuki is the last member to join the band for its present line up. He first played on their mini album "Noah". He is a fast, energetic bass player. Since he has joined Duel Jewel, I think has grown alot as a basist. So I can only see him becoming even better. Most recently he has started to write songs for Duel Jewel. Songs he has written are "Trust", "betray", and "hana uta". It seems like he will keep writing songs. I like his compositions so I look forward to this.

He is the quietest of the group. It seems he'll speak up if he has something interesting or funny to say however. Alot of his funny comments throw me off guard, he seems quit mischevious!


Yuya
Part: Guitar
DOB: 4/29 Yuya and Hayato knew each other before they were in the band. I believe it was because of Hayato being in the band that led to Yuya joining as a support guitarist and then finally joining officially. Yuya plays mostly rhythm guitar and is more than adequate for the position. He has collaborated on a couple of Duel Jewel songs, and recently has written the song "es".

When I first saw Yuya live in person, my impression was that he was shy, but liked to play jokes when answering questions for instance. As I watch him now, it seems his like of jokes continues on even further! Yuya is certainly the liveliest of the band! He is the one you can expect surprises from, if not at least a good laugh. It's easy to admire him for this! He is still cool on stage!