Draft:Asterism (band)

Asterism is a Japanese progressive metal trio from Fukuoka, Japan. The band consists of guitarist and vocalist Haruka Noma (a.k.a. "HAL-CA"), bassist Miyu Yoshinaka and drummer Mio Yoshinaka.

Miyu and Mio are brothers and began performing as a duo in 2013, under the name O.G.I. When they started playing together with Haruka in 2014, they initially performed under her stage name HAL-CA (not to be confused with Halca, who is a different Japanese musician). In 2015, the trio took the name Asterism (which is an astronomical term for a group of stars).

Their music was almost completely instrumental until 2023, when they started to include vocals from Haruka.

History
Asterism formed in 2014 when an official at the 8th Music Revolution (an annual music competition by Yamaha) took note of O.G.I. competing as a bass and drum duo, while Haruka was competing as a guitar soloist, and suggested that they team up. This new trio entered the 9th Music Revolution the following year, where they won one of the three Outstanding Performance Awards, as well as the Audience Award. At this time they were still performing under Haruka's stage name HAL-CA.

Musical style and influences
Asterism has called their own music "mass metal" (describing this as "metal that reaches, resonates, and is loved by the masses" ) and "battle music" ("to assist people to fight against something bad or stepping forward" ).

Haruka has repeatedly stated that her biggest influence was the Japanese metal band Loudness, and specifically their guitarist Akira Takasaki. Miyu most often cites Billy Sheehan from Mr Big.

Their official discography include covers of other artists such as Metallica, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Rage Against the Machine, Rush, Motorhead and Dio, as well as a whole album of music from various anime shows. During some of their live performances they have also covered Loudness, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rainbow and Deep Purple.

"The trio's infectious blend of heavy metal, combines elements of traditional with speed/power metal traits, all executed at breakneck speed and with utmost virtuosity."

Reception
AVO Magazine gave the album Ignition (2018) a rating of 95/100, saying "...it would be impossible to listen to IGNITION and be disappointed, as it is one of the greatest instrumental masterpieces you will hear this year".

Band members

 * Haruka Noma (HAL-CA) – Guitar, Vocals
 * Miyu Yoshinaka – Bass
 * Mio Yoshinaka – Drums

Albums

 * Ignition (2018)
 * Guernica+a (2021)
 * Animetic (2022)
 * Decide (2023)

EPs

 * The Session Vol.1 (2017)
 * The Session Vol.2 (2018)
 * Guernica (2020)
 * Aside (2023)
 * Beside (2023)

Singles

 * Got your back!?ガチヤバ!?/Wonder Rocket (2016)