NEMOPHILA guitarist SAKI has left the band due to differences in musical direction. SAKI will continue her career as a solo guitarist.
Source: NEMOPHILA official X
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That’s interesting. AFAIK a large portion of their music is written by third-party producers, so I’m curious as to whether she disagreed with that aspect and wanted to be able to write more herself. A quick skim over their writing credits on Spotify seems to suggest that she was starting to become more prominent on their last-last album (Seize the Fate) being credited on 6/11 tracks, whereas she was only on 2/10 on their last album (EVOLVE) with one of those being a rerecording of an older song, so maybe she felt like she wasn’t getting enough opportunity to contribute or something like that.
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Yea, there was quite an obvious departure between the 2 albums. Their earlier stuff is very heavy metal based and the newer stuff is nu-metal ish. I read in an interview they wanted to explore more electronica in their music which their recent album already had a few of.
Whatever they “evolve” into, hopefully they continue what makes NEMOPHILA so charming in the first place.
Completely unsurprising. What little I’ve heard of the newer material was moving into sell-out autotune territory.
This situation is reminiscent of Exist Trace, where their early material was decent but steadily devolved into a product to sell rather than an expression of artistic intent.
NEMOPHILA was always on that border of something formulaic. For me, the more recent stuff steps well over that line, and I guess SAKI felt the same way (or perhaps I’m projecting).
Comments from each member on their website (click through for JP text as well as the translation, or open spoilers below for EN only).
SAKI
I’m sorry for the sudden and very sad news that I have to share with you.
After a milestone concert at Budokan, I feel truly sorry to have to make this announcement, especially considering how much everyone must have been waiting for exciting news. Through NEMOPHILA, we’ve had numerous wonderful experiences and created countless irreplaceable memories.
Of course, reaching the decision to leave is something very upsetting for me too. However, it seems that I have fulfilled all the roles I needed to in this place. From now on, I believe that the rest of the members will continue to grow NEMOPHILA into an even more brilliant and love-filled band.
In the future, I plan to support the band’s progress as a fan, just like everyone else, while also exploring how far I can advance as a guitarist on my own.
Also, I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you a direct farewell in the end. Thanks to everyone, I’ve been able to fulfill everything I needed to do and I’ve truly had an amazing time.
I sincerely pray for the wonderful journey ahead for the four remaining members and for even greater success in the future.
SAKI
mayu
It may be surprising or shocking to hear such announcement for those of you who supported us with love and have been eagerly waiting for some kind of announcement after the Budokan Concert.
In the journies of a band, there are sunny days as well as cloudy or rainy days, and I felt like our wavelength has changed as we continued.
Thee past five years have been the most intense time of my life. We will continue our activities in our separate ways, and for Chucky (SAKI) as well as for us, this outcome was our positive choice.
We will live each day with purpose so we can strive to create even better songs. Please look forward to each of our changes! Thank you for everything up to now, and we wish that you’ll to continue supporting us!
mayu
Hazuki
I am very sorry that we have to make this kind of announcement.
As fellow guitarist, I have many respects for SAKI, and she was like our reliable big sister of NEMOPHILA, supporting the band on and behind stage all the times. I would like to continue to carry on the sound and passion that SAKI gave to the band.
From now on, the band will continue as a four-piece, and we will express our resolution through our music.
Although we will be going our separate ways, we hope that the fans will continue to support the future of both SAKI and NEMOPHILA.
Hazuki
Haraguchi-san
I apologize that our first announcement after a while has to be of such nature.
This past five years, Chucky (SAKI) has taught me so many things. It’s undeniable that NEMOPHILA would not have gone this far without her. These five years we’ve spent together have been and will be warm, precious, and something I’m deeply proud.
This was our decision in order to move forward, for growth, and is incredibly positive for both of us. It’s our selfish wish, but we hope you’ll understand and support our choices.
Although the band will now be 4 members, we will continue to live each day to the fullest and deliver our music with all our might.
To Chucky and to our fans, please continue to support us on our journey ahead! Thank you very much!
Haraguchi-san
Tamu Murata
I’m sorry for surprising everyone with this sudden announcement.
This decision wasn’t made easily; it was made after many discussions. I would appreciate if you could understand that it was a positive and best decision for all of us.
SAKI is part of the team that has built the history of NEMOPHILA until now.
And our relationship as fellow musicians remain unchanged. I hope our fans
will support both of us as we continue to grow.
The band will continue with four members. This is a significant decision but I believe there are things we’ll only see by continuing. Though there will be challenges, we’ll overcome them together. Thank you!!!
Tamu Murata
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