Galneryus

Photo: This is Not Greatest Hits / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

CountryJapan
Formed2001
StatusActive
GenrePower metal
LabelWarner Music Japan

Galneryus are the Osaka band who have become one of Japan’s best-known power metal acts, built on Syu’s virtuoso guitar work and grand, neo-classical songwriting. Active for twenty-five years, they have released sixteen full-length studio albums, most recently A Cry from the Sky Above in 2026.

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Galneryus were formed in Osaka in 2001 by guitarist Syu and singer Masahiro “Yama-B” Yamaguchi, who had previously sung with Gunbridge among other bands. The name was taken from Guarnerius violins. Keyboardist Yuhki, bassist Tsui and drummer Jun-ichi officially joined for the debut album, The Flag of Punishment, released by VAP in 2003.

The band built their reputation with Advance to the Fall (2005), Beyond the End of Despair… (2006), One for All – All for One (2007) and Reincarnation (2008). Yama-B left in 2008, citing musical differences, and in 2009 vocalist Masatoshi “Sho” Ono and bassist Taka joined, debuting on Resurrection (2010). Phoenix Rising (2011) and Angel of Salvation (2012) followed, and their song “Hunting for Your Dream” was used as a closing theme for the anime Hunter × Hunter.

After Vetelgyus (2014), the year of their first European tour, and Under the Force of Courage (2015), Jun-ichi left in 2016 and Fumiya took over the drum stool. The move to Warner Music Japan brought Ultimate Sacrifice (2017) and Into the Purgatory (2019), and Lea replaced Fumiya on drums in 2020.

During and after the pandemic the band issued two “special” albums, Union Gives Strength (2021) and Between Dread and Valor (2023), followed by The Stars Will Light the Way (2024). A Cry from the Sky Above was released by Warner Music Japan on 15 July 2026, and its epic “Without You” runs over fifteen minutes, the longest song the band has recorded.

Current line-up: Sho (vocals), Syu (guitar), Yuhki (keyboards), Taka (bass), Lea (drums).