On April 23rd and 24th, at PIA Arena MM, the band battle live event “SODA presents Battle of Rock ~Mission of 7 MEN Samurai~,” hosted by 7 MEN Samurai, was held.
This was the first band battle live event for 7 MEN Samurai. On the 23rd, they faced off against Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, and on the 24th, against Novelbright, both of whom greatly energized the venue.
The atmosphere at PIA Arena MM was electric as fans of all the bands gathered to witness the intense showdowns between the groups. The stage was set on fire by the powerful performances as they fearlessly showcased their musical prowess and captivated the audience with their raw energy. The performances were a sight to behold, with all bands pushing the boundaries of creativity and engaging the crowd in an unforgettable musical experience.
The venue pulsated with the vibrant energy emanating from these dynamic bands, each delivering a stellar performance that left a lasting impression on everyone present. The live event not only celebrated the spirit of rock music but also highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit among the participants, making it an exhilarating experience for both the performers and the audience.
On the 23rd, in an unexpected and thrilling moment, Yabai T-Shirts Yasan was joined on stage by surprise when 7 MEN Samurai appeared and performed their hit song “Kawa E”/”かわE” together! This exclusive collaboration was a one-of-a-kind experience for those in attendance, making it a truly unforgettable event.
“Today is a band battle, so it’s not an event where we’re all buddies. It’s called Battle of Rock, after all. So, I think everyone came here expecting a rock battle. We came here today as representatives of a rock band. We absolutely cannot lose to 7 MEN Samurai tonight!!” Yabai T-Shirts Yasan member Koyama shouted before launching into the final two songs of their set before 7 MEN Samurai took over the stage.
The energy from Yabai T-Shirt Yasan was magnified even further by the members of 7 MEN Samurai. The audience remained exhilarated by their performance, and when they finally emerged from the depths of the stage, screams erupted throughout the venue. Dressed in outfits created by Reia Nakamura for their “Act ONE” stage, the group immediately captured the attention of everyone in the audience.
Their performance began with their recent new original song, “Chaos Killer,” produced by members Katsuki Motodaka and Sugeta Rinne. This track, featuring completely English lyrics, highlighted their signature somber style through its heavy bass.
Initially, they captivated the audience with their lively choreography, but halfway through, each member grabbed their respective instruments and joined in. The blend of guitars, drums, bass, and keyboards was flawlessly executed as they effortlessly sang and danced while showcasing their individual musical talents. It was a powerful start that truly showcased the group’s unique abilities.
As the set went on, Reia revved up the already energetic crowd with his rallying cry of “Let’s make it a hot night!” and Rinne, displaying his versatility as a musician, traded in his guitar for his saxophone.
The venue was united in a passionate call-and-response, the audience’s intensity increasing with each passing moment. In the midst of the song, the crowd was spurred on with shouts of “Let us hear your voices louder!!” shaking the very foundations of the building. The audience joined in, their voices melding into one powerful chorus as they chanted “Samurai” and filled the entire venue with their energy.
As Rei Yabana energetically moved his head in rhythm and Reia gestured enthusiastically towards the crowd, Taiki Konno, Rinne, and Katsuki couldn’t help but sneak glances at the audience, their enjoyment apparent on their faces. Meanwhile, Taiko Sasaki stayed focused on providing a solid foundation for the band’s overlapping melodies with his drumming skills, all while fully immersed in the live performance. The entire venue was filled with an authentic and dynamic sound from the band that represented 7 MEN Samurai’s unique and captivating style.
Their first original piece, “SAMU-DAMA,” was an intense and emotional performance that prioritized rawness and authenticity over technical precision. This unrefined approach, along with their unique personalities, captivated the audience and added to the already powerful contrast on stage. The crowd joined in, creating a massive chorus, and everyone let loose, resulting in a spectacular sight.
The atmosphere suddenly changed again when Taiki’s clear singing voice captivated the audience with the opening lines to the popular ARASHI song “Kotoba yori mo, Taisetsu na mono.”
Each member sang with heartfelt emotions, enjoying the moment to the fullest, their overflowing feelings evident. This enthusiasm was precious and memorable, creating a special experience for those attending, and everyone in that space must have felt they wanted to stay there forever.
As the jazz-influenced instrumental performance began, each member had a chance to showcase their solo talents. Rinne’s saxophone playing was both elegant and soulful, while Katsuki’s keyboard skills added a delicate touch to the music. Rei’s bass solo kept the audience mesmerized with its solid rhythm and lively energy, earning another round of cheers.
As the other five members danced in the background, Rei took over the original bassline and seamlessly intertwined his voice with theirs. His exceptional musical abilities, recently demonstrated by his graduation from music college, undoubtedly captivated the hearts of all those in attendance.
As they introduced themselves, each member’s unique personality shone through. Despite the brief duration of the concert, they were still able to effectively connect with the audience. It was a departure from their usual longer performances, but they made the most of the limited time available.
The audience erupted in applause as they introduced their original song, “Hot Night,” produced by their senior, Fuma Kikuchi (timelesz). The entire venue was flooded with red and purple lights, adding to the already high tension in the venue.
They then launched into a powerful performance of SixTONES‘ “Outrageous,” showcasing their impressive dance skills. After wowing the crowd with their instrumental talents, they continued to raise the energy with their vocals and choreography, proving themselves both as skilled musicians and charismatic idols. Their magnetic stage presence kept the audience enthralled throughout, demonstrating their prowess not only as a band but also as performers.
“Are you enjoying Battle of Rock? Are you feeling 7 MEN Samurai?” Reia addressed the audience.
Expressing gratitude for experiencing their first battle live against Yabai T-Shirt Yasan and performing in front of people who probably didn’t know them at all, he continued, “We want to use the wonderful experiences and inspiration gained here to catch up with the seniors we respect someday. We want to surpass them someday, and with those thoughts in mind, we want to sing many famous songs that everyone knows!“
They performed a “Senpai Medley,” a tribute to their senior artists within the same agency, showcasing the strong bond and love they share as part of the same musical legacy. They used every inch of the stage, darting around, dancing, engaging with the crowd, and spreading an infectious energy throughout the venue.
The audience joined in with raised arms, singing and dancing along, united as one. Without even one person present, this moment would not have been possible. Every member and every person in the audience radiated enthusiasm, contributing to the electric atmosphere together.
For their final song, they chose one of their original pieces that has become a staple in their repertoire – “Shout.” The transition from a bright and cheerful melody to a heavy, echoing sound was seamless and captivating. As they belted out the lyrics with all their might, it was easy to forget that they were still in their pre-debut phase.
Each member had worked tirelessly toward their dreams, and their hard work had brought them to this stage today. With every ounce of passion, they let their determination shine through with the lyrics, “Break through the darkness, seize your freedom.” It was impossible to take your eyes off of them as they poured their hearts out onto the stage.
Their intense emotions radiated through every note, leaving the audience almost spellbound. And as the smoke cleared and they disappeared from view, their backs resembled those of fierce samurai warriors, living up to their name.
As the encore, both groups took to the stage to perform their hit song “Sayonara Mata ne Mou Chotto” together, accompanied by Yabai T-Shirt Yasan.
With the joyful melody filling the air, the two groups stood shoulder to shoulder, belting out the lyrics in unison, creating a moment that could only be experienced at that very moment. The choreography was executed flawlessly, and the entire audience couldn’t help but join in. The atmosphere was warm and electric as the first day of the “Battle of Rock” came to an end.
For 7 MEN Samurai, who had not yet made their debut, it was undoubtedly a new and nerve-wracking experience for them to perform as a band in front of an audience unfamiliar with their music. However, the energy in Pia Arena MM was at its peak, reflecting the intense excitement of the crowd. Despite this being a new and challenging situation for them, they maintained their mutual respect and appreciation for their fans throughout the performance, creating a truly heartwarming and captivating battle on stage.
For this particular event, attendees were not allowed to bring their uchiwas or penlights. As a result, the audience expressed their excitement through clapping, yelling, and swaying their bodies. The constant roaring applause and enthusiastic singing filled the venue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that will surely be etched into the memories of those who attended for years to come.
Full setlist 4/23:
- chaos killer
- SAMURAI
- SAMU-DAMA
- Kotoba yori mo, Taisetsu na Mono
- Member introduction
- Beating Hearts
- 〜MC〜
- Hot Night
- Outrageous
- CALL
- Senpai Song Medley
- Kamen Budoukai
- Happiness
- Cinderella Girl
- Musekinin Hero
- SHAKE
- weeeek
- Yuuki 100%
- Shout
- Sayonara Mata ne Mou Chotto (Encore collaboration with Yabai T-Shirt Yasan)
7 MEN Samurai (7 MEN 侍) consist of Reia Nakamura, Katsuki Motodaka, Rinne Sugeta, Taiki Konno, Rei Yabana, and Taiko Sasaki. The group is currently uploading weekly on YouTube on Fridays!
If you’re interested in 7 MEN Samurai, make sure to follow them on the following sites!
YouTube | X (Twitter) | X (Twitter) (English) | Instagram | TikTok | Official site
Source: realsound.jp
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