SEIKIMA-II akuma ga kitarite heavy metal 15AH1909

The Demonic Debut: Seikima-II’s ‘Akuma ga Kitarite Heavy Metal’ (15AH 1909FB)

Let’s dive into the very beginning of the legendary and theatrical Japanese heavy metal band, Seikima-II. This entry focuses on their debut major label release, the mini-album (or “Small Scripture”/“Black Mass” in their demonic lore) titled “Akuma ga Kitarite Heavy Metal” (The Devil Came And Did Heavy Metal), carrying the catalog number 15AH 1909FB. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Issued on September 21, 1985, via the Fitzbeat label (CBS/Sony), this 12-inch vinyl served as the world’s introduction to Seikima-II’s unique concept and powerful sound. Arriving during the height of the Japanese heavy metal explosion, the band immediately stood out with their elaborate demonic personas, makeup, backstory, and sophisticated yet heavy musical approach.

The album unleashes their signature style in its earliest, rawest form, featuring tracks like “Jigoku No Kōtaishi” (Prince of Hell) and the ambitious, multi-part “Akuma Kumikyoku Sakuhin 666 Ban Nitanchō” (Devil’s Suite Opus 666 in D minor). The music features powerful, traditional heavy metal riffing, a driving rhythm section, skillful guitar solos, and the instantly recognizable, operatic-tinged vocals of frontman Demon Kogure.

This debut is legendary not just for its music, but for its reception. It was famously panned by the leading Japanese metal magazine BURRN!, receiving a notorious 0-point score for its theatrical, “heretical” approach. Despite this critical dismissal, the album was a massive commercial success, becoming the first debut album in Japanese heavy metal history to sell over 100,000 copies, proving the band’s immediate and powerful connection with the public.

15AH 1909FB is a landmark release in J-Metal history. It marks the potent debut of one of the scene’s most unique, enduring, and successful bands, capturing their raw, unholy genesis and the beginning of their musical “seikima” (holy demon) crusade.