Vajra

Vajra is the power-improv trio of Mikami Kan (vocals, guitar), Keiji Haino (vocals, guitar) & Toshi Ishizuka (percussion; of Zuno Keisatsu and Cinorama fame). You could fill a library describing the impact of these three legendary figures of the Japanese avant garde underground. Vajra represents only one tiny aspect of their careers. Ishitsuka's martial power drumming provides the perfect foundation for Haino's soaring, roaring flights into the infinite abyss, which in turn combine in rare grace and (sub) conscious empathy with Mikami's improvised vocals. Mikami sings entirely in his native Tsugaru dialect which is totally incomprehensible to speakers of regular Japanese.Vajra represent an improvised output of unprecedented force and musical empathy. The raw invention and communication here is quite simply on a par with anything you care to think of. There's something very very special about this group - three masters at the peak of their powers, playing with total commitment, total sensitivity, total passion. Ferocious, bleak, beautiful and inspiring.

All of these were released on the wonderful P.S.F. Records who continue to drop some of the best music you will ever hear.

1995 - Mikami Kan / Vajra - Chiru Ha & Ozakijinjya [p.s.f. records]
1995 - Vajra - 東日流 [Tsugaru] [p.s.f. records]
1996 - Vajra - 金環食 [Ring] [p.s.f. records]
1997 - Vajra - 七識 [Sichisiki] [p.s.f. records]
1998 - Vajra - 声聞 [Śrāvaka] [p.s.f. records]
2002 - Vajra - Mandala (Cat Last) [p.s.f. records]
2008 - Vajra - Live [p.s.f. records]