KIZU have released their long-awaited “1st LAST ALBUM” ‘Gokuraku yori Gokujou no Ame’, and revealed the music videos for ‘AMATELAS’ and ‘Hajimari’. The album released on August 5th.
After suffering two delays, ‘Gokuraku yori Gokujou no Ame’ was finally released on August 5th. The album features 16 songs capturing both the “present” and “future” of KIZU, with previously released singles such as ‘R/E/D/’, ‘Oni’, and ‘Houou’, re-recordings like ‘Strawberry Blue’ and ‘Kizuato’, and handful of new songs including ‘AMATELAS’ and ‘Hajimari’.
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Three versions of the album are available to purchase now; a regular edition, and 2 limited editions, type A and type B. Each of the limited editions comes in special packaging with a DVD, with type A featuring 10 music videos, and type B featuring documentary footage.
‘AMATELAS’
‘AMATELAS’, named after the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, opens the album themed around “modern kagura”; Amaterasu and the Shinto ceremonial dance of kagura being from vocalist LiME’s home of Miyazaki. The song has a grand narrative sound, symbolising the current state of KIZU; the pain of creating something from nothing, and the “determination to stand tall like the sun”.
The music video released on August 1st. It makes use of light and shadow, with the band featuring in both light and dark outfits, including LiME’s iconic Shinto inspired look which previously appeared in the video for ‘Oni’. Lights rain upon the band members, seemingly cleansing them, much like the purpose of kagura.
‘Hajimari’
‘Hajimari’ (‘The Beginning’) serves as the album closer. Both the naming and placement of the track are significant, with their debut single being titled ‘Oshimai’ (‘The End’), and the album itself being an oxymoron of being both their “1st” and “last” album. But, much like Amaterasu emerging from the cave and bringing back the sunlight, symbolising a new beginning, ‘Hajimari’ sees KIZU sonically step into the light.
The video, which dropped the same day as the album, also showcases just how far KIZU have come since that first single back in 2017. In a pinned comment on YouTube, the band stated:
“To everyone who has supported KIZU and waited for us until today, thank you so much. We hope you will continue to support KIZU in the future.”
The album release follows the band’s first European performance back in July at B7KLAN J-ROCK FEST. While no further European appearances have been announced, KIZU will be setting out on a Japan Zepp tour from September 5th. Titled Amaterasu Homura Meguri, the tour will see KIZU perform at Zepp venues across Japan, preceding the band’s indefinite hiatus, which begins on February 27th, 2027. Tickets are on sale now via Ticket PIA, Lawson Ticket, eplus, and ticket board.
KIZU
Gokuraku yori Gokujou no Ame
Release Date: 05/08/2026
Label: DAMAGE
CD: Regular | Limited A | Limited B
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
