ARKROYAL>>Ilⅼumina From ArkRoyal - JAPAN

Clymenus - 2023 - Village Again Association

ArkRoyal image
  
 
Members
Vocals
ILLUMINA

Guitar
Gypsy, Revivre, Otome Densetsu, Vidro Guignol, Solo>>ILLUMINA>>Vidro Guignol, Solo - Ika>>Dos Quatro

Bass
United Panties, Freaky Styley>>Marsa>>Freaky Styley

Drum
Black Annis>>Meg>>Black Annis




History & Biography
Another Japanese all-girl band, Hokkaido-based Ark Royal (often stylized as ArkRoyal) goes at its craft harder than many of its counterparts while, unlike bands like Lonesme_Blue or Nemophila, staying within the confines of and of interest to metal fans. ArkRoyal was founded by singer and guitarist Illumina who came from a pop band called Otome Densetsu. Differently, Illumina not only sings, but also handles the six strings. The band was managed by Crazy Promotions, which handled the more mainstream The Sheglapes.

The band uploaded the song The Battle Of Sacred in 2018. The band had ex-B-Tripper Nino on bass. The Limited Edition EP, which was a demo, arrived in 2019. The next demo was called Arise and was released in August 2019. Nino left for Tokyo and would be in Fate Gear, as well as Black Annis. She intended to try her hand at a solo career. Black Annis featured drummer Meg as well. Nino would help Fathomless Skywalker and Ancient Myth live later.

The pandemic gave pause to the act, but there was an appearance at Crazy Fest 2021 (courtesy of the band's manager) and an EP called Vengeance arrived through Village Again Association in 2022. This was the label of Aldious among others. The band had shuffled between Hokkaido and Tokyo playing live multiple times in 2021 and 2022 however.

2023 was the occasion for the quartet’s full-length. Clymenus was alternately the name of a prince or king in ancient Greece. Hard Gear was booked to play at Heavy Meat Force2 show in 2023. Other bands on the bill included Mardelas, ArkRoyal, NoGoD and Sexmachineguns. Drummer Mizuno of Hard Gear would lend a hand to ArkRoyal and its leader Illumina later and for recordings. The band opened for Maki Oyama. Illumina helped Miss Oyama with the vocals. Guitarist Ika and bassist Marsa left however. Their farewell comprised of two Hokkaido concerts in December 2023. Marsa hoped to forge ahead as a solo artist. Guitarist Noiko and bassist Natsune (N24Tiger) were inducted in 2024. The new line-up had a gig with Leopardeath and Nadesico Doll, etc. in February. The band was part of the line-up of 'Loyal Rumble' (not a typo) 6th anniversary tour with Kauxs, Howling*Star and others in 2024. ArkRoyal and Sirius opened for Risky Melody. The band was performing sixth anniversary shows in the spring of 2024. The act was a quartet again. The band was also part of Women's Power 74, which was a recurring gig in Japan. ArkRoyal ended 2024 with several concerts and announced the same for March 2025. In the meantime, there was a single called Dawn Of The Abyss. Importantly, drummer Meg packed up and left in late 2024. Like most Japanese musicians, "health" was the reason. The band was Illumina, bassist Natsune and drummer Noiko.

Then the band was declared a solo endeavour, called Illumina From ArkRoyal, which was to be official following a gig in Tokyo on August 10th 2025, which was part of a mini-tour of Japan. Natsune posted that she was leaving because the band did not have a drummer and that didn't suit her. This implied Noiko had already departed. Aside from the late summer concerts to make the changeover official, ArkRoyal was part of the Girls Rock Revolution show in Hokkaido, alongside Risky Melody, Lucida, FullMooN, Empress and Sirius in July 2025. J-Rock band Risky Melody's Ayae drummed for ArkRoyal as well. The logo changed to reflect the Illumina from ArkRoyal' monicker in August of 2025 in tandem with the release of a single called Replica. There was a booking for a Tokyo concert called Metamorphose Festival 2025 Autumn alongside Bridear and others.


Reviews

Interviews
ARKROYAL Interview with band leader Illumina
Japan has famously seen a boom in all-girl metal bands. Many of these acts have made a name for themselves for delivering on the music, the image and the hard work. ArkRoyal, led by singer and guitarist Illumina, is a cut above most. For one thing, despite all the commonplace line-up changes, the act is still going and lasted an above average length of time. For another, most - literally the majority - of the bands many people call 'hard heavy metal' are not even remotely of the style. Most importantly, in heavy metal terms, is the music itself. Illumina has major news updates and so Ali "The Metallian" sat down with her in Sapporo in Hokkaido to not only cover the band's career, but also the recent developments and next steps. - 08.06.2025

METALLIAN: Thank-you for taking time out of your schedule to sit down for this conversation. Let's begin by giving Metallian visitors some information about yourself. For example, when did you start with music?
ILⅬUMINA: Well, I started performing publicly about 12 years ago. My first group was a three-piece band called Gypsy, where I was the guitarist and vocalist. Soon the band broke up and after that I started just being a guitarist and not singing.

METALLIAN: You mean before the bands Revivre and Otome Densetsu?
ILⅬUMINA: Yes, Gypsy was the first. After Gypsy broke up, I was invited to play guitar in the band Revivre, which already existed. I joined Revivre for about six months.

METALLIAN: What is the origin of ArkRoyal, the name of the band?
ILⅬUMINA: I had seen the name 'Ark Royal' in many places. It's a brand of cigarettes and the name of a ship from history. We wanted to start a band with only female musicians, so we chose this word as the name of our band, which means 'The Queen's Ark'.

METALLIAN: So, it didn't have anything to do with KanColle?
ILⅬUMINA: I also found it in KanColle (laughs).

METALLIAN: Where did you get the idea for the name Illumina?
ILⅬUMINA: When I joined Revivre, the idea of having an artist name came up and Regan, who was the vocalist at the time, suggested a name inspired by 'Illuminati' or 'Illumination' and I liked the feeling of 'brightness,' but also having a mysterious side. I decided to name myself Illumina for my band alias.

METALLIAN: Regan?
ILⅬUMINA: I think she was named after the girl in the film The Exorcist.

METALLIAN: Did you attend music classes? When you first started playing the guitar did you take music lessons?
ILⅬUMINA: No, I am self-taught. I practised on my own by following exercises from various guitar magazines.

METALLIAN: And when did you start playing the guitar?
ILⅬUMINA: It was 13 or 14 years or maybe 15 years ago!

METALLIAN: I want to address the name of the band. I always believed that the band's name was 'Ark Royal.' It now seems that there is not a space between 'Ark' and 'Royal.'
ILⅬUMINA: When we formed, we had a space between the two words, but when we released the album, the label, Village Again Association, mistakenly registered the trademark without a space and told us to use that version (laughs). So, we went 'whatever.'

METALLIAN: Personally, I would not have yielded my band name to their mistake so easily, but moving on, tell me about your relationship with the band Vidro Guignol?
ILⅬUMINA: Oh, I helped them with the guitar as a guest on several occasions.

METALLIAN: Illumina, you play guitar and sing, which is unusual among Japanese girl metal bands.
ILⅬUMINA: To be honest, I don't really think about it. The reason why I became the singer and the guitarist in ArkRoyal was because when we formed the band, we wanted to have a dedicated vocalist, but we didn't happen to have one (laughs again), so we started the band with the intention of looking for a vocalist. Eventually, people recognised us as a band with a singer/guitarist, so that's how we ended up where we are now.

METALLIAN: In addition to being a vocalist, guitarist and band leader, you also handle the production, Illumina. You even manage the band, which used to be done by Crazy Promotions. You are a busy person given all your concerts across Japan. How do you make the time for it and keep things under control?
ILⅬUMINA: [Laughingly] It's quite a lot, but it's great that the number of people attending our concerts is gradually and visibly increasing with each live performance in Tokyo. In proportion to that, our activities have become more numerous and we've been able to go to various places on tours. Thanks to the audience and fans, we are able to make good use of our time therefore.

METALLIAN: What do you think about the situation with band members constantly joining and leaving?
ILⅬUMINA: It is inevitable that each member's situation and way of thinking changes overtime. My job is to protect the name of the band, ArkRoyal, so I don't think it's right to hold back members, who because of differences of opinion, want to go their separate ways. There are members who quit for health reasons, and if they damage their physical shape while playing in the band, it would be unsustainable for them. I want them to make the most of their lives. I would be happy if the activities in ArkRoyal have been a good part of their lives, even if just a little. I don't feel so negatively about the member changes.

METALLIAN: It is difficult to understand from my point-of-view, but often the reason given by Japanese band members for leaving or the band breaking up is a health-related one. However, soon afterwards they resume their activities in other bands in seemingly good spirits. What do you think about that?
ILⅬUMINA: It certainly makes you wonder (laughs), well, we are human beings, so there may be reasons we don't want to mention too much about and there may be many people who were really sick at the time, and after taking a break, feel better unexpectedly quickly and return (laughs).

METALLIAN: Let's move on to a few band songs. I want to get your words on a few favourites. Can you comment on my favourite song, Vengeance?
ILⅬUMINA: Thank you. It's a song that ArkRoyal started performing about six months after the band started. It's a song with a fast pace and a somewhat sad atmosphere. The twin leads wail, which brings tears to the eyes of the audience (laughs). The drum part is also intense and full of a sad emotion and, I think, it was our best work at the time. It is one of my personal favourite songs to play.

METALLIAN: Can you comment on the song Altar Of Sacrifice, which has the best guitar solo?
ILⅬUMINA: Really? Thank you very much! This is a song we have been playing since the band started. The riffs and the melody are catchy. It has an 8 beat, so it feels monotonous, but we approached it with an intense guitar solo and ended up with a song like this.

METALLIAN: Where was the music video for this song shot?
ILⅬUMINA: At the Snow Crystal Museum in Asahikawa, which looks like a castle. We also filmed at the Crazy Monkey venue in Sapporo, where we borrowed the stage for a bit before the rehearsal for our show.

METALLIAN: Good vocals. How about a comment on the classical atmosphere of the song Retriever?
ILⅬUMINA: Thank-you! I wanted to make a surreal song, so I did whatever I wanted. I put neo-classical elements, beatdowns and a playful spirit into it. It's like a song that is hard to understand for people who don't get it.

METALLIAN: The next song I would like you to comment on is Kagero. It features an intense guitar attack and changes in the middle of the song to something more dynamic.
ILⅬUMINA: Thank-you very much again. I made the riff like thrash metal at first and expanded it from there. Instead of keeping the whole song in thrash metal style, I wanted it to have a crescendo so I gave the melody of the song a Kayōkyoku-like feel. The guitar riff in the intro of the song became quite intense, but I think it's an easy song to listen to.

METALLIAN: Incidentally, do you still work with Village Again Association? Or are you looking for another label?
ILⅬUMINA: I don't have a label contract. I hope to continue working independently.

METALLIAN: Even when you were working with a label, you still ended up making a lot of your own arrangements.
ILⅬUMINA: Correct (laughs). As far as labels are concerned, they cooperate with us when we release CDs, but at other times we were on our own.

METALLIAN: Do you do your own management as well? You used to work with Crazy Promotions.
ILⅬUMINA: (Chuckles as her expression betrays disapproval) Erm… I've moved away from that person and don't work with him anymore.

METALLIAN: So, let's chat about your future activities. Do your plans include solo work, recruiting new band members or adding session members?
ILⅬUMINA: I will be touring Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka as a solo project starting this September. I am currently preparing for this. I'm planning to release a digital single around this autumn and I'm also considering the release of an EP, as well as their production and other related schedules. The main structure of the band will be as a solo singer and guitarist. Sometimes, I will ask for support from trusted musicians to form a full band. I plan to alternate between these activities.

METALLIAN: And guests for recording and live performances?
ILⅬUMINA: I will do the recording myself where I can and ask professionals to help me with the parts that are lacking, so that I can create a work that I am satisfied with. I will also ask for recording support when I have a full band.

METALLIAN: To clarify, will ArkRoyal and Illumina From ArkRoyal be two bands?
ILⅬUMINA: No, I will be working as a solo project from now on, so I will use the Ilⅼumina From ArkRoyal name. Even when we play as a full band, we will only be working as a solo project.

METALLIAN: So there will be no further activities as ArkRoyal in the future?
ILⅬUMINA: Yes, that's right. At the moment I have no plans to form a band as ArkRoyal. I want to do what I want to do, so I will work as a solo project. I don't really feel there is a difference between the two, probably because I am the one who created the band in the first place.

METALLIAN: A couple of final things, Illumina. New song Dawn Of The Abyss: Could you comment on this song?
ILⅬUMINA: I wanted to write a song that was bright, poppy and heavy. I often write songs beginning with the intro guitar riff and guitar movements, but this time the guitar was heavy so I made this song with the idea of hope and light in the midst of all that.

METALLIAN: Finally, please say a few words about the new song Dahlia.
ILⅬUMINA: It's poppy and catchy, easy to remember and easy to get into. Emotionally, I tried to put my own emotional content including sarcasm, rebellion, independence, et cetra into the lyrics, all wrapped up in many layers. I think it turned out to be an easy-listening song with a dramatic finish.

METALLIAN: Given what you said about the two new songs, which direction will the songs on your forthcoming EP take?
ILⅬUMINA: I hope to release it next winter. We would like to release more dark, emotional songs with metal elements that are more intense, dramatic songs with more guitar solos. I would like to express myself dramatically with a slow and steady pace of EPs, albums and other works that contain a variety of songs in each album.

METALLIAN: Illumina, any other news worth sharing?
ILⅬUMINA: A solo tour starting in September. I'll be touring Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka and Nagoya. I'm going to go completely alone to sing and play the guitar. I hope to have a new digital single with guest musicians in time for the start of the tour. I'll keep going without stopping.

METALLIAN: Can you reveal the name of any of the guest musicians?
ILⅬUMINA: There is Mizuno-san (drummer) from Saber Tiger. We're working together on the recording.

METALLIAN: I see. You also did a cover of a Saber Tiger song.
ILⅬUMINA: He is a veteran of the scene who has been a great help to me. There are only a few heavy metal bands that have been active in Hokkaido for a long time and he is one of the senior musicians who has been a good friend since I started my music career. This time, I asked Mizuno-san to play the drums as I'm going solo.

METALLIAN: What is the name of the EP that is planned for the winter?
ILⅬUMINA: It hasn't been decided yet. I hope to drip the information about the EP gradually.

METALLIAN: Thank you very much for your time. Finally, let's talk about Metallian, the world's number one.
ILⅬUMINA: Metallian covers heavy metal in its articles and the content is very hot. I have seen the website and I think it is the number one place because it is an interesting site where you can get to know the artists in more depth.

As you read above, Illumina, and her ArkRoyal, has many plans for the near future. In the meanwhile, however, there is the existing music that needs your attention. The band's website is at ark-royal.jimdofree.com



日本ではガールズバンドがブームとなっている。彼女らは歌を響かせ、そのイメージと、たゆまぬ努力により名を馳せてきた。そんな中シンガー兼ギタリストのイルミナ率いるアークロイヤルは、他のバンドとは一線を画している。ありきたりなメンバーチェンジがあっても、バンドは今だ継続し標準以上の水準をキープしている。多くの（文字通り大多数）の『メタル』を自称する似ても似つかないスタイルのバンドでもない。特に重要なのがその音楽。我らメタリアンのアリはバンドの経歴だけではなく、現在また今後の展開についてビックニュースを抱えたイルミナと、北海道札幌で向き合い取材した。- 2025.06.08

METALLIAN: 本日はこうして腰を落ち着けてじっくりお話を伺う時間を頂きありがとうございます。まずは読者に向けてイルミナさんの基本的な情報からお聞きしたいと思います。イルミナさんが音楽活動を始めたのはいつ頃からでしょうか？
ILⅬUMINA: そうですね公の場でライブ活動を始めたのは、１２年ほど前。最初に組んだのは３ピースバンド・ジプシーでギターボーカルでした。すぐにバンドが解散となり、その後は歌は歌わずただギターリストとして活動を開始しました。

METALLIAN: バンド・ルヴィーブルやバンド・乙女☆伝説の前という事ですか？
ILⅬUMINA: はい、ジプシーが最初です。ジプシー解散後、すでにあったバンドのルヴィーブルに『ギターやりませんか？』と誘われて半年ほど参加しました。

METALLIAN: ではバンド名のアークロイヤルについて。この名前の由来は何でしょうか？
ILⅬUMINA: アークロイヤルという名前は色々な所で目にしました。煙草の銘柄だったり歴史上の船の名前だったり。ちょうど女性だけを集めたバンドをやりたかったので『女王の箱舟』という意味も持つこの言葉をバンド名に選びました。

METALLIAN: 『艦これ』ではない？
ILⅬUMINA: 『艦これ』でも見つけましたね(笑)

METALLIAN: イルミナという名前のアイディアはどこから？
ILⅬUMINA: ルヴィーブルに加入した時アーティスト名の話が出て、当時ボーカルだったリーガンさんが提示した『イルミナティ』と『イルミネーション』を掛け合わせた『輝くが怪しい面もある』という感じが気に入って、自分のアーティスト名を『イルミナ』に決定しました。

METALLIAN:リーガンさん？
ILⅬUMINA:たしか、彼女は映画エクソシストの女の子の名前から取ったと思います。

METALLIAN: ギターを始めた当初は音楽教室に通いましたか？
ILⅬUMINA: いえ、独学ですね。色々なギター雑誌の練習方法を見て一人で練習しました。

METALLIAN: いつごろギターを始めましたか？
ILⅬUMINA: １３か１４年、、、いや１５年前ですかね。

METALLIAN: ArkRoyalの表記ですが、ArkとRoyalの間のスぺースは無しが正しいですか？ それともスペースは必要ですか？
ILⅬUMINA: 結成当時はスペースを入れていたのですが、アルバムを出す際にビレッジ・アゲイン・アソシエーションさんが間違えてスペースなしで商標登録してしまって(笑)『これでお願いします』と言われ、『もぅどっちでもいいやー』となりましたね。

METALLIAN: 私だったら自分のバンド名を間違えられて、それをそのままは受け入れられないですが、とりあえず次の質問に行きましょう。バンド・ビードロギニョルさんとはどんなご関係で？
ILⅬUMINA: あ、何度がサポートとしてギター演奏のお手伝いをさせて頂きました。

METALLIAN: イルミナさんはギターを弾きながら歌っていますが、日本のガールズメタルバンドでは他に類をみないタイプですよね。ご自身が特殊な存在だと気付いていますか？
ILⅬUMINA: 正直実感はないですね。なぜアークロイヤルをギターボーカルで始めたかというと、結成当時ピンボーカルを入れたかったのですが、たまたまいなくて(笑)その内ヴォーカルを探そうという方針でとりあえずバンドを始動させました。その後ギターボーカルとして皆さんに認知されたので、そのまま今に至ります。

METALLIAN: ボーカル、ギター、バンドリーダーに加えレコーディングもご自身でこなすイルミナさん。クレイジープロモーションさんが以前されていたマネジメントまで、いまはご自身で。そんな忙しい身で、各地をライブ演奏の為に何度も移動されている。どうやってその時間を作り、物事を進めていけるのでしょうか？
ILⅬUMINA: 結構いっぱいいっぱいですね (笑) でも東京でライブを重ねるごとに徐々にお客さんが目に見えて増えている事が大きいですね。それに比例して活動も活発になってツアーで色々な場所に行けるようになりましたし。お客さんのおかげで時間もうまく回せるようになっています。

METALLIAN: バンドメンバーが加入や脱退を繰り替えす状況についてはどう思われますか？
ILⅬUMINA: 時間が経てばメンバーそれぞれの状況や考え方が変わる事は仕方がないですね。そんな中で私の仕事はアークロイヤルというバンドの名前を守る事なので、意見の食い違い等で別の道に進みたいというメンバーを引き留める事は違うと思っています。健康上の理由で辞めたメンバーもいて、バンド活動で身体を壊しては元も子もないですし、人生大事にして欲しいです。アークロイヤルでの活動が少しでも彼女たちの人生の良いスパイスになっていれば嬉しいですね。後ろ向きな気持ちはそんなにありません。

METALLIAN: 私から見ると理解しがたいのが、日本のバンドの脱退や解散理由。健康上の都合というのをよく目にしますが、その後すぐ別のバンドで元気に活動を再開しています。これについてはどう思いますか？
ILⅬUMINA: 確かに不思議に思いますよね(笑)まぁ人間ですから、そこにはあまり触れて欲しくない理由があるやもしれませんし、その時は本当に凄く具合が悪くて、休んでみたら 思いのほか早く体調が良くなって復帰する方が多いかもしれません(笑)

METALLIAN: では次に。いくつか楽曲についてお聞きしましょう。私が一番好きな楽曲Vengeanceについて何かコメントをいただけますか？
ILⅬUMINA: ありがとうございます。アークロイヤルが始動して半年ほどで披露し始めた楽曲ですね。疾走感かつどこか物悲しい雰囲気の曲で、尚且つツインリードで鳴かせる、泣かせたい(笑)気を引くような楽曲を作りました。ドラムパートも激しくも物悲しい情緒あふれる演奏に、当時の私たちなりに仕上げられたと思います。個人的に演奏していても好きな楽曲の一つです。

METALLIAN:ギターソロが最高な楽曲Altar Of Sacrificeについて何かコメントを頂けますか？
ILⅬUMINA: 本当ですか！ありがとうございます。これはバンド始動当初から演奏している楽曲ですね。リフと歌メロがキャッチ⁻な楽曲に仕上げられたと思います。８ビートなので単調に感じる中で激しいギターソロをアプローチしてみたところ、こんな感じの楽曲に仕上がりました。

METALLIAN: この楽曲ＭＶは何処で撮影されたのですか？
ILⅬUMINA: 旭川にある外観がお城な雪の美術館ですね。それと札幌のクレイジーモンキーでライブリハーサルの前に少しステージをお借りして撮影しました。

METALLIAN: 歌声が最高！でクラシカルな雰囲気な楽曲Retrieverについてのコメントもお願いします。
ILⅬUMINA: ありがとうございます！シュールな楽曲を作りたく、好き勝手にやってみました。ネオクラシカル要素を入れたり、ビートダウンを入れたり、遊び心を大事に作成しました。刺さらない人には理解しづらい楽曲みたいです。

METALLIAN: 次の楽曲は陽炎ですね。激しいギターアタックと、楽曲の途中で変化し活動的になっていますね。
ILⅬUMINA: ありがとうございます。最初にリフをスラッシュメタルみたいに作って、そ こから広げて行った楽曲です。曲全体をスラッシュメタルのノリでずっと続けるのではなく、緩急が欲しいと思い、歌のメロディを歌謡曲っぽくつけちゃいました。それも相まってイントロのギターリフが結構激しくなりましたが、聴きやすい楽曲に仕上がっていると思います。

METALLIAN: ちなみに、今もまだヴィレッジ・アゲイン・アソシエーションさんとお仕事されていますか？もしくは他のレーベルさんを探すなどはしていますか？
ILⅬUMINA: レーベル契約はしていなくて、完全に自分一人で活動等しています。今後もフリーでやって行ければ良いなと思っています。

METALLIAN: レーベルさんとお仕事されていた時でさえも、結局はご自身で色々手配されていましたよね？
ILⅬUMINA:そうですね（笑）レーベルさん関しては、ＣＤリリースの時は協力してくれるのですけど、それ以外の時は自分たちで活動していましたね。

METALLIAN: マネジメントについても同じくご自身で？以前はクレイジープロモーションさんとお仕事されていましたよね？
ILⅬUMINA: あー、はははぁー（苦笑い）その方とは離れてもう一緒にお仕事していないですね。

METALLIAN: では今後の活動ですが、ソロ活動、バンドメンバーの新規加入、もしくはヘルプを入れるなどこれらの予定を教えてください。
ILⅬUMINA: 今年の９月からソロプロジェクトとしての東名阪の遠征ツアーがあるので、今準備中です。秋頃にはデジタルシングルのリリース、あとEPのリリースも考慮しながら制作などのスケジュールを組んでいます。主な体制はソロでギターと歌でやっていきます。時々は信頼できるミュージシャンの方にサポートをお願いしてフルバンド体制という形を交互に活動していく予定です。

METALLIAN: レコーディングやライブでもサポートを頼む予定？
ILⅬUMINA: レコーディングも自分で出来るところは自分でやって、足りない部分はプロ の方にお願いしながら自分の納得できる作品を作って行ければと思います。ライブもフルバンド体制の際はレコーディングをサポートして頂く方にお願いするつもりです。

METALLIAN: アークロイヤルとイルミナ・フロム・アークロイヤル。２つのバンドになるのでしょうか？
ILⅬUMINA: いえ、今後はソロプロジェクトとして活動していくのでイルミナ・フロム・アークロイヤルを使います。フルバンドで演奏する際もあくまでソロプロジェクトとしての活動になると考えています。

METALLIAN: では今後アークロイヤルとしての活動は無いのでしょうか？
ILⅬUMINA: そうですね。今のところはアークロイヤルとしてバンドを組む予定は無いです。自分のやりたい事をやってみたいのでソロプロジェクトで活動します。そもそもバンドを作った本人だからかその２つの違いにあまり実感がないですね。

METALLIAN: 最後にもう２曲。新曲Dawn Of The Abyss この楽曲についてコメントいただけますか？
ILⅬUMINA: 明るくポップかつヘビーな楽曲が作りたくて作った曲です。イントロのギターリフ、ギターの動きから曲を作ることが多いのですが、今回は重ためになったので、そんな中でも希望や光が差せばいい、というイメージで作った楽曲になります。

METALLIAN: 最後は楽曲Dahliaについてコメントお願いします。
ILⅬUMINA: ポップでキャッチー、覚えやすくノリやすい楽曲です。感情的に私なりの皮肉、反抗的、反骨精神な要素等をオブラートに幾重にも包んで歌詞に入れてみました。ドラマティックに仕上がって、聴きやすい楽曲になったと思います。

METALLIAN: 新曲２曲についてお話頂いたのですが、今後リリースされるEPの収録曲はどのような方向性の楽曲になりますか？
ILⅬUMINA: この冬に出せたら良いなと思っています。ダークで情緒的かつメタル要素を忘れずに取り入れた楽曲、ギターソロも更に激しく、ドラマティックな楽曲を今後は増やしていきたいです。EPやアルバムなど１枚に何曲も入る作品を緩急つけてドラマティックに表現できたらと思います。

METALLIAN:イルミナさんから何か新情報はありますか？
ILⅬUMINA: ９月からのソロツアーですね。東京・札幌・大阪・名古屋を回ります。完全に一人で歌とギターで勝負しに行きますよー。そのツアーを開始するまでにゲストミュージシャンを迎えた新曲デジタルシングルが間に合えば良いなと。それまで止まらずに進んでいきます。

METALLIAN: そのゲストミュージシャンのお名前はここで明かせますか？
ILⅬUMINA: サーベルタイガーの（ドラマー）水野さんです。今レコーディングで一緒に作品を作っていただいています。

METALLIAN: なるほど。だからサーベルタイガーさんのカバーをされたのですね。
ILⅬUMINA: お世話になっている先輩でして。北海道で長く活動されているヘビメタバンドって限られていて、音楽活動を始めた頃から仲良くしてくださっている先輩のお一人です。今回ソロ体制になるので、水野さんにドラムをお願いしました。

METALLIAN： ちなみに冬に予定されているEPの作品名は？
ILⅬUMINA: まだ決定していないですね。徐々に情報を公開していけたらと思います。

METALLIAN: ここまでお付き合いいただきありがとうございました。最後に世界ナンバーワンの我らメタリアンについて。何故これほどまでに名高いのか、その理由をご教授願いますか？
ILⅬUMINA: ヘビメタルを記事に取り上げていて、コンテンツが凄く熱い。ウェブサイトを拝見しましたがアーティストのよりディープなところまで知れる面白いサイトという故のナンバーワン・ウェブサイトなのかなと思います。

ここまでの記事のとおり、イルミナ・フロム・アークロイヤルの直近の予定について多数の情報があったが、すでに発表されている楽曲にも是非ご注目いただきたい。 バンドの公式ページはこちら ark-royal.jimdofree.com

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