METAL SAFARI Parts Ways With Vocalist, Drummer, Bassist

Drummer Yazu, vocalist Ina and bassist Tomo have left Japanese extreme metallers METAL SAFARI.

Commented the band's guitarist, Hiro: "As the guitarist, songwriter and producer of METAL SAFARI, I still have lots of things I want to do with METAL SAFARI. In my mind, it's more like expecting what's to come, so I will do my best to make a fresh new start and get back on track to deliver some whole new METAL SAFARI music to all of you. At that time, I hope we can have fun again together.

"This unexpected announcement may cause worry to the fans and to whom it may concern, METAL SAFARI will work this out, and let all of you know when it's ready."

Said Ina in a statement: "I have left METAL SAFARI, the band that I stayed in as the vocalist and lyric writer for about seven years.

"Through the music and activities of METAL SAFARI, the time and impression we shared with each other make me feel I'm really a lucky guy.

"Sincerely, I feel lucky to meet all of you and experienced these miracles.

"What I've done in this band, the memories, they are too much to talk about, but all these time, experiences, performances, encounters, and activities as one of METAL SAFARI will forever be what I'm proud of and my treasure, which is what I would like to tell you here.

"If there were no supports of you all and the band members who have come a long way with me together, I wouldn't stand a chance to become who I am now.

"After this, I will start with a new band, and keep on performing. It might take some time, but when the time comes, I wish I can meet up with all who have read this.

"I will return, and please look forward to it."

Commented Tomo: "After one short year, I decided to leave METAL SAFARI. During this one year, I've experienced a lot, and had so many precious encounters that I'm really appreciated.

"I will go on doing music and playing my bass from now on. It will be wonderful if you can still support me, thank you."

With the release of the debut album, "Return To My Blood", in May 2006, METAL SAFARI gained more and more public attention, resulting in an appearance at the biggest rock festival in Taiwan, Formoz Festival 2006. The momentum continued, and METAL SAFARI went out on a six-date headlining Asian tour in 2007, playing in Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China, where they headlined the Modern Sky Festival 2007. The popular demands also brought them to Europe, where they participated in 12-date tour throughout Poland alongside of such acts as VIRGIN SNATCH, THY DISEASE, and MAHAVATAR. METAL SAFARI earned its place in the history of Japanese metal as the first-ever extreme metal band played in the mainland China, and also as the first metal band to ever tour in Poland (after visual-kei rockers DIR EN GREY). These are ALL done independently, without any support from labels.

Domestically, METAL SAFARI participated twice in Ju-Ongaku-Sai (heavy music fest),the biggest festival of Japanese metal/hardcore bands, first as one of the main-stage acts and then as the headliner. METAL SAFARI also supported THY WILL BE DONE and CALIBAN on their Japan tours, and shared the stage with such acts as LOUDNESS, EDGE OF SPIRIT, SUNS OWL and BLOOD STAIN CHILD. Not only did these activities put them at #7 of domestic independent bands of all genres, #1 of metal bands, #1 of hardcore bands, and #1 of thrash bands in "Top Artist Chart" on MySpace.com, but METAL SAFARI became the most-awaited Japanese band to play at Loud Park, the biggest metal festival in Japan.

METAL SAFARI released its second full-length album, "Prisoner", in September 2011 via the Japanese label Spiritual Beast.

For more information, visit www.metalsafari.com.