YAKUZA Begins Recording New Album

Sometimes you find a band that is lightyears ahead of what everyone else is doing. YAKUZA has been that band since their inception. They have crafted some of the most unique and compelling pieces of music that has ever entered into the metal realm. Most recently, their 2010 effort for Profound Lore, "Of Seismic Consequence", was named in virtually every "best-of" end-of-year list and was widely heralded as the band's best to date.

Now, YAKUZA is returning to the studio once again, to craft a brand new masterpiece that will be unveiled later this year. On May 6, the band entered Engine Studios in Chicago to craft their sixth studio effort. The mighty Sanford Parker (NACHTMYSTIUM, YOB, RWAKE) is once again at the helm, as he has been for the last few YAKUZA releases.

Commented YAKUZA mainman Bruce Lamont, "There is one common thread in YAKUZA records — we thrive on VARIETY. We try to go to places we've never gone before and create open space — being experimental, so to speak, but we still have a love for a good melody. Sanford is a big help bringing the sounds together. Lyrical themes focus on life and death, the light and the dark. Our last record was a reaction, somewhat of a warning call for what has been happening globally and spiritually, but not in a religious sense. This album is the aftermath, the balance between the light and the dark. And as dark as it gets, there is always light at the end of the tunnel."

YAKUZA is also preparing a brand new visual offering. Director Justin Baron has filmed a documentary on the band's history and unique sound. "Be That As It May: Yakuza's Seismic Consequence" will be released later this year and features appearances by members of MASTODON, NACHTMYSTIUM, TRIPTYKON/CELTIC FROST's Tom G. Warrior and many more. Director Justin Baron is in need of funds to finish the project and has launched a Kickstarter campaign in support of the film.

YAKUZA is Bruce Lamont, Matt McClelland, Jim Staffel and Ivan Cruz.