G.I.S.M. Sakevi Yokoyama Cause of Death: Sakevi Yokoyama, the legendary lead singer of the Japanese hardcore punk and metal band G.I.S.M., has passed away. His distribution company, Beast Arts International, which specialises in the distribution of art, merchandise, and records, verified on September 2 that he passed away peacefully on August 24.
G.I.S.M. Sakevi Yokoyama Cause of Death
REST IN POWER
SAKEVI pic.twitter.com/Ba4FRgZYDI— Japan Gigs (@JapanGigs) September 1, 2023
Formation and Development of the GISm
Shigehisa “Sakevi” Yokoyama, along with the late guitarist Randy Uchida, bassist Kannon “Cloudy” Masuo, and percussionist Tohru “Monamour” Hiroshima, formed G.I.S.M. in Tokyo in 1981.
Throughout their voyage, the band’s acronym remained consistent, but it represented a variety of names, including God in the Schizoid Mind, Guerrilla Incendiary Sabotage Muter, and others.
Debut Album and Its Impact
Their 1983 debut album “Detestation” exemplified the fusion of hardcore punk and metal to perfection. Sakevi’s distinctive guttural rumble had a significant impact on the band’s and album’s distinctive sound. This album, which was recorded at the venue and recording studio Our House, was self-produced.
It also benefited from Konishi Koji’s engineering expertise. “Detestation” has the distinction of being one of the earliest hardcore albums from Japan. After being featured in Maximum Rock’n’ Roll and Thrasher, its popularity skyrocketed among American punks.
International Recognition of G.I.S.M
G.I.S.M. was included on the International P.E.A.C.E. Benefit Compilation in 1984, which was renamed P.E.A.C.E./War in 1997. This album was the result of a global collaboration between 55 hardcore bands whose mission was to promote peace through anarcho or left-leaning tracks.
This compilation’s proceeds were donated to anti-nuclear organisations. With the publication of this album, G.I.S.M. became one of the first Japanese punk bands to achieve widespread popularity in the United States.
Album Releases and Creative Activities
Three albums were published by G.I.S.M. throughout their career. Sakevi’s artistic aptitude was evident in the album artwork, which distinguished them from other punk bands. His art, which was influenced by the collage-based, anarcho-punk aesthetic, ventured into more provocative territory, frequently startling onlookers.
Performing Live and Mystique
Live performances by Sakevi were nothing short of legendary. He once used a flamethrower on stage without warning, exemplifying his infamously confrontational nature. Sakevi’s aura of mystery was bolstered by various rumours, which contributed to the band’s international allure.
Band’s Breakup and Reunion
Following the guitarist Randy Uchida’s untimely death in 2001, G.I.S.M. paid tribute to him with two concerts in Tokyo. In spite of disbanding in 2002, they reformed in 2016 and performed at the Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands. This was their first engagement in over a decade and a half and their only performance outside Japan.
Sakevi’s Legacy
Sakevi was a multifaceted artist beyond music. He ventured into art and clothing design under various labels, the most recent being Beast Arts International. In addition to serving as a centre for G.I.S.M.’s vinyl and merchandise, this platform also displayed a book featuring Sakevi’s varied artwork. His limited acting career was highlighted by a role in the 1987 film “Robinson’s Garden.”
Additionally, the following links provide additional death-related articles:
At Lee Dorian’s Roadburn event in April 2016, G.I.S.M. played their first gig outside of Japan and their first act outside of the Netherlands. In 2016, curator Dorian had the following to say about the booking:
It is with deep sadness that we can formally report that Mr Sakevi Yokoyama has passed away. Working with Mr. Sakevi on GISM is a chapter in the history of Relapse Records, unto itself.
Honoring the work of a true sonic and artistic pioneer is a source of deep pride for us all.… pic.twitter.com/oYK1N33hfA
— Relapse Records (@RelapseRecords) September 2, 2023
Sakevi Yokoyama’s legacy in the worlds of hardcore punk and metal is unrivalled, and he will be sorely mourned by fans and the international music community.
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