NETH PRIERE CAIN (NPC) is a visual kei band from Nagoya, formed in August 2018.
Since their debut under the Double River Records label, the same day as their sister band i.D.A, NPC has stood out with a unique concept: Inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel, they represent the blue side of this duality, while i.D.A symbolizes the red, offering complementary approaches that enrich their musical identities.
Both bands released their debut single “Shinwa futaboshi-ki” simultaneously, but with adaptations that reflect their individual musical identities.
The world of NPC revolves around a narrative that blends biblical elements, religious symbolism, and a tanbi kei aesthetic, highlighting dramatic and evocative beauty.
Since then, NPC has performed on stages across Japan, sharing the spotlight with renowned bands such as Zeke Deux, Jigsaw, and DazzlingBAD.
This approach has allowed them to connect with both traditional visual kei fans and a new generation drawn to their innovative proposals.
On November 4th, NPC held a one-man concert at Amerikamura BEYOND in the heart of Osaka.
This event was part of their “Free Concert Tour in Five Major Cities for the Fourth Anniversary of NETH PRIERE CAIN.”
The goal was to bring their music to a wider audience. The concert was free of charge, allowing not only their loyal fans but also newcomers, many accompanied by friends, to dive into the band’s universe.
The concert we’ll talk about is “The Holy War of the End of Times – Harmagedōn – Osaka” a key stop on this tour.
Amerikamura BEYOND, known for its intimate atmosphere and alternative event programming, was filled with devoted fans waiting for the show to begin.
At exactly 6:00 PM, the lights went out, and a solemn melody echoed through the venue, signaling that an unforgettable experience was about to unfold.
The curtain lifted to reveal the members of NPC already in position.
Itsuki, the charismatic vocalist, captured all eyes with his commanding presence. Chigusa and Syuri, bass and guitar, already radiated an elegant and powerful aura, having not yet played a single note.
Kenji, on drums, was already setting the rhythm with precision, preparing the audience for the first sonic explosion.
From the first song, “RAGNAROK -Shumatsu no Chikai” it was clear this concert would be special. The band opened with a burst of energy, fully giving themselves to the crowd. The synchronized lighting, perfectly matching the rhythm changes, added drama to each song.
The chosen setlist was a journey through the band’s most iconic songs, with “AVALON ~ Yakusoku no ji wo motomete ~” standing out. With the magic emanating from the stage, it transported the audience to a European castle, enveloped in its solemn and romantic atmosphere.
The fusion of visual and sonic elements was hypnotic.
At the song’s climax, fans raised their hands in the characteristic prayer gesture, symbolizing the connection between the band and their audience. This made it clear that NPC offered not just a musical performance, but an immersive experience that blurred the lines between artist and audience.
The concert continued with an intensity that seemed endless.
Each song brought a new dimension to the band: There were moments of pure aggression, such as in “Nemesis – Sabaki no shi-sha” where fans responded by moving non-stop and headbanging, showing their devotion to the band.
In contrast, more melodic songs like “Les Miserables 〜 Saigo no ansan” offered a breather, wrapping the audience in a moment of introspection before returning to the usual intensity.
It was time to present live their latest single at the time: “Solomon – Shihaisha no kagi –“
The bass of Chigusa was one of the main highlights of the night, hypnotizing everyone at Amerikamura BEYOND with deep, melodic notes that resonated in every corner of the venue.
Syuri dazzled with solos filled with technique and emotion during the song, while Kenji flawlessly kept the rhythm, leading the crowd to ecstasy with every crescendo.
As the concert neared its climax with their new release, Itsuki addressed the crowd with a voice full of gratitude: “Thank you, Osaka!” He praised the fans for giving it their all that night. Before retreating for a well-deserved rest, they announced upcoming tour dates while Kenji delivered one last masterful strike, causing fans to raise their hands again in the prayer gesture.
The connection between the band and their audience reached its peak as the curtain slowly fell.
But the night was not over yet: The room was filled with “encore” shouts, accompanied by claps and suspenseful background music.
One by one, the members of NPC returned to the stage, with Chigusa being the first to appear, followed by Syuri, Kenji, and finally Itsuki, whose entrance was met with applause and ovations.
The encore began with the warm song “Pandora -Bei Mitsu-” perfect for the autumn season.
Another energetic track was “Hoozuki” which made fans wave their towels with the band’s name, following the frenetic rhythm of the music.
The farewell came with an electrifying duel between bass and guitar, “Asagao” which seemed to shake the walls of the venue. The energy was so intense that even as it ended, Syuri continued playing for a few more seconds, drawing smiles and applause from the audience.
As a background tune closed the show, the members of NPC bid farewell one by one, with Chigusa and Kenji being the last to leave the stage, in true rockstar fashion.
As the curtain fell, all the fans quickly lined up to grab the much-desired chekis and exclusive tour merchandise, taking home a piece of this unique experience.
NETH PRIERE CAIN proved that they are ready to continue conquering hearts and stages, and there’s no doubt their future will shine as brightly as the stories they tell in each of their compositions.
NPC’s concert in Osaka not only reaffirmed the talent of this young band, but also their ability to innovate and connect with their audience. The free tour idea was a resounding success, allowing more people to discover their music and join their growing fanbase.
Don’t forget to listen to NETH PRIERE CAIN’s latest single “Orurean no shōjo ~ la Pucelle d’Orleans ~“