Ready To Rock With ATSUO MIZUNO From BORIS

Interview by Kris Peters
Sometimes I feel Japanese bands don't get the recognition they
deserve.
Sure, you could mount that same argument the world over, but after
having toured Japan on close to ten occasions with different bands
and seeing around 100 of the country's emerging artists on the same
line-ups I feel I am qualified to highlight Japanese music in this
instance.
Take Boris for example, widely recognised and revered in their home
country but relatively unknown here in Australia.
The band are considered pioneers of heavy rock in Japan, having
recently notched up three decades in the music industry. Their
ability to channel 70s proto-metal vibes into a fresh and unique
sonic explosion has seen the band attain great heights in Japan but
failed to earn them global recognition outside of their core
fanbase.
Following their 2022 album Heavy Rocks, Boris are finally returning
to Australia with first-time visitor Kiyoharu for a run of shows
and festivals this March.
HEAVY recently spoke with Boris frontman Atsuo Mizuno via a
translator to find out more.
"We're very excited for this tour," he began. "We haven't done a
national tour for a while. Last time we came back was only Sydney,
Tasmania and Melbourne, so we are looking forward to this tour.
Also, very excited to tour with respectful Kiyoharu, the Japanese
artist. It is our first time touring together. There should be some
songs we will play together on stage as well, so very
excited."
In the full interview we ask Atsuo to give us a brief history on
Boris and what to expect from their live show, what has changed
with the band since their last visit, the difference between
Japanese and Australian crowds, the latest album Heavy Rocks and
how it was received, how much of that album will be in the set
list, new material and more.