Formed in 2012, Bridear have been hitting the Japanese heavy metal scene for well over a decade now. While they didn’t get much international recognition until 2021’s Bloody Bride, they have been rapidly trying to push for a more global audience sense. Their latest album, Born Again, makes their biggest push towards worldwide stardom, and it couldn’t happen at a better time. Their best effort to date, melding Japanese metallic and pop inspiration and international sounds in NWOBHM and metalcore to create a feeling that’s unique amongst the scene. We sent some email questions to the band, which they all participated in responding to, with topics ranging from everything from the new album and their trip to Sweden to the challenges of gaining traction outside of Japan and even their passions outside of music.
Dead Rhetoric: It’s rare for a Japanese band to leave the country to record an album. What made you decide to use Studio Fredman and Fredrick Nordstrom for Born Again?
Kimi (vocals): We had a good opportunity because our executive producer and label rep Chris had the connection and asked Fredrik to mix our live album, Aegis of Lond…LIVE! Fredrik really liked us and asked to work with us on the new studio album. So with that they put the deal together easily and we could then go to Sweden. I love a lot of the music Fredrik has produced like In Flames, At the Gates, HammerFall and of course Dream Evil. It was obvious we should do it. For me, it was a very valuable experience.
Dead Rhetoric: What was the recording process like for you in Sweden? Are there any special memories you have from going overseas for this record?
Natsumi (drums): The process allowed us to delve into a new way of making an album for us and open up to a producer’s vision and sound-shaping to get the best out of us. We made a lot of cool discoveries about ourselves, our sound and style, to see what was possible to achieve. He has a great sense of humor and made us laugh many times during the recording process, allowing us to be put at ease so the atmosphere was also fun and light. It was freeing.
I have a lot of fun memories, and not only with the recording but in the overall experience. Like Fredrik took us out to eat during and after sessions to his recommended spots, and even to his favourite gelato shop lol. Famous artists just kept showing up. Hammerfall just showed up one day to say hello. Nick from Dream Evil came in and sang. We went to Snowy Shaw’s house to borrow a cymbal stand. Crazy!
For the music video shoot, we had the famous Patric Ullaeus shoot it and we were in a venue that was much bigger than we had imagined. It was awesome. That whole day was amazing. We were excited to see some really cool footage right after a take and it just inspired us to keep going. And I got to borrow Sir N’s (Dream Evil’s drummer) drum set. That was an incredible experience that I will never forget.
Dead Rhetoric: Is there any significance to using the album title Born Again? Do you see this album as a rebirth for Bridear?
Ayumi (guitar): This album truly represents the rebirth of Bridear. The sound has been made heavier and more profound by Fredrik, and the musical individuality of each member comes through more than in any other album. There have been twists and turns, such as line-up changes, but I think we are now at a point where we are the most confident in presenting our work to the world. I think you can immediately sense this intention when you hear the album.
Dead Rhetoric: How do you feel Born Again differs from your other releases?
Haru (bass): The biggest difference, by far, was the involvement of Fredrik as album producer and Chris as our executive producer. With that guidance recording overseas, we were able to more directly reflect Bridear and our sensibilities while also jumping into a new world. They brought something honest and raw out of us. This album is truly a fusion of J-Metal and the world! Up until now, we have made studio albums that reflect us as musicians but not as artists or as raw human beings. This time, however, rather than the politeness of a studio album, we have captured the heat and tension of the moment in the sound in an outpouring of energy.
Dead Rhetoric: You’ve done some touring in Europe in addition to Japan, even releasing a live album from your gig in London last year. Have you noticed differences in the crowds?
Moe (guitar): The European audiences were super energetic and cheered loudly, especially after each song. That’s not the usual behavior in Japan. It’s normal to enjoy the song during the performance but the applause after is more reserved. It was my first tour overseas last time and this aspect was so surprising compared to Japan. I was absolutely drawn in and motivated by their enthusiasm. I could feel that the audience was really enjoying our shows and I was incredibly moved.
Dead Rhetoric: What were some of the challenges you have had to face as a band in terms of gaining some fan reach outside of Japan?
Haru: There are a number of hurdles in continuing to tour abroad. Especially after COVID, touring proved to be quite difficult. Costs have increased. Visas are challenging. There’s a language barrier of course. And there is also stigma with being Japanese and female sometimes. But with a label which supports us and an overseas team helping us like the publicist, the tour promoters, the distributors, etc, who work really hard we have been able to reach a global audience. There is so much to gain after the hurdles that it is worth it!
Dead Rhetoric: Having been around as a band since 2012, do you feel there’s been a growing interest in more Japanese groups internationally in the last few years?
Kimi: As Japanese culture is making inroads around the world, we are seeing an increase in interest in Japanese groups. Also, with social media getting even bigger year by year, I feel that there are more and more opportunities for people to get to know us.
Dead Rhetoric: What’s something that you have learned on the road touring? Have you taken what you learned and applied it to your studio albums?
Ayumi: During the EU/UK tour, I saw many audiences enjoying our live show singing along and singing really loudly. So for this album, I tried to create songs that I could enjoy with the audience, imagining from the very beginning what it would be like performing them live. I want to see people get their hands up and sing the guitar phrases in the intro of “Scar of Reunion”, and of course the ending of “Empty Mind”. I can’t wait to see what the audiences’ reaction will be like at the show after they’ve been listening to the album.
Dead Rhetoric: If you were to pick a band to tour with, who would be the first band you asked?
Moe: Of course, Dream Evil. Fredrik Nordström and everyone in Dream Evil have been the best in helping us put this album together. Nick guested on vocals, and Sir N let us use his drum kit in a video. I truly think touring with them will be an unforgettable experience not only for us but also for our fans. I also love Megadeth so that would be a dream come true! Maybe Dave Mustaine will read this, lol!
Dead Rhetoric: What goals do you still have for Bridear to accomplish?
Kimi: I want us to do a world tour. I want to go everywhere, not only to Europe, where we have been, but also to the U.S., Canada, countries around Asia, everywhere.
Dead Rhetoric: What are some passions or things that you enjoy outside of music?
Natsumi: Fitness. I am so passionate about getting in even better shape to play the drums. For example, I’ve been doing more than 200 sit-ups every day. I might even throw in some squats. I’ve also been training myself every day by using the stairs a lot rather than using the escalator or elevator, LOL.
Kimi: I love my cat, I love anime, and I really love fashion which I’m very passionate about.
Ayumi: BASEBALL!!
Moe: I love Star Wars.
Haru: Games, anime, that kind of thing.
Dead Rhetoric: What sort of plans do you have for the rest of this year?
Bridear: We’re going to start a world tour! We are going to some countries for the first time! So it’s going to be a very challenging and exciting tour! We start in Australia opening for Dream Evil in October, and we have announced our UK leg for April. The European leg will be announced soon and I believe the USA and Canada are being worked out now. Of course, we’ll have some shows at home in Japan. So please keep an eye on our social media and website for the latest updates!