[INTERVIEW] 2018.07.06 CRYSTAL LAKE「FRANCE SUMMER 2018」by JAPAN FM @ Japan Expo, Paris (FR)

After performing a successful show at the Petit Bain in Paris 3 days before, without forgetting the unexpected show at the Warmaudio in Lyon, first memorable date of their come back in France, we're lucky for having CRYSTAL LAKE for one more day in Paris for this New Tour. And they stopped by the JAPAN EXPO this time. A surprising apparition for such a band, which will undoubtedly stimulate metal fans to reconnect with Japan Expo. CRYSTAL LAKE agreed to answer questions from Japan FM, French web radio about J-Music, before to meet one more time their French fans during a signing session and to close this friday by an amazing showcase at Karasu's stage.

JAPAN FM : Ladies and Gentlemen, CRYSTAL LAKE!! Thank you so much guys for being here and giving us some time to interview. So, your band was created in 2002 and it keep thrilling the audience, with the saturated sound of a rhythmic guitar and the double pedals of the drum, and the speed and slap of the bass. Epic sound, for an epic band, so this is an epic interview of course. So, your band is worshiped in japan, and we can see you play with other amazing bands like CROSSFAITH, COLDRAIN, and so on. Can you tell us what made you want to make metal? Ryo (Vo. CRYSTAL LAKE) : When I discovered this kind of music, I was really impressed, because the music came directly into the heart, and that's how I like this kind of music ever since. JAPAN FM : Ok. What’s about you? Yudai (Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) : At first I listened to Japanese music of course, and other songs from foreign countries, but the more I listened to the music, the more I wanted something heavy, and that brought me to here. Shinya (Gt. CRYSTAL LAKE) : The same thing that my buddy (Laughs). JAPAN FM : Yes, that's true, because good things make the right people meet. (Laughs) Ryo : Thank you. JAPAN FM : For those who didn't know, metal music is one of the most technical musical style in the world, not to mention the double pedals of the drum, and the speed and slap of the bass. So my question is, how do you manage to always keep the same level, and even to come back with tips and more level ? Ryo : I always try to discover new things, so when I find things that interest me, whether it's old, recent, or all categories, if it interests me, I try to imitate first, and this way I increase my level. JAPAN FM : Ok, that explains a lot of things. And I have other questions that will be related. Yudai : It's true that metal is a very technical style. The technique was important when I started to play at the adolescence, I practiced a lot, but now, the artistic sense became the more important. JAPAN FM : Ok. Last answer for you maybe? Shinya : Even now, you always have to train (Laughs). JAPAN FM : That’s true (Laughs). Since the creation of your band, we have seen your style evolve, it's true that between 2002 and 2018, there is a big difference. From time to time, you really go from a pure metalcore style to something much sweeter. But of course, when I say sweet, it's to a certain degree, I'm noticing the song "Beloved" with Kenta from CROSSFAITH, which is a lot softer overall, but still pretty darn epic. So my question is, do you try every time new styles to mix that to your original style, the metal, for your future albums? Yudai : It's true that we always try to evolve and develop as well, by listening to our current or past music, when we create something, it's our feeling of today that must be there, into it. JAPAN FM : Ok, I understand. Other answers…? Ryo : As musician, I wanted to do a lot of things that's true, but in my heart, there is always the preference for the heavy, so it's the basis, and that, it doesn't change. JAPAN FM : We're heading towards the end of the interview, and to prepare this interview, I was on the internet, and I watched a lot of reactions, from Europeans and international people, to your music, and the following words are the ones that have been the most used : epic, crazy, insane, killers and monsters. These words are all used by a large number of Youtubers reacting in Live to your music. So, what do you think about it? Yudai : It's interesting (Laughs). Ryo : There are video reactions on Youtube, and we can watch the reactions of the people in Live, and that's very interesting, and we are happy that people use so many rich expressions for our music. JAPAN FM : That's true (Laughs). So, just one more thing, thank you very much for your music, it's true that in the world of Japanese music, the metal is very well represented, but it's true that a band like yours, here (in France), it's super refreshing, and we're really waiting for you to come back and do a concert like the one at the Petit Bain. Ryo : Thank you, thank you very much. JAPAN FM : And for the last word, it's for you Ryo, saying you to take care of your voice, because to growl and scream as you do, it must be very exhausting (Laughs). (Laughs) Ryo : Yeah, at every show, I give more than 100%, so yes (Laughs). JAPAN FM : That’s for sure man! (Laughs). Thank you guys, thank you so much for this interview. FRENCH & JAPANESE available in the video! Check it out!

_________________ Transcribed & English Translation by Gaëlle GEDDA INSTAGRAM : gaeru_gedda TWITTER : Gaeru_Gedda FACEBOOK PAGE : GaeruLiveReports.CrystalLake Interview by JAPAN FM Support : CRYSTAL LAKE OFFICIAL *Please, do not share my work without permission or credit! Thank you!*