ALGESIA, a new metal band fronted by viral scream queen Yu Umehara (Merging Moon), have unleashed their debut single ‘IRA’. The blistering track dropped on May 9th along with a lyric video.
‘IRA’, described as a “primal scream from the abyss”, draws from metalcore, djent, and Japanese melodic undertones. Lyrically, the song is heavy and foreboding, with lines like “I am the son of hatred and resentment”, and “rotting smell of losers hanging under the floor”.
The track features Umehara on vocals, Haruka on bass, and Takaki (noneeyeclosed) on guitar—who also wrote, composed, arranged, and designed the artwork for the release. Katsuya of melodic rock band SLOTHREAT handled engineering, helping shape ‘IRA’ into a brutal yet polished first offering.
Even the band’s name has a certain heaviness behind it. Referring to the sensitivity of pain, ALGESIA insinuate that they will make you feel everything, using pain as a form of catharsis.
In a post on X, guitarist and songwriter Takaki (noneeyeclosed) wrote:
“The lyrics are filled with hatred, resentment, and rage, carried by a metalcore sound that shines with ethnic and majestic elements. True to the name of the project, the vocals are a must-hear—like a direct hit to your pain receptors!”
Vocalist Yu Umehara is known for her viral vocal covers, surprising viewers with her extreme vocal range and scream technique. Her covers span Arch Enemy, DIR EN GREY, Hanabie., Lamb of God, and more. She is also the vocalist for Merging Moon, who joined Knosis on their Japan tour last September.
Watch the lyric video for ‘IRA’ by ALGESIA below. The track is available now across streaming platforms, and for digital purchase via JPU Records.
ALGESIA
IRA
Release Date: 09/05/2025
Label: JPU Records
Stream: Links
