HIZAKI & Nacoco
Symphonic Neo-Classical Shred Mastery & Modern High-Velocity Fretwork
Biographies & Musical Synergy
HIZAKI (born February 17, 1979, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan) is one of the most celebrated figures in Japanese visual kei and symphonic power metal. Best known as the primary composer and lead guitarist for Versailles and Jupiter, as well as the leader of his solo instrumental outfit HIZAKI grace project, HIZAKI is instantly recognizable for his aristocratic stage aesthetic and virtuosic playing. His signature style is rooted in high-speed alternate picking, sweeping neoclassical arpeggios, emotive vibrato, and lush, violin-inspired melodic phrasing, making him a long-standing signature artist for ESP Guitars.
Nacoco (나코코) is a South Korean-born guitarist, songwriter, and online sensation active in Japan, known for her masked persona, razor-sharp technical precision, and viral presence on YouTube. Fronting the rock/metal outfit M4SK, Nacoco rose to international prominence through high-octane covers and technical instrumental performances, appearing alongside prominent acts like DragonForce and Nemophila at international festivals. Known for her fluid lead playing, modern tone shaping, and high-velocity runs, she shares a deep creative affinity with HIZAKI, frequently collaborating on joint demonstrations and high-level guitar showcases.
Selected Discography & Key Releases
HIZAKI – Key Solo & Grace Project Releases
- Dignity of Crest (2007)
- The landmark full-length album from the HIZAKI grace project, blending symphonic European metal orchestrations, harpsichord flourishes, and relentless neoclassical lead guitar trades.
- Ruined Kingdom (2007)
- A foundational mini-album showcasing high-speed melodic metal anthems, twin-guitar harmonies, and rapid-fire sweep picking.
- Rosario (2016)
- HIZAKI's premier full-length solo instrumental release, putting his expressive vibrato and classical discipline front and center across driving, orchestrated arrangements.
- Back to Nature (2019)
- A focused instrumental mini-album that explores sweeping melodies, heavy rhythmic backdrops, and acoustic classical dynamics.
- Rusalka (2021)
- An intricate instrumental single/EP release highlighting cinematic symphonic textures, fluid legato lines, and expansive guitar solo suites.
Nacoco / M4SK – Key Releases
- Anime Harmony (2024)
- A dynamic instrumental project showcasing virtuosic guitar arrangements of iconic anime themes, filled with blazing alternate picking and modern progressive rhythms.
- Blood Moon (EP) (2025)
- A hard-hitting mini-album combining modern alternative metal crunch, heavy drop tunings, and aggressive lead flourishes.
- Queens of Infinity (2025)
- A prominent showcase release highlighting soaring melodic hooks, technical twin-lead interplay, and polished modern rock production.
- Crown of Infinity (2025)
- The follow-up companion album continuing her exploration of fast-paced melodic metal solos, complex rhythm meters, and intricate fretboard tapping.
I tried to mess around without being disrespectful to HIZAKI from Versailles and Jupiter!! Drawin...