Crystal Lake are a powerhouse of modern metalcore, hailing from Tokyo, Japan. Since their formation in 2002, they have evolved from a local hardcore act into an international juggernaut, known for their relentless energy, technical precision, and a sound that seamlessly bridges the gap between crushing heavy riffs and soaring, melodic atmospheres.
In the 6 years of absence from Australia, Crystal Lake’s reputation has only grown more colossal as they have become a global force in heavy music. Fusing hardcore and metalcore with soaring melodies and crushing intensity; and with their relentless and electrifying stage presence, the band has built a worldwide following that transcends international borders.
With Crystal Lake set to return to our shores this May supporting Of Mice & Men, HEAVY shot through a series of questions for guitarist Yudai “YD” Miyamototo fill us in on just what to expect.
HEAVY: Crystal Lake hit Australia very soon for a run of shows with Of Mice & Men, starting in Perth on May 5 before hitting Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney then finishing in Brisbane on May 10. Are you packed and ready to go?
YD: We’re fully ready. We’ve been touring for many years, so we always make sure we’re prepared to give 100% on stage no matter the situation. It’s been a while since we last played in Australia, so we’re really excited.
H: It’s been six years since you last toured Australia. What has changed with the band since then?
YD: Not much has changed at the core. The members and environment have evolved, but our attitude, passion, and mindset toward music have stayed the same. If anything, with more experience, we’ve become even more like ourselves.
H: Have you played much with Of Mice & Men before?
YD: This will be our first time properly touring together. We’ve met and talked at festivals before, but I’m really looking forward to doing a full tour with them.
H: You are bringing vocalist PK from Japanese/Korean juggernauts PROMPTS as special guest for the shows. Will he be playing the whole set with you or only a couple of songs?
YD: He’ll be performing the full set with us. We’ve already played a few shows together in Japan, and the groove and quality are already there, so I hope everyone’s looking forward to it.
H: What is his relationship with Crystal Lake and how did it come about having him tour with you?
YD: We’ve played together many times through his band Prompts, so I already knew his potential and what kind of person he is. It was a last-minute offer, but he stepped up and accepted it. He’s a real one.
H: What will he bring to your live sound?
YD: He understands the lyrics from previous members and expresses Crystal Lake in his own way. With him, I think the passion and chaos on stage have become even stronger, and it really lifts the energy of the whole band.
H: Could it be a permanent move with him in the band or is it strictly just for this run of shows?
YD: He’s an amazing singer, but for now we want to take our time and think about the future carefully. So at this stage, he’s joining us as a support member for this tour. Everything is very positive though.
H: You are touring on the back of your latest album The Weight Of Sound which came out on January 23rd of this year. Was the album as well received as you were hoping?
YD: To be honest, I don’t really check reactions on social media. But I feel like the response from people around us and at shows has been really positive. For me, music is art, so what matters most isn’t the evaluation, but whether I’m personally satisfied with it.
In that sense, I’m very happy with the album.
H: How much of that album will you be playing on this tour?
YD: We’ll definitely play some new songs, but rather than focusing on one specific album, we’re putting together a set that both long-time fans and new listeners can enjoy.
H: You formed Crystal Lake in Tokyo back in 2002. What was your early vision for the band and where did you fit in back then?
YD: It all started with a band member recruitment ad in a magazine called Doll. Back then we were heavily influenced by NYHC and New School hardcore, and we just had a pure desire to play that kind of music. As for myself, I’ve always been at the center of shaping and building the band.
H: Crystal Lake has had a number of line-up changes over the years, with you being the only original member left. Is it frustrating at all that you can’t keep a core line-up?
YD: It’s not easy to continue with the same members, but I’ve always tried to see everything in a positive way. When people change, new chemistry is created, and I think that’s how a band keeps evolving. At the end of the day, the most important things are respect and trust.
H: Say someone is heading along to see Of Mice & Men and they aren’t familiar with your music. What three songs from Crystal Lake should they listen to in order to get an idea of what to expect?
YD: All of our songs are made with a lot of love and passion, so it’s honestly hard for me to choose. But if I had to pick, I’d say these three:
Everblack
Lost In Forever
Apollo
