Balzac is an exciting, ambitious horror-punk outfit originally from Osaka, Japan. They formed in 1992 and immediately began issuing singles and perfecting their rowdy blend of Misfits-styled stomp and theatrics. (They even wore devil locks.) The Last Men on Earth LP was issued in Japan in 1995, and was followed by a series of records for the Phalanx label. Balzac also came to the attention of the Misfits themselves, who tapped them for their Japanese tour. That led to a relationship between the groups. They toured together in Japan again in 2000, and Balzac's fan base grew with the establishment of the "Fiendish Club." Balzac's first domestic release was 2003's Beyond the Darkness, which featured re-recordings of material from the band's first five Japan-only albums. It was a great introduction for international fans, and it showcased Balzac's devotion not only to the Misfits, but classic acts like the Undertones, Generation X, and the Cramps. The Out of the Grave and Into the Dark CD and DVD followed from Ryko in June 2005. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
