Valvulado: MIDAS - Symphonic Prog • Japan

Midas biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=515)

Founded in Osaka, Japan in 1982

Though MIDAS were formed in Japan in the early eighties, the band persisted primarily on infrequent live appearances and with a more traditional Japanese rock sound their first fourteen years. The band released only a single vinyl album in 1988 (since reissued on CD), before reforming with a more modern, aggressive sound, often with Japanese folklore leanings in their lyrical compositions, in 1992. They have released three additional studio and one live album since their reorganization

The band also added the electric violin around this time, with the inevitable result of them finding themselves often labeled as a progressive symphonic band. Leader Eigo Utoh pointedly distances himself and the band from other symphonic bands and particularly those of Japanese origin, which he suggests are too often influenced by the more well-known European bands. MIDAS instead has focused on developing their own uniquely Eastern-leaning sound that is heavily infused with synthesized arrangements from a variety of keyboard instruments. The newer MIDAS sound combines elements of jazz and classical music with the peculiar modern Japanese interest in complex electronica and dance, and even adds a heavier rock sounds at times. All this is textured with multiple layers of keyboard and violin and an comparative scarcity of electric guitar. With their last album the band moved closer to pop-leaning song constructions, although the violin and ever-present synthesizers ensure a neo-progressive bent of sorts remains in the music.

The band's lyrics are sung in Japanese with themes that are often socially and politically-charged, while just as often are folk-leaning. MIDAS' style is quite difficult to compare to any other, although OUTER LIMITS has been mentioned as similarly-leaning in their musical ambitions, if not in their actual sound.

MIDAS are still nominally active, and are reportedly planning a new studio album in 2006 or 2007.

MIDAS deserve recognition on the Archives for their unique blend of several progressive styles (jazz/fusion, RIO, metal, symphonic, neo, folk), as well as their intentional focus on developing an Eastern-leaning sound to distinguish them from European progressive bands, and to pave a way for the development of a new family of Japanese progressive music.

Eternal Voyage (2017)