Otakuwriter
Knosis on Their New Album, GENKNOSIS, and the Effect of Anime Culture in Japanese Metalcore
Knosis, the Japanese heavy music group comprising seasoned artists Ryo Kinoshita and Yosh Morita, has officially released their latest album titled GENKNOSIS. Known for their genre-blending approach that intertwines heavy metalcore with deep-rooted anime inspirations, Knosis is redefining the modern Japanese music scene. Both Kinoshita and Morita are recognized figures—Kinoshita, formerly of Crystal Lake and known for his contribution to the anime Fire Force with the popular track “Mayday,” and Morita as a sound producer and core member of Survive Said The Prophet.
Forming Knosis: From Personal Recovery to Artistic Rebirth
Knosis began as what Ryo Kinoshita described as a therapeutic project following his departure from Crystal Lake. During a difficult period marked by withdrawal from the public and creative space, Kinoshita reconnected with longtime collaborator and friend, producer Yosh Morita. The duo had already spent over a decade bouncing ideas and lyrics around, and their natural chemistry laid the groundwork for what would become Knosis.
“Knosis started as a therapy project,” said Kinoshita. “Yosh knows me like he’s another me.” Morita echoed the sentiment, saying, “Before anything else, I was concerned as a friend. But we both get most excited when we talk about music. This was a space where Ryo didn’t just heal but thrived.”
Crafting GENKNOSIS: A Year in the Making
The process behind GENKNOSIS was both meticulous and emotionally driven. The pair took nearly a year to complete recording, pouring relentless effort into shaping each track to completion. With time, they refined their sound—pushing their creative boundaries with each song.
“We didn’t rush it. We looked over every song until it matched the vision,” said Morita.
Anime and Gaming Inspirations in GENKNOSIS
Anime and gaming played a pivotal role in conceptualizing both the music and imagery of GENKNOSIS. Kinoshita cites titles such as Dorohedoro, Ghost in the Shell, Berserk, and Fullmetal Alchemist as heavily influential in shaping the dystopian, dark sci-fi tones of the album’s visuals and sonic texture.
“I always want my art to feel like a Japanese sci-fi dystopia,” Kinoshita explained. “We avoided really mainstream anime visuals like Akira—it’s great, but we wanted something less obvious.”
This influence extended even to the sound design. Morita described sessions where the band would pull sounds from games like Armored Core and Elden Ring to add unique industrial and atmospheric effects to their tracks.
“Fuhai” Featuring Yukina from Hanabie: A Genre-Blending Highlight
One of the standout tracks on GENKNOSIS is “Fuhai,” a bold collaboration featuring Yukina, the charismatic lead vocalist of Hanabie, known for their energetic performances and the opening theme of Momentary Lily. The track merges 1990s metal inspirations with the aesthetic of modern “kawaii metal” culture.
“We wanted the song to mix Machine Head and Dying Fetus with elements of Kawaii culture,” said Kinoshita. The track takes on themes of superficial relationships and societal facades, captured vividly in the chorus line: “Everybody knows, and nobody knows.”
The collaboration wasn’t just musical; it held symbolic weight for both artists. “To collaborate with Yukina was about passing the torch,” Kinoshita remarked. “Her presence on the track helped cover perspectives we couldn’t alone.”
Anime in the Creative DNA of Knosis
Growing up immersed in anime, both Morita and Kinoshita view its influence as not just relevant—but essential to their identity as creators. Kinoshita recalls watching anime like Dragon Ball Z every week as a child and explains how the emotion and narrative found in anime directly inspire his writing and vocal performance.
“It’s not just anime as a theme—it’s a form of literature for us,” Morita stated. “We didn’t grow up thinking it was niche. It’s as natural as listening to an album or watching a movie.”
Morita also praised Kinoshita’s contribution to anime music, particularly referencing the track “Mayday” featured in the anime Fire Force. Even though only a portion of Kinoshita’s vocal work made it into the televised version, the track rose to become one of the most streamed songs by Coldrain.
Creative Synergy Between Band Members
Knosis thrives on the mutual respect and creative freedom shared between Kinoshita and Morita. Their sessions often include game nights and spirited discussions spurred by scenes from anime and games. Through this process, they explore emotional tones and eventually translate them into musical elements.
Morita emphasized that working as friends first, before collaborators, allowed the music to develop organically and maintain authenticity. “We allow each other to explore,” he said. “This isn’t about taking shortcuts—it’s about creating something lasting.”
Connecting Music and Japanese Culture
GENKNOSIS is more than just a new entry into the Japanese metalcore genre—it is a cultural artifact that encapsulates the intertwining of two robust creative landscapes: anime and music. With intricate visual themes, emotionally resonant lyrics, and an experimental soundscape, the album exemplifies how Japanese artists like Knosis are leading a new chapter of global heavy music grounded in rich storytelling traditions.
The band continues to release music across major streaming platforms, and their work has garnered attention not only for its sound but for its unique ability to encapsulate the atmosphere of dark, often dystopian anime worlds through music.
Where to Listen
GENKNOSIS is currently available on major digital streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Fans of metalcore, experimental music, and Japanese pop culture will find something truly innovative in Knosis’ latest offering.
To follow official news and updates from Knosis, visit Crunchyroll’s official interview with the band.
