SHAZNA, a Japanese visual kei rock band, was formed in 1993 with Izam on vocals, A・O・I on guitar, Niy on bass, and Katsura on drums. The group initially had a strong gothic/post-punk influence but shifted to a new wave direction by 1996. Their breakthrough came with the release of their major label debut single "Melty Love" in August 1997, which reached number 2 on the Oricon chart and earned them the "Best Newcomer" award from the Japan Cable Awards. This success was followed by the album Gold Sun and Silver Moon, released in January 1998, which peaked at number 2 on the Oricon chart, sold over a million copies, and was named "Rock Album of the Year" at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. In October 1996, Katsura left the band to join Baiser, leaving SHAZNA as a trio. The band's popularity continued with notable singles such as "White Silent Night" (1997) and "Pureness" (1998). In June 1999, they signed to Toshiba EMI and released the album Pure Hearts. SHAZNA went on an activity pause in October 2000. Izam pursued a solo career and acting, while A・O・I became an acoustic guitarist, singer, and filmmaker, and Niy performed with Fanble. The band reunited briefly from 2006 to 2009, releasing the album 10th Melty Life in August 2007. In 2017, SHAZNA officially reunited for their 20th anniversary, adding new members Raychell on vocals, Natsume on drums, and Asuka on saxophone.