Syu

is a Japanese musician, best known as the leader and guitarist of the power metal band Galneryus. He also performs guitar and lead vocals in Spinalcord (formerly known as Aushvitz) and guitar in Animetal. Under his own name, Syu has released one studio album, one cover album and one instrumental album, each featuring collaborations with many guest musicians. He was voted the Best Guitarist in online music magazine Beeasts music awards four years in a row, from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, readers and professional musicians voted Syu the fourth best guitarist in the history of hard rock and heavy metal in We Rock magazine's "Metal General Election". His work on Galneryus' song "Emotions" was named the 73rd best guitar instrumental by Young Guitar Magazine in 2019.

Early life With parents who played the piano, Syu started playing the instrument at the age of four, but soon stopped. He then started playing the violin at age six, and continued to do so until he was 12 or 13 years old.

In 2003, Syu joined the Eizo Sakamoto-led Animetal as their new guitarist and moved from Osaka to Tokyo. It features many guests including his Galneryus and Spinalcord bandmates, Eizo Sakamoto, and other well-known musicians like Panther. In 2014 Syu composed the music for , which Ryuji Aoki sang as the opening theme song for the anime adaptation of Laughing Under the Clouds.

Syu contributed significantly to the first solo album by Rami, 2016's Aspiration. Vap released Syu's instrumental solo album You Play Hard on November 9, 2016. It features Katsuji (Animetal, Gargoyle) and Yasuhiro Mizuno (Saber Tiger) in addition to Galneryus members. Syu's album Vorvados was released on January 23, 2019, by Warner Music Japan. It features collaborations with guest vocalists such as Fuki (Unlucky Morpheus), Sono (Matenrou Opera) and Dancho (Nogod), and English musician Jacky Vincent. In 2020, Syu was one of many metal musicians from around the world who contributed to a cover of Deep Purple's "Burn" for the Metal For Kids United charity organization.

After 20 years, Animetal reunited for a 30th anniversary tour in 2026.

Style and influences Syu has said that "all progressive- and symphonic metal guitarists have influenced my work" and that he has too many guitar influences to list. Some he has named include Ulrich Roth, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, Lovebites guitarist Midori has cited Syu as one of her guitar influences and said he has a uniquely Japanese style of playing.

When composing music and trying to decide which of his projects the song will go to, Syu said he imagines the vocalist's voice and whether or not it matches the song. The guitarist has also said that while he wants to stand out, the vocalist should stand out the most.

Discography

Solo Crying Stars -Stand Proud!- (September 29, 2010, cover album), Oricon Albums Chart Peak Position: No. 91 You Play Hard (November 9, 2016, instrumental album) No. 43 Vorvados (January 23, 2019) No. 24

With Spinalcord Remember Me 'til Your Dying Day (2009)

With Animetal Animetal Marathon V (2003) Animetal Marathon VI (2004) Animetal Marathon VII (2005) Decade of Bravehearts (2006)