Tokyo based metalcore band Sailing Before The Wind formed in 2011. The band had numerous line-up changes over the years, currently the band consists of five members, bassist/composer Bitoku with four recruited members. He is also known as a former touring bassist of Crystal Lake.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Bitoku is the only official member.

Touring line-up:

Ryoichi - Vocals

Kosuke - Guitars

Daisuke - Guitars

Bitoku - Bass

Hiroki - Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Sailing Before The Wind? How long has the band been around?

I (Bitoku) used to play in a local hardcore band for several years. Ryoichi used to sing in a band called Leave All Behind (from Okinawa). The two guitarists also each played in a local metalcore band. Our drummer Hiroki is in a permanent band called C-GATE that formed in 2012. He joined Sailing Before The Wind back in 2016.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

It was named from the Japanese four-character idioms. I aimed to have three or four characters abbreviated as 'ABR (August Burns Red)', 'AILD (As I Lay Dying)', and so on. We’ve never changed it.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I (Bitoku) write every song. Actually there is no clear lyrical theme, but rather a reflection of our lives at that time. Musically, a key theme is the fusion of 80-90's hard rock and modern metal. We’re inspired by both genres. In some songs, it's hard to tell the influence, but I'm sticking with melodic guitar anyway. I will incorporate the evolution of modern metal into my compositions, but I think the theme of combining hard rock and modern metal will not change.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Harem Scarem and Dreamshade.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

There are many, but if I had to pick one, August Burns Red made me want to start a metalcore band and write a song with tech breakdowns when I was around 19.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

We'll do some stretches carefully for spins and kicks.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Our seven-city headlining Japan tour in 2019 with ISOTOPES (Australia) as our guests. Definitely the biggest highlight.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

This or the Apocalypse. Because I grew up listening to them. Their 2nd album "Haunt What's Left" is one of the best metalcore records I've ever heard.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We'll be releasing lots more music this year, so stay tuned!