Emerging from Tokyo’s darkwave and post-punk scene, Japanese artist Lilii Mar and the band Sex Virgin Killer are heading to Europe this July for a two-part, seven-date tour. The run offers European audiences a special opportunity to experience two closely connected sides of masa’s work: the atmospheric solo vision of Lilii Mar and the full-band intensity of Sex Virgin Killer. It begins with three Lilii Mar performances in Germany and France from July 11 through July 15, followed by four Sex Virgin Killer shows in Finland from July 16 through July 19.
The first leg spotlights Lilii Mar, the solo project of masa, founding member, composer, vocalist, and guitarist of Sex Virgin Killer. Across shows in Freiburg, Strasbourg, and Berlin, masa will bring a sound rooted in Tokyo’s darkwave and post-punk underground, drawing on gothic rock, coldwave, and neo-psychedelia through angular guitars, stark electronic textures, and dramatic vocals.
The final Lilii Mar date at Madame Claude in Berlin on July 15 serves as the link between the two legs, with masa performing alongside Hammer of Sex Virgin Killer. The following night, the full band begins its four-date Finland run in Helsinki, continuing through Hämeenlinna and Tampere before concluding in Kouvola on July 19. Together, the back-to-back tours offer a concentrated introduction to one of Tokyo’s distinctive darkwave projects, moving from Lilii Mar’s solo material into the broader sound and presence of Sex Virgin Killer.
Twenty-four hours after Berlin, the center of gravity shifts north. Sex Virgin Killer opens its first Finnish run at Helsinki’s Bar Loose, followed by shows at Suisto in Hämeenlinna, Vastavirta in Tampere, and Galleria Loiva in Kouvola. Across the four nights, the Tokyo group will be joined by a changing cast that includes Alucard, Ravenous Medicine, Silent Scream, Naakka, Aus Tears, Gravitational Constant, and Mimi De Morfin.
The tour also brings the finished vinyl edition of ANGEL (International Version) directly to European audiences. Released this past March through Young & Cold Records, the international edition is now available as a limited pressing of 333 copies. The records will make their first tour-merch appearance at Lilii Mar’s Berlin finale on July 15, before following Sex Virgin Killer throughout the Finnish dates beginning July 16.
ANGEL exists in two distinct forms: an international edition issued through Young & Cold Records and a Japanese edition released by masa’s own lilii sound loom. The versions differ in their mixes, mastering, track sequences, and visual presentation. The international edition was mixed and mastered by Daniel Hallhuber, with art direction by Atsuo of Boris, logo design by Lejoly Lucile, and photography by Yoshihiro Mori.
Across its nine tracks, the international version advances with severe, angular poise: guitars cutting in slanted lines, synthesizers gleaming like wet glass, and drums tightening each song into a dark ceremonial frame. Aisha and Lilii Mar layer and exchange vocals above arrangements produced by the band, while Hammer’s percussion and electronics keep the music moving between post-punk urgency, gothic drama, and coldwave restraint.
Among the record’s central cuts is “The Lights Will Fall (International Version)”, selected to soundtrack the tour announcement. It appears alongside “Angel,” “Bright Nightmare (ver. Dance in Gloomy Lights),” “Saturate My Soul,” “Parasite On You,” “The Arrow,” “A Stranger,” “Hikari No Tate,” and “Lissajous.”
Listen to ANGEL (International Version) and order the limited vinyl through Sex Virgin Killer’s Bandcamp or Young & Cold Records.
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