The brainchild of Tokyo-based drummer Tatsuya Yoshida, Ruins is a power duo (Yoshida with a rotating cast of bass guitarists) whose unique fusion of prog heaviness and outbound noise assaults have anointed them legendary status in the Japanese rock underground. Taking their primary influence from French progressive rock band Magma--whose front man Christian Vander’s faux operatic singing and splashy drum antics are seen as the group’s nearest antecedent--the band’s unrestrained yet rigorously accomplished musicianship became an influence with indie rock acts who embraced complexity in tandem with the original energy and spirit of punk. In 2003, with the departure of fourth bassist Sasaki Hisashi, Yoshida decided to continue Ruins as a solo act.