G.I.S.M. vocalist Sakevi Yokoyama has reportedly passed away

Reports are coming in that Sakevi Yokoyama, vocalist of the highly influential Japanese hardcore band G.I.S.M., has passed away. Metal Archives reports his passing, and tributes have been pouring in to Sakevi on social media, including from Lee Dorrian (Cathedral, Napalm Death) (who curated the 2016 Roadburn event that G.I.S.M. reunited for), Dwid Hellion (Integrity), and Aesop Dekker (Agalloch, Ludicra). See some of the tributes below.

Update: Saveki’s Beast Arts International Press confirmed the sad news.

Update 2: Relapse Records also confirmed the news, writing, “It is with deep sadness that we can formally report that Mr Sakevi Yokoyama has passed away. Working with Mr. Sakevi on GISM is a chapter in the history of Relapse Records, unto itself. Honoring the work of a true sonic and artistic pioneer is a source of deep pride for us all. We pray for repose for Mr Sakevi’s soul.”

G.I.S.M. formed in 1981 and released their debut album Detestation in 1983. It earned a cult following and became massively influential, and it reached a wider audience than ever when Relapse gave it its first-ever fully authorized reissue in 2020, and the band was also celebrated in 2021 to mark the 20th anniversary of guitarist Randy Uchida’s death with a tribute livestream featuring members of Fucked Up, Integrity, Poison Idea, Tortoise, and more.

G.I.S.M. drummer Tohru “Monamour” Hiroshima passed away last year.

Rest in peace, Sakevi.

https://twitter.com/MechaBarbarian/status/1697519202712645806

Arthur Rizk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6mIVYVovBY