MURASHITA

MURASHITA / Biography

MASAKI
MURASHITA

GUITARIST / VOCALIST / SONGWRITER

MURASHITA is the solo metal project of Japanese guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Masaki Murashita. Combining thrash metal’s attack, extreme metal intensity and melodic lead guitar, his music builds on a career spanning HEMOPTYSIS, international live performances and studio work with a wide range of artists.

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Masaki Murashita singing and playing guitar under stage lights
MURASHITA / LIVE ARCHIVE

01 / The music

FROM HEMOPTYSIS
TO MURASHITA

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Murashita emerged as the frontman of HEMOPTYSIS, formed in 2007. The band released its debut full-length album, Misanthropic Slaughter, in 2011. Its track “M.O.D.” won Best Metal/Hardcore Song at the 11th Annual Independent Music Awards, earning recognition for the band’s songwriting alongside its forceful performances.

After HEMOPTYSIS disbanded, he introduced his solo work with “Retribution,” followed by the EP Inescapable Damnation in 2015. Written by Murashita, who performed all guitars and vocals, the five-track EP features drummer Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira) and bassists David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent). Ryan Greene handled mixing, with mastering by Gene Grimaldi. The EP earned a Best Rock EP nomination at the 15th Annual Independent Music Awards, establishing another milestone in his solo career.

Murashita brought the project to the stage with a full live band on the Retribution Japan Tour in 2015, leading the lineup on guitar and vocals. A U.S. Southwest tour followed in 2016, with California appearances continuing in 2017. He also joined Voice of Dissent as a touring guitarist. In 2021, MURASHITA took part in Argentina’s Heresy Online Fest, performing remotely during the pandemic.

“Depraved Sanctity,” released in 2023, marked his first new song in eight years, with Talley on drums and McGlothlin on bass. “I’m Not Done Yet” followed in 2024. These releases developed his blend of aggressive riffing, blackened death metal textures and layered melodies.

Masaki Murashita working at a recording studio mixing console

02 / In the studio

BEHIND
THE RECORDS

Alongside his own recordings, Murashita works in production and audio engineering, including collaborations with producer and engineer Ryan Greene. His studio credits include Additional Editing and Mix Assistant roles on releases by Megadeth, Hi-STANDARD, Flotsam and Jetsam, Beasto Blanco and others. He also offers production, mixing, drum editing and vocal tuning.

His guest work includes a guitar solo with VON, alongside other guest performances and backing vocal contributions. He has performed on EMGtv and created gear demonstration videos for Friedman, EMG Pickups, ISP Technologies, Rivera and Providence.

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03 / The next chapter

HEAVY METAL
× SHEET METAL

TOLERANCE ZERO PLANNED FOR JANUARY 2027

Heavy Metal × Sheet Metal connects his music with his work in Japanese precision sheet metal fabrication. The project brings performance footage together with scenes of metal being cut, bent and welded in Japan.

The project continues with “Tolerance Zero,” a new single and music video planned for January 2027. The recording features Murashita on guitars and vocals, Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent) on bass and Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira) on drums, with mixing by Ryan Greene and mastering by Gene Grimaldi. Filming in Los Angeles wrapped in October 2026, reuniting Murashita with director Matt Zane. The video combines performance footage filmed in Los Angeles with scenes of precision sheet metal fabrication in Japan. The exact release date will be announced.

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SHORT BIO

Press / EPK

MURASHITA is the solo metal project of Japanese guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Masaki Murashita. After fronting HEMOPTYSIS, Murashita went on to release the EP Inescapable Damnation (2015) and the singles “Depraved Sanctity” (2023) and “I’m Not Done Yet” (2024). His upcoming single, “Tolerance Zero,” marks the next chapter in Heavy Metal × Sheet Metal, a project connecting his music with Japanese metalworking. Its accompanying music video brings together performance footage and scenes of precision sheet metal fabrication in Japan. The single and video are scheduled for January 2027, with the exact release date to be announced.

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