GISM

GISM (ギズム, Gizumu?) was a Japanese hardcore punk band formed in Tokyo in 1980. Even though the guitar style resembled heavy metal in many aspects, GISM was one of the first Japanese hardcore bands, while at the same time drawing influence from the early industrial/avant-garde music scene—something extremely uncommon in punk bands at that time.

The acronym GISM had many different variations; they include: "Guerrilla Incendiary Sabotage Mutineer" (original), "God In the Schizoid Mind", "General Imperialism Social Murder", "Genocide Infanticide Suicide Menticide", and "Gnostic Idiosyncrasy Sonic Militant".

GISM has attained a cult status in the international punk scene, duly for their unique blend of heavy metal and hardcore punk. Numerous punk and metal bands have emulated the distinct vocal style of Sakevi Yokoyama. Roadrunner Records ranked Sakevi No. 49 out of 50 of The Greatest Metal Frontmen of All Time.