Unlucky Morpheus Bass Tabs: Play Japanese Metal Grooves Like a Pro!
The Thunder Beneath the Melody: Exploring Unlucky Morpheus’ Basslines by Ogawa Hiroyuki
When it comes to the high-speed neoclassical metal powerhouse that is Unlucky Morpheus, the spotlight often shines on Fuki’s soaring vocals, Shiren’s blazing guitar solos, or Jill’s elegant violin flourishes. But behind all the theatrical melodies and speed-demon arrangements lies a thunderous presence — the bass.
And now, that low-end thunder is in the hands of Ogawa Hiroyuki, the current bassist of Unlucky Morpheus. A seasoned musician known for his technical control, precise timing, and ability to groove even in the most complex song structures, Ogawa brings a new flavor to the band's already rich sonic palette.
In this article, we’ll explore how Ogawa Hiroyuki contributes to Unlucky Morpheus’ evolving sound through his basslines — with style, substance, and serious musical chops. Whether you’re a bassist looking for inspiration or just a fan who wants to understand what’s really going on down low, this one’s for you.
Who Is Ogawa Hiroyuki?
Before joining Unlucky Morpheus, Ogawa Hiroyuki had built a solid reputation in the Japanese metal and session music scene. Known for his versatility and finesse on the bass, he’s performed with multiple artists across genres. His playing is a mix of precision, clarity, groove, and melody, making him a perfect match for Unlucky Morpheus’ high-octane sound.
Officially joining Unlucky Morpheus in 2023, Ogawa stepped into big shoes, but he didn’t just follow — he led. His basslines have quickly become essential to the band’s rhythm section, adding weight, power, and surprising subtlety when needed.
What Makes Ogawa’s Basslines Stand Out?
In a band where everything is fast, technical, and intense, it would be easy for a bassist to get buried in the mix. But Ogawa Hiroyuki manages to shine without overpowering. Here’s how:
- Articulation: His notes are clean, even at breakneck speeds.
- Melodic Mindset: He doesn’t just hold down the root; he builds tension and resolution with movement.
- Rhythmic Mastery: Whether doubling the drums or syncing with guitars, his timing is flawless.
- Tone Control: Every note is purposeful. Whether it’s a growling low or a mid-range punch, Ogawa knows how to cut through.
Songs That Showcase Ogawa’s Bass Work
Let’s highlight a few Unlucky Morpheus tracks where Ogawa’s basslines truly stand out. These songs show not only his technique, but also his role in shaping the emotional and rhythmic depth of the band.
1. "Dead Leaves Rising" – Precision Meets Emotion
One of the newer tracks with Ogawa on bass, "Dead Leaves Rising" is a perfect storm of neoclassical intensity and emotional atmosphere. The bassline is tight, playing lockstep with the guitars in some parts while branching out with melodic runs in others.
Bass Highlight: During the breakdown, the guitars pull back — and Ogawa’s bass tone shines, filling the space with a beautifully sustained line that adds both warmth and tension.
2. "LIBRA" – The Subtle Power of Bass
This track starts softer, building with clean guitar and violin. The bass doesn’t rush in, but when it does, it transforms the mood. Ogawa uses long, expressive notes, then shifts into tighter rhythmic patterns as the song progresses.
Bass Highlight: The transition between verse and chorus — Ogawa subtly shifts the groove, giving the chorus its lift without overwhelming the mix.
3. "Change of Generation" (Live Version) – Stage Presence and Low-End Control
While the original version of this track was recorded before his time, Ogawa has made it his own in live performances. His interpretation is tighter, heavier, and even groovier — all while keeping the original feel intact.
Bass Highlight: The syncopated fills during the solo section — you can actually feel the crowd lock into the rhythm he sets.
4. "CADAVER" – Full-On Metal Bass Madness
One of the heaviest tracks in the Unlucky Morpheus catalog. Here, Ogawa unleashes everything — rapid-fire 16th notes, precise chugs, dynamic accents, and flawless transitions.
Bass Highlight: The intro riff — Ogawa matches the intensity of the guitars while maintaining tonal clarity that helps define the track’s brutal core.
5. "M Revolution" – Funk-Infused Metal Grooves
This one’s a bit groovier and shows Ogawa’s ability to add bounce to an otherwise straight-ahead power metal track. His bassline isn’t just fast — it’s funky.
Bass Highlight: The pre-chorus groove — using slides and accents that give the song movement and a bit of swagger.
Ogawa Hiroyuki’s Bass Playing Style
Ogawa’s playing is a great study in contrast — smooth yet aggressive, supportive yet expressive. Let’s break down some of his most notable techniques:
🎸 Fingerstyle and Pick
Ogawa switches between fingerstyle and pick, depending on the tonal requirement. You’ll hear the pick attack in metal-heavy tracks and fingerstyle when he wants more control over dynamics.
🌀 String Skipping and Arpeggios
To match the complexity of Shiren and Jill’s leads, Ogawa often uses string skipping arpeggios to mirror or harmonize their runs.
🎼 Melodic Fills
He sneaks in chromatic walks, octave jumps, and harmonics that are subtle but effective — especially during transitions or intros.
🧱 Rhythmic Anchoring
He doesn't always follow the kick drum — sometimes he locks with the snare, or creates tension by playing slightly ahead or behind the beat. These nuances elevate the groove.
His Gear: How Ogawa Gets That Tone
While Ogawa hasn’t made a public list of every piece of gear he uses, based on his sound and previous interviews, we can make a few educated guesses:
- Bass Guitars: Likely uses custom 5-string active basses — possibly ESP or Ibanez — known for clarity and fast necks.
- Amps: High-powered class D heads like Aguilar or Darkglass for clarity and definition.
- Effects: Mild overdrive, chorus (occasionally), compression — enough to shape the tone without dominating it.
His tone is punchy, clean, and tight — perfectly suited for fast, complex music.
The Role of Bass in Unlucky Morpheus (Now and Then)
In the early days, Unlucky Morpheus was more of a studio project. But as they evolved into a full-fledged band with live tours, the role of the bassist became more prominent.
Now, with Ogawa on board:
- The basslines are more expressive and visible in the mix.
- Live shows feature more bass-driven transitions.
- Ogawa often adds his own flair even to older songs, giving them new life.
This isn’t just “filling in the low end.” This is musical contribution at a high level.
Why Bassists Should Study Ogawa Hiroyuki
If you're a bassist looking for inspiration, Ogawa Hiroyuki is a great case study. Here’s why:
- Versatility: He’s able to match Unlucky Morpheus’ genre-bending songs — from neoclassical to gothic to funk-infused metal.
- Technical Ability: His speed, precision, and timing are elite-level.
- Musical Taste: He knows when to shine and when to lay back — a rare quality in technical metal.
Learning to play Unlucky Morpheus songs will challenge your dexterity, timing, and melodic awareness — all while introducing you to Japanese metal at its most exciting.
What the Future Holds
With Ogawa Hiroyuki on bass, Unlucky Morpheus seems more balanced than ever. His playing supports not just the rhythm section, but the whole emotional and dynamic flow of their music.
Whether the band continues to release high-speed shredfests or decides to explore more progressive or even jazzy territories, one thing’s for sure — Ogawa will be ready.
Final Thoughts: Listen Closer, Feel the Foundation
Basslines might not always grab your attention immediately, especially in a band filled with virtuosos like Unlucky Morpheus. But when you tune your ears to what Ogawa Hiroyuki is doing, you start to understand just how important his role is.
He’s the silent force, the glue that holds everything together, and sometimes — the spark that sets the whole track on fire.
So next time you’re listening to “Dead Leaves Rising” or catching a live performance online, pay extra attention to the low end. You might just find a new favorite musician — and maybe even pick up your bass again.
This is a collection of bass tabs from Unlucky Morpheus songs, you can visit our YouTube directly and get the PDF file for free on this website, hopefully it will be useful.
UNLUCKY MORPHEUS - SPARTAN ARMY
- Bass Guitar Type: 5 Strings
- Tuning: B E A D G
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