PANTHEON -PART 1- special website is now open http://matenrou-opera.jp/pantheon/
Tracklist:
01. PANTHEON
02. Curse Of Blood
03. ICARUS
04. Mammon Will Not Die
05. Excalibur
06. AM6:00に針路をとれ (AM6:00 ni shinro o tore)
07. SYMPOSION
08. 何度目かのプロローグ (nan dome ka no purorougu)
09. SHINE ON
10. 止まるんじゃねえ (tomaru n ja nee)
I am proud to have contributed on this thread!
Great to see bands like Grieva, Soan Project, Grimoire and even Yusai, who appear quite promising!
Probably I will revaluate Lack-co, as their debut work didn't impress me at all...
I have Sokoninaru, Majiko and Shishamo's latest works on my listening list, I think that they will have more priority now!
I am proud to have contributed on this thread!
Great to see bands like Grieva, Soan Project, Grimoire and even Yusai, who appear quite promising!
Probably I will revaluate Lack-co, as their debut work didn't impress me at all...
I have Sokoninaru, Majiko and Shishamo's latest works on my listening list, I think that they will have more priority now!
I am proud to have contributed on this thread!
Great to see bands like Grieva, Soan Project, Grimoire and even Yusai, who appear quite promising!
Probably I will revaluate Lack-co, as their debut work didn't impress me at all...
I have Sokoninaru, Majiko and Shishamo's latest works on my listening list, I think that they will have more priority now!
Greetings, MH! The ORZ staff are back with our latest batch of recommended tracks! Feb. was a pretty delectable month, so let's waste no time and dig right in!
(We apologize if some videos aren't available due to region restrictions!)
@emmny's Picks
"アイラク偽心" by 游彩
"Airaku Gishin" by Yusai
ex-Zin members' (minus ex-vocalist Riku) new band Yusai offers more or less of the same thing Zin were known for: a japonesque sound that was decent but not quite Kiryu. That's not as bad of a thing as it sounds, Kiryu's ADHD sound is a bit much at times. Yusai keep the angular guitarwork, sharp melody, funky rhythm and traditional instrumentation accents while keeping it concise and catchy. Amane (once on guitars as Luy) has a husky yet nasal voice which adds an interesting contrast to the instrumental track. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise given Zin's uncanny strength in composition. Keep 'em on your radar, ladies and gentlemen!
"幽囚谷のバッタ" by ラッコ
"Yuushuudani no Batter" by LACK-CO.
Vk troublemakers LACK-CO. are back with another wacky song (and even wackier accompanying music video) which I happened to enjoy more than their prior output. As now typical of their everything-but-the-kitchen-sink style, the song has thrashy verses, a breakdown, swing sections and delicate jazzy, clean passages reminiscent of Moran and Chemical Pictures. I can't even tell what's going on half the time, but this jazz-kei bastard child has enough going on between the complex guitar work, lovely yet forceful vox and wild rhythm section to keep me amused for its brief three minute run.
"失明" by グリーヴァ
"Shitsumei" by Grieva
Grieva is dead. The vintage DEG and Madeth gray'll kote-kei satan spawn is no longer. What have we done to deserve such a fate? The end was near with the release of Konton no hako and the nail in the coffin was hammered in by "Liar..." and its alt-metal-isms. It was probably Grieva's roughest era, being all over the place stylistically. Now we have the next phase, a splice of their old sound and....*gasp* TMOAB-era DEG. I'm proud to report that it is the best thing the band have done in a while. "Shitsumei" removes the worn 90's riffs and fills them in with mid-00's metalcore riffing, all while keeping the 90's charm and incredible ear for melody intact. Grieva sound entirely re-energized and ready to plagiarize some more, thank god!
@Zeus's Pick
"Lineage" by Versailles
Versailles is a band that takes pompous as a compliment, and from music to visuals they've built their brand on being larger than life. Lineage is both the release and the song that restores luster to a band that had lost their way. I extolled the virtues of "La Musique" in my full-length review of Lineage〜薔薇の末裔〜, but this is the track that defines the mini-album. I'm loving how the violin and keys direct the melody without overpowering the metal. The progressive elements come in at the right moments and introduce enough variance to prevent stagnation. KAMIJO's charisma is still as infectious as ever and the instrumental portions of songs feel much more theatrical and less like a showcase for HIZAKI and TERU's skills. Versailles does not often release namesake tracks on singles - in fact I believe this is the first - so not only is this a pleasant surprise, but it speaks to the confidence of KAMIJO in his band and this song when he penned it. This is a track I can play all day.
@fitear1590's Picks
"フラブジャスナハト" by グリモア
"Frabjous Nacht" by GRIMOIRE
Since 2015, GRIMOIRE has risen to become one of my favorites among indies neo VK. They've consistently delivered atmospheric, haunted house tunes mediated through high-concept visuals and surprisingly glossy PVs. While I can understand their main criticism--that they can be a bit too 'samey'--"Frabjous Nacht" looks to break the spell. On top of being their most standout title (lol, I still can't get over the word 'frabjous'), it's one of their most unique compositions. Verses have a slow, hypnotic quality and the track sports some of their most technical guitarwork so far. They're now apparently on Timely Records (home to the likes of other all-caps bands like XAA-XAA and DADAROMA), so I hope more people will take note of GRIMOIRE in all their 'frabjous' glory.
"偽物の宴" by 眩暈SIREN
"nisemono no utage" by memai SIREN
Somewhere down the line, memai SIREN was recommended to me on YouTube. "Nisemono no utage" has a lot of interesting crossover appeal. It's part anime OP song, part Paramore-style power pop, part uplifting VK number (that guitar melody at :14 is something classic I could see MegaMasso doing). On top of that, the video is pretty striking, combining the pseudo-silhouettes of the band members over projected imagery that oscillates between organic and geometric designs.
"夕闇に鳴動する衝動と幸福の在処" by Soanプロジェクトwith手鞠
"yuuyami ni meidou suru shoudou to koufuku no arika" by Soan Project with Temari
Last month, Soan (ex-Moran) showed us a darker/heavier side in his surprising collaboration with Akuta (Chanty, ex-Administrator). This month, the art kei dial got turned up to 11 by enlisting the help of Temari (ex-Amber gris). It's a complete 180 from the previous release, nixing percussion and rock instrumentation in favor of a more sublime, orchestral sound. From the crisp piano that could adorn any Ghibli feature to the heart-wrenching, dramatic strings, Soan and Temari have crafted something divine. Soan Project is clearly a multi-faceted venture, so even if the first mini didn't tickle your fancy, you still owe it to yourself to check this one out.
@CAT5's Picks
"Change your mind" by 雨のパレード
"Change your mind" by ame no parade
I've long been critical of ame no parade (amepare for short) and not out of some unrooted distaste for their music, but because I am genuinely fond of them and would like to see the band succeed. Kohei's pristine and soulful croon has made him one of my favorite male voices of today, and the band is competent in both playing and invoking atmosphere. They're cooking with some amazingly potent ingredients, though they've yet to serve anything truly fulfilling. Instead they've been using the same boring recipe of recycled vocal melodies, bland, minimalistic verses, and big-for-nothing choruses. In promotion of their upcoming second album, the ironically titled Change your pops, amepare has dropped the MV for "Change your mind", which is a surprisingly welcome 'change' of pace for the band. Their standard formula is still in play, but the drab minimalism of the past has been enhanced with groovy synths and danceable drums that actually manage to engage you. From the very start of the song, it's evident that they're playing with renewed conviction, and it gives me hope that amepare might actually 'change THEIR pops'!
@Original Saku's Picks
"New York City" by Tempalay
Tempalay has surprised me so much this month with music that I just typically don't listen to much. I discovered them earlier this month by chance while I was browsing JPS. They weave this weird blend of psychedelic and chillout rock that is just so addicting. It was love at first listen and I haven't looked back since. The weirdly named "New York City" serves as the opener of 5曲 (5 Kyoku) which instantly becomes less bizarre once you watch the PV. Most interesting is the concept of the album. I highly recommend you check out the whole thing if you like what you hear.
"ノクチルカの夜" by まじ娘
"Noctiluca Night" by majiko
majiko made her major debut this month with her mini album Cloud 7. We all know about the 'major curse' that plagues indie groups and artists once they go major. I was more than a little worried at the prospect that the same curse could afflict majiko, thankfully those worries were for naught. In fact I can only see an improvement in this record. "ノクチルカの夜" showcases a clear departure from her mellow pop-oriented utaite roots, and we can see a shift to a more mature, darker sound with much more depth and production quality. The new musical shift does wonders for her beautiful voice and meshes really well with her haunting singing style. It really brings a certain level of intensity to her music.
"一休さん" by 水曜日のカンパネラ
"Ikkyu-san" by Suiyoubi no Campanella
After a mini album that most would call 'stale' or 'more of the same' last year, people were already counting Suiyoubi no Campanella as a one trick pony. This notion was immediately disproved this month with their new album SUPERMAN which does more than enough to validate their musical prowess and innovation. "Ikkyu-san" showcases what makes this group so awesome and addicting, with an infectious beat and a stunning vocal performance from KOMUAI, accompanied by eccentric electronica sounds aplenty. I know this is a REC track thread but I really just want to say how cohesive this album is from start to finish and I couldn't recommend it more! It might even be better than their previous album Zipangu for me.
"明日も" by SHISHAMO
"Ashita mo" by SHISHAMO
This is a group I've been infatuated with over the last few years. SHISHAMO brings forth my love of female fronted indie rock bands like no other. They have the 'it' factor in their music, that feeling of euphoria and mellowness that wraps around you and makes you just feel legit good. They're a part of the few all female rock bands that currently are keeping the dream alive in Japan. I enjoy and appreciate them so much! These girls have been spitting out material so fast that it hasn't even been a full year since we got their last album, but we already have SHISHAMO 4 to start 2017 off with a party. "明日も" Is a fun pop rock jam that asserts that these girls' instruments are not for show and that they can jam when it's time to. Like with all my other RECs, please check out the full album for the true experience. Do yourself a solid.
Guest Recommendations:
@TheStoic's Pick
"METALIN" by そこに鳴る
"METALIN" by Sokoninaru
Breakdowns. Blast beats. Gang chants. Chaotic soloing. These are not typical elements that describe the music the rock trio そこに鳴る. Since releasing their debut EP in 2015, the group has gone under the radar on the pages of MH. It's a shame given their technical abilities and impressive songwriting in the indie rock scene. However, their latest single "METALIN" (featured on the album of the same name) is more than worthy of appropriating the metal moniker. The band effortlessly melds their upbeat melodic choruses and core indie sound with a fresh dash of tremolo thrash metal riffs, neckbreaking breakdowns, and a frenetic energy that is a blast to listen to. If you have not given them a proper listen, "METALIN" may be be your gateway drug, as this single shows that they have the hunger to give indie heavyweights like 凛として時雨 (Ling Tosite Sigure) a run for their money.
@Ada Suilen's Picks
"Lineage" by Versailles
I think that the visual kei scene is living a sort of rebirth, with many shiny comebacks, giving the genre a new shape. Probably the most awaited one comes from the symphonic metal act Versailles, starting off with the compilation The Greatest Hits -2007/2016- last September, and now with their second mini-album Lineage -Bara no matsuei-. In general, the sound echoes the inheritance of this band, taking even some elements from the side projects of the single members where this track represents its peak. With an incredible, virtuous metal sound, powerful riffs and more mature vocals, "Lineage" will surely stick in your head. Welcome back Descendants!
"Remember the Name" by アイオリン
"Remember the Name" by Aiolin
One of the newest products of the scene, formerly known as code name Px, debuted with their first album at the beginning of the month and the final result was pretty shocking. As you can see from the name, their music (especially in this lead-track) is filled by a melodious violin (provided by the singer) mixed with electronic elements, energetic sounds and harsh vocals: the ideal ingredients for a sure success. Probably one of the most promising acts of 2017 and I hope that they will continue down this path.
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Thanks for checking out our recommendations this month! And another big thanks to our guest contributors @TheStoic and @Ada Suilen! If you have any thoughts on our list, or if you have any recommendations of your own, please feel free to comment below! If you're interested in being a guest contributor, contact @CAT5or @doombox.
| The spiritual successor to Lyrical Sympathy, hands down.
This is what I've been waiting for since 2010.
The collection album Versailles released at the tail end of 2016 was necessary but not enough. Self-covers set a low bar for a comeback - even if they blew my expectations out of the water - so I've low key been spinning the two new tracks from The Greatest Hits 2007-2016 on repeat. I've been looking for clues to where this band is headed next, and all roads point to Lineage〜薔薇の末裔〜. Lineage is the first original Versailles release since their disastrous self-titled, and with this release all my apprehensions are eradicated. This is how you redeem yourself.
There are three reasons why Lineage is a successful album. The first reason is that it is compact; six to nine tracks seems to be the sweet spot for Versailles albums. Compact albums lend themselves well to multiple listens. This goes along with the second reason, which is that they've restored the regality to their sound. Reflecting on releases such as Holy Grail (2011) and Versailles (2012) made me realize that they were slowly stripping away the aristocratic elements in favor of power metal. With Lineage, Versailles has made a complete 180. "La Musique" opens up the release with an immediacy I haven't heard since "Aristocrat's Symphony", and the interlude before the solo is just ace. Songs feel textured with simple riffs leading into complex solos, fast verses leading into slow choruses, and in general, each moment feels meticulously crafted. Contrast this with their solo efforts, where at times both parties felt one-dimensional in their approach to symphonic metal. This leads into my third point, which is the chemistry between the band members has been found again. It sounds like they are working together far better than they have ever before.
What I want most from Versailles is close to what Lineage delivers; a Kamijo solo project in all but name with occasional songs and instrumentation by Kamijo, Teru, Yuki, and Hizaki. I don't have composer notes handy, but if I had to trust in my ears, it still sounds like Kamijo and Hizaki are primary composers, but they're collaborating rather than proposing their individual songs. I used to be able to tell what songs were Kamijo's and what songs were Hizaki's and I can't do that with this particular release, which turns out to be a really good thing. To that end, I would love for Teru and Masashi to contribute even more as well. Tracks like "LIBIDO" and "Thanatos" are amazing additions to Versailles' discography because they stand out in a good way, and a remarkable trait about Lineage is that each track is both unique and memorable.
Finally, I should mention the stellar production job. Everything between JUBILEE (2010) and Versailles sounds strange, whether it be a weird filter on KAMIJO's voice or an odd guitar tone. The re-recordings on The Greatest Hits 2007-2016 only clarify the problems for tracks like "MASQUERADE". Thankfully, whoever handled The Greatest... also blessed this release, and I hope Versailles continue to collaborate with these sound engineers in future releases.
Lineage marks the beginning of a third stage for Versailles, one where they feel cleanly separated from past activities and expectations. Not only does it speak to the strengths of what a good hiatus can do for a band, but it sends a more subtle message that sometimes less is more. Lineage may only be six tracks but it feels like a full album. I've changed my opinion of this band's activities from cautious to optimistic, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case for others too.
VAMPS new album "UNDERWORLD" will be released at 2017/04/26. Limited Edition Type A (5,000yen) will include CD + Blu-ray, Limited Edition Type B (4,000yen) will include CD + DVD, Limited Edition Type C "Special Box" (17,000yen) will include CD, Blu-ray, DVD + sukajan jacket, and Regular Edition (3,000yen) will include CD only.
[CD]
01. UNDERWORLD
02. CALLING
03. BREAK FREE
04. DON’T HOLD BACK
05. BLEED FOR ME
06. IN THIS HELL
07. INSIDE OF ME feat. Chris Motionless of Motionless In White
08. RISE OR DIE feat. Richard Z.Kruspe of Emigrate / Rammstein
09. SIN IN JUSTICE feat. APOCALYPTICA
10. B.Y.O.B. (BRING YOUR OWN BLOOD)
11. RISE UP
[Blu-ray]
01. LIVE @ ZEPP TOKYO 2016/09/17
[DVD]
01. CALLING (Music Video)
02. CALLING (Making Of)
03. INSIDE OF ME (Music Video)
04. RISE OR DIE (Lyric Video)
05. SIN IN JUSTICE (Lyric Video)
06. VAMPS LIVE 2016 (Documentary)
THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S new CD (according to your presentation video can be: single, mini-album or album) will be released in 2017, although details have not yet been announced.
am i the only one who's trying so hard to get into this band and still "meh"...?
what do you guys think that is missing?is the instrumental that is too generic,or taira's vocals?
or if you really enjoy this band,tell what attracts you.i can't understand why i can't get into their music.i love taira's style,but his music is tough for me
i've listened their EP, yesterday and their maxi single,and i can't remember not even one song. (only taira screaming "goodly eyes")
different than RAZOR's debut mini album that i can remember perfectly each song just after listening few times
The highly flexible CHARGEEEEEE has formed yet another band, named MEGA HIGH BALL. The drummer is known from a versatile amount of projects, including —but not limited to— Omega Dripp, ZIZ, bulb, Marty Friedman's solo band, DOPPEL and SPEECIES.
The new band will release their first EP 『STAR LOUNGE』 on March 4th during their first one-man show at SHIBUYA RUBY ROOM (OPEN 18:30 / START 19:00, ticket: ¥3,000)
Ada Suilen reacted to blackdream in 摩天楼オペラ new album 『PANTHEON -PART 1-』
Ada Suilen got a reaction from TheStoic in Recommended Tracks: February 2017!
Ada Suilen got a reaction from CAT5 in Recommended Tracks: February 2017!
Ada Suilen got a reaction from fitear1590 in Recommended Tracks: February 2017!
Ada Suilen got a reaction from Serox in Synk;yet will be indefinitely on hiatus
Ada Suilen got a reaction from Zeus in #94: Lineage〜薔薇の末裔〜 by Versailles