Ada Suilen

To sneakily steal @CAT5's idea of last year here, I'd like to set up this thread again so we can keep track of what Japanese releases we have listened to in 2016 so far, and how high exactly we rate these releases (it's always nice to compare with others, or to keep lists in general). You basically rate the releases you have listened to in small lists ranging from one to five stars and update your own list whenever you see fit. The general idea would be the same for everyone.
 
Feel free to set up your own rating system and create a different format, to discuss the ratings of yourself and others, or to recommend music to people based on their existing lists.
 
Lestat's ratings for 2016:
 
 

ARTEMA will disband after their presents live tour "LASTEMA" tour final at Shibuya club asia at 2016/05/20

YOYOGI 28.02.2016
 
VENOMOUS CELL

砂月 -Satsuki- new release [EPOCALIPSE] will be on sale on March 19th, 2016.
 
[EPOCALIPSE] is divided in 2 pieces : [ECLIPSE] & [APOCALYPSE].
 
[ECLIPSE] is the « past » and the « present » of Satsuki.
 
With [APOCALYPSE], Satsuki will show us a new side of his personality, new approaches on his way of using his technical vocal skills. He worked for the first time with European producers (ENOS IS BACK) in order to give a new vibe to his songs and that particular « progressive metal » touch. This opus can be considered as a new era for Satsuki, the « future ».
 
The first press of [ECLIPSE] & [APOCALYPSE] are digipaks (limited copies).
 
If you reunite the 2 releases, you will get [EPOCALIPSE] and display the full cd cover by a Satsuki painting.
 
[ECLIPSE] TRACKLIST
1. BERSERKER
2. ECLIPSE
3. CRYING
4. ARTEMIS
5. SELENE
6. LILY -月影に魅せられて-
7. SQUALL
8. BRAVE
9. DIANA
 
[APOCALYPSE] TRACKLIST
1. REINCARNATION
2. APOCALYPSE
3. BURNING OUT
4. REVELATION
 
Pre-orders will be available only for Fanclub members, be sure to get your copy at live shows!
 
Tour & tickets info: http://too-wild.com/tour
 

メリーバッドエンド(Merry Badend) new maxi single "テスタメント(testament)" will be released at 2016/05/18 (2 TYPE)
 
TYPE A (2,160yen) will include CD+DVD (including "遺書(isho)" PV), and TYPE B (1,620yen) will include CD only
 
[CD track list]
01.遺書(isho)
02.Scarification
03.狂化-EX-(kyouka-EX-) (included in TYPE B )

DIR EN GREY announced on ARCHE at BUDOKAN day 2 (2016-02-06) several news for 2016.
 
They will release the ARCHE at BUDOKAN live performances "ARCHE AT NIPPON BUDOKAN" on DVD/BD in June 2016
 
A new single has been announced for release on 27 July 2016. The single is entitled "Utafumi" and will be released in four different types, with a CD containing three tracks.
 
Also, a new domestic tour: TOUR16-17 FROM DEPRESSION TO ________
[mode of VULGAR] 6/3(金)【愛知県】Zepp Nagoya [★]
6/4(土)【愛知県】Zepp Nagoya [★]
6/11(土)【宮城県】仙台PIT
6/12(日)【宮城県】仙台PIT
6/16(木)【大阪府】なんばHatch [★]
6/17(金)【大阪府】なんばHatch [★]
6/19(日)【岡山県】倉敷市芸文館
7/1(金)【東京都】新木場STUDIO COAST [★]
7/2(土)【東京都】新木場STUDIO COAST [★]
[mode of DUM SPIRO SPERO] SEPTEMBER 2016 - dates TBA- [mode of 鬼葬] NOVEMBER 2016 - dates TBA- Also, an new promo picture has been revealed

Out of the trilogy that has been Girugamesh's "comeback" , "CHIMERA" is the strongest till date. Its more or less of a continuation of Gravitation but this time its mixed with the flavor of the old school badass Girugamesh sound that made them such a force to be reckoned with in the past. I also love how the songs make me wanna do a mix of dancing and headbanging. Only song that is iffy to me is Horizon. But even so, it fits with the album and isn't anything id deem bad.    Reactions to my fav songs Wither Mind:   MY NIGGA WHEN THAT BREAKDOWN CAME THROUGH:
    END: From start to finish...I haven't heard a song like this from Giru in like ever.    Chimera (after it sunk in): Has this badass feel to it that makes me go       Very well done. Huge props also to them still pimping the whole EP concept. Its working. No filler, just straight to the point banger's. Right now its the album to beat this year. Great job Girugamesh! 9.5/10

(I would provide examples, but I'm not much in the mood to try and translate lol)
 
My favorite visual kei lyricists would have to be....
 
SaToRu / グラムヘイズ-glamhaze-
Their first single has really resonated with me on a personal level. His lyrics appear to be simplistic, but deep and/or get to the point. I like the theme of the songs so far. Themes of the struggles of life but still moving forward. Really curious if SaToRu is going to branch out with his lyrics in future releases or stick to similar themes.
 
Kazuki / ザアザア-XAA-XAA-
His lyrics tend to also be simplistic in my opinion, but are beautifully/cleverly written. 
 
AKIRA / MASKED RIDER SYSTEM
Love AKIRA's style of writing. His lyrics are simple, get to the point, yet are very beautifully written. The lyrics on their last single are especially emotional. The last song is a farewell to the fans.

Some of my favourites are Tatsurou/Miya from MUCC, especially on 朽木の灯 (and older releases in general). Lyrics on that album are packed with so much emotion and rage at the same time (遺書 pls)

the topic of lyrics has been discussed a lot on here, whether they're important or not etc its all subjective lalala.
for those of us that take them heavily into consideration/find them important, who are your favourite lyricists?
a lot of my honmei bands are distinguished by brilliant lyrics, thats the way i can latch onto a band. if the vocal is expressing themselves in a way that i can relate, their music and words take on a new, more sentimental value. of course, the lyricists mentioned wouldn't have resonated without a decent western following who translated lyrics, interviews, other material; so im sure there are a few artists who are equally brilliant but not mentioned similarly in the western fandom as there simply aren't resources to understand what they're saying.
none of these translations are mine
 
mako (ex. deadman, kein)
 
temari (ex. amber gris, ruvie)
 
hitomi (ex. moran, fatima)
 
daisuke (ex. kagerou, the studs)
 
tsuzuku (mejibray)
 
ryo (keel)
theres a bunch more great lyricists (nigu, kazuma, yuuki, ruki, kyo etc), but these are my favs tell me yours!
i swear im not that big of a sap

"deep snow burned away" [track list]
01.真っ赤な雪(makka na yuki)
02.群盲象を評す(gunmou zou wo hyousu)
03.焼失(shoushitsu)
 

it is announced at event "1118 GIGS 2015" at Ikebukuro CHOP at 2015/11/18 that the god and death stars new mini album "after the addle apple" will be released in 2016 spring, although details have not yet been announced
 
 
btw they will perform at Shibuya DESEO at 2016/01/08 and at Sel'm presents 3-man live "0.1.3.0." at Shibuya MILKY WAY at 2015/01/29 with Sel'm & More under band name "Rehabilitation of the god", and they will hold their one-man live "recovery of the god" at Shimokitazawa SHELTER at 2016/05/06

shameless copypaste from their tumblr
 
 
 

 

Hey, everyone! 
 
Some of you might already be familiar with us, but this is Shattered-Tranquility.net, a visual kei news site run by volunteers that has been operating since 2007. We post everything from breaking news, to release information, to translations, to live reports, to original content (My VKei Room, Flashback Fridays), and more.
 
Recently, we've been reaching out to more bands for interviews, and with those interviews come giveaways. If you have any ideas regarding the site or bands you'd like us to reach out to, feel free to contact us.

it is announced at SHIVA live tour final one-man live "VARUNA FINAL 聖戦(seisen)" at Shinsaibashi JUZA at 2016/01/31 that their new mini album "救世主-メシア-(messiah)" will be released at 2016/05/18 (2 TYPE)
 
TYPE A (2,808yen) will include CD (6 songs)+DVD (including live scene), and TYPE B (1,944yen) will include CD (7 songs) only
 
 
btw they will hold their white day presents live "Dogmatic White Dayz" at Shinsaibashi soma at 2016/03/13, their free one-man live "子孫繁栄" at OSAKA RUIDO at 2016/04/08 and SHINJI birthday one-man live "-俺のやりたいことをする日-" at Shinsaibashi FANJ at 2016/04/22
 

 
 
SET-LIST at 2016/01/31:
 
01.VARUNA
02.Lady with Emotion
03.嘆きの売女(nageki no baita)
04.BURY LULLABY
05.BELIEVER
06.キミノカゲ(kimi no kage)
07.Feather Pray
08.Demon's Garden
09.螺旋歌(rasenka)
10.Citizen murderous
11.パンドラ(pandora)
 
EN1
01.ヴェーダ(veda)
02.Freaks

Oh wow! Corvinus was pretty awesome and so I will check out this one!

amber gris - "AROUND CHILDREN" (2013)

 



Creature Creature - "PHANTOMS" (2012)

 



DEATHGAZE - "ENIGMA" (2014)

 



DER ZIBET - "別世界" (2015)

 



D'ERLANGER - "Spectacular Nite -狂おしい夜について-" (2015)

 



KAMIJO - "Symphony Of The Vampire" (2014)

 



LUNA SEA - "A WILL" (2013)

 



MORRIE - "HARD CORE REVERIE" (2014)

 



R指定 - "少女喪失-syojosoushitsu-" (2015)

 



Versailles - "Jubilee" (2010)

 



Vior gloire - "Gloomy and wakeful night" (2012)

 



凛 -the end of corruption world- - "Independent "MAZE"" (2011)

 



己龍 - "暁歌水月" (2014)

 



清春 - "UNDER THE SUN" (2012)

support Dr.小林孝聡(kobayashi takaaki)(ex-As If in the darkness-->白-shiro--->yazzmad(zumi)) has officially joined LIPHLICH at their one-man live "ウロボロス-尾-(uroboros-o-)" at Akasaka BLITZ at 2016/01/24
 

 


 
 
SET-LIST at 2016/01/24:
 
01.夜間避行
02.うねり
03.ウロボロス
04.露天商通りの道理
05.RACE
06.slow virus infection
07.一輪
08.旅
09.シャルルの憂鬱
10.GOSH!
11.不条理、痛快、蛇の歌意
12.リインカーネーション
13.SHOW MUST GO ON
14.SEX PUPPET ROCK'N'DOLL
15.グロリアバンブー
16.フェデリコ9
17.MANIC PIXIE
 
EN1
01.ウロボロス
02.SHOW MUST GO ON
 
EN2
01.夜間避行

The mini album will be called “ZēTēS” and it will be released on April 20, 2016. The price will be 2500 yens (tax out) 
 

it is announced at DIAURA one-man live tour "Route of Infection" tour final at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo at 2016/01/22 that their new maxi single "ENIGMA" will be released at 2016/03/30 (2 TYPE)
 
TYPE A (1,944yen) will include CD+DVD (including "ENIGMA" PV), and TYPE B (1,620yen) will include CD only
 
[CD track list]
01.ENIGMA
02.烙印-stigma-
03.開眼(kaigan) (included in TYPE B )
 
 
btw they will hold their one-man live tour "Enigmatic Metamorphose" since Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO at 2016/04/02 and up to tour final at Akasaka BLITZ at 2016/05/01
 


 
 
SET-LIST at 2016/01/22:
 
01.MASTER
02.Beautiful Creature
03.Virgin Mary
04.赤い虚像(akai kyozou)
05.blind message
06.Imperial Core
07.DICTATOR
08.black sheep under the shallow sleep
09.烙印-stigma-
10.SIRIUS
drums solo
11.INFECTION
12.ダンシンインザダーク(dancin' in the dark)
13.Ms.psycho
14.TERRORS
15.ホライゾン(horizon)
16.失翼の聖域(shitsuyoku no seiiki)
 
EN1
01.Cult
02.deadly number
03.Garden of Eden
04.TRIGGER

藍-AI-(DEATHGAZE) new album "CONFUSION" will be released at 2016/04/20 (3,240yen)
 
[track list]
01.LAST MEMORIES
02.UNDER THE GLARE
03.GLASS SKY(Album ver.)
04.REPLICATE GOD
05.BLACK SHADOW
06.薫(kaori)
07.SWEET HONEY
08.RITUAL DANCE
09.鴉(karasu)(Album ver.)
10.UNTRUE STAR
11.NEW CULT
12.DEPARTURE

10 Kick-ass J-rock Anime Themes That You Should Hear!
Anime theme songs are often written off as second-rate or derogatorily considered "weeaboo" music, and while this is certainly up for debate, the ORz team has banded together in an attempt to dispel some of those stigmas! While this isn't a best-of list by any means, we've compiled a list of 10 anime OPs and EDs that we feel are musically worthwhile. So check them out and feel free to let us know what you think in the comments!

#10 TK from 凛として時雨 (Ling Tosite Shigure) - Unravel
from Tokyo Ghoul | 東京喰種


Undoubtly one of the most popular and unforgettable anime theme songs of recent times, TK from Ling Tosite Sigure provides the opening theme song for the animated adaption of 'Tokyo Ghoul'. Having watched Tokyo Ghoul, I'm sure we're all in an agreement of how fitting the song is to such a series, albite a poor series that doesn't really deserve such a perfect track in its soundtrack. Powerfully emotional, sinister, compelling and wickedly catchy, it's perfect for an anime as dark as this. When taking the song out of anime context, it's a masterpiece in all its entirety. TK has proved, both as a solo artist and within his band, that each and every anime song he's credited in grips you instantly, and 'Unravel' is no different.
- by @beni

#09 スネオヘアー (Suneohair ) - ワルツ (Waltz)
from Honey and Clover | ハチミツとクローバー


It's been years since I've kept up with anime, so my choice probably gives away the era I'm most familiar with. Most of the anime soundtracks that have stayed with me didn't qualify for this list (R.O.D. the TVs lush jazz tunes, Fruits Basket's beautiful orchestral numbers, etc.), but Honey and Clover just made the cut with its breezy ending theme "Waltz". At least among the series that I'm familiar with, Honey and Clover was unique in its expressive embedding of popular music (such as the legendary band, Spitz) into its soundtrack. The first episode ends with the main character riding his bike through the rain under voiceover. In the background, "Waltz" begins to play, providing a seamless cinematic transition into the ending credits, which skillfully juxtapose the imagery of his spinning bicycle spokes that recurred throughout the episode with that of a fanciful ferris wheel. However, the song definitely works as a standalone track, with its lyrics telling the story of coy first love. All the while, Suneohair's laid-back vocals and smooth synth-rock create the perfect backdrop to the hazy, pastel artwork of this beautiful slice-of-life series.
- by @fitear1590

#08 the pillows – Ride on shooting star
from FLCL | フリクリ


It wouldn't be a huge stretch to claim that this song is the reason that you are on Monochrome Heaven reading this right now. If there was a single genesis in my Japanese Rock interest, and in turn this site, Ride on Shooting Star is it. The Pillows lay down a straight forward rock track filled with simple but addictive riffs. While it's not going to win any awards for technicality, it makes up for that with purity with a driving upbeat energy that really gets me pumped up and in a good mood. About the only downside is how quick the ride is over - at under two and a half minutes I am always craving for more when the track ends, not unlikely the show it is from.
- by @Ito

#07 Silver Fins - Waiting So Long
from Berserk | ベルセルク


Seldom do anime themes match the actual tone of the series that they're tied to. More often than not, they seem like their own, seperate entities --promotional placeholders for artists seeking exposure-- instead of aesthetic extensions of the anime's content. Berserk's ending theme, "Waiting So Long", by the incredibly obscure Silver Fins, is quite an exception, though. It's a trudging folk-rock song with an eery Americana-vibe, and a subtely malicious chorus that'll linger in your ears long after the show is over. For a dark-fantasy like Berserk, where happiness is fleeting and sin, corruption, and evil run amok, it's the perfect way to conclude a each episode!
- by @CAT5

#06 Plastic Tree - Sink
from Glass no Kantai | ガラスの艦隊


This spot might come as a surprise to a few, since it certainly did for me when I discovered that Plastic Tree had a handful of songs as endings for various animes. The lads have only done three anime themes ever since they formed. Glass no Kantai: La Legende du Vent de l'Univers used their twenty third single 'Namida Drop' as its first ending song, Yu☆Gi☆Oh! 5D's had their thirty second single 'Future Colors' as their fifth ending theme, and Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo with my selected tune of 'Sink', their sixth single. While I cannot speak for the anime itself, I think it goes without saying that 'Sink' is one of the classic pieces in Plastic Tree's discography. With profound lyrics, a melodic chorus, and verses that flow like a river - very fitting to the overall sound of the song - it's definitely a stand out Visual Kei song all on its own since this was early Plastic Tree, when they were considered Visual Kei. Equipped with Ryutaro's signature raspy and child-like vocals, catchy riffs, and lyrical perfection (and repetition!), including coverage of Plastic Tree's typical song subjects, from the moon to melancholy and separation, 'Sink' doesn't falter. It's the ending theme within eleven endings of this lengthy one hundred and eight episodes of a series that'll take your breath away.
- by @beni

#05 凛として時雨 (ling tosite sigure) - abnormalize
from PSYCHO-PASS


There was a time when the words 'ling tosite sigure' and 'anime' wouldn't be found in the same sentence - an indie band with an incredibly insular sound and two vocalists best described as "acquired tastes" - the thought itself would have been ridiculous. Nowadays, thanks to the success of Psycho-Pass (both seasons) and Tokyo Ghoul, their name is almost synonymous with it. "abnormalize" was the band's very first foray into creating anime themes, and while the prospect of this venture may have looked daunting to fans at the time, the result was a streamlined sound that was amicable enough for anime audiences, but still uncompromisingly "ling". The band had triumphantly transplanted their sound and and it was a hit too - becoming their most successful single to date! A forward-thinking band like ling was the perfect match for Pyscho-Pass's futuristic setting.
- by @CAT5

#04 abingdon boys school - HOWLING
from DARKER THAN BLACK | 黒の契約者


Howling is hard rock with pop-sensibilities at its best. I've always been of a fan of Takanori's vocals in TM Revolution, but his music always been a bit too poppy (and dear I say cheesy?) for me. Abingdon Boys School is a push against that idea, as Takanori's beautiful vocals are juxtaposed with distorted guitar layered. Howling runs with that idea, taking a hard rock track and sprinkles in DJ scratching and other "bleep-bloops" you would expect more from Takanori's pop work. Normally this is something that doesn't work for me, but it is done so subtly that the end result is a lovely layer of textures is just a joy for the ear. The chuggy break down that transitions to a simple but soaring guitar solo really puts an asterisk on the song for me. And hey, if you don't like the song that much, you will certainly miss it when the anime switches to a An Cafe track halfway through the show.
- by @Ito

#03 cinema staff - Great Escape
from ATTACK ON TITAN | 進撃の巨人


'Shingeki no Kyojin' a.k.a 'Attack on Titan' is without a doubt one of the biggest anime hits this century, having spawned a lucratice franchise of spin-offs, video games, and even two live-action movies. Its massive hype garnered both dauntless fanatics, whom were smitten with the characters and premise, and a fair share of critics that chastised the anime for it's elusive plot and questionable pacing. But whatever you felt about the anime, most people usually agreed about one thing - the music was amazing. Whether it's the epic, Hollywood blockbuster score provided by Hiroyuki Sawano, or the anthemic cheese of Linked Horizon's 'Guren no Yumiya', there was something for everyone to love. Even Japanese-indie fans had something to rejoice in with cinema staff performing the second ending theme "Great Escape". It's a strong, driving tune that showcases the band's pop potential without compromising their indie sensibilities, It's also a song that accurately mirrors the dramatic scale of the series without sounding overblown or unconvincing.
- by @CAT5

#02 陰陽座 (Onmyou-za) - 甲賀忍法帖 (Kouga Ninpouchou)
from BASILISK | バジリスク 〜甲賀忍法帖〜


The anime BASILISK was gifted with many things; great animation for its time, an amazing story that begins and ends well, and perhaps one of the most iconic opening themes of all time. Without too many spoilers, it's basically Japanese Romeo and Juliet. Many anime fans will immediately recognize the introduction, but most have only heard 甲賀忍法帖 (Kouga Ninpouchou) in its abbreviated form. Even less would know that it is one of twelve songs labeled "Tales of The Ninja Scrolls" (or ninpouchou for short), composed as a tribute to author Futaro Yamada. In fact, BASILISK is the anime adaptation of the manga adaptation one of Yamada's earliest stories, also titled バジリスク 甲賀忍法帖 (Basilisk Kouga Ninpouchou), and he won an award for this in 2004! Thus it's only natural that a band whose lyrical material centers around traditional Japanese themes such as oni, dragons, magic, and youkai to extend their reach to ninja tales too! 陰陽座 knocked it out of the park with this one; the tone, lyrics, and theme all match up perfectly with both the anime and the original stories and it was this song which put them on the map.
I'm not so sure what's more interesting; the lore or the music...
- by @Zeus

#01 Maximum the Hormone - What's Up People
from DEATH NOTE


It was hard to deny Death Note at the height of its popularity, but when I hesitated on checking it out my friends knew me well enough to mention that I'd love the opening theme to give me that last little push. It worked! And naturally my expectations grew. Though, at that time in my limited anime vocabulary 'great opening theme' meant TM Revolution or Anna Tsuchiya rocking out some insanely catchy, energetic number. When Death Note hit the season's half way mark and "What's Up People" blasted through my speakers it was mind-blowing that music this chaotic and heavy was broadcast on such a popular series. Needless to say, I was instantly hooked on their metal-hybrid sound. While I outgrew the Death Note fandom pretty quickly after finishing the show, Maximum The Hormone remain a band I enjoy to this day. Their music continues to be unique and fresh, as well as a gateway to those exploring the alternative metal scene in Japan.
- by @doombox