beni

After three years since their last album, DIR EN GREY returns to the spotlight with the highly anticipated album ‘ARCHE.’ With a running track of an hour and twenty three minutes, it may appear overbearing at first but don’t feel intimidated. For an album with sixteen tracks in total, adding another seven tracks if you include the limited edition, there’s a lot to get through. But you won’t be joining the ride just because of the sheer hype. DIR EN GREY hasn’t disappointed. In fact, they’ve exceeded expectation, at least to me. For a band that has delivered every time, they’ve still managed to produce a beautifully balanced and highly addicting album this year.
 
What I can quickly bring up about this album is that its atmospheric factor is spot on. Not only do the album covers do this justice, but the opening track, ‘Un deux’ really pulls you in. With an engaging chorus and bridges, it’s structured beautifully with brilliant guitar and drum soloing. We definitely know we’re hearing the Dir En Grey we all know and love with this fine opening song. Coming in at track two is ‘咀嚼,’ and with a more melodious and steady tune to it as well as high and low notes from Kyo, it keeps the album going strong as well as nicely contrasting to the loud opener. It follows up wonderfully to ‘鱗,’ which is just as thrilling as the opener, if not more! The inclusion of ethereal choir singing caught my attention against the rougher tone of Kyo’s vocals and instruments. 
 
Now coming to my favourite album song, ‘Phenomenon’ really is phenomenal. It’s the kind of track which really shows off Dir En Grey’s eerie sound. Creepy and haunting, it stood out and kept me anticipating the rest of the album. Possibly the most disliked track from the album, ‘Cause of Fickleness’ might be a lengthy filler to most, but it’s a lot of fun and a rather random placement which breaks up the unnerving feel of the album. I found that quite appealing and a nice addition. ‘濤声’ brings us back to a gloomy mood, with an emotional and sorrowful delivery. Another track I’m addicted to as much as ‘Phenomenon’ the more I listen to it, it’s got a warm yet cold feel to it. In a way, I found this track mesmerising; it’s both depressing and comforting. This is actually how I felt throughout the whole album, caught between mixed emotions.
 
At seven, ‘輪郭’ is another lengthy track which is even more melodious as the engaging track ‘咀嚼.’ Kyo’s vocalisation is my favourite element of this track.  As you might have noticed, my favourite part of the whole album was definitely this section. But Dir En Grey keeps the energy with lovely contrasts in tone and style with each track. ‘Chain Repulsion’ is energetic and strong, even if it’s the shortest track of the album. ‘Midwife’ is highly enjoyable, and I especially adored those precious onslaughts of Kyo’s frantic shrieks and screams. What a track.
 
Even coming this far in, to track ten, the band continuously delivers contrasting tracks beside one another, some sounding brutal and unforgiving, while others are of a haunting beauty with a slower tempo and calmer mood. This made ‘ARCHE’ truly appealing and engaging to me. Stand out tracks from the later part of the album for me where the final three songs. ‘The Inferno’ is a super powerful number, while ‘Revelation of Mankind’ is a brilliant album closer and the single ‘Sustain the Untruth’ is one of their many songs I’ll return to many times. I found it difficult to stop the album when I had to, and it certainly kept me hungry for more as I continued listening. If you haven’t boarded the hype train yet, you’ll only be disappointed with yourself.
 

Hello! my name is Nino and I come from Italy! (^ _ ^) / I recently joined this forum and I immediately fond of! I'm a big fan of the style of Visual-Kei, I like many bands and many artists! ^^ My favorite band are the visual-kei "Phantasmagoria" I particularly like the style of Kisaki, I heard many songs of his previous band (Mirage-Syndrome) is an artist who has all my respect!
 
I do not have a favorite style in the world visual-kei, listening band read and catchy as Spiv States, until the heavy music as Nocturnal Bloodlust. I really like the style of Old School (Metis Gretel, The Pumpkin Head, Mar'derayla)
 
I listen to a lot of bands, but my favorite in particular are:
 
1) Phantasmagoria
2) Lin -the end of corruption world- (old and new)
3) Megaromania
4) Gotcharocka
5) MoNoLith
6) Kisaki Project
7) Chariots
8 ) Wing Works
9) Vidoll
10) Spiv States
11) Schwarz Stein
12) Kaya & Femme Fatale
13) Moi Dix Mois
 
etc ...
 
I could list an endless, but mostly these are my favorites
 
 
I hope to make friends with people who have my taste!

After three years since their last album, DIR EN GREY returns to the spotlight with the highly anticipated album ‘ARCHE.’ With a running track of an hour and twenty three minutes, it may appear overbearing at first but don’t feel intimidated. For an album with sixteen tracks in total, adding another seven tracks if you include the limited edition, there’s a lot to get through. But you won’t be joining the ride just because of the sheer hype. DIR EN GREY hasn’t disappointed. In fact, they’ve exceeded expectation, at least to me. For a band that has delivered every time, they’ve still managed to produce a beautifully balanced and highly addicting album this year.
 
What I can quickly bring up about this album is that its atmospheric factor is spot on. Not only do the album covers do this justice, but the opening track, ‘Un deux’ really pulls you in. With an engaging chorus and bridges, it’s structured beautifully with brilliant guitar and drum soloing. We definitely know we’re hearing the Dir En Grey we all know and love with this fine opening song. Coming in at track two is ‘咀嚼,’ and with a more melodious and steady tune to it as well as high and low notes from Kyo, it keeps the album going strong as well as nicely contrasting to the loud opener. It follows up wonderfully to ‘鱗,’ which is just as thrilling as the opener, if not more! The inclusion of ethereal choir singing caught my attention against the rougher tone of Kyo’s vocals and instruments. 
 
Now coming to my favourite album song, ‘Phenomenon’ really is phenomenal. It’s the kind of track which really shows off Dir En Grey’s eerie sound. Creepy and haunting, it stood out and kept me anticipating the rest of the album. Possibly the most disliked track from the album, ‘Cause of Fickleness’ might be a lengthy filler to most, but it’s a lot of fun and a rather random placement which breaks up the unnerving feel of the album. I found that quite appealing and a nice addition. ‘濤声’ brings us back to a gloomy mood, with an emotional and sorrowful delivery. Another track I’m addicted to as much as ‘Phenomenon’ the more I listen to it, it’s got a warm yet cold feel to it. In a way, I found this track mesmerising; it’s both depressing and comforting. This is actually how I felt throughout the whole album, caught between mixed emotions.
 
At seven, ‘輪郭’ is another lengthy track which is even more melodious as the engaging track ‘咀嚼.’ Kyo’s vocalisation is my favourite element of this track.  As you might have noticed, my favourite part of the whole album was definitely this section. But Dir En Grey keeps the energy with lovely contrasts in tone and style with each track. ‘Chain Repulsion’ is energetic and strong, even if it’s the shortest track of the album. ‘Midwife’ is highly enjoyable, and I especially adored those precious onslaughts of Kyo’s frantic shrieks and screams. What a track.
 
Even coming this far in, to track ten, the band continuously delivers contrasting tracks beside one another, some sounding brutal and unforgiving, while others are of a haunting beauty with a slower tempo and calmer mood. This made ‘ARCHE’ truly appealing and engaging to me. Stand out tracks from the later part of the album for me where the final three songs. ‘The Inferno’ is a super powerful number, while ‘Revelation of Mankind’ is a brilliant album closer and the single ‘Sustain the Untruth’ is one of their many songs I’ll return to many times. I found it difficult to stop the album when I had to, and it certainly kept me hungry for more as I continued listening. If you haven’t boarded the hype train yet, you’ll only be disappointed with yourself.
 

After three years since their last album, DIR EN GREY returns to the spotlight with the highly anticipated album ‘ARCHE.’ With a running track of an hour and twenty three minutes, it may appear overbearing at first but don’t feel intimidated. For an album with sixteen tracks in total, adding another seven tracks if you include the limited edition, there’s a lot to get through. But you won’t be joining the ride just because of the sheer hype. DIR EN GREY hasn’t disappointed. In fact, they’ve exceeded expectation, at least to me. For a band that has delivered every time, they’ve still managed to produce a beautifully balanced and highly addicting album this year.
 
What I can quickly bring up about this album is that its atmospheric factor is spot on. Not only do the album covers do this justice, but the opening track, ‘Un deux’ really pulls you in. With an engaging chorus and bridges, it’s structured beautifully with brilliant guitar and drum soloing. We definitely know we’re hearing the Dir En Grey we all know and love with this fine opening song. Coming in at track two is ‘咀嚼,’ and with a more melodious and steady tune to it as well as high and low notes from Kyo, it keeps the album going strong as well as nicely contrasting to the loud opener. It follows up wonderfully to ‘鱗,’ which is just as thrilling as the opener, if not more! The inclusion of ethereal choir singing caught my attention against the rougher tone of Kyo’s vocals and instruments. 
 
Now coming to my favourite album song, ‘Phenomenon’ really is phenomenal. It’s the kind of track which really shows off Dir En Grey’s eerie sound. Creepy and haunting, it stood out and kept me anticipating the rest of the album. Possibly the most disliked track from the album, ‘Cause of Fickleness’ might be a lengthy filler to most, but it’s a lot of fun and a rather random placement which breaks up the unnerving feel of the album. I found that quite appealing and a nice addition. ‘濤声’ brings us back to a gloomy mood, with an emotional and sorrowful delivery. Another track I’m addicted to as much as ‘Phenomenon’ the more I listen to it, it’s got a warm yet cold feel to it. In a way, I found this track mesmerising; it’s both depressing and comforting. This is actually how I felt throughout the whole album, caught between mixed emotions.
 
At seven, ‘輪郭’ is another lengthy track which is even more melodious as the engaging track ‘咀嚼.’ Kyo’s vocalisation is my favourite element of this track.  As you might have noticed, my favourite part of the whole album was definitely this section. But Dir En Grey keeps the energy with lovely contrasts in tone and style with each track. ‘Chain Repulsion’ is energetic and strong, even if it’s the shortest track of the album. ‘Midwife’ is highly enjoyable, and I especially adored those precious onslaughts of Kyo’s frantic shrieks and screams. What a track.
 
Even coming this far in, to track ten, the band continuously delivers contrasting tracks beside one another, some sounding brutal and unforgiving, while others are of a haunting beauty with a slower tempo and calmer mood. This made ‘ARCHE’ truly appealing and engaging to me. Stand out tracks from the later part of the album for me where the final three songs. ‘The Inferno’ is a super powerful number, while ‘Revelation of Mankind’ is a brilliant album closer and the single ‘Sustain the Untruth’ is one of their many songs I’ll return to many times. I found it difficult to stop the album when I had to, and it certainly kept me hungry for more as I continued listening. If you haven’t boarded the hype train yet, you’ll only be disappointed with yourself.
 

MERRY SERVING JIHADI-KEI REALNESS
 

You're not alone in forgetting mate! But I'm glad you got the time to try them out and even enjoyed them.
About the 'small doses' part, I said that as in it's a pretty lengthy 2 albums to listen to, making it a lot to take in if you're listening to it without pausing, at one fell swoop. I, personally, prefer listening to such heavy bands in parts so that a lot of the similarities I might hear aren't so obvious. Such as their first album became a bit tiring as I said above. That's probably not what Jig-san was saying, I guess.
And there's no such thing as 'immature taste.' xD Just the way we prefer when listening to them.

xD YOU CAN DO IT KYO!! < 3 We believe in you~ Seriously though, I know it's tough but just thinks of all the pros!
... I know, there's more cons. xD Just joking, just go out and enjoy as best you can. And even though people can do that, probably do that to us all at times. What's important is those which don't, those you'll meet then and there for the first time, right? Ignore those you find too difficult to socialise with, it helps a lot, it really does. Also would like to note, if I can go out, anyone can. xD Just give them what for and be positive! 
 
 
Have one from waifu to make up for it? < 3

Glad you managed to get on here! Many thanks to our God here. And good for you stepping up on here to the 'introductory thread', it's awesome to meet you.
 
So, helloo~ I hope you enjoy your time here!
We'd all love to get to know you a bit, if you're up for that of course! So, any favourite bands? Hobbies and interests? ^^

xD YOU CAN DO IT KYO!! < 3 We believe in you~ Seriously though, I know it's tough but just thinks of all the pros!
... I know, there's more cons. xD Just joking, just go out and enjoy as best you can. And even though people can do that, probably do that to us all at times. What's important is those which don't, those you'll meet then and there for the first time, right? Ignore those you find too difficult to socialise with, it helps a lot, it really does. Also would like to note, if I can go out, anyone can. xD Just give them what for and be positive! 
 
 
Have one from waifu to make up for it? < 3

I need to go out...to civilization...I don't wanna.  People make me nervous.

I wish I could give myself a like

I'm surprised they're asking for money. I mean, is anyone actually buying them!?
But DAMN, I NEED THAT OWL ONE. < 3
 
 
+1 to this.
 
Edit: Also wanted to check, the xmas plug is still coming up right?

No ice princess pony?

Day 18 - jizue - Shiori

Release Date: 2014-08-06
Label: bud music, inc.
Genre: Post Rock/Jazz/Instrumental
Impressions from @Zeus:

  Impressions by @Original Saku:

  Sample song:

Buy the album:
CDJapan | iTunes | Amazon

^ The best kind of drug. 

^ The best kind of drug. 

I wanna listen to a different song but lycaon shadow keeps popping up in my head x__x what is happening to me... and of course I play it over and over and over... that song is a drug that's what it is!

The winter plug avatars are here and they look a mess. What's even worse is that plug wants ppl to pay actual money to use these ugly things. lol....plug, U FUNNY.
 

Not one to shy away from releasing albums, it's been really unusual to not have heard a full LP from D in over three years. The years have seen a staggering nine singles, three best albums, and two EPs from the boys which is quite the achievement. Being that there were so many singles, when Kingdom was announced I became worried that the album would be primarily pre-released singles. I was very pleasantly surprised when only four singles made the album and D gave us a whopping 11 brand new tracks. 
 
In a world where bands begin albums with 30-second instrumental introductions, D starts their 7th studio album with "Blood Moon," a visual kei spectacular. This song really captures the overall theme of the album and sets the tone for what to expect throughout: big choruses and big melodies. The song uses a liberal amount of a synth that sounds like it's trying to be a violin, but doesn't sound bad. In fact, this aspect of the song is what proves it's overall 'Visual Kei'-ness, if you will.  "Dark Wings," admittedly, was not my favorite song released prior to Kingdom but in the context of the album it makes sense. While the intro to the song lacks anything special, the chorus is huge and leads into a second verse that makes you forget about the lackluster intro. Possibly the most interesting song on the album is "Mother Doll" which has some of the best guitar work in D's career and one of Asagi's best vocal performances in recent years. The song begins with some pretty intricate metal guitar riffs and works its way through deep verses leading up to a catchy and powerful chorus.    "Tsuki no Sakazuki" was my personal favorite single released for Kingdom. It was the total package, from the catchy German hook to the chorus which really reminded me of older D songs (and how good were those b-sides, though, I mean really). "Tsuki no Sakazuki" gives way, however, to another one of my favorite songs: "Chi ni Nureta Ikkaku," which shows in 4 minutes and 41 seconds exactly why Hiroki is one of the best drummers around. What we've seen so far on Kingdom primarily is Asagi's supreme vocal ability and how well he works with the band as a whole. "Chi ni Nureta Ikkaku" is really driven by the drums in particular which is pretty atypical of D's usual style which focuses on big band compositions rather than focusing on one instrument over another. The third single choice for Kingdom is "Danzai no Juushi (Gunner)," a song that was lackluster on it's very own  release a la "Dark Wings," but comes into it's own in the context of the full album. In fact, it actually ends up standing out quite well with it's extremely-catchy chorus and harsh vocals which, when used as sparingly as on this song, are a real asset instead of a detriment.    "Secret Hangar" is the heaviest song on the album. Using a lot of rhythm in both guitar and drums instead of focusing on big guitar solos and powerful choruses. It's a nice change from the general pace of the album being so dramatic to change direction and now have a song that's really made for cutting loose and losing yourself in a song. "Anökumene" is an interesting anomaly in and of the fact it's less than three minutes in length and entirely instrumental. The song's overall purpose is apparently to break up different segments of the album, but doesn't exactly stand up as it's own number. Nothing about the song is particularly impressive, and I mean that not out of a sense of negativity, but just in the fact it left no impression on me. "En'ou no Koshikake" is definitely on the heavier side and sticks out in my mind in particular because of it's Arabic influence. One of the things I've learned about D after being a fan of them for so, so long is that they never shy away from using musical styles of other cultures in their songs and their continuous use of the Arabic style is one of their most unique characteristics and "En'ou no Koshikake" really drives that point home.    Following in the same vein as it's predecessor, "Kaze ni Totsuita Bailaora" is very influenced by another country. This time, that country is Spain. The song certainly has a nice beat and melody, but fails to stand out as it's own song. The best part, in fact, is the Spanish guitar in the beginning. "Binetsu ~Ame no Fantasia~" is a song on which D made some interesting production choices. It begins with the sound of rain and Asagi singing through a vocal filter of some kind. As the song progresses, it becomes heavier and utilizes harsh vocals more and more before switching gears completely mid-song for the chorus and then returning to the heaviness and harsh vocals. Overall the song feels like the song was initially supposed to be a few other songs and they picked the best parts of those songs to turn into one full song and they called it "Binetsu ~Ame no Fantasia~." This is then followed up with the other instrumental song, "Another Kingdom" which I'm fairly certain is just "Anökumene" with a different title if I'm being totally honest. Again, the song leaves no lasting impression on me.   The absolute climax of the album comes in on "Kurobara no Kishi", which brings us back to the style of song on the first segment of the album. Once again, D shows us how to effectively use the pseudo-choir as a bridge and properly scream a hook. The song goes on for 5 minutes and 15 seconds without losing intensity or interest. The fourth single choice for Kingdom is "Rosenstrauss", a song that is really more pop/rock than anything. After the acoustic piano intro, the song kicks up the pace in a big way creating an extremely exciting environment. Finally, the album closes out with the absolutely massive power ballad "Shuuen ~Sora he no Kaiki~." Not only does this song sufficiently some up the story of Kingdom but it feels like it's the goodbye D fans deserve after such a long and magnificent career. Additionally, the music video for this song is epic in every sense of the word. They spared no expense on the production value and costumes, that's for certain. This particular song inspires a sense of hope rather than finality. As we know, D is going on a hiatus for a while rather than disbanding altogether. The message of "Shuuen" overall, I think, is hope and promise for the future.   Overall, I would highly recommend D's "farewell" album Kingdom.  If there's one thing D does better than any visual rock band, it's putting together a cohesive theme album. Every song on Kingdom makes sense in the overall context without getting boring or repetitive. In fact, I may even dare to say this is their best album to date.     
Please support this artist by buying the album here from our friends over at CDJapan   This was my review published over on VKH, you can view the original article here: http://www.visualkeiheaven.us/2014/12/review-d-kingdom.html#more t

^ What I was going to reply with, yep. If you do try them, do enjoy Cat. ^^
 
And Ito, I totally agree on the art cover!

Mom look how great I am today! No... NO MOM. I'm not gay mom I beg you.. stop it... pls...

Two pictures this time!

benibana thanks alot for mentioning BEG, abracadabra is so addictive, they have the best hip rocking. were they first to do it?

MEJIBRAY had originally caught my attention because of their eccentric and attractive Visual Kei image. I feel their second album captures their style almost to a t. Being one of many indie Visual Kei bands on the scene with such massive adoration from a healthy fanbase, the anticipated album doesn’t fail in delivering the juicy goodness of MEJIBRAY’s sound we all know and love. Compared to their first album, it flows a lot better, with a preferred track placement this time. Chocked full of brilliant singles and new songs, the album is a thrilling ride right from the get-go.
 
The opener, “IDEA,” has a futuristic and eerie feel to it, thanks to an electro current going high and low in pitch. It’s a quick and fitting welcome to THE “420” THEATRICAL ROSES, and this is again delivered by the suitable, instrumental closing track “COPERNICUS.” We get right into the flow of the album with their newest released single “シアトリカル・ブルーブラック AI Ver.” which further offers a new sound to the album, making this release even more refreshing as these ‘AI Ver.’s are altered ever so slightly. “シアトリカル・ブルーブラック” was already a personal favourite of mine when it was released. The song, much like any Visual Kei single, follows an expected pattern. This can obviously be an issue for long time Visual Kei fans, but MEJIBRAY hits the nail on the head with this particular track. The chunky guitar and crazy drumming is super energetic and addicting. Tsuzuku’s vocals offer us what we’ve always received from him; a mix of clear singing, screeches, growls and screams. And let’s not forget how well MiA really works that guitar of his in his solo parts!
 
“DiefiL” is up next and is a very enjoyable track even after such a excellent single backing it up beforehand. Like track three, “Hungry Psychopath” doesn’t slow down the energy, actually sounding more melodious than previous songs. Its repeated guitar chunking after the chorus is highlighted wonderfully before leading into the chorus which is ever so harmonious due to the swift change in tune. Tsuzuku’s higher pitched vocalisation is something to treasure in this track.
The album seems to keep stepping up after every track for now, next with “Mr.レインは死んだふり.” The song falls and then rises to intense heights as Tsuzuku’s vocals alone accompanied by piano which continues to play along with the band into the chorus. Another ‘AI Ver.’ follows, this time of ‘RAVEN.’ Nothing can beat MEJIBRAY’s singles in my book and ‘RAVEN’ certainly doesn’t miss the mark. Dramatic and smooth, the chorus is even more pleasing to the ear compared to the highly enjoyable “DiefiL.” The steady and gripping pace of this single definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.
 
Following tracks “埋葬虫” and “Contagion” continue to deliver the punches without exhausting the album. I particularly enjoyed “Contagion,” which takes on a slower tempo against the first load of rough tracks but still keeps Tsuzuku’s signature vocalisations in. It’s actually quite pleasant. Following in the ‘pleasant’ description, ballad “Echo” comes next. It’s unfortunate this album promoted track is the one ballad in the album, but already a problem might be spotted by a few listeners. At over six minutes long, it’s a lengthy track in an already packed album. But even if it looks unappealing, you better give it a chance. My view on MEJIBRAY’s ballads is that it’s the best produced songs of theirs. Tsuzuku’s voice is fitting to such a song and the instrumentals definitely compliment and drive this along, making it an emotional and smoothly delivered performance.
 
Now, after nine tracks in, the album seems to exhaust considerably due to its big running time. This becomes increasingly obvious after this song as every other tune follows a similar formula to all the other previous, first half high energy songs, no longer sounding individual. As a massive fan, it’s disappointing to admit. Even though we've waited a while for a full-length album, it may be a bit too much. So, while every track packs a punch, the album itself may fail keeping listeners gripped from start to end, not managing to impress newcomers or even long time listeners. But this album is a definite step up from their first. I look forward to the band progressing further and finding their place and sound in the scene before being seen as unoriginal or uninspiring. With an eye catching album cover and beautiful detail to attire and music delivery, you've gotta give these guys some credit at least. Step up lads and prove to us all your worth!