togz

Would you call this a.... mug shot

Would you call this a.... mug shot

hello, it me?
 
 

I hardly know you. It's been a few days. But every time my phone lights up... I hope it's you. 

hello, it me?
 
 

hello, it me?
 
 

hello, it me?
 
 

hello, it me?
 
 

hello, it me?
 
 

hello, it me?
 
 

Yeah I'm a man. Many people here know who I am but have never seen a full face photo of me so yeah.
 
 

In all honesty I haven't used the voice chat much, so I can't really comment on that, but the text chat is excellent and leagues beyond what we've been using here on the forums.
 

Musically needs polishing but I agree vocals have extreme potential just from the intro alone

A quick google translate was actually intelligible for once.

I don't know if this can help, but MEKU post about his guitar demonstration a while ago
 
 
please if someone know the music lol it is very different from GALEYD

I was really curious about the musical direction when this line-up was announced. I'm very familiar with 4 of their members (Kouryuu, Tetsuya, Ryoga, and Tsurugi). After finally hearing this release I can safely say elements from each musician really shine in this group. Tetsuya (ex. SKULL, ex. MBHI and ex. support for Igaguri Chiba) is more than just a drummer. He's responsible for most of the instrumental compositions for SKULL so I've come to recognize his musical phrasing and production (though I'm not sure how much production plays in this). Tsurugi ( Sadie) offers more melodic guitar leads that aren't too heavy (which worked best with stuff like ice romancer and swallow rain from Sadie. Ryoga I'm familiar with but I was never really in to Born. However, his strategies on vocal phrasing is very similar though it seems he's developed a slightly different approach. The resemblance is still there. Then we get our heavier chugga-chugs that come from Kouryuu (ex. Keith, ex. Dopes, ex. MBHI). I've known of him for some time and i don't even know his full past band list but I knew him the most from MBHI. The song I think that displays all of that properly and in a tasteful manner is "Primary". I think the slower song "Missing Piece" is their weakest song and feels out of place. My favorite song is "埋葬 (maisou)" because it sounds intense and like it'd be a shit ton of fun live. If I'm not mistaken, Ryoga posted on twitter about filming a video so I'm assuming they'll announce another release soon!
 
I'm really looking forward to following these guys and I'm really glad to see Tetsuya still involved in the scene. He went off the radar somewhat after SKULL aside from doing stuff for Chiba... let's not lose him again. lol. 
 
Great review @Zeus!

Their new album will be released on 2017.03.22 ! It will include 16 songs. 
 
 
 
 
 
Limited edition DVD  : 4000 yens + taxes
CD :
「オキノタユウ」
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」
「起死回生」
「ミ・ラ・イ」
「Strong Fate」
「浮世heavy life」
「流星」
「蛍火」
「空の極み」
「鳥のように」
「望月」
「ワタシ・至上主義」
「CLEAN」
「Howling」
「MOON SHINE」
+ bonus 「チルドレンレコード」
DVD :
「オキノタユウ」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方にむけて」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Strong Fate」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「起死回生」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「オキノタユウ」（MAKING）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」（MAKING）
 
Limited edition Blu-Ray : 4800 yens + taxes
CD :
「オキノタユウ」
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」
「起死回生」
「ミ・ラ・イ」
「Strong Fate」
「浮世heavy life」
「流星」
「蛍火」
「空の極み」
「鳥のように」
「望月」
「ワタシ・至上主義」
「CLEAN」
「Howling」
「MOON SHINE」
+ bonus 「チルドレンレコード」
Blu-Ray :
「オキノタユウ」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方にむけて」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Strong Fate」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「起死回生」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「オキノタユウ」（MAKING）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」（MAKING）
 
 
 
Limited edition DVD  : 4000 yens + taxes
CD :
「オキノタユウ」
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」
「起死回生」
「ミ・ラ・イ」
「Strong Fate」
「浮世heavy life」
「流星」
「蛍火」
「空の極み」
「鳥のように」
「望月」
「ワタシ・至上主義」
「CLEAN」
「Howling」
「MOON SHINE」
+ bonus 「チルドレンレコード」
DVD :
01. Live from 2016.06.25-26 「日光東照宮御鎮座四百年記念 単独公演」
 
Limited edition Blu-Ray : 4800 yens + taxes
CD :
「オキノタユウ」
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」
「起死回生」
「ミ・ラ・イ」
「Strong Fate」
「浮世heavy life」
「流星」
「蛍火」
「空の極み」
「鳥のように」
「望月」
「ワタシ・至上主義」
「CLEAN」
「Howling」
「MOON SHINE」
+ bonus 「チルドレンレコード」
DVD :
01. Live from 2016.06.25-26 「日光東照宮御鎮座四百年記念 単独公演」
 
Regular edition : 2800 yens + taxes
CD :
「オキノタユウ」
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」
「起死回生」
「ミ・ラ・イ」
「Strong Fate」
「浮世heavy life」
「流星」
「蛍火」
「空の極み」
「鳥のように」
「望月」
「ワタシ・至上主義」
「CLEAN」
「Howling」
「MOON SHINE」
+ bonus 「チルドレンレコード」
 
There will be a special edition which will only be buyable at Mu-Mo shops and for their fan-club. It will include a deluxe booklet and it will come in a "gorgeous box" .
 
CD 1 :
オキノタユウ」
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」
「起死回生」
「ミ・ラ・イ」
「Strong Fate」
「浮世heavy life」
「流星」
「蛍火」
「空の極み」
「鳥のように」
「望月」
「ワタシ・至上主義」
「CLEAN」
「Howling」
「MOON SHINE」
「チルドレンレコード」
 
CD 2 :
「戦-ikusa-」（Instrumental)
「星月夜」（Instrumental)
「Perfect Blue」（Instrumental)
「追憶」（Instrumental)
「鋼-HAGANE-」（Instrumental)
「風鈴の唄うたい」（Instrumental)
「華火（Instrumental)
「郷愁の空」（Instrumental)
「暁ノ糸」（Instrumental)
「白斑」（Instrumental)
「なでしこ桜」（Instrumental)
「反撃の刃」（Instrumental)
「千本桜」（Instrumental)
「華振舞」（Instrumental)
 
DVD 1 : 
「オキノタユウ」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方にむけて」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Strong Fate」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「起死回生」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「オキノタユウ」（MAKING）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」（MAKING）
 
DVD 2 :
Live from 2016.06.25-26 「日光東照宮御鎮座四百年記念 単独公演」
 
Blu-Ray  1 :
「オキノタユウ」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方にむけて」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Valkyrie-戦乙女-」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「Strong Fate」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「起死回生」（MUSIC VIDEO）
「オキノタユウ」（MAKING）
「雪よ舞い散れ其方に向けて」（MAKING）
 
Blu-Ray 2 : 
Live from 2016.06.25-26 「日光東照宮御鎮座四百年記念 単独公演」
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New song by A Ghost of Flare "Ignite", There's a download link in the description of the Youtube video (and right here)
 
 

Day 14: Hologram by Abstracts

 
Release Date: 2016-03-09
Label: GO WITH ME RECORDS
Genre: Metalcore
 
 
Impressions from @doombox:
 
 
 
Impressions from @togz:
 
 
 
Impressions from @Ito:
 
 
Sample song:
 
Buy the album:
CD Japan | iTunes | Spotify | Amazon

it still is to me, i mean they were practically waiting for Umebo to come back from Europe to bust him for having pot at home while his known buddy is in holding for reasons unknown and unannounced by the media? i mean the media got to Umebo's case before HNIB could even make a statement. call me Alex Jones but it's all suspicious as shit lmao

Day 7: Karma no Kusari by Kiki Hitomi

 
Release Date: 2016-08-26
Label:  Jahtari 
Genre: Reggae/Dub/Electronic
 
 
Impressions from @ghost
 
 
 
Sample song:
 
Buy the album:
Jahtari | Amazon | iTunes | Spotify | Google Play

Aha

thanks jig, happy you enjoyed it as much as i did! can't wait to see your eoty lists this coming december, no pressure wink WINK!
 
heh i cut toshabutsu and moved it here for that purpose specifically. killing two birds with one stone ^>^ i was long overdue for a review so i combined an old draft of zouki and a mini review on toshabutsu. and im with you on the bass, its soooo kickass when its up on max in your ears and you're walking down the street and brandish a knife from your red backpack, and go onto find some innocent schoolgirl, corner her into a fast food restaurant and go poke poke and then write a song about it (hopefully not).  thank you, and you'll see some more in the future ^>^
 
U BETTER. I SAID SO.
 
thank you! im surprised y'all drop memento mori so much, they aren't all that notable a name for me. you really seem to love name dropping angura kei whenever the situation even vaguely calls for it, hehe. they could be a more creative band, its not so much the constraints of the genre, rather the choices of the musicians. that said, i hope they show some more flexibility in their sound with coming releases, and go back to the more diverse sound of their earlier works.
 
thank you! i don't compare memento mori with kuroyuri as they're entirely different bands, different members, sound, concept, etc. interesting opinion though!
 
thank you for the kind words! you'll see a lot more of my blurbs come december (aka now, LOL).

Awwwwwwwwwwwww yeah, it's that time again! What time? Time to recommend a fresh batch of new tracks!  
November may not have been the busiest month of the year, but boy do we have some sexy tunes in store for you!  A big thanks to our guest contributors this month: @Delkmiroph, @Ada Suilen, and @Lestat!  As usual, we apologize if some videos aren't available due to region restrictions. I hope your bodies (and ears) are ready for some new tunes!
 
 

 
@Zeus' Picks
 
"浮融 / fuyuu" by 有村竜太朗 (Ryutaro Arimura)

"浮融 / fuyuu" is my track of the month for November 2016, accompanied by a shift in the seasons that compliments the song when I'm out for long walks. The release of デも / demo snuck up on me; I hold Arimura in high respect for all his work with Plastic Tree despite my dislike for most of their output, but I had not heard of this until it appeared in my recommendations queue. I got what I expected - a gloomy exploration in alternative rock - but there's more here. Plastic Tree never clicked for me, but "浮融 / fuyuu" birthed a new appreciation for his unique musical talents. It's a simple, distorted set of guitar chords that forms the backbone of this emotional roller coaster, and it complements Ryutaro's vocals like a duet between two flirtatious lovers in the heat of an affair. To start the album off proper with a seven minute epic speaks to the confidence and strength of "浮融 / fuyuu". It doesn't revel in complexity or tease with build up for a predictable explosion of emotion. It's a very straightforward, melancholic, and powerful song. Definitely check this out!
 
 
@emmny's Picks
 
"雨音" (Amaoto) by emmureé

 
The rain sound resonates along with the ringing of a guitar string
Not so much ringing, rather droning in its distortion
The clouds roar once more, and spill forth the rain
While a kind voice speaks from above
The kind rain sound
Fills your ears
Simultaneously a screech
And a pitter-patter
The rain which cleansed your hands
Now becomes snow
And you'll sit, looking at the sky
Waiting for the rain sound to fill your ears again
 
 
@fitear1590's Picks
 
"アシンメトリ (asymmetry)" by ねごと (NEGOTO)

NEGOTO are long-time faves, but their 2015 album VISION did not impress. As they took a year and a half off from releases, I anxiously awaited their comeback in November 2016 with アシンメトリ (asymmetry) e.p. The eponymous track sounds like a glorious return to form.  The band has always had a synth pop flair, but this time around, they go for a lush electronic sound.  "Asymmetry" also features a colorful concept PV meant to be played across two smartphone screens; this is similar to THE NOVEMBERS's "きれいな海へ (kireina umi e). This is the first step back in the right direction for NEGOTO and I'm curious to see where they go from here!  
"ふとん史 (futonshi)" by メガマソ (Megamasso)

Fresh out of their hiatus, Megamasso hit the ground running with a double A-side single. "Futonshi" is a fun game of 'spot the VK trope,' forging a hodgepodge of so many of the scene's signatures: a paradoxically royal and cheap string arrangement, an emphasis on melodic guitar riffs that sound like half neo-classical/half video game BGM, traditional Japanese chord progressions, an out-of-the-blue refrain, and very trendy (trebly) synthwork. It's not the most original track, but it sure is catchy as hell (this is Megamasso, of course) and all three members seem to be in top form. Welcome back, guys!  
 
@doombox's Picks
 
"Kaiju" by [Alexandros]

It's not too often we get to see the aggressive side of [Alexandros] break from their snarky, sarcastic lyrical style to come across quite this straightforward. "Kaiju" is a funky, slightly grungey, yet fierce take on a sentiment that is relatable to many of us feeling stuck or stagnant in our current circumstances. None of the instrumentation is particularly technical or ground-breaking, but the open arrangement allows the chorus to come in like a punch to the face and the message of the track to take the spotlight. Who wouldn't want to 'rawr' like a big shot kaiju, right? 
 
"Omega" by Crystal Lake

It's been a hot minute since a Crystal Lake release hit me the way old releases used to, in the same vein their Dimension and Into The Great Beyond albums did. And though Ryo's vocal style and Gaku's drums are still very much what help make current Crystal Lake the metalcore monster that they are, the depth and emotional tone of "Omega" is a total throwback to the old days. It's definitely one of their first tracks in a long time I'd recommend to those who may have taken a step back for the last couple of years. Though, judging from the rest of True North, it may very well be the final shred of this style they had in them. So enjoy it while you can.
 
 
"RED ZONE" by RAZOR

Yet another new 'super-band' has arrived! RAZOR made a pretty explosive entrance onto the scene with their "RED ZONE" preview this month. My anticipation for the full mini album release is extremely high as the band is full of familiar faces from BORN, Sadie, and MY BACTERIA HEAT IsLAND. And "RED ZONE" has not disappointed me since the more I hear it, the more I genuinely love it. The chorus is catchy and melodic, the verses rip, and everything about the musicianship is as solid as one would expect from these veterans. It's also worth mentioning that they look positively awesome. So if you haven't had the chance to hear them out yet, now is the perfect time.
 
 
@beni's Picks
 
"MonSter" by ZYUN.

ZYUN. is a new artist on the block who just debuted this May with a previous mini-album. What first stood out to me was the artistry of the MV, and the fact that I was positive ZYUN. was a woman. Turns out she is in fact a he, who was already famous before his debut as a fashion designer and concert promoter.  Props to him for single-handedly working his own magic into his music as the producer of the outfit designs, music videos, photo concepts and cover/booklet images. The imperfection of his vocal control is so appealing even when he's stretching his voice too much. It makes for this ballad to stand out and catch the listener's attention. This is one new artist I'll be keeping an eye on from now on, and I think you should too.
 
"シューティングスター (Shooting Star)" by Half time Old

Boy band? Tick. Nasally high pitched vocals? Tick. "Shooting Star" sung in Engrish to kick start the chorus? Tick. There's so much to enjoy with this one. From the super rocking instrumental segments to the instantly memorable and groovy chorus, Half time Old prove they're a force to be reckoned with. It may be typical J-rock infused pop, but you have to admit when it's a hell of a good one. Its theme is astronauts and space. Now tell me how you could not fall in love with the out of this world tune?
 
"まほうのカギを手に入れたら/むすびズム (Mahou no Kagi wo Te ni Iretara)" by musubizm

This infectious tune is my favorite discovery of this month, without any contest. I've had in on repeat ever since I stumbled on it, and let me tell you why. Even though musubizm is tooth achingly pure idol through and through, the sound is clearly rock. It reminds me of all female bands like SCANDAL, especially with one particular singer with an especially nasally voice just like SCANDAL's Tomomi. Who my favourite is in that band is obvious due to that individual trait, so you can tell who my bias is with musubizm already. It's yet another reason why this song kicks butt! So even though it's idol, don't let that put you off. As is often the case with idol groups, each female's voice is distinctive and the group vocals always sounds amazing, like listening to another unit of Macross Δ's Walküre. I'm impressed and excited for more to come.
 
"khaki circle" by SWIM SWEET UNDER SHALLOW

SWIM SWEET UNDER SHALLOW is a name I've known for a while now, but have never felt anything towards them. With their fourth album now out, in which they give the option of paying or nabbing it for free over at their website, this is the leading track to the release. And I sure am glad I gave them another chance. Their sound reminds me of PLASTIC GIRL IN CLOSET mixed with Swinging Popsicle. It has that shoegaze-y edge, but mostly very much indie, both musically and vocally. And I love that about them. Plus it's a male and female duo, both on vocals. You know I'm sold on that magic combination. "khaki circle" is simply divine, with a soothing and romantic lullaby structure and sound, yet also engaging enough to not be a bore.
 
"生花 (Seika)" by ATOLS feat.YURiCa/花たん (hanatan)

No words can describe the perfection of this track. Theatrical and atmospheric is just a basic description of it. Our @CAT5 had directed me to this tune, and it instantly clicked for me as well. ATOLS, a Vocaloid producer unit, was a new name to me but YURiCa is nothing new, as she is easily one of the few Utaite (cover singer on Nico Nico Douga & YouTube) singers I completely adore. This song uses her powerful and absolutely stunning voice that beats plenty of major/famous artists' vocals to make quite the impact. You know it's YURiCa, but I've never heard her touch music as massive as this before. She sure better keep it up. It has an anison feel to it, but on such a grand scale, it leaves a lasting impression and makes for an instant jam. "Seika" doesn't shy away from being pounding and in your face with its electronic sound, and with YURiCa's signature beautiful voice, amazing vocal range and vibrato, you know it's a match made in heaven. As a YouTube comment simply put, it's "overwhelmingly perfect".
 
 
@togz's Picks
 
"Taking Off" by ONE OK ROCK

Looks like ONE OK ROCK are taking off with another musical direction change. Their new track "Taking Off" was released recently as a teaser for their upcoming album Ambitions which will be obtainable in January. While the song still sounds authentic to OOR's style, it's fresh and offers a lot of vocal variation. The instrumentals aren't very complex but they help power up the chorus melody. It's catchy, memorable, and overall a fun a listen.
 
"Six Feet Under" by Crystal Lake

Before "Six Feet Under", Crystal Lake released their music video for "Omega" which offered more dynamics. With only two minutes and seventeen seconds to listen to, this track gets straight to the point. It's a completely different vibe than "Omega" and gets me even more excited for their album release on November 30th. "Six Feet Under" is a real head banger with its chaotic guitar riffs, the lowest of growls, and heavy double bass work. Both of these songs will be available on True North.
 
"倒錯症レジスタンス(tousakushou resistance)" by DIAURA

I've personally only heard of DIAURA's earlier works and haven't followed them in some time, but when I heard this song I was instantly interested again. The vibe in this song really brings me back to when I first heard them because I feel the vocals and instruments work well together to create a heavy, upbeat, but melodic environment. Definitely a band I'll be paying attention to again.
 
"WOLFMAN" by コドモドラゴン (Codomo Dragon)

 
コドモドラゴン (Codomo Dragon) is another act that I used to follow but stopped somewhere along the way, but this track brought me back. It starts off with a distanced drum and funky bass line. It's a cross between punk and funk that leads in to a really good vocal line. But funk and punk isn't all that's offered in this song. There's very quick guitar work but also some heavy riffs. The chorus is an interesting key change as well. I've got my eyes and ears on you コドモドラゴン.
 
"色眼鏡 色彩皆無 (iromegane shikisai kaimu)" by ラッコ ( LACK-CO.)

If anyone knows me at all, they'll know I'm forever Tenten biased. Naturally I hopped on the ラッコ ( LACK-CO.) bandwagon as soon as this video was released. Aside from Tenten's unique vocals, the music is also technical in some places. From this song alone, this new unit is a good combination between My BACTERIA HEAT IsLAND and KuRt if you keep Tenten's vocals in mind. I'm really excited to hear more from this group, but most of all excited to see some of these members still active in the music scene. 
 
 
@CAT5's Picks
 
"ビハインド (behind)" by cinema staff

It's been a mere six months since cinema staff's latest full length album eve, and they're already back with a Triple A-side release titled the Vektor EP. While eve was an exemplary exercise in the band's trademark indie-styled pop-rock, Mizuki and the gang seem to be taking off the kid gloves on this new EP. "behind", the third A-side, has been released as a promotional video, and it's already one of the most explosive cinema staff tracks in years! At roughly about two minutes, the song packs in some of the band's more spastic tendencies, proving that they haven't forgotten any of their emo or punk influences just yet. It's great to hear these guys rock out again!
 
"アラジン (aladdin)" by 水曜日のカンパネラ (suiyoubi no campanella)

Two seconds into this song and you'll think you're listening to Micheal Jackson's "Thriller." Seriously. Producer Kenmochi Hidefumi wasn't exactly subtle in paying homage to the MJ classic. Yet I find it peculiar that I've not seen too many people commenting on this fact, and those that do, don't seem to be bothered by the blatant plagiarism either. Why? Well, it's simply well done, that's why. It's a sign of true artistry when you can take something so well-known and transform it into an entirely new entity, and suiyoubi have managed just that. In fact, "aladdin" is such an earworm that after a few listens, you'll completely forget that this song references anything other than suiyoubi's own, unique brand of Jpop.
 
"PANDORA" by EVO+

EVO+ is a female utaite, which is usually an area of music outside of my wheelhouse and something @beni knows more about, but what a serendipitous discovery this has been for me! Having teamed up with doujin music producer ATOLS, EVO+ just released her first EP titled PANDORA, and the title track for it is gorgeous. EVO has a deep, sultry croon and her vocal melodies have a vague, anison feel to them, but when the beat drops, you know this is something really special. The production is very hip, with a few trap elements, but it's also got a really organic and earthy feel to it - not unlike suiyoubi no campanella. The utaite scene may be based around cover songs, but if this song is what happens when they get original, then I need to hear more.
 
"env Reg." by 網守将平 (Shohei Amimori)

I first heard Shohei Amimori back in 2014 on a compilation titled Forma. 4.14 put out by Japan's finest label for IDM - PROGRESSIVE FOrM. His track was easily one of the standouts, so I was definitely interested when I discovered he'd be releasing his first album early next month on the same label. But now that I've heard this track, my excitement IS OVER 9000!!! Seriously, I love this. "env Reg." is intelligently produced electronic music, yet it's also fun and groovy too (watch out, METAFIVE!)! Just to add icing to the cake, it features one of my favorite indie-pop artists on vocals - Babi. I have such high hopes for the album!
 
"Crystal Chrysalis" by world's end girlfriend

world's end girlfriend probably needs no introduction, as anyone into post-rock or IDM to any extent has likely come across his moniker by now. If you haven't, well, his music is an expansive amalgam of beautiful, cinematic soundscapes, twisted distortion, and gritty electronics. His latest album LAST WALTZ is expectedly massive, and I admit, choosing a standout is next to impossible. The epic, thirteen-minute "Flowers of Romance" would have been an easy choice, and the equally gargantuan "Radioactive Spell Wave" would have been just as apt, but there's something about "Crystal Chrysalis". It's got a certain atmospheric gravitas to it. The other songs are generally more overt and in-your-face, but the power of this track lies in its subtlety. It's deeply atmospheric, yet haunting all the same. Brilliant.
 
 
"Discal Smoke" by LASTorder

PROGRESSIVE FOrM is hands-down one of my favorite labels. They've had a rather dismal output in recent times - and understandably so, as the many artists on the label have set the bar quite high - but they seem to be making a comeback, and I'm happy to feature yet another artist from the label in my picks this month! LASTorder has always been pretty good, but I dare say he's reached a stellar peak with this track. "Discal Smoke" has your standard IDM glitchy-ness and LASTorder's typically bold drums, brilliantly combined with analog instrumental bits, and very tastefully implemented vocal samples. This track was instant love from the very first second, and it just gets better as it progresses. Delicious!
 
 
"Waltz For Real World" by uyama hiroto

Uyama Hiroto will probably be viewed as the spiritual successor to his peer and collaborator, the late Nujabes. However, with all due respect, I would say that Hiroto's new album freeform jazz has propelled him into a league of his own. The album, while technically not "free-jazz" certainly feels less bound than his previous works. It's a more musical effort overall, and the drumwork is especially more organic than previously, as opposed to the straightforward boom-bap approach that similar artists take. In fact, you can hardly categorize this as just "jazzy hip-hop" anymore. The entire album only features one rap feature (and thankfully so, because I can't stomach cheesy backpacker rap!).  freeform jazz is such an exquisite listen that I honestly can't choose just one track to recommend, so hopefully the heartfelt melodies of "Waltz For Real World" will persuade you guys to delve further!
 
 
Guest Recommendations
 
 
@Lestat's Picks
 
"天上天下唯我独唱 (Tenjou tenge yuiga dokushou)" by Gossip-ゴシップ-

Semi-nationalists Gossip-ゴシップ- conclude their dynamic year with their sixth and final release of 2016, now headlining the propaganda papers with this November's distribution of 天上天下唯我独唱 (Tenjou tenge yuiga dokushou). Ensuing their exceptional maxi-single 東京スキャンダル (Tokyo Scandal), compilation album 脳味噌回転愚流愚流地獄-黒歴史盤- (Nomiso kaiten guru guru jigoku - kuro rekishi ban -) and the following three consecutive monthly singles, the group continues to yell its 'Banzai!' at the rising sun. The title track delivers us with classic —if we can call it as such, with a mere two years under their belt— Gossip-ゴシップ- elements with which this band has its boot stiffly put between visual kei's door; the bellowing ring of sirens, footsoldiers marching toward warfare, and Saku's patriotic chants loudly supporting an emanating blitz. And what follows is an unforgettable, catchy offensive, ready to go down in history.
 
"Ash" by GOTCHAROCKA

Have you been searching for a fool-proof method to brighten up your day in only a short matter of time, or do you simply need a well-deserved break from the abundance of gloomy-sounding bands surfacing in the Japanese music scene? Look no further, as GOTCHAROCKA will surely and effortlessly lift your spirits with their ever-positive atmosphere while the month is growing colder. This time, they provide you with another warm and tight embrace in the form of "Ash", an optimistic and encouraging message conveyed to you in a presentation of melodic and sprightly riffaging, up-beat drums, and glossy, light singing. Be sure to make use of this song, as these three smiling guys will want you to remember this memo; "Keep playing until your grief is gone." 
 
 
@Ada Suilen's Picks
 
"Re:incarnation" by Insanity Injection

This year brought up another great superband in the visual kei scene; their name is Insanity Injection and the members who compose it are known for bands like Aliene Ma'riage, Glamscure and Das:Vasser, so the hype has been real since their first announcement. Then they released three singles, all of them solidified their style and the first mini album, where this epic track is featured in, confirmed their strong position in the scene; eleven minutes of greatness and technique, where each element, from the vocals (the coupling of Kyouka x Chaos has been simply awesome!), to the instruments, and the background effects assume a peculiar meaning with sudden stylistic changes inside the melody. The band shows that they cannot fail at whatever sound they make.
 
"深紅に揺らめく、儚き鶺鴒 (Shinku ni yurameku, hakanaki sekirei)" by Chariots

Another incredible comeback in the visual kei scene is Riku, with his solo project's respectful new line-up featuring people of VII-Sense and UnsraW fame made this year brighter for me. After releasing three solid singles they go strong with a mini-album, where the title-track is the most powerful and astonishing part of the release. This emotional ballad is reminiscent of Phantasmagoria's golden age where Riku unleashes his deep and suggestive voice in a powerful and fascinating rock sound. A sure synonym of their glorious return.
 
 
@Delkmiroph 's Picks
 
"猫夢 (Nekoyume)" by 有村竜太朗 (Ryutaro Arimura) 

Like everyone knows, Ryutaro started his own solo project after many years in Plastic Tree. With the promise of his first solo release of 1996-2011, 「デも／demo」 impressed me with some songs (I have not heard the mini album fully yet). But "Nekoyume" is very expressive to me and I would say that this is a personal style of Ryutaro's that reminds me of the last releases of Plastic Tree. "Nekoyume" is energetic and catchy at every chorus, and the AC. Version gives the song more life, but I love both versions equally!
 
"END TRIP" by Insanity Injection

I definitely love this release from Insanity Injection. I followed them since their first release, but I did not hear their digital releases. I think I should get to them.  "END TRIP" is a very deep and solid song that makes me think that someone is still doing great work in the visual kei scene. Chaos' voice with Kyoka is a great combination which brings a melancholic mix into the whole mini-album. Of course it reminds me of some other bands which is also why I like it. I would love to go to a concert of theirs to watch all this dark insanity. It's great when the name of the band already expresses this to the listener.  
 
"愛のゆくえ (Aino Yukue)" by きのこ帝国 (Kinoko Teikoku) 

I discovered this shoegaze/dream pop band this year (exactly two month ago). Kinoko Teikoku won me over when I heard their first album eureka, but I was more excited for this new album that they announced for this month. I had the expectation that they were becoming more dream-pop with each release. It's now normal for them in my opinion. "Aino Yukue" is an enjoyable song that's half shoegaze and more dream pop (I guess). It's a totally soft and sweet melody with strong beats as the title track of the album. I appreciate the album, and this song mostly.  I believe that this song is all cute and lovely.    
 
 
Thanks for checking out our recommendations this month! If you have any thoughts on our list or recommendations of your own, please feel free to comment below! If you're interested in being a guest contributor, contact either @CAT5 or @doombox! See you all next month! ^_~

| AVANT GARDE but oh so predictable
 
lynch. has been around for some time when it comes to the history of modern J-rock bands. The band has released 9 albums, 15 singles, and 1 EP since their formation in 2004. The guys have managed to keep a steady and consistent sound despite some line-up changes. This sound revolves mostly around Hazuki's vocal style and melodic phrases. Though Hazuki's vocal strategy has yet to change, the groups instrumental phrasing alters a little with each release. Like any other artists, there's always a small group that doesn't approve of the musical direction. The main argument when it comes to lynch. is that they keep recycling the same formula. In most cases, opinions clash when artists change their sound completely or become a little more experimental with their sound. lynch. has stayed almost too consistent to this point, but somehow it works for them. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
 
AVANTGARDE is the newest addition to the bands discography and offers 12 new tracks. The title is quite vague and opens some space for creativity and exploration, but falls a little short of these expectations. "AVANT GARDE" is an interesting opening and utilizes a lot of synths and electronic aspects that work great for a stage entrance, but it does not sum up the whole album in any way. Tracks such as "EVIDENCE", "DAMNED", "PRAYER",  and "THE OUTRAGE SEXUALITY" sound a little fresher musically and offer a bit more depth in the heaviness department. Although "F.A.K.E" is catchy with the slap bass phrase, it and "PLEDGE" also sounds like they're right off one of their past releases.  "UNELMA" and "PHANTOM" show more of a solid direction change in this album. The guitar work in "UNELMA" is more adventurous and it shines best in the guitar solo while the general contrast between instrumentals and vocals in "PHANTOM" tastefully build off each other. "FAREWELL" is a beautifully slow, abstract, and smooth ballad but it sounds disjointed from the rest of the album. Because "AVANT GARDE" doesn't give a clear preview of the rest of the album, I would consider "EVIDENCE" as a better opening track. The first and last song should come full circle and translate a full summary of what the album is but these two tracks ended up being the only two completely fresh-feeling tracks on the album. 
 
While the release itself is still very strong if you've never listened to lynch. before, it doesn't stray too far from their previous work. This doesn't go to say that the band is not progressing or trying new things but simply that there wasn't a significant change to really create that wow factor that avid listeners are looking for. Listening for the production quality alone you can tell they've tweaked a few minor things to make the depth of their songs a lot more prominent and they've even adopted a few new djent techniques. This album will translate well to live performances just as their past releases have which brings me to one conclusion. In the words of @Zeus, " If GALLOWS was 100% live lynch. and D.A.R.K. was blending the live side with their studio sensibilities, then to me AVANTGARDE feels 70% of the way between D.A.R.K. and GALLOWS but closer to GALLOWS."
 
 
Support the band!
 
CDJapan | iTunes (Japan)