Vercingetorix

That's one determined rhythm section.

@sujiArguably more a "split single" - I usually take "collaboration single" to mean "x feat. y" or something two acts co-wrote and/or produced.

They're back: new label, new look. New album drops 18/04/2018 - produced by L'Arc~en~Ciel's pal 岡野 ハジメ (Okano Hajime) 『Revenant』 Ltd Ed - TKCA–74633 CD+40P PHOTO BOOK Reg Ed - TKCA-74634 CD 01. World's End 02. ツキヨミ 03. It’s Alright 04. Believe Me 05. On the Rocks 06. Rolling Start 07. Halcyon Days 08. 女神の裁き～Death Queen's March～ 09. R.I.P. 10. Say Love 11. Take a Chance

Well you're a catty one. Though I'm probably wasting my breath, seeing as you've already told us both why I actually like it, I mainly liked Bless Of The Fire because it was only track on URBAN NIGHT (besides YUI's criminally short opening intro) which echoed the pre-WOMAN sound. Ain't subjectivity just a bitch sometimes.

Hmm, not the hottest first impression Mina's made. Lead vocal's solid, solos are ok, melody's a bit limp, and the jowly one in the top hat doesn't add much. That said, they've really nailed the steampunk look this time out, although I'm pretty sure Mina's just taken apart some clocks and glued the debris to her guitar.

Could go either way - the guest singers are all pretty solid, idyako and Maki are just plain random, but I'm a tad apprehensive because of Kurumi's reduced role. She apparently co-produced the songs with Nico on, but her replacement Yuri is only credited on four songs. Personally thought the keyboards were what made OZ so good.

Side project klaxon! The other dudes are knee deep in CROSS VEIN album promo for now so maybe after that's done? Besides, how else ZIN gonna eat now he's lost TERU's artisanal pastries?

They've definitely become Avex's new cash cow, but I think bands this size like to keep busy just to maximize income. Considering however much yen is left once management's taken its cut is split 8 ways, I can understand why they're following the idol release model. Also, I'm told everyone but Wasabi and Beni are songwriters, so they've always got an excess of material to fill an album with.

Godmother Mina only managed a single album in 10 years with DESTROSE but is about to make it 3 in 4 with FATE GEAR. Go figure. "7 years ago" drops 11/04/2018 and has an uber random cast of guests (listed by track) Prelude of Earth 7 years ago - feat. 大山まき (Oyama Maki) (vo.) / Jill (violin) 心葬 - feat. 荊 (Ibara) (vo.) / idyako (dr.) Heart’s Grave (DESTROSE cover) - feat. 大山まき (Oyama Maki) (vo.) / Maki (ba.) Chained-Destiny - feat. 大山まき (Oyama Maki) (vo.) 嵐音 -arashine- Little Spring Fenixx 2011 (DESTROSE cover) - feat. 大山まき (Oyama Maki) (vo.) 7 years ago -refrain- feat. Manami (vo.) / 荊 (Ibara) (vo.) / Jill (violin) Singer Nico's only on 嵐音 -arashine- and Little Spring, but if JaME is to be believed, Mina seems to be a tad worried about it looking like she's alienated yet another bandmate: "Although frontwoman Nico only sings two tracks on the album, both she and Mina have been keen to reassure fans that she is still a member of the band." That article also says Manami's been covering for Nico live too, so feck knows what's up.

YOSHIKI says you're welcome.

Couldn't afford the second Duran

Saw some footage of them playing live with just the one dancer - she suddenly looks like a fitness instructor.

He did this.

If he can make it better than the KAMIJO-produced one where he's romancing the disco ball, that'd be great...

Eerie - only read about this place the other day.

When were most artists' B-sides ever good? I think I've only ever found one single (I forget who by) where the B-side outdid the title track. Saw an interview with the bandleader a few years later talking about how he regretted wasting the song.

3 full-timers (vo, key, ba) + a regular support gt

Do you react the same way to every visual rocker who ditch the make-up? As for a replacement, my money's on Fumiya "Fu-min" Morishita because he's played in every other damn metal band in Japan except this one.

There's something just plain chilling about that publicity shot...

To be followed by the best-of compilation... GRAND DIZAINS

Yeah, DELUHI lived and died. An UNDIVIDE reunion, however...

What otter shite... Duck and cover, kids: YOSHIKI-lite has landed!

I reckon she'll see the light and at least put it out digitally at some point. She retweeted some Eng translation of the announcement and people went nuts for it.

So, is this 'collaboration' (can't believe it's being marketed as such) with Miku the ol' KAMI's attempt to reach fresh audiences, or did all the human singers he approached for a duet turn him down?