Vercingetorix

Can't blame him - they've been shite for years

Iconic, you say? Guess they must've passed me by.

Anyhoo, these ladies also have some farewell tribute album in the works - they stopped taking auditions for it last Tuesday.

Ain't it Amaterase? (Briefly thought this was some new band)

Heard about this via Mina (Destrose, FATE GEAR) before the English-language music press started breaking the news.

I think she studied under him at MI Japan, but yeah, this video she posted broke my heart.
 

On 1/8/2018 at 3:39 AM, Traxan said:

Former Aldious singer Rami is releasing her second "solo" album (I put it in quotes because unless you play every instrument, you aren't really solo), "Reloaded" on January 31.

Taking the definition of "solo" a bit literally, aren't you?

Another KAMIJO success story.

Guess they couldn't harness the power of the Schwartz...

Look subdued enough that they might actually last the year. Following Leda's example?

58 minutes ago, Takadanobabaalien said:

Trying to find their name on that flyer is like playing where's Waldo. Literally took me 5 minutes.

Me and you both.

Hard to think of a less snappy topic title.

Big loss for the Sendai scene, though they should've ended when singer #1 had to leave. No shame in starting over. 

Terrible news for YUI, but otherwise meh, it was like they went on hiatus after WOMAN anyway. That track on Urban Night which Toki (Aldious) guested on was their only good song in 3 years.

Schwarz Stein: visual kei's answer to the Pet Shop Boys. #HoraTilIDie

On 22/12/2017 at 3:22 PM, chemicalpictures said:

 This ain't bad for your regular half baked vk act, but for a superstar team like this one is disappointing, to say the least.

A superstar team? It was my understanding the singer and bassist were both unknowns before FED.

Iori from Magistina Saga: her vocals are as flat as the band's songwriting.

Someone needs a sidekick...

24 minutes ago, Bear said:

Fans, like, eh, me, you mean? But nah, I don't think this will have a lot to say unless they decide to disband because of it. If they decide they'll find a new drummer the show will go on and no one will care about the change.

Heh. Wasn't sure if you were just an onlooker desensitized by the revolving door of visual kei, so touché on that one. But yeah, I don't expect this to change a damned thing either - certainly didn't stop R.E.M. or 1D (unfortunately). Still. I understand the sense of shock, especially with lack of a statement or anything. Knowing how invested some post-rock fanboys/girls are in these groups, it's gonna feel a bit like being dumped by text.

On 09/12/2017 at 7:02 PM, Bear said:

Why is that shocking? Band members comes and band members goes. Normal.

Err, sure, in most cases, I'd agree, but this band's been the same four people for 17 years solid.

For fans, this is like Bill Berry quitting R.E.M. or, uh, Zayn quitting One Direction.

4 hours ago, nekkichi said:

I'm not sure what you mean here, but idt confucianism prohibits appointing a manager while she's occupied with a music career, I still think it's $$$.

(Yeah, sorry, that first reply was a tad first-year Lit student)
Basically, I reckon she's been pressured by the obsession with 'keeping things in the family' many Japanese businesses have to ditch the music career. Wouldn't surprise me if her family saw her music career as an extended 'gap year' between graduating and joining the family firm.

Right, THE EGOIST - not be confused with that anison duo... Hmm, isn't this the VK band whose singer went AWOL somewhere in Tohoku this year?

Murk gets murkier.

12 hours ago, nekkichi said:

so being in a major pop band doesn't pay shit either these days?

 

get money, business-minded queen

Doesn't sound like the motive is 100% fiscal - the whole "family business" aspect suggests Confucian obligation.

Featuring Kaya?

53 minutes ago, Jigsaw9 said:

Oh great, time for some embarrassing mediocre L'Arc tunes instead of some embarrassing cringey VAMPS ones!

Going on recent form, it may be just the one L'Arc tune to go with the 3 months of overblown promo.

HYDE and the other guy are taking a break due to overheated engines, apparently.

Doesn't sound like a perma-split so they'll be back out of the pits at some point, possibly with new rims.

Quote

To all BLOODSUCKERS,

Thank you very much for your continuous support.

Sadly, we have an unfortunate announcement for you today.

VAMPS will temporarily cease all activity as of December 2017.

Our engines have overheated and we need some time to cool down.

As soon as we are at our best temperature and the time is right for our return, we plan to kick back into action in top gear! We’ll be counting on your fiery welcome!

 

BLOODSUCKERSの皆さんへ

いつもVAMPSを応援いただきありがとうございます。

本日は残念なお知らせをしなければなりません。

VAMPSは、2017年12月をもって活動を休止します。

理由は、活動にオーバーヒートが生じ、冷却期間が必要だと感じたためです。

平熱にもどり、再開の目処がたったら最恐に復活したいと思っていますので、その際は応援よろしくお願いします。

VAMPS

I'm guessing L'Arc~en~Ciel have plans.

On 14/11/2017 at 8:48 PM, Peace Heavy mk II said:

I wonder what she'll wear. Hoping it's one of the earlier S-Stein outfits with leather straps and wires everywhere

The wig with the chin-strap was always a personal fave.