Nagisa

New single "UNDYING" 2016.04.27 release
 
Tracklist:
01.UNDYING
02.MALUM
03.VACANT
 
[DVD]
01.[uNDYING] MUSIC VIDEO
02.MAKING OF [uNDYING] MV
 
http://the-gazette.com/undying/

-100
 
Congratulations to the guys for winning again! I would like to thank colorfuljinsei for making this possible. 
 
 

14
Tell me about it. My computer froze twice while I was working on a midterm today and I ended up submitting it late.

14

#SorryForTheWait but a bitch has been busy and this has been a FAT undertaking so my apologies (not that anyone cares). this took a hundred years to do but goddamn im happy with this fucking list. its image heavy, sorry; the relatively long blurbs are under spoilers for all u people who r too lazy to read the GOTDAM text. jk i'm one of yall, unless an album interests me, then i'll read further. anyways im talking out my ass sorry
Rules:
ok lets fucking go
Albums i was eh on the edge of liking but didn't really care enough to listen to them more to review them. nonetheless i thought they were decent
Note the sore absence of DISH and yazzmad, its a shame i didnt get to hear their outputs this year as they certainly would have made the list
Without further ado:
emmny's Top 20 Visual Albums of 2015
 
20. Sel'm - 玲瓏 (reirou)

 
19. シビレバシル - サヨナラ狂詩曲 (sibilebashir - sayonara rhapsody)



 
18. ザアザア - 死にたい (xaa-xaa - shinitai)



 
17. nüe - サイレン (siren)

 
16. KRAD - SepsiS / Plantman / Beginning of Darkness

 
15. IX -NINE- - VIDYA



 
14. AvelCain - 片想い (omajinai)

 
13. グリーヴァ・ゴシップ・黒百合と影 - 暗黒世界ハ闇 (grieva, gossip, kuroyuri to kage - ansoku sekai wa yami)



 
12. Lycaon - Camera Obscura -カメラオブスキュラ-



 
11. Pla stic Tree - 剥製 (hakusei)



 
10. 黒百合と影 - 皮肉な種の卑屈な芽。(kuroyuri to kage - hiniku na tame no hikutsu na me)
 

 
9. THE BLACK SWAN - 赫音



 
8. emmurée - 窓の外は、カァニバル。(mado no soto wa carnival)

 
7. MORE - hypno / morphe

 
6. グリーヴァ - Fake / 操リ人間 / 絶望ノ朝 (grieva - fake / ayatsuri ningen / zetsubou no asa)



 
5. Moran - 夜明けを前に (yoake wo mae ni)



 
4. amber gris - 小さな銀貨を左手に (chisana ginka wo hidarite ni)

 
3. the GazettE - DOGMA / UGLY

 
2. KEEL - Cthulhu / R'lyeh

 
1. lynch. - EVOKE / ETERNITY / D.A.R.K-in the name of evil-



 
Thats it, thanks folks. this list isn't comprehensive, check the lists of other users to see what things on the more oshare/pop spectrum i might have missed. also as to the absence of chanty and scapegoat, they likely would have made the list but a bitch aint got enough time to listen to everything. Tell me what u think i might have overlooked, and feel free to fight me in the comments ^>^. here's to another lovely year of all things visual kei with my friends at MH for 2016, love y'all <3 <3

－９９　Looks like you get the honor of ending it again.

－１００ ＧＡＭＥ　ＯＶＥＲ　ｘ２



♂

 

I'd  again like to thank all at M-H for the support. Thank you Nagisa for the continued company to secure this now overwhelmingly masculine thread.

Also, the assists from YuyoDrift!

I'd like to dedicate this to my pet goldfish, chao, frog, tanuki, etc.

 

I think that calls it a night for me, and I bid everyone a fond adeiu.

ー１００　ＧＡＭＥ　ＯＶＥＲ　

♂

 

I'd like to thank all at M-H for the support. Thank you Nagisa for the company.

I'd also like to thank my parents, grandparents, great grandparents, neanderthals, space particles, Cthulu...

 

I wish for World Peace, and Visual Kei for all.

 

Good Night.

 

NOT TOO FAST!

Whilst browsing my local Japanese merchandise store, I stumbled across a copy of The GazettE's D.I.N.G.K.Z.O compilation album for $10.
 
Happy to say it was a nice drive home as I listened to the CD, remembering the music that made me stay listening to them forever.

For those moments when you need a reminder on how different cultures can be:

http://kotaku.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-was-beaten-in-japan-by-y-1749174203?utm_campaign=Socialflow_Kotaku_Facebook&utm_source=Kotaku_Facebook&utm_medium=Socialflow
 

I wonder if the lives will be before or after the release of UNDYING.

San Francisco tickets go on sale next friday Jan 15.
 
http://www.axs.com/events/303623/the-gazette-tickets?skin=regency&src=AEGLIVE_WREGYSFO030115VEN001

My favorite tracks on DOGMA were DOGMA and OMINOUS too. I thought most of the other tracks were mediocre but those two were just amazing. They were so atmospheric! Nice to see we have something in common!

2015 is finished, welcome 2016 and with it its lot of future releases.
Best & favourites are suggestive and may not please everyone but still, let’s try to do a personal selection. Those tracks & albums has been selected for its replay value + the ‘love at first hearing’ thing. Because there’s definitely something in these tracks that attract me for good and want to destroy the repeat button. xD doesn't mean that I didn't liked the others tracks from album x (for example), just that if I had to choose one or two songs off this release, this would be my choice.
Sorry I'm not that good to write things or doing review, I'm shit.
Anw, here’s mine:

Tracks
 

— March —
 
INAZUMA, by ALSDEAD / SPOT
Sick track, really. It’s like a melodic punch in your face and you can't resist it, you want more, I want more!

VIPER (U need Me [GAMASSO] add4), by メガマソ(megamasso) / SPOT
They took a classic and remade it perfectly onto a sick track. The synths brings really something more.
 

— April —

Cross Peagent, by 凛-the end of corruption world- / SONG
I love everything in this song; the piano, the solos, Sui’s singing, the verse and chorus, I could put this song on repeat again and again. So epic.

九尾(kyuubi), by 九尾(Kiryu) / SPOT
It’s a giant mess and stil, it’s working!
 

— August —

VENOMS, by MEJIBRAY / SPOT
I’m on a love/hate relationship with MEJ, but I enjoyed this song a lot. Dunno if it’s the symphonic background, or the addictive chorus, ambiance or something. I really love this song, I wish they'd continue in this path...

スノウィブルー(snowy blue) & エインシャントソング, by メガマソ(megamasso) / PV SONG
1st track: Probably my most listened track off this year. What can I say more? The verse already is addictive, let the chorus begins and it’s heaven. Impossible to be bored with this song xD
2nd song: My biggest surprise of 2015, what an insolent idea! Delightful track and voice, I'm especially in love with the synths! Now I'm waiting impatiently for a reverse track xD

DOGMA & OMINOUS, by the GazettE / SONG1 PV2
Their latest album may not please everyone for reasons, but these two song stands out and each time I’m like “wow. just wow.” I’m totally amazed with the ambiance and creativity.
 

— September —

WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD, by 少年記(shounenki) / SPOT
Each time I’m listening shounenki, I’m saying to myself “holy shit, this guy can def sing!! what a voice, this tone!”, and yet here you can really hear that in the chorus.
 

— October —

m.o.b., by Chanty / SPOT
These guys definitely knows how to make good and fresh songs that you can love immediately.
 

Releases
 

Camera obscure -カメラオブスキュラ-, by lycaon
INAZUMA, by ALSDEAD
Memento-Mori, by 凛-the end of corruption world-
ニシュタリ(nishutari), by メガマソ(megamasso)
VENOMS.app, by MEJIBRAY
WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD, by 少年記(shounenki)
 
 
 
thanks for reading, don't hesitate to share your thoughts if we have a best/fav stuff in common.

It has been really fun to read all you guys reviews, so I thought, why not?
 
I'll stick to individual songs instead of full releases, in no special order, so let's go!
 

xTRiPx - good trip.
 
Such a heartfelt song, a thank you for all those years. It so on point that really makes me question why disbanding when they were clearly on their best shape. Ena is a BEAST here, I'm afraid D=OUT won't do justice to him. A powerful, bittersweet end note for my favorite band. Let's meet again for sure.
 
 

develop one's faculties - insert memory.
 
This song gives me fucking hope in the future. DOF never ceases to amaze me with their guitarwork, and yuya's voice and quirks really works. And then comes that chorus. Thats utter brilliance in everyone's face, guys! The voice layering on each other, makes a funky, banger song turn into an emotional rollercoaster that you really should not miss. DON'T YOU DARE TO MISS THE OTHER SONGS ON REINCARNATION, THO. 'it is what it is.', 'for', 'Frasco wo Furu to Tenbin Yureta', 'Negative baby', 'hope', 'Shunkanteki Shoudou no Hate ni Ushinatta Shunkan' are all absolutely amazing, enough to make this the album of the year for me.
 

SuG - Kagerou (LOL, thx Tetora)
 
I had to choose one song from their 'BLACK' album, and this is the one. This is SuG in what they do best. Since MISSING, their style has changed for the better, and even if you have any kind of prejudice with them, should totally give 'BLACK' a listen, one of my top contenders of 2015. Which was a fucking shitty year for me, and this song quite helped me going through, love the lyrics here. Other high notes on the album: 'Ichirentakushou', 'MISSING', 'overflow', 'CRY OUT', 'time after time', 'BLACK'.
 

MORRIGAN - Betrayal:Cocytus
 
MORRIGAN is probably my favorite new band of 2015. they shelled out so many songs, and most of them rocks my ass! Was difficult to choose just one, so I've just went with the one I think is the most their most emotional piece. Nice lyrics aswell! Please also check 'Everlasting', 'UNDER WORLD END 'XISS', 'SELFISH RUSSIAN', 'EUTHANASIA', 'UNDERWORLD'.
 
 

MY BACTERIA HEAT ISLAND - Mezameru nifun Mae
 
The whole MIMIC mini-album is AMAEZENG, as most of their disco, truth to be told. Again, had to chose the song that directly talked to me, and this was the one. If I had to choose one song to introduce Tenten to someone, this would be the one (Actually, Praparat 1st ver. but moving on). Now go give that mini a spin and terrorize your neighbours with Tenten bad english shouts on their skull!
 

DIAWOLF - Turbulence
 
DIAWOLF's Rebellion mini was not bad, but Turbulence is on another level. They really stepped up here, the whole mini is really really nice. It was a toss up between 'Turbulence' and 'Afterglow', but the title track gets the prize for its composition. Check the whole release, Shou's improved english, pronunciation and lyric-wise was a nice really touch!
 

PELICAN FANCLUB - Dali
 
This song revived my love for indie. The guitar work here totally reminds me of Two Door Cinema Club, which is a hell of a compliment for them. This song has EVERYTHING to be commercially viable on the west, for radio time, indie festivals and everything. Besides the vocalist. Not that he is bad, not at all, I quite like it, really. It's just not fit for western ears, unfortunately. Other high notes on the mini: 'Variety Mania Talent System', 'Police City'.
 

the GazettE - RAGE
 
Maybe DOGMA wasn't what everyone was expecting, but was good enough for me, much better than some of their previous recent efforts. Following a concept really worked for them, but they really should give up SOME of their formulaic styles of composition. I know, RAGE is not the best song on the album, and really is part of the rehashed formula I mentioned above, but LEAVE ME ALONE, OK? I like it. Other great tunes on the album: 'DOGMA', 'OMINOUS' (which  are both better than 'RAGE'), 'INCUBUS', 'DEUX'.
 
 

REALies - Ano Kage no Naka de
 
One word to describe it. Emotional. Rayka pours his everything in this one. They really saved their best for last. It's another thank-you, bittersweet goodbye note that shows the best REALies could do. Go listen to it, right now. As Rayka said, I hope this song reaches deeper in your chest aswell.
 

Shounenki - WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD
 
Shounenki DELIVERS. They just DELIVER. THEY WILL NAIL IT if not on the A-side, the B-sides come to rescue, as happened with 'BANG ME' (please don't hate me). This wasn't the case tho, WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD is absolutely great, and makes up for the weaker b-side. Kou's shouting, failing voice in the end of this song is so fantastic, make this song sound TRUE. And oh my god, it's CATCHY. You will be all LEEEET ME KNOW MY BLOOOOOD MY BLOOOOD all the way around.
 

amber gris - Absolute Being
 
to end the 'OH COME ON GUYS, WHY THE FUCK YOU ARE DISBANDING?' comes amber gris. Seriously, WHY? Absolute Being is their last effort that proves they still had so much steam to burn. Temari vocals are beautiful as usual, and while it may not be the best on their disco ('wishstar and sunlight and darkness' takes that prize) this song has a sense of grandeur that really gave closure to such an awesome band, that ones that gives you flashbacks of their best moments.
 

BAROQUE - SWALLOW THE NIGHT
 
BAROQUE'S PLANETARY SECRET was quite a disappointment for a lot of people, but not for me. It was what I expected from them, a step forward from the style kei and Ryo followed on the final years of kannivalism. 'SWALLOW THE NIGHT' embraces their new style, while paying respects for their past with kei's intense guitar work. Everything in this song just CLICKS. Don't be afraid to try it, to dive on the atmosphere they brought to you in this album. Other great songs: 'PLANETARY LIGHT', 'DREAMSCAPE', 'SILENT PICTURE'
 
 
Other High notes to make this post shorter: Misanthropist - Solace / xaa-xaa - Tsumetai / lynch - EVOKE / DIV - Ikenai Kiss / IX-NINE - HEAT HAZE / LAMP IN TERREN - Ryokusenkou / Kuroyuri to Kage - Kimi no Kusuriyubi wa Boku no Stew / DOPPEL - ZEPPET CiTY / Fake? - Addicted / ONE OK ROCK - Memories / Roub - Snatcher / TRA TRA TRA - Shosen Onnayadori, Shangri-La / Re;ply - Illumination / Sakanaction - Shin Takarajima / coldrain - Fire in the Sky / GOTCHAROCKA - Marry me, 'cause I hate U / WING WORKS - RAVVE OF MY TRINITY / KRA - Tsuyogari no You na Iroaseta Boku no Hitorigoto, Purple Stone - Aoi Yami / XENON - LIQUID, Hitoshizuku.

the Gazette - Regret, Filth in the Beauty, and Hyena

 
Seriously debating whether or not to open these. I wouldn't listen to them otherwise, and I don't have any plans to sell them. 

1: Do you buy multiple versions of releases, or buy at all? (Judgement-Free-Zone)

 

No, I only buy the version with the most songs. I don't buy live DVDs either, because I don't really want to spend time watching a performance or a PV because I can't really multitask if I do that. With that said, if there are different songs for different versions I would probably buy all of them. 

 

2: Do you collect cheki or other non-music related items from bands?

 

No, not sure how to get them overseas, although I might if I knew how. I do have a couple posters. If I went to one of their lives I would definitely pick up some merchandise.

 

3: Follow them on Ameblo, Twitter?

 

No, only on Facebook. I don't have a Twitter account. 

 

4: Would you follow them on the street?

 

I might ask for an autograph or a photograph.

 

5: Dig through their trash? (Judgment-Free-Zone)

 

No (I'm not sure what this means)

 

6: Does Visual Kei or other forms of your musical taste influence your style or personal life?

 

Yes, it is the only thing I listen to and some of the songs make me look at society in a critical way since I don't really keep up with the news otherwise. 

 

7: Desire to move or visit Japan influenced by music?

 

Yes! I would at least want to watch a live in Japan even if I can't move there.

 

8: Do you read dirt-sheets of bands, like rumours, gossip, etc...?

 

No, it has never crossed my mind and I wouldn't know where to look. 

 

9: Ever fantasize about being friends with band members? 

 

No.

 

10: Do you want to be in a Visual Kei band (or any other kind of band)?

 

No, I am happy just listening to it. 

the GazettE - 春雪の頃 

A MOTH UNDER THE SKIN causes me so much AGONY. It's AN UNBEARABLE FACT that it is going to BREAK ME.

Alright, guys this is the mission plan. We're going to "MOB 136 BARS". Each of you will be equipped with a "BARETTA". Thats six men, Six Guns, and we're doing it for our Nameless Liberty. After hitting the "SILLY GOD DISCO" and bar, head back out to the main street. To your left you'll see a "CROSSROADS (wakaremichi)". Turn right at the crossroads and keep running straight until you hit "THE INVISIBLE WALL" and can't advance any further. Here, be sure to watch out for the "VENOMOUS SPIDER'S WEB" because if you get bitten you'll "INFUSE INTO" the "STUPID TINY INSECT". Make your way up a flight of "13 STAIRS" and wait for the rest of your team to show up. We gotta do all this in 5 hours before dinner time or my "WIFE" will kill me.
Spongebob
"I'll tell you a little story called "The Ugly Barnacle": Once there was a very ugly barnacle. He was so ugly that everybody died. "THE END"."
D*** in a "MALFORMED BOX"
My favorite movies are "LUCY and the "GRUDGE".
Agitated screams of "MAGGOTS".
From "Tomorrow Never Dies" game on PS1
"This should punch up my headlines for tomorrow."
"I think your story is over Elliot"
"Far from it you ignorant fool! You see, I've set this boat to self-destruct in 3 minutes. You'll never escape in time. "TOMORROW NEVER DIES.""
I "PLEDGE' allegiance to the flag....I'm out of ideas haha

Last piece of my RG Tron deck:
 

I'm nostalgically attached to NIL, but my taste appreciates DIM more. But both albums have their pros and cons, and are still strong releases in the band's discography.
 
NIL feels a bit more organic overall since it's not constrained to a specific aesthetic like DIM - basically, there's more variety. DIM on the hand seems to have a clear-cut vision (from the highly stylized PVs, to the artwork, to the incessant use of SE tracks in an attempt to guide you through that vision), and as such, the songs on the album don't step too far out of line from that vision. They managed to achieve an amazing sense of cohesion with DIM - almost as if the album tells a story. Personally, I think that ambiguous, yet palpable "story" of DIM is what draws listeners to this album over NIL - which I think was also a good effort, but feels more just like "another VK album", ya know?
 
That's not to say NIL isn't worthwhile. With the atmosphere of DIM being so thick, it's easy for that album to feel oppressive, while NIL has a kind of levity permeating throughout it. Another thing I enjoy about NIL is the fact that there are more solos and much more going on guitar-wise, while DIM is riddled with breakdowns and mirrored-chugging (which gets old fast especially when there are 2 guitarists). The guys of gazette may not be super-technical guitar/drum-gods, but they can rock out with their instruments when they want to and I would have liked to hear more of that in DIM. In that sense, many of the songs on DIM felt a bit sterile. Tracks like "13STAIRS[-]1" and "Nakigahara" - while great, presented a slew of musical opportunities for the gazette that they failed to capitalize on. "Nakigahara" was begging for a solo or some sort of instrumental fuckery, but instead drug on for like 3 minutes too long. "13STAIRS[-]1" was something new and fresh for the gazette, and still stands out in their discography today, so they really could have experimented a bit more if they wanted to. And the gazette doesn't have to get all progressive or anything - even if one song on DIM had an instrumental section on it like NIL's "baretta", I would have been more satisfied!
 
But with everything said, I still prefer DIM overall. Despite it's flaws, the album and everything surrounding it were curated so fantastically, and that's not always an easy feat achieve - in vk or anywhere else.