Still giving the album a second spin, but I'm enjoying it. The "headbang" tracks aren't anything to write home about, but for now, I really like SUICIDE, Suiren, En and FORTITUDE.
I'll add a track by track review tomorrow.
MADARA: Kinda creepy intro, but nothing really happens. meh. 5/10
SUICIDE: Damn those previews that... preview the worst part of a song! SUICIDE is actually a pretty good track, and by that, it's when Wataru is not growling. He just can't do it. But other than that, he sings really well, the guitars are pleasing, and the chorus is nothing revolutionary but I liked it. 7/10
BAAL-ZEBUL: Wataru screams this whole frekin' song, and that is enough for me to just put it away. Not intresting instrumentally wise, also. It starts as nothing and end as nothing. 3.5/10
ABUSE: Yet another song that Wataru growls and screams, but this is a bit better, The chorus isn't so bad, and a few parts of it are actually listenable. But nothing great. 5/10
Suiren:: Suiren marks the start of the best part of the album. This is a ballad-like song, very emotional, and with Wataru singing. At last. Still nothing out of the ordinary, but much better than the last 2 songs. Also gives a dark vibe that made it more enjoyable. 8/10
Jasetzu: This is a heavier track, but so, SO much better tha the first 3, more balanced vocals and the guitar is quite nice. It gave me hope that the forthcoming headbanging would be more inspired. Good track. 7.5/10
En: The structure is really similar to Suiren, but while the other was dark, this one gives me a lighter feeling, soft to the ear but never boring. Wataru really shines on this one and the solo is short but sweet. Wataru's WOAOHOOOOOAHAHA is a nice way to end the song. XD 8/10
HESITATION: I was going to give this a 6, but man, this is actually a pretty good song! Heavier but with good singing parts, in the chorus especially, and a nice solo. Not on par with the previous 3, but good nonetheless. 7/10
FEROCIUS: Bah, just not good. A pretty boring track, guess they wanted to make something dark and heavy, but failed. 5/10
HIDE & SEEK: Nope, too much screaming, too "in a hurry". Growls, screams... no. Chorus is not that bad, but no. Pretty weak. 5/10
MADMAN: Wha... almost like H&S but even worse. Oh boy. 3/10
FORTITUDE: After 3 bad songs, I really didn't expect this. FORTITUDE shines, and is the best song of this self-titled. The instruments are great, the guitar is awesome, emotional singing by Wataru reminds me a lot of Over. Not only this is the best song here, but better than any on SEVEN, Mar Maroon or DIAMOND. Great, great surprise. 9.5/10
OVERALL: 7.5/10
When it was announced, this album was instantly my most expected of 2012, since they took a long break and almost disbanded. After the previews, the hype was still there but I was expecting the worst. In some tracks, the worst happened, but Suiren, Jasetzu, EN and especially FORTITUDE kept my faith on this band alive. They can do better, SEVEN was easily their best IMO, but this is not as bad as I expected after the disastrous previews. A good job by 12012, but not great.
Oh, and it's clear, the DEG influence is there. I don't care what people say, I guess it could have been worse if they tried to create a style of their own. XD. And getting inspiration from other bands is not bad, since I don't think they ripped them off.
