Himeaimichu

So they announced their "names" ...
So their names are just 1-5 in kanji, but phonetically pronounced differently (with the exception of Dr. Go).

People always joke about,
 
YOUR ENGLISH SUCK ASS
YOUR DUTCH SUCK ASS
 
 
However, I will struggle my whole life with the disability to never be able to learn a language perfect. 
People would always keep on saying that my language skills sucks ass and that I'm just stupid.
It's called DYSLEXIA. However I've no struggles with "real reading".   But my part is inside the "spelling and grammar" part.
People also often say "well then you need to practice more".
It's true from one side, but the dark part of it is, that if you stop the practice you will forget 50~99% of what you have learned.
And how hard you try, there are things which you never ever will remember, which you always need to repeat endlessly.
 
So I hope that people stop to tell anyone, LEARN ENGLISH, YOUR ENGLISH SUCKS.
You never know what's really behind it.
 
 
 
 
 
 

I have a ton of mental issues and a few physical issues. 
One, I am underweight and there is little I can do to help it, because I have such a high metabolism, and it's in my genetics. I eat all the time, and I especially get protein, but yet nothing changes. I've only gained 4 pounds since August, and I'm currently 102 pounds. My mother used to smoke and drink but she didn't smoke or drink while pregnant. Still, they removed me through C-section because I could have been born the wrong way. I was also a very lightweight baby compared to others. 
Secondly, I have MANY mental issues. Asperger's/Schizotypal (It's quite ambiguous to which it is), Depression, Anxiety, etc. It all worsened by the fact that I'm prone to being used by others.
Also, I don't know if this counts, but I have gender dysphoria, but I can't really transition yet, because my parents do not know I am transgender. I've been trying not to raise my testosterone levels too high, and eat foods that help the body produce estrogen, so I can sort of start transitioning toward female slowly. Once I become a full adult, then I'll look into actual medication.

I rarely hear about D anymore, even though they're still active. Though, it is worth mentioning they did have sort of drop after leaving the evil that is Avex. Nightmare is also losing popularity, and it's going to go down from there because of the hiatus. 
 
I remember I used to hear from Caligari more often, even though they never really were popular. Though, ever since Japanese Major Record labels began blocking music in the US, I stopped hearing from them. And their label still hasn't let up the blocks. Neither has other labels, like Sony (Gosh I hate Sony with a passion). 
Why is Caligari even on a major label? Isn't EroguroKei for the most part supposed to be an Indie/Underground movement? I mean, there are many Eroguro Bands that come to mind that aren't exactly underground (Kuroyuri comes to mind. But, they own their own record label now, even if it does have help from Yukika, so in a way they are indie? MERRY also comes to mind, but they're indie now) but even most of the non Indie ones are signed to Minor Labels. 
Also, I don't think The GazettE will ever be less popular. Even though they are running out of creativity in my opinion, Sony still promotes the hell outta that sh*t. Though there is probably a slight dip since Sony started the whole *ssholeish idea of blocking music in the US (Again, I hate Sony with a passion). 
 
Grieva also seems to be dipping, which is odd since they're more creative (Yes, actually creative, as in they don't do Diru covers anymore) than they've ever been. GossiP seems to also be rising more and more, which is good because I was afraid Yukika would abandon them. But then again, I doubt he would abandon the one band that is authentically influenced by his older stuff. 
 
Kiryu is also showing a slight dip, especially since their biggest competitor, Wagakki Band, is rising fast. I don't see how Wagakki Band hasn't had a dip yet. Like, they pulled an MCR and changed sound and image from heavy to soft even before their first album. Kiryu's never full on pulled an MCR, their change in sound is more of a progress, and they still have all that 90's Vkei influence, especially that Gauze Era Dir En Grey influence. The change is really natural, and doesn't feel like a drop in quality, rather the quality is consistent. Though like their change in music, their popularity was progressive. They didn't have a sudden jump in popularity. Rather they slowly rose, plateaued, rose higher after playing Budokan, played Budokan again and rose higher, and are slowly dropping. (BTW, I'm basing this on how much I hear about them.)
 
And finally, the band I practically devote my life to: Kuroyuri to Kage. They slowly rose, and plateaued and are quite consistent in popularity. They never really have been popular, and even when they were officially signed to Ains, they treated themselves like an Indie band. Heck, there were times where they even didn't treat themselves like a Vkei band, Kuro, K, Koyomi and Mutsuki at times wearing casual clothes to lives, while Mei always wears some kind of outfit xD. 

Karma isn't necessarily a BAD singer (But he still could use a LOT of work). I suspect during AvelCain's last two lives, he was getting progressively more drunk and wasted. I mean, by the time "Iro ha ni hoheto" came up, he could barely finish the poem in the beginning, and pronounced it very slurred. He sounds way better during the Cyber Circus volume one. Though, he did have more help of backup vocals, and Kaede did have pre-recorded backup guitar. I don't mind backup vocals, but Kaede is not a bad guitarist, so IDK why he had the backup guitar. In fact, after Kasumi and Sou left, AvelCain used drum samples Kaede recorded two guitar parts (Even after Byou joined), which makes me suspect Shimizuya kicked out the members so they'll have less money to spend on recording.
 
Anyway, I'm ok with this band not being an AvelCain return, but I think it'd be cool if it was. Perhaps a return with a full band.
BTW, is anyone getting any Ains vibes from this? Perhaps some Yamikakumei vibes? Like, the flyer design is very similar to the designs Kuroyuri To Kage used to use. Maybe this will be an Ains band? 

What if this is secretly AvelCain's return? xD
I mean, the whole set up seems Emo (Gah using that term to describe this makes me cringe... I'm gonna need to go on a Sunny Day Real Estate spree after this) enough to be like that xD

What if this is secretly AvelCain's return? xD
I mean, the whole set up seems Emo (Gah using that term to describe this makes me cringe... I'm gonna need to go on a Sunny Day Real Estate spree after this) enough to be like that xD

What if this is secretly AvelCain's return? xD
I mean, the whole set up seems Emo (Gah using that term to describe this makes me cringe... I'm gonna need to go on a Sunny Day Real Estate spree after this) enough to be like that xD

What if this is secretly AvelCain's return? xD
I mean, the whole set up seems Emo (Gah using that term to describe this makes me cringe... I'm gonna need to go on a Sunny Day Real Estate spree after this) enough to be like that xD

I notice recently Diaura has been going with more military themed stuff. My Resistance was amazing and I hope this is just as amazing~

Drab Majesty are so good! Also, that video is perfection.

My friend recently got to see this band at a concert. For those who don't know (Though it has been shared here once, but there are still those who may not), this is Drab Majesty. They're an amazing Dark Wave duo that definitely hits the 80's sound and aesthetic. The lead vocalist/guitarist, Deb DeMure, plays a "genderless cult leader alien" persona. A friend of mine got to met him at a concert and got a picture with him. She was going to ask if they were Vkei influenced, but she didn't have enough time. Though, I guess you could you look at his makeup in this video and say "Yeah, this guy probably listens to some 90's Vkei" xD
Don't let the Visual Aesthetic turn you off, for these guys are also amazingly creative. 

I like visual kei

So here is something I've speculated about Kuroyuri to Kage. My hypothesis is perhaps that while Yamikakumei is technically owned by Kuroyuri, the production and distribution and such is handled by Ains. Now why would it be like this? Well, probably because it's way better than leaving them up completely to their own devices. Yukika can still make whatever money he can off them, but doesn't have to deal with the tax stuff, whereas Kuroyuri can do it's own thing, but still have help from Ains. In this case, both parties benefit. In basic terms, Yamikakumei is both it's own label, and a secret sublabel. IDK, this hypothesis needs a lot of work and has a LOT of holes in it. But perhaps someone who knows more can expand on this possibility. Kuroyuri was always the black sheep of the Ains bands, treating themselves like an indie band. I mean, GossiP still acts as if they were indie in terms of release schemes, but they obviously take advantage of the fact they're on a label. 
 
Now, here is another hypothesis that has less holes, and involves Shimizuya records. So we all know how truly EVIL Shimizuya are, right? Just ask Lycaon and AvelCain. 
Anyways, their most successful band atm, Sibilebashir, is really close to Kuroyuri. AvelCain is also somwhat close to Kuroyuri, in that they did a collaborative concert together once, but that doesn't make them like best friends, but still an amount to consider. Lycaon so far is the only band to successfully escape Shimizuya and still continue. And let's face the truth, Sibilebashir is going to disband soon. It's inevitable. Knowing how close Sibile and Kuroyuri are though, and knowing how Lycaon set an example for other Shimizuya bands (All to Shimizuya's dismay), it's obvious if Sibilebashir does return from the evil that is Shimizuya, they will either sign to an Ains sublabel, or sign to Yamikakumei themselves. The chances of this are even more likely if AvelCain comes back, in which, knowing their style and all, I think it'd obvious they'd sign to an Ains label. There is a slight chance of them joining Yamikakumei, but it's not very likely. In fact, I think they're more likely to join Madwink. Now, if you notice, GossiP's new live-distro single, Rinne, looks very similar to AvelCain in terms of cover art and stuff. I think this could possibly be subtle hint dropping of what is in the works at the moment. (Also, AvelCain's last single had a song called Rinne Tensei/Tenshou? I've seen different romanisations.) Either that or the members of GossiP happen to really like AvelCain (It is worth mentioning the look they took on during the Tokyo Scandal single looked a lot like AvelCain's old look, back when they had a drummer and two guitarists). Now yes, Kaede from AvelCain is retired, though VKei history has shown that its not impossible for him to pull a Kisaki and come out of retirement. Though I wouldn't hold your breath on it. While waiting for a possible return and see what fate they have, let's focus on Karma and Zen, for their fate on whether they return or not, will help determine Sibilebashir's chances of coming back if they disband (Which they will. Like, I love them, but let's face it. Shimizuya is EVIL)

I got into CrowXClass around 2014, when they still were a thing, and not only did it get me into VisualKei, but it also got me into metal in general. I then came across Memento Mori once in like mid 2014, while they were still active, but I never got into them until 2015, which is when I found out they reformed into Kuroyuri To Kage, which today is one of my favourites. I also got into Kiryu in 2015 with their song Amaterasu, and I fell in love instantly. And to this day, Kiryu is still a favourite of mine. 
Some other bands I came across in 2014-2015 were OZ, ACE, Deluhi, Kagerou and Guruguru Eigakan (though I didn't really get into the latter until 2016)
A lot of my favourites I've known for some time, such as Cuartet, which I've known since 2015, but never got much into until last year.
My entrance into the scene is much more recent compared to other people, and I pretty much only got out of my newb phase just recently, so I don't have too many stories to tell. Other than that pretty much Memento Mori's albums really had a huge effect on my taste in VisualKei. 

Older GazettE was better than newer GazettE. Even though they had lower budget production, they were more creative and unique back then
I think the GazettE are very skilled musicians who have either become lazy to make anything that I haven't heard over and over, or they're getting artist block a ton. Either that or Sony told Ruki not to trill his Rs xD. I mean, they went from almost all their music having a parental advisory, to literally no lyric warnings on the CD covers. That says a lot about how they've changed..
 
Also, Wagakki band in my opinion is overrated. I used to love them, but they pulled an MCR, going from heavy to poppy really quick. Also, Yuko's vocals have too much post production on them, making them sound a bit overpolished, which someone as skilled of a vocalist as her, shouldn't need polishing. She's truly an amazing vocalist, but you'd only hear her true skills in Hanafugetsu, not Wagakki. Also, sometimes, the music can get a bit cacophonous with all the instruments trying to play different parts at once. Like, there is an easy way to fix this: don't make every part so complex. It is ok to have the Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi and Taiko parts simple.  Also, I think they've gotten too popular. I mean, you have these fangirls now who think Wagakki is so special, saying "They were the first Japanese folk metal band!", and "Yuko's lyric writing in Tengaku is so amazing!". Like, Wagakki Band's covers have gotten more popular than the original, to the point where people think Wagakki actually wrote the songs. Also, there have been other bands mixing traditional Japanese and Metal for a LONG time. Bands like Onmyouza, Kiryu, Memento Mori, Whispered, Ningen Isu, etc. Heck, Kurona used to be in a Vkei band called CrowXClass (My first ever Vkei band I got into) and they used traditional Japanese instruments, and on their only EP, had 2 metal songs, and had even more live. And really, with how poppy Wagakki has gotten, I don't think they should represent Japanese folk metal. Kiryu or Onmyouza would be better representatives. Though, Ningen Isu is the oldest out of the ones I've mentioned, they're style of folk metal is not in the instruments, but in the composition and vocals. Plus, they're more of the first EroguroKei band.
 
Also, and finally, Vkei was always full of clones, especially in the 90's. In the early 90's, there were a TON of X Japan clones. Then, in the mid 90's, it seemed as if everyone wanted to start doing a mix of Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Alternative Metal and New Wave. And also you had the Kuroyume sound-a-likes and clones. Dir En Grey's early stuff being kinda like that (Even though I still enjoyed it). And almost any Metal that was played in the 90's, was either Gothic Metal, or Thrash Influenced Alt. Metal. And every single song had to have a chorused guitar, playing the same 3 notes... You did have a few bands that went outside the norms, but it wasn't until 2001 that you had a rise in Vkei bands play more Punk rock, Nu Metal and a little bit of pop rock and such, finally doing something different than what filled the scene before. Also, there were a ton of crappy bands in the 90's. In fact, since they couldn't clean everything up in the mix, it often sounded crappier. 

Older GazettE was better than newer GazettE. Even though they had lower budget production, they were more creative and unique back then
I think the GazettE are very skilled musicians who have either become lazy to make anything that I haven't heard over and over, or they're getting artist block a ton. Either that or Sony told Ruki not to trill his Rs xD. I mean, they went from almost all their music having a parental advisory, to literally no lyric warnings on the CD covers. That says a lot about how they've changed..
 
Also, Wagakki band in my opinion is overrated. I used to love them, but they pulled an MCR, going from heavy to poppy really quick. Also, Yuko's vocals have too much post production on them, making them sound a bit overpolished, which someone as skilled of a vocalist as her, shouldn't need polishing. She's truly an amazing vocalist, but you'd only hear her true skills in Hanafugetsu, not Wagakki. Also, sometimes, the music can get a bit cacophonous with all the instruments trying to play different parts at once. Like, there is an easy way to fix this: don't make every part so complex. It is ok to have the Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi and Taiko parts simple.  Also, I think they've gotten too popular. I mean, you have these fangirls now who think Wagakki is so special, saying "They were the first Japanese folk metal band!", and "Yuko's lyric writing in Tengaku is so amazing!". Like, Wagakki Band's covers have gotten more popular than the original, to the point where people think Wagakki actually wrote the songs. Also, there have been other bands mixing traditional Japanese and Metal for a LONG time. Bands like Onmyouza, Kiryu, Memento Mori, Whispered, Ningen Isu, etc. Heck, Kurona used to be in a Vkei band called CrowXClass (My first ever Vkei band I got into) and they used traditional Japanese instruments, and on their only EP, had 2 metal songs, and had even more live. And really, with how poppy Wagakki has gotten, I don't think they should represent Japanese folk metal. Kiryu or Onmyouza would be better representatives. Though, Ningen Isu is the oldest out of the ones I've mentioned, they're style of folk metal is not in the instruments, but in the composition and vocals. Plus, they're more of the first EroguroKei band.
 
Also, and finally, Vkei was always full of clones, especially in the 90's. In the early 90's, there were a TON of X Japan clones. Then, in the mid 90's, it seemed as if everyone wanted to start doing a mix of Alternative Rock, Gothic Rock, Alternative Metal and New Wave. And also you had the Kuroyume sound-a-likes and clones. Dir En Grey's early stuff being kinda like that (Even though I still enjoyed it). And almost any Metal that was played in the 90's, was either Gothic Metal, or Thrash Influenced Alt. Metal. And every single song had to have a chorused guitar, playing the same 3 notes... You did have a few bands that went outside the norms, but it wasn't until 2001 that you had a rise in Vkei bands play more Punk rock, Nu Metal and a little bit of pop rock and such, finally doing something different than what filled the scene before. Also, there were a ton of crappy bands in the 90's. In fact, since they couldn't clean everything up in the mix, it often sounded crappier. 

Ah, thanks for correcting me xD. 
This is why I shouldn't be allowed to do maths. 
 
Also, that seems interesting there. Knowing Deadly Sanctuary is a Punkish band from the early 2000's, it's very possible that the song could be influenced by them. 
This makes me more excited for the EP now. I just can't wait to see what GossiP has in store, because you never know what they'll do next. 
 
Edit: I just realised that this is one of the old bands of Yayoi, who used to own the label that one of Yukika's old bands was signed to. I know you know that, but I literally just realised xD

Same. Along with Ningen Isu too. They're both truly amazing bands and have been very influential on the Vkei scene itself, even though only the latter is technically Vkei, and even then, Nignen Isu is not widely thought of as Vkei, even though they fit the definition. 
I think Ningen Isu should be more represented in the Vkei community, having influenced Inugami Circus Dan, Kuroyuri To Kage and Caligari, and they definitely are visual. It's just that their sound has led them to be more associated with Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, etc. As most early Vkei bands were doing styles from New Wave British Heavy Metal, Ningen Isu was inspired mostly by older Metal bands, like Sabbath, Priest, and Deep Purple

Onmyouza is my shiiiiit. I wish they were more popular.

So here it is! Versailles's first proper release since their hiatus in 2012! I'd really like to hear what you guys thought about it so I'm starting a review thread of my own. 
 

 
 
1: La Musique
I'd say probably one of the more solid tracks on the album. I really like the verses and  solid piano break near the middle. 8/10
 
2: Shadows Fang
Sounds pretty standard for them. It doesn't really blow my mind. 7/10
 
3: Inheritance
I like the neat little transition from bass, guitar, and vocals before returning to the chorus again.  7.5/10
 
4: A Day Without You
I like the rocking guitars at the beginning. It almost reminds me a little bit of The Revenant Choir. This song is starting to grow on me. Also has a pretty good chorus.  8/10
 
5: Lineage
After hearing the previews I honestly thought I was going to hate this song. Funny because I actually think it's one of the best songs on the album after hearing it in full. The symphonic sounding intro that repeats throughout the song is very good. I honestly wouldn't hesitate to call this one of their best songs if it wasn't for the weird chorus which sounds kinda out of place imo. 8/10
 
6: Marionette. 
You're responsible for this one aren't you kamijo? >.> hmmm.. ok 8.5/10
 
 
~Overall Thoughts~
A decent return for them but I wouldn't consider it among their best. Definitely inferior in comparison to their other mini-album lyrical sympathy but it's not that bad.
 

 
 

Just a little correction:
万 (man) - 10,000
千 (sen) - 1000
 
And yeah, probably won't be very controversional. At least not in Japan or with vk-fans but we all know this is nothing that the mainstream media or w/e will know about anyway.
First thing that comes to mind when I see that symbol btw:
 

I can think of at least 4 other examples of bands using a manji in their song titles, so I'm sure there won't be much backlash.

y'all know i'm not a fan of ballads but this song isn't bad (but then again gossip have never really disappointed me)

if i could only judge by the new look,i'd say that this mini album is going to be violent and punk!