Himeaimichu

You're entirely entitled to your own opinion, so don't think that it has less credit because you differ in opinion! Personally, though, I dislike when a band has a guitar solo on every song. It's becoming the norm in a lot of bands, but I feel like it kind of lessens the effect of each solo. For instance, Nokubura is one of my favorite bands, but pretty every song gives Cazqui a wank session. Again, I'm not saying it's bad, but I feel like just like you said there's a balance of tones, solos need to be balanced as well. 

This review was perfect~ I couldn't have said any of this any better.
 
For me though, Zoki No Nozoki Ana was ehh for me, though I do like the songs Zetsurin Full Course (That's the actual name, BTW. Though I can understand why the mistake in the romanisation was made) and Furanfuran very much, Toshabutsu for me really gave me more hope.
I really miss their days of Memento Mori though. That's how I got into them. Though I guess AnguraKei doesn't allow the same amount of creativity as a Neo-Kote Kote Kei/EroguroKei crossover does. 

臓器のノゾキ穴。(Zouki no nozokiana)


Track list:
01.チョコレート階段(Chocolate kaidan)
02.「洗脳」(Sennou)
03.液状部屋 (Ekijou heya)
04.絶倫フルコース (Zetsurin full course)
05.「腐乱腐乱」 (Furanfuran)
06.すてきな唄。 (Suteki na uta)
 
吐瀉物 (Toshabutsu)


01. 吐瀉物 (Toshabutsu)
02. 「便所2」 (benjo2)
 
The great part of being a visual fan is all the unpredictable wackiness that happens behind the scenes. I don't think anyone would have predicted that one of the best visual albums of 2015 would have come from a band that had only a demo-tape before their full album release. This band burst onto the scene with a foul sound: even among their contemporaries who borrow from the early 2000's visual-kei sound, Kuroyuri to Kage were different. Their songs moved along with a hauntingly heavy feel, more akin to the sounds of sludge-metal than the hyper-sanitized metalcore/djent hybrids currently reigning the scene. It was especially wild considering this was the new band of Memento-Mori, a band with a heavy japoneseque leaning. Their image was as dark as their doomy sound, led by the particularly enigmatic and freaky vocalist Karasuna Mei. Themes of perversion, darkness, rape, murder and anything else you wouldn't ever want to see unless it was in a horror movie make up the lyrical themes and concepts of their releases. A period of long inactivity towards the later half of 2015 had stans suspicious, so the news that they'd be dropped from AINS and losing two founding members to retirement wasn't all that big of a shock. That said, they chose to continue independently* on their own label Yamikakumei with a four member lineup, recruiting a support drummer. What did the future hold for a once very promising band on one of the best labels in the scene?
 
Kuroyuri to kage return from flopsville after some label drama and losing two original members, releasing Zouki no nozokiana and Toshabutsu in 2016, slaying our existence. What could have been a recipe for disaster has been whipped into a yummy two course meal by the master chefs behind KTK, albeit made of human flesh and blood. Dinner is the mini-album Zouki no nozokiana, the band's second mini album and first formal release after the departure of guitarist Koyomi and drummer Mutsuki, released on the 10th of August, 2016. Dessert is Toshabutsu, the band's second single, released on the 2nd of November. So without further ado ladies and gentlemen, let's say grace and sink our filthy forks into this!
 
These releases are similar enough stylistically to fall under one review, they could have been recorded in the same sessions—that said, Kuroyuri are quite consistent with their sound. Make no mistake, this is the same band from 2015 for the most part, the differences from their prior output are quite fine, but still prominent. The most notable difference is the more direct sound: all the tracks here follow the same mid-tempo crawl Kuroyuri have been known for, shedding the ballads and faster songs from their debut. The blast beats are entirely gone, and so are the eerie music box ballads. The single guitar setup has pushed more of an emphasis on electronics and less on lead guitar parts, the surprising old-school solos Koyomi whipped up in the past are noticeably absent. To compensate for the missing guitar, along with the newly added bleepbloops, the bass is turned up to 11—and I mean it. The bass pummels like no one's business. I haven't heard basslines this obnoxious since like...ever. The way the bass is mixed is also fascinating, on the surface it's just a lot of clacking, trembly bass work. The magic comes when you crank the volume up; the low end is massive, almost like a subwoofer was dubbed over the bassline. The bass and guitar almost occupy the same amount of space in the mix, so you will hear every bass hit and every note K plays. The end result is a more pummeling sound, less Kagerou and more Slipknot or Korn. It's all less dynamic than their first two releases, which is a bit of a loss for me, but it's an interesting way Kuroyuri have chosen to advance their sound and adapt to the member changes.
 
Onto the individual releases, Nozoki... is a 6 track mini, half featured in the prior mail-order/live-limited singleうろんなチョコ冷凍。(Uronna Choko Reitou.) from April 2016. “Chocolate kaidan”, “Zetsurin full course” and “Suteki na uta” are all remastered from their original demos, sounding noticeably sharper and less lo-fi, while the rest are new tracks. That said, the production job on the mini is far from perfect, it's rather obnoxiously clipped. “Chocolate kaidan” isn't too notable a track but serves as a solid into for the rest of the album. Tt follows from Kuroyuri's original formula of clean, reverb-y guitar parts paired up with a heavy chorus and clean vocals, originally featured to brilliant effect in “Yokusou”. “Sennou” takes no prisoners, melding djent-y riffage (!!) with an alt-metal crawl, dubstep breakdown (??) and insane vocals. The subtle shifting of the track's rhythm and Mei's contrasting vocals make it an album highlight and totally addictive. “Ekijouheya” isn't as interesting as the rest, but is notable for the wild Korn-esque scat vocal breakdown and amazing slap bass solo in the middle. The new emphasis on electronics/manipulation is on full display here, as the buzzy synth duels against the guitar and bass in the verses. “Zetsubou full course” features some disturbing child choir echoing Mei's vocals in the intro and chorus, and is home to the sole guitar solo on the album. The track overstays its welcome at just over five minutes long, but it is one hell of a freaky track. My favourite track, “Furanfuran” follows right after, opening with a barrage of alt-metal riffage and slap bass all while Mei goes insane in the back. I'd like to think this is a really fun live song, as the rhythm goes perfectly with moshing furitsuke, or choreography. The track builds in its noisiness while Mei goes back and forth between a hypnotic vocal melody and utter madness, all before coming to a pretty end. “Suteki na uta” is more or less a different variation of all the flavours already offered on the prior tracks.
 
Toshabutsu is where shit hits the fan (harharhar), by way of the title track; the best song Kuroyuri to Kage have released since “Yokusou”. The track opens up with trippy, oddly manipulated and dissonant chords (Inquisition, anyone?) backing the usual alt-metal crawl. It segways into the typical effects-laden clean guitar+bass passages Kuroyuri have basically trademarked at this point. The tension mounts with some operatic vocals, all before melting back into the same intro passage while Mei delivers the chorus. It's an odd chorus in that it's long and not all that catchy, but the way the guitars drop and Mei comes in with the lyrical delivery is so fucking addictive. Listen to this on blast and I guarantee you'll be slow headbanging like a maniac. This is so, so heavy in a way only Kuroyuri can do. Also notable is how Mei sticks to mostly clean vocals throughout the song, but ends up heavy enough to demolish your head. “Benjo2” is the b-side for “Toshabutsu”, and it sounds nothing like the original “Benjo”; rather serving as the manic release for “Toshabutsu”'s composed heaviness.
 
These releases aren't enough to convert Kuroyuri naysayers, but definitely warrant a listen from people who might have written them off in the past. In that same length, Nozoki... and Toshabutsu are stripped down enough to possibly alienate old fans who might not like their new, meatier sound. That said, if you're tired of the mass spawning of Deluhi clones, try-hard deathcore bands and oshare kei, and you reminisce about the days when MUCC were actually heavy and when Slipknot and Korn ruled MTV, then give this a listen. Dinner and dessert were delicious today, thanks for joining in on today's feast. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to the wipe the blood off the corners of my mouth and get to cleaning up this mess. I think i'll need more bleach. Until next time.
 
Both Nozoki no nozokiana and Toshabutsu are available for sale at CD Japan here and here respectively.
 
8/10
 
*the question remains as to whether they were actually dropped by AINS or whether something else is going on behind the scenes that we don't know; so for the intents and purposes of this review assume they're independent

I'm so happy for this!!
Honestly, after Kuroyuri left Ains, their music did get a little ehh, but the release of Toshabutsu really was one of their most creative pieces. I can't wait for the new release(s)
although, Tanuki (ew) claims that Kuroyuri never left Ains, though there is always the distribution deal, but that's a different topic for another time
Also, the fact they're in a bathroom of a fast food place explains why the title of their last single was "Vomit and Diarrhea", because we all know what fast food does to you xD

You can also follow him on Twitter. https://twitter.com/sakurayuki_orc
I'm curious if we can expect more band members in the future!

I have to admit that Wagakki Band are an incredibile act, but Orochi are one of the first visual bands i have listened to, so they have a special role for me

Same. Though, it'll be tough since Wagakki Band is still experiencing viral popularity explosion (How have they not settled into a relatively stable fanbase yet? xD) but I'm sure they can do it!~

Good to hear that Orochi are still around! Hoping for more music by them!

After years of being a one man band, Orochi finally gains a new member. To be specific, a guitarist named Sakurayuki. Ryu, the lead singer, urges all fans to add him on facebook. 
 
Sakurayuki's official facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014283130230&pnref=lhc.friends
Orochi official facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orochijapan/?fref=ts

As long as it means more music in the future, I'm all up for it. 

While I do hear a lot of Gazette Influence in the vocals, most of the sound influences come from their old band JyuLie, which was like a cross between Byakura (Which they actually were featured on an Omnibus with), R-Shitei, and The GazettE. In GossiP, the Byakura influence is a bit less since they don't use traditional instruments anymore, but they still embrace R-Shitei's Meiji and Taisho period A E S T H E T I C S. There are also some smaller Eroguro influences, like Inugami Circus Dan and Guruguru Eigakan, but those are mostly aesthetic. 

I don't believe Tanuki. All Tanuki really is, is just a bunch of people who call themselves fans, but yet post nudes of any Vkei guy anywhere, and also make fun of Vkei guys for possibly being gay. Also, a lot of the rumours tend to be really outrageous in my opinion. 
Also, according to an interview, each member of the band writes their own parts, but Kuro begins to write most of them, so stress could still be a possibility. 
I always wondered why Mutsuki left though. I mean, it seems odd he left at the same time as Koyomi. They either could have left for the same reason, whatever that may be, but it's also worth mentioning Mutsuki used to be a session drummer, so maybe he wanted to go back to session drumming. It's also possible he wanted to have a normal job and normal life, which I can understand knowing how stressful Vkei can be. I mean, a lot of Vkei guys turn toward cigarette addiction and alcoholism. 

I think there's a possibility but if they were to form a new band it'd be in a year from the day they disbanded just like Lycaon. For a while leading up to their disbandment Japanese Lycaon fans had a theory that was there was a clause in their contracts that didn't allow them to play in a new band for one year after their disbandment and them coming back as Initial'L exactly one year after their last live proved that to be the case. I'm assuming it's the same for AvelCain, especially since Byou was doing support for sibilebashir while Rei was out recently.
 
tl;dr it's possible but probably won't happen until July of next year.
 
Also, as far as I know Eve is still associated with Shimizuya so if Karma and Zen do start a new band not under Shimizuya there's a 0% chance of him being in it. 

I really Love AvelCain when it was produced by EVE , EVE's style is so deep, heavily Japanese traditional and with the indie vibe !!!!!

hello again ^_^/
 i took a huge time to get used to kyouki's voice,and now his voice to me is one of the greatest in the visual kei.i think from the album shuuei on,them found their way to make music,i can enjoy 85% of their music since that album. gossip is original but if you are a the gazette fan you can easily realize the great influence in the atmosphere of their songs,i think the gazette is their source of inspiration

Grieva does have some pretty creative songs here and there. 
Also, on the topic of Ains bands copying others (Well, except Diaura), I never knew why people assume Gossip was a Gazette copy. Like, the GazettE isn't a Neo Old-School AnguraKei band xD. Also, long time no see, old friend~
 
Onto le main topic, I was ehhh on Grieva's new single. They're normally a guilty pleasure (in more ways than one xD) for me, as a Dir En Grey fan, but Kyouki's voice and occasional creativity is the pleasure for me xD. But because they're normally a guilty pleasure, I don't listen to them as often as I should. I've been just getting back into modern Vkei bands after binging on Kiryu's old stuff, and Memento Mori/Kuroyuri's old stuff xD. 
I hope their new single though really makes up for what they've been putting out recently. 

Grieva does have some pretty creative songs here and there. 
Also, on the topic of Ains bands copying others (Well, except Diaura), I never knew why people assume Gossip was a Gazette copy. Like, the GazettE isn't a Neo Old-School AnguraKei band xD. Also, long time no see, old friend~
 
Onto le main topic, I was ehhh on Grieva's new single. They're normally a guilty pleasure (in more ways than one xD) for me, as a Dir En Grey fan, but Kyouki's voice and occasional creativity is the pleasure for me xD. But because they're normally a guilty pleasure, I don't listen to them as often as I should. I've been just getting back into modern Vkei bands after binging on Kiryu's old stuff, and Memento Mori/Kuroyuri's old stuff xD. 
I hope their new single though really makes up for what they've been putting out recently. 

You don't have to be logged in to read it, you know? 
And it's a pretty wordy list, and shortening it would take the comedy out

"Mejibray is like the SAO of VisualKei."
 
That was the best line in the whole post XD

It was fun to read, though more than a "top ten of bands" it's a "top ten of things to try out in VK"

this is all incredibly bizarre

I've mostly gotten shit from older visual kei fans or more ~brutal~ visual kei fans for liking Royz and similar bands. I guess I used to feel guilty about that and when asked what bands I liked, I'd really readily admit heavier or older bands and downplay my interest in newer catchy bands and any oshare kei. Lately, I've just not given a single shit and let me tell you... the guilt free visual kei life feels good. 

PIGLOW in GLOOMY

Signal, GPKISM, and Lilith (the popcorn love one, not the present-day one)

I wanna see jun togawa, cornelius, coaltars of the deeper 

Far East Dizain, JILUKA, and Fixer all touring together. I would lose my shit.
 
As for non-VK bands, I think Crystal Lake, Crossfaith, HONE YOUR SENSE and Deadman Walking would put on a sick tour if they were to go international.