zaa_zaa

Great, let's assume most VK is "art" rather than the manufactured rock idol business it's become. Let's talk about interpretation.
 
- Do you understand Japanese fluently enough to interpret it? I'm going to guess probably not. I speak Japanese pretty fluently (enough to translate as a career), but even then a lot of the wordplay and VK references are often lost on me because I'm not a native speaker. I also wasn't raised in the same social climate. Some bands include inside jokes/information that I wouldn't know because I'm not a fan of that band.
 
- Do you understand musical theory well enough to evaluate it on those terms? I'm going to guess probably not again. Even if you did, there are a number of ways Japanese music theory differs from Western theory that you would also need to consider. You, like most of us, probably have your own musical preferences that influence how much you dislike/like a band. That's cool, but it's not a proper evaluation of how well they make music. Not to mention, like filth_y said, a lot of musicians "cheat" on pre-recorded records by using session musicians, autotune, or altering their sound post-recording. While you might be able to hide this with production, it's a lot harder to hide this on stage.
 
- Have you seen them live to see how well they are at the business side of things? Are they friendly with their fans? Do they know how to MC well or read the audience well? Do they know how to sell themselves and their merch well? How is their SNS game? This is the backbone of the VK business. Once again, I'm guessing probably not.
 
This is what I mean when I say your opinion isn't "credible". If you (or anyone else) want to get salty over any of that, fine.   I'll be over here laughing at how seriously you're taking yourself/yourselves.
 
BTW, the reason nobody is taking Miley serious is that she's oblivious to the history of hip hop and the movements/social issues behind it. Like you, she's listened to a small bit of it, possibly seen or met a few big names, and now believes this somehow makes her opinions credible. 

Yeah I agree on that, but if the band release songs we shall be able to judge these songs on how it sounds on CD, the person above say that if we haven't seen them live we can't judge the quality of them and that's pretty stupid to me 

i say this as someone who likes meji a lot - best outcome imo would be all four members starting/joining new projects that sound nothing like eachother, & keeping the band Mejibray alive for the occasional single/EP or reunion sorta tour.
kinda feel like 420 was the summation of Meji's sound, Nepenthes/Eiki/Venoms were some nice epilogues, & everything since is just bonus tracks.
Seems like each individual member has a lot more of an 'artistic vison' or w/e than really fits under the mejibray brand.

You can't put a price on seeing some internet people act heartbroken and shocked over such an announcement from a band whom they claim undying devotion to yet....
 
..not devoted enough to know VK bands work. Like they are REALLY surprised as if they think some unforeseen tragedy has taken place to cause this.
 
They don't seem to realize how much in excess their output was... probably see no difference in the quality of releases either. I guess they assume songs just kind of write themselves if you spend enough time being cute and all. The boys do give that impression..
 
Stay on hiatus until their short-term attention span dies out, then quietly come back and.... try to build a better fanbase.
 
I'm a fan of MEJIBRAY and I think MEJIBAY fans deserve everything they've got coming to them in life lol

Wataru is a producer of a non-vk band
Enya - more, and another band with a Nightmare vocalist
The guitarist with a beard - he plays as a support gt for several bands, I believe, plus I think he plays in another band, too
The guitarist w/o a beard - Last Mind Infinity

Ameyasame new Artist Photo
It seems that the concert at TIAT SKY HALL had been sold out
 

i hope they never fucking come back! good riddance mejibray have long ran their course, there's nothing they can release that will ever be good again bc they've literally done all possible variations on "mejibray"
 
koichi needs to front an oshare band signed on resistar that will shit all over buglug...spiv states style
mia needs to join a power metal/jupiter core band that will use his talents and actually challenge him instead of letting him continue to plateau
meto can become a fulltime harajuku fashion icon bc hes not that good gorl
tsuzuku needs a sukekiyo or dir en grey tier experimental metal project to DESTROY all remnants of visual kei with his perfection
 
CATCH THE MF TEA ON THAT .
i have actual faith in koichi-core like i KNOW he will summon up ex-DIV, souiumono, kameleo, smileberry, the kiddie, ViViD and destroy the world with KAWAII

new unit "SARRMATH" has formed and they will release their first mini-album, "SARRMATH" on October 10.
 
Lineup:
Vo.響 (hibiki) (THE HIGH GRIP, ex-Calmando Qual)
Comp. Tokami1000 (ex-Tokami)
 

If they're not cancelling shows at this time, then it's likely a lot will go on as planned. At least in terms of live shows, but wouldn't one think that the live shows and appearances be the things that need to be cancelled and not a studio recorded album that's been "99% done" forever? I, of course, idolize Yoshiki. I think he's an absolutely brilliant man and his passion for music seems to be unparalleled to the point of detriment. I hate that this is happening for a number of reasons, but it does seem like he needs to retire for his health at this point. Release this album maybe play one big ol' show and then be done or he's going to totally paralyze himself.

allure idea will revive for one day at Sapporo Crazy Monkey at 2017/9/2.
 

LOL not in the conventional sense but the way they debuted with a sold out oneman and no prior releases was bc of tanuki slicktalking and promising girls things to sell the tickets (alleged!!!!)

It was announced at "MEGA VEGAS 2017", the release of the New Single "SHINE" was decided on June 14, 2017!
Also, from this release, Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas will be transferring to Warner Music Japan.

[CD Track List]
01. SHINE
02. Something to Gain After the Pain
 

When even your producer and his friends make fun of your crabwalk.

special session, "妖怪＊セッション" (Yokai Session) will perform at 妖怪夏祭2 (yokai natsu-sai 2/Yokai Summer Festival 2) on August 30 at Shibuya REX.
 
妖怪＊セッション lineup:
Vo.雀夜 (suzuya) (ex.トランスノート (Trance Note))
Gt.美沙麗～みざり～ (misery) (ex.Megaromania, 凛 (lin))
Gt.パル (paru) (Smileberry)
Ba.塗壁ぬっぺ濡平 (nuppe) (ex.サウイフモノ (souiumono)
Dr.ゆきみ (yukimi) (ex.ユナイト (unite))
 

What has always struck me when it comes to Merry Go Round is how disconnected they were from the "visual" scene of it's day. And I feel like it was almost a conscious choice to keep a distance stylistically to the other bands around at the time. I've met Kazuma briefly a few times and he's a seemingly very nice (and ancient-looking) guy, but his connections to the "visual kei" scene remains fringe at best, despite participating in some sessions and things with established people in the scene he's never been a part of it properly in my opinion and his influences and interests at large seems to lay elsewhere.
 
In terms of their influence on the next generation it's the most obvious in the other "fringe" acts, bands like deadman, mucc, emmuree, munimuni, etc. owes a lot to Merry Go Round and I don't think anyone disputes that, just look at how aie rushed at the chance of forming a band with Kazuma back with highfashionparalyze like a giddy fanboy (And  for anyone who has watched KEEL live can attest that he treats Tomoi the same way, haha). If you compare it to ROUAGE for example you'd find that they did their part influencing these acts somewhat as well but carried more influence into the more "typical" visual kei of the late 90s what with the chorus style and more "melodic" touches in the darkness.
 
Anyway, great that you're shedding some light on this band again because they're easy to forget about these days and certainly easy to overlook for anyone new to the genre.
 

Ugggghhh I saw this guy's videos on FB this morning and was about to go awf on him but remembered that 90% of the people in the vkei facebook group use Yohio as a reason to not kill themselves.
 
Plus there's a few people who are still bitter from when I told Bataar they had bad makeup.
 

-> http://blog.livedoor.jp/variablemessiah/archives/52183409.html <-
 
These three bands will hold a one-day revival at Holiday Osaka on 07/07/2017!  
The event will be called "Legend Of Strangene"
 

Didn't someone from Dear L'Novel get kicked out for doing something to a fan? Or am I misremembering him as someone from Black Cat?
 
http://www.jpopasia.com/feed/17599/ex-black-cats-shintaro-accused-of-having-sex-with-minors/
 
Chloroform almost disbanded because of something their vocalist did. I believe the thread here said the other band members described it as "inexcusable behavior," although no one's come forward with what it was iirc.
 
Supposedly Yuuga (of both Devil Kitties) used to beat bandmen who were signed to his label. There was probably another issue at some point with the vocalist of Curse / Mareli (who is currently the vocalist of The Kiryu)  being super young, since I read he joined at band while in middle school and both bands were signed to Yuuga's label. I believe Curse eventually up and left his label and turned into LutenA, but any insinuation of drama to cause this is purely speculation on my part.
 
There was also a stint where he forced a member of Rentrer en Soi to grovel on stage for getting his sister pregnant (which is why one of their first guitarists left). @Takadanobabaalienmay have more details on Yuuga's workings in general.
 
 
Also, prayer candle lit for when Noah of Avanchick told Betty to not perform with them because it would make less people show up to their gigs, which then caused most of Rockstar Records come forward about the label dumping all of their funds into one band. #visualKeiWikiLeaks2016

Cool! Are you just visiting or do you live here in Japan?
 
If you'll be in the general Tokyo area long enough, SADS is supposedly doing a show on 7/21 at Liquidroom. On 7/1 D'ERLANGER is doing a show at O-EAST and then GARGOYLE will do a show at the same venue on 7/15. Kaya, Inugami Circus Dan, and few other bands are doing a show for Kaya's birthday on 7/17 at O-WEST. Kiryu is doing a show at Utsunomiya Heaven's Rock on 7/9. BREAKERZ (not really visual, but Daigo used to perform as Daigo Stardust) is doing two shows on 7/15 and 7/16 at Toyosu Pit. Miyavi is doing a show at Studio Coast on 6/29.  Visunavi has a good calendar of events going by day: http://www.visunavi.com/live/2017/07/ I'm sure the smaller live houses like AREA, Cyber, etc. will update in a couple of months.
 
Unfortunately I'm an obangya so I don't know much about current bands/scene. D:
 
If you're into Western music, BANKS is playing 7/6 at Liquidroom. I plan on going to that and kinda making a staycation weekend.  Since I'm going to Fuji Rock later that month I wasn't willing to fork out more than what Arena Standing cost, lol. Lemme know if you or anyone else would be interested in doing some kind of meet-up.

If I see one more comment that's not related to MEJIBRAY's new release, I'm locking the topic and handing out warnings!
 
@frayed @Gichi Gichi @rvrgf @sheepprincessgara I don't know if you've heard, but there is a function on this forum that allows users to send private messages (PM) that aren't posted publicly for everyone to see. So if you wanna call each other idiots, argue about using the words "homosexual" and "pedophile" in the same sentence, you now have a fun new secret place that doesn't derail a thread from its topic. How insane is that?
 
@CarmelzorsIs there ever a time you don't make some half-witted attempt at "calling out the staff" for "not doing their jobs?" Here's a super fun, amazing, awesome idea: if you see problematic shit, report it! Does that idea just blow your mind or what?! Another cool idea: if you have any "suggestions" for how us staffers should do our jobs, take that "suggestion" to us directly, and if it's not a wall of text, we'll take it into consideration.

tiny-muscle-man-wet-shirt-kei

Members:
Vo.シト(Sito) (ex-Cクラス(C-class)-->Veronica-->MELISSA-->D'SKO-->ヴァニキル(Vanikill))
Gu.凛-rin- (ex-D'SKO-->ヴァニキル(Vanikill)-->VaniKilL)
Gu.める(Mel) (ex-PigmyGhoul-->DirmuNot-->Rugia(g)Gram-->MELISSA-->胡蝶乃夢(kochou no yume)-->Vice-->ヴァニキル(Vanikill)-->VaniKilL)
Ba.刃
Dr.侑弥(Yuya) (ex-salvia-->Cold rage Bullet(support))
 
Vo. シト

 
Gt.凛-rin-

 
Gt.める

 
Ba.刃

 
Dr.侑弥

 
 

Good to see Ex- Avelcain Seiko in a new band 

OP has it totally backwards. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the PIERROT ojis are only getting back together for the coin since none of their solo projects have ever been huge, but it is definitely Dir's ojis that will be making coin off of PIERROT's appearance.  Last time PIERROT did a reunion live they filled most of Saitama Super Arena (15,000-20,000 people). By comparison, Dir tops out every year at Studio Coast (abt 2,500 people). 
 
I personally wouldn't be going if it wasn't a PIERROT collab. (And I normally would go with my husband, but he was like fvck that cuz he doesn't want to sit thru Dir.) I wish it was just PIERROT but hey I'm happy at any chance to see them perform again. At the reunion live Kirito made it pretty clear during his MCs that they weren't sure if they'd ever do another performance together in the future.
 
Whelp, at least after this I'll be able to say I've seen Dir en grey live. Hope they do some old stuff tho since I can't stand much of their discography beyond Vulgar. A little while ago they had the music advert trucks going around Tokyo but I wasn't in the area so no clue what the collab sounds like yet.

(The look associated with Jigyakuteki Sennoukokka, and Haikei, Haranbanjou Biyori)
 
So I decided to do a review of these two releases because they're really special to me. I'll explain why, but first, let's give some background on Memento Mori:
Memento Mori was an AnguraKei band formed in 2010 from the session band, Jigsaw. The members came from all around the Tokyo indie scene. Lead singer Ai (Now Mei in Kuroyuri to Kage) came from the band Rose Valley, whose guitarist also played support guitar for Tsubaki's (Was Koyomi in Kuroyuri) old band, Yukiline (which also had Chiaki from Dezert). Jin and Yohan (Now Kuro and K respectively) both came from a band called Icecream. The earliest prototype to Memento Mori is a band called Arutema, which had Ai, Tsubaki, and Yohan (Then, Ai and Tsubaki were known as ISOLA and Akaya). The other guitarist was Ya, and the drummer was named HIDE. Guitarist Jin and and drummer Carua replaced Ya and Hide and the band was christened "Jigsaw". Jigsaw would then sign to Dear Dolce records, and renamed Memento Mori. 
Jigyakuteki Sennoukka was their first album. It was released under Dear Dolce records. Originally, Haikei Haranbanjou Biyori was also going to be released on Dear Dolce, but the label closed. So after Dear Dolce closed, Memento Mori and Piece were resigned to Asakasa Kougyou music (Aka-on), which was originally a sublabel of Dear Dolce that held Raddock (Whose drummer would go on to be in Kuroyuri to Kage). The first album was originally recorded with drummer Carua, but he left two days before it's release. So drummer Yue replaced him. 
 
Now that you know the history, let me explain why this album and EP are special to me. Memento Mori was one of the first Vkei bands I got into. They charmed me with their sound and use of Japanese instruments, and Ai's vocals captivated me. This band has always been a favourite of mine, and helped me get through hard times. Safe to say, I hold a passion for this band. 
Now let's get onto the review!!
 
Jigyakuteki Sennoukokka: 
1. Red Rabbit:
This is possibly the perfect intro track. It's not too short, not too long, is very energetic, and let's you know what this band is about. It's a very catchy piece that will get stuck in your head. 
2. Sakurabi Awaki Samidare Ni -Aitou No I-:
This is a rerecording of a song from an earlier single. This time, a regular Koto (Japanese harp) was used. Before such, a Taishogoto (Japanese harp with typewriter keys) was used in the single version. This is an aggressive track that requires headbanging. Lots of Metalcore influence in this one. Ai's growls and screams really add to the heaviness, and the guitar solo in what originally was the breakdown really added to the already amazing song. 
3. Seiaku Linda:
Also from a single, this one is a bit more upbeat with a very audible bassline. This also introduces Memento Mori's love of pinch harmonics, as they're commonly used throughout the song. The drums in the beginning also show Carua's amazing skills. Too bad he wasn't in the band long enough though. 
4. Mosaic Jishukisei:
This track isn't actually on the album, but is listed as a track for some odd reason. IDK if it was meant to be a hidden track, or if it was scrapped at the last second. It's just not on there. 
5. Kairaku Nonfiction:
This one is a bit jazzier, starting out with a drum groove and a smooth bassline. Then trumpets go off and the main riff kicks in. This also shows Ai's vocal skills, as he uses a lot of heavy vibrato, something we wouldn't hear much of until Kuroyuri to Kage. 
6. Iris:
This one is a semiacoustic piece, and while it is the quintessential soft song, it doesn't feel stereotypical or forced. It feels straight from the heart. Jin takes the acoustic parts while Tsubaki takes the electric parts. Mei's voice is also a bit rawer in this, making it feel more genuine. 
7. Monochrome Death:
This heavy piece uses a lot of staccato notes, and screams. It also seems to change feel throughout the song, going from major, to minor. Though, the lyrics are a bit cringey, especially the English ones such as "DESPERATE SCENERY IS BLURRED. ENDLESS SORROW. PUBIC TREE. MONOCHROME DEATH". Like, the hell is a pubic tree? Do I even want to know??
8. Kiku No Kasa to Kagome Uta:
This is Memento Mori's first ever song, being released as a single earlier. The thrash influenced riffing and drum beats really give it a dark feel. Originally, a PV was made for this song, but only a PV spot was released. The chorus is also fun to sing along to. I find myself harmonising every time. 
9. Merry Chainsaw:
Also rerecorded from an earlier single, this starts out with Jin using a wah effect on the guitar. Ai also gives a more aggressive feel to the vocals compared to the single version. It's a dark song, about.. well.. I'm not entirely sure since I don't speak Japanese, but the title is "Merry Chainsaw", so, it's kind of obvious. 
10. Murder Doll:
The last song on the album, also on their first single, this ties up the album perfectly. It's dark atmosphere, and aggressive song structure really wraps up the album. Often, live, this song is extended so the band can interact with the audience. If I could compare it to another, I'd say it fits the role that "Zan" did on Dir En Grey's first album. 
 
Haikei Haranbanjou Biyori: 
This is the EP released after the first album, and the second release to feature drummer Yue (Who was previous featured with the band's addiction to the Dear Dolce omnibus). This takes in more traditional Japanese influence, and including doom metal and sludge metal influenced riffing, along with Eroguro themed lyrics. This is probably influenced from the band Ningen Isu, which was known for their eroguro themes, sabbathy riffing, and Japanese folk feel. Sadly, because of the low budget as a result of changing labels, and the rushed production, the sound quality isn't that good. The kick drums are barely audible. But for this album, it's not needed. 
1. Kyoumei Youkou:
This is the SE tract to the EP. It starts out with Synth Drums and then goes into a Shamisen melody. At the end, you hear Hishigi clappers, which really set the stage (Kabuki theatre pun intended) for this album. 
2. Joroya:
This was the song that got me into Memento Mori. It was the first to have a PV, and is possibly one of their best pieces. The gritty, slowed down riffing with the Shakuhachi and Shamisen really give a unique vibe. The song's meaning though is quite weird. I can't be for sure, but it seems as if it's about a prostitute who is taken advantage by an incubus, until she turns against the incubus and refuses service?? Unfortunately, this song got the band in a lot of trouble for accusations that they were copying Kiryu, even though Memento Mori and Kiryu are very different bands. Also, if Memento Mori is copying Kiryu, Kiryu is copying Byakura, and Byakura is copying Birushana. 
3. Oiran Chourou:
This song is a similar one to Joroya, in both sound and lyrics. This one, however, is about a prostitute in Yoshiwara. In this one, Ai goes in between deep and androgynous vocals more often.
4. Suzaku:
Another semiacoustic piece, this one is slower compared to Iris. Ai also goes in between androgynous and regular vocals. The lyrics are emotional and from the heart, being about someone you miss dearly. I can sympathise with this one on many levels. 
5. Bankoku, Akagami Reijou:
This one is quite unique. It has a militaristic feel with the rythm guitar using military drum rythms, and powerful vocals. And that fits the meaning of the song. During the end of WW2, Japan was really losing the war, fighting on two fronts. Americans on the pacific, and Russians and British in Asia. This song takes place during a battle in China, where Ai says he hopes to go home soon, then tells his troops that they need to fight for their country. It's their mother. It's their father. It's their children. It's them. It's Japan.
6. Rampowezu to Komoriuta:
The last song on the EP, this one is normally romanised as Ranpoezu to Komoriuta. However, N before P in Japanese is romanised and pronounced as M, and 絵 in archaic dialect is pronounced "We". The song starts off with an old recording of Buddhist Sutras, then goes into the intro riff, with a phaser effect on the guitars. The lyrics often make references to Japanese children's songs, such as Kagome Kagome. It's the perfect ending song, as it just feels like it couldn't go anywhere else. 
 
In conclusion, Jigyakuteki Sennoukokka and Haikei Haranbanjou Biyori are amazing releases, from a very unique band. It is really sad that Memento Mori no longer preforms as Memento Mori, because these songs were a gift to the Vkei scene. 
What do you think about the releases? What are your favourite songs? What do you think of Memento Mori? Feel free to tell me!