Pretsy

I WANT TO BE A FARMER!



This is radddd

I don't even know where to begin with in terms of your ignorant comment. Oh well! Throwing some important, actual keywords here for you to analyze (or google out, whatever suits your needs) - just in case you didn't know, history and phobia-free attitude towards events around the world really matters in present events (and to be honest, your comment really describes well how non-informed this whole "tumblr youth generation" is):
 
1) Stepan Bandera (and "Bandera Youth" if that is even googleable)
2) Khatyn Massacre
3)
(do those really look like Russians to you? BBC showed this and no one cared, just...how?)4) Aleksandr Muzychko, aka “Sashko Beliy” ( and his notoriety during Chechnya war) 
5) Taped convo in between Estonian foreign minister and EU representative (might have been handled in your local media...unless you live in Ukraine, ofc)
6) Those smartly mentioned "double standards" in Russia's statement against  absurd accusations of US government - come to think of it, how many conflicts/wars have been in US' register? Guatemala, Panama, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yugoslavia...and the list just goes on and on (and not a single fuck was given in any of those, weird). It wouldn't be far-fetched to say (in almost conspiracy theorist-like fashion) that McCain/Nuland (google their stance out too) might have supported those far-right parties financially for the sake of anti-Russian vengeance *shrug*
7) Partition Treaty between Russia and Ukraine in 1997 concerning Black Sea Fleet and troops - also: Russian troops always use insignia in their uniforms, Crimean newly formed troops don't ( as a case in point showing that there are *no* Russian troops inside the borders (yet, for now))
 
AND THAT'S JUST A HANDFUL! I have more evidences to show but we do have limits here too ofc!
PLUS
 
8 ) Words of advice: get rid of your russophobia and learn some source criticism pls. You cannot just go and judge things like that without knowing a) language b  ) history c) culture and d) how to see things without any media/politics-influenced bias.
 
 
 
Might just give you some claps because you came as something...I can't even say that word here. I apologize to mods for going totally off-topic. Let this be the last political statement (hopefully!) I make in J-rock-related news - and rebelstrik, in case you want to prove me wrong, PM me with legit, non-biased evidence about that matter - and no, cold war-themed insults are not welcome, sorry!

So you are basically asking for another MOAB (well not music-wise but in "let's start from the scratch"-kind of thing)?
 
If they will do something that excludes them *completely* from their old school era worship (like Uroboros being an obvious Macabre worshipper etc.), it's going to kill them fame/sales-wise.
In case you don't believe me, try to look for such indicators which showed that DEG was relevant during their 2006-2007 era (aka the "vk killing era") in Japan - you won't definitely find any out there
 
(well of course, DSS didn't do well either - but they still saved their "screening time" media-wise)

As others said already, basically most of it sounds cool (especially that riffage + piano section in intro/post-chorus part) but WITHOUT Yomi.
 
So that makes him pretty much the weakest link of NIGHTMARE - hope he will hire a vocal coach or other members will find a better band to dabble with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr5RB1xdNGs
 
Obvious choice.

xa-vat realness

I can feel ZIN's energy [2]
 

The transformation is amazing.
 

My top 5 - and I am gonna exclude ex-Vk-ers (Kyo, Ryuichi, Kiyoharu etc.) out of the list - and before I post my list, I would like to pinpoint one element that usually makes vocalists sound great - recognizable voice (you will see why I mentioned this):
 
1. Tatsurou (MUCC) - easily recognizable voice, which is quite hard to imitate. Haters' "Drunken hobo vocals"-comments aside, I have grown fond of his vocal style in such records as Houmura Uta (intense, fittingly dramatic vocals), Kuchiki no Tou/Houyoku (mainly "non-rampant" songs, like Akatsukiyami or Kagayaku Sekai) and Shangri-La (where I felt like he had his most varied role vocals-wise). This guy is STILL able to convey different kinds of emotions, which is pretty much the real gift/talent of good vocalists. 
2. Gara (MERRY) - most of you don't really stand his vocals, I know. BUT what I admire in him is that his frail, "overemotional" vocals are very easy to get into (you could even "feel" the melody) and that he's able to switch from such performance to totally overdramatic sequences (like in Gekisei for eg.).
3. Ryo (9GBO, HOLLOWGRAM) - easily recognizable, serene voice - would pretty much call him "the vk falsetto/crooning master" here (handles them much better than Satsuki or Kyo, I think). Even though he *is not* able to growl, it's still not necessary - his vocal style creates some sort of post music-like feeling, which I really adore
4. Shuuji Ishii (Cali-gari, goatbed, XA-VAT) - Out of all vk baritone vocalists, I am able to recognize him in an instant. Despite his needs for doing occasionally those excessive vibratos, he found his own way of doing some "vk realness" vocal-wise - also, "retro realness", heh.
5. Hizumi (D'espairsRay) -  I think Flame-X summed it up pretty well
 
My "favorite examples" are in links above.

My top 5 - and I am gonna exclude ex-Vk-ers (Kyo, Ryuichi, Kiyoharu etc.) out of the list - and before I post my list, I would like to pinpoint one element that usually makes vocalists sound great - recognizable voice (you will see why I mentioned this):
 
1. Tatsurou (MUCC) - easily recognizable voice, which is quite hard to imitate. Haters' "Drunken hobo vocals"-comments aside, I have grown fond of his vocal style in such records as Houmura Uta (intense, fittingly dramatic vocals), Kuchiki no Tou/Houyoku (mainly "non-rampant" songs, like Akatsukiyami or Kagayaku Sekai) and Shangri-La (where I felt like he had his most varied role vocals-wise). This guy is STILL able to convey different kinds of emotions, which is pretty much the real gift/talent of good vocalists. 
2. Gara (MERRY) - most of you don't really stand his vocals, I know. BUT what I admire in him is that his frail, "overemotional" vocals are very easy to get into (you could even "feel" the melody) and that he's able to switch from such performance to totally overdramatic sequences (like in Gekisei for eg.).
3. Ryo (9GBO, HOLLOWGRAM) - easily recognizable, serene voice - would pretty much call him "the vk falsetto/crooning master" here (handles them much better than Satsuki or Kyo, I think). Even though he *is not* able to growl, it's still not necessary - his vocal style creates some sort of post music-like feeling, which I really adore
4. Shuuji Ishii (Cali-gari, goatbed, XA-VAT) - Out of all vk baritone vocalists, I am able to recognize him in an instant. Despite his needs for doing occasionally those excessive vibratos, he found his own way of doing some "vk realness" vocal-wise - also, "retro realness", heh.
5. Hizumi (D'espairsRay) -  I think Flame-X summed it up pretty well
 
My "favorite examples" are in links above.

It's like they're constantly challenging themselves to sound even more like absolute garbage

Nice 'do, Catman!
 
lmao, randomly found myself on the website of a death metal band from Texas (they had a gig in my home town last summer, merch dude took my pic/name but I totally forgot about it since then XD).
 
http://www.severancemetal.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=181985462

Kyo posted on his official facebook page:
 
Initial Limited Version / Original Version includes a bonus CD of collaborations with and remixes by artists including SUGIZO (LUNA SEA / X JAPAN), HISASHI (GLAY), HITOKI (KUROYUME), SHUJI ISHII (cali≠gari), TK (LING TOSITE SIGURE), MUROHIME SHIN and more. Also included on the bonus CD is a collaboration featuring KIRITO (Angelo), vocalist of PIERROT, an overwhelmingly popular band and rivals when DIR EN GREY debuted.

Well, I'm excited as f**k.

So yeah, a "bilingual's small rant" post here:
 
Yay, our country has passed to the semi-finals in hockey (olympics), I guess - but at the same time I feel so sorry for Russia's poor teamplay (and I actually kinda wanted them to score more tbh)
 
Also, dear Yle (our broadcasting company): your hockey commentators SUCK - they are tasteless dweebs with no sense of empathy, tolerance or acceptance. If you call that as your "traditional/cultural trait", you can surely just eff off and bury yourselves out of "our" sights (by "our" I meant us, "the other minority", the "other bilinguals" ("Fennorussians", Fennoslavic people, etc. etc.)). You are even daring to go below the NBC-level of awful in terms of sports by commenting the efforts of our "arch-rivals" ignorantly and make tasteless jokes about them as so-called "fanservice for racist-like dweebs"? Think about "image" you give about yourselves to the audience before doing "pressured commentary slips".
 
Many good reasons not to watch hockey off TV, btw (well no shit, who even watches TV in our generation these days?)
 
Anyways, looking forward to other countries' efforts too (like US and ESPECIALLY Canada (the powerhouse of hockey, pretty much?))
 
ps. might belong to "bad day/rant" thread but there's more than just ranting tbqh.

Wow, so it isn't like everyone on this freaking planet has an original voice or something.
 
 
 

THIS SO MUCH
 
I hope that OBSCURE remake will be sent into the fields of oblivion, or something
 
For real.

4. Yoshiki finally admits that it was actually Yoshiki who died all those years ago and he had been hide all along

Before I run out of ideas in the later phase (I promise that I won't spam this any further), I will spew out my "last" effort in making sensible tributes, and that's ofc: DEG tribute. I am not the one to knock on Cat's tribute though - it's my "vision" on their possible lineup in possible tribute(s).
 
I might have been influenced by Cat5 (at least based on certain picks), and that is why he deserves my thanks
 
IN NOMINE - DIR EN GREY respect album-
 
1. Joe Hisaishi - THE FINAL (overture)
A short, orchestral snippet of DEG's ”all-time hit” - pretty warm welcome for such a big tribute like this. Honorable one, too! With its majestic presence, it's very reminiscent to Final's unplugged version off ”THE UNRAVELING”.
 
2. Downy – Rinkaku
By refining this to non-chuggy version with more complexity, this will find its way quite easily into Downy's comfort zone. (Side-note: should be tuned up to A# for the sake of segueing from ”THE FINAL”-prelude) Falsetto vocals shouldn't be the problem either.
 
3. AA= - Child Prey
With those ”Wooh oooh oooh”-ing BG vocals, underlying electro influence (those weird effects during riffs) and downtuned guitars, I can expect Takeshi Ueda and folks to pull out even punkier performance than Kyo's own. The original in fact starts to remind me of Mad Caps for some reason.
 
4. Coldrain – Agitated Screams of Maggots
Lyrics completely in English? Check. Lots of metalcore-y riffs? Check. Really fitting for Coldrain guys? Well, by judging their earlier covering efforts, I can see them having some potential to do this sweetly too.
 
5. kamomekamome – Clever Sleazoid
After trying out some kamomekamome, I came to the realization that Kyo's performance in CS (both versions) is somewhat similar to what KK's vocalist was doing in most of their songs. I apologize to Cat beforehand for clinging onto same-ish ideas
 
6. Kannivalism - Higeki ha Mabuta wo Oroshita Yasashiku Utsu
Sincere ballads like this are Kannivalism's specialty (knowing that their best songs like ”mum.” are like this), and so is underlying melancholy in Kyo's lyrics. Won't be a random number at all
 
7. THE NOVEMBERS - Toguro
Atmospheric, riffy number – might be pretty much NOVEMBERS' specialty (tagging along with Cat in this case). Knowing what they've done in their latest album, potential of this being a good cover is pretty high. Oh, and let's not forget the bass too
 
8. Lynch. - AMBER
Simple half-ballad with emphasis on low singing → goes well for Hazuki's range (falsettos too) and band's performance. Also, the guitars here are very reminiscent to what lynch. Started to do with ligher songs at their latest records. Nothing really else to explain in terms of obvious artist choice.
 
9. Boris – Mazohyst of Decadence (2011 ver. cover)
Imagine if this was their lo-fi take on DEG's ”revamped” live version of MoD. I might see Takeshi using more of monotonous vocal take (with Imogen Heap-ish filtering) on Kyo's lyrics (can skip some parts), along with improvised take on Toshiya's VERY audible and varied bassline (lots of fuzz). Wata in the meanwhile can give those ””sludgy”” (have to use double quotation marks for the sake of it) riffs a bit more dynamics. Creepy pro-life songs definitely deserve a deeper take, and Boris are able to pull it off well.
 
10. DAISHI DANCE feat. Chieko Kinbara – Hotarubi (a LIGHT mix)
Basically an instrumental House mix/cover of Dir's original. Having Kinbara appearing again in this piece (she played violins in the original), and DAISHI DANCE pulling out a Ghibli Set-like performance (vibraphones, soothing piano, some stock falsettos/vocals some strings + etc.). To live up to its mix title, it should be have more of hope-giving aura unlike the original with its ”all hope is gone”-vibes.
 
11. Michiro Endo/M.J.Q – 304 Goushitsu, Hakushi no Sakura
Assuming that Michiro might ”thank” DEG for covering STALIN's ”Warsaw no Gensou”. With its acoustic-friendly performance, Endo might find himself even at his old age pretty comfortable with this. Some anti-folk-kind of vibe will be sweet for this track (should also be shorter than the original imho)
 
12. Heaven In Her Arms – DIABOLOS
Some of Kyo's clean parts can be somewhat discarded here, for the sake of post-ish performance here. Atmosphere might be pretty fitting for them, and Kyo's growling/screaming can replaced with their ”signature” screaming without ruining the flow. I might even like their effort more than original.
 
13. HOLLOWGRAM – Inconvenient Ideal
Falsetto-heavy number? Ryo's top-notch specialty. Also, by listening partly to their ”Qualia”-record, I admit that this wouldn't be an out-of-place number for them. In addition to the first statement of mine, Ryo can pull this off much better – methinks.
 
14. MERRY – Rasetsukoku
Let's say it briefly: you know how this will end up – no? Imagine this in their ”Under-world” style, with a bit crunchier guitars
 
15. Takumi (RES) – Vanitas (new instrumental mix)
Instrumental coda. Do you guys remember the PA song DEG used to play during DSS promo tour (music box-ish song). Expect this to be a remake but made by ”semi-DEG member” this time. Nice finish for a tribute
 
ps. I tried to make this less random and "biased" ,heh.

Before I run out of ideas in the later phase (I promise that I won't spam this any further), I will spew out my "last" effort in making sensible tributes, and that's ofc: DEG tribute. I am not the one to knock on Cat's tribute though - it's my "vision" on their possible lineup in possible tribute(s).
 
I might have been influenced by Cat5 (at least based on certain picks), and that is why he deserves my thanks
 
IN NOMINE - DIR EN GREY respect album-
 
1. Joe Hisaishi - THE FINAL (overture)
A short, orchestral snippet of DEG's ”all-time hit” - pretty warm welcome for such a big tribute like this. Honorable one, too! With its majestic presence, it's very reminiscent to Final's unplugged version off ”THE UNRAVELING”.
 
2. Downy – Rinkaku
By refining this to non-chuggy version with more complexity, this will find its way quite easily into Downy's comfort zone. (Side-note: should be tuned up to A# for the sake of segueing from ”THE FINAL”-prelude) Falsetto vocals shouldn't be the problem either.
 
3. AA= - Child Prey
With those ”Wooh oooh oooh”-ing BG vocals, underlying electro influence (those weird effects during riffs) and downtuned guitars, I can expect Takeshi Ueda and folks to pull out even punkier performance than Kyo's own. The original in fact starts to remind me of Mad Caps for some reason.
 
4. Coldrain – Agitated Screams of Maggots
Lyrics completely in English? Check. Lots of metalcore-y riffs? Check. Really fitting for Coldrain guys? Well, by judging their earlier covering efforts, I can see them having some potential to do this sweetly too.
 
5. kamomekamome – Clever Sleazoid
After trying out some kamomekamome, I came to the realization that Kyo's performance in CS (both versions) is somewhat similar to what KK's vocalist was doing in most of their songs. I apologize to Cat beforehand for clinging onto same-ish ideas
 
6. Kannivalism - Higeki ha Mabuta wo Oroshita Yasashiku Utsu
Sincere ballads like this are Kannivalism's specialty (knowing that their best songs like ”mum.” are like this), and so is underlying melancholy in Kyo's lyrics. Won't be a random number at all
 
7. THE NOVEMBERS - Toguro
Atmospheric, riffy number – might be pretty much NOVEMBERS' specialty (tagging along with Cat in this case). Knowing what they've done in their latest album, potential of this being a good cover is pretty high. Oh, and let's not forget the bass too
 
8. Lynch. - AMBER
Simple half-ballad with emphasis on low singing → goes well for Hazuki's range (falsettos too) and band's performance. Also, the guitars here are very reminiscent to what lynch. Started to do with ligher songs at their latest records. Nothing really else to explain in terms of obvious artist choice.
 
9. Boris – Mazohyst of Decadence (2011 ver. cover)
Imagine if this was their lo-fi take on DEG's ”revamped” live version of MoD. I might see Takeshi using more of monotonous vocal take (with Imogen Heap-ish filtering) on Kyo's lyrics (can skip some parts), along with improvised take on Toshiya's VERY audible and varied bassline (lots of fuzz). Wata in the meanwhile can give those ””sludgy”” (have to use double quotation marks for the sake of it) riffs a bit more dynamics. Creepy pro-life songs definitely deserve a deeper take, and Boris are able to pull it off well.
 
10. DAISHI DANCE feat. Chieko Kinbara – Hotarubi (a LIGHT mix)
Basically an instrumental House mix/cover of Dir's original. Having Kinbara appearing again in this piece (she played violins in the original), and DAISHI DANCE pulling out a Ghibli Set-like performance (vibraphones, soothing piano, some stock falsettos/vocals some strings + etc.). To live up to its mix title, it should be have more of hope-giving aura unlike the original with its ”all hope is gone”-vibes.
 
11. Michiro Endo/M.J.Q – 304 Goushitsu, Hakushi no Sakura
Assuming that Michiro might ”thank” DEG for covering STALIN's ”Warsaw no Gensou”. With its acoustic-friendly performance, Endo might find himself even at his old age pretty comfortable with this. Some anti-folk-kind of vibe will be sweet for this track (should also be shorter than the original imho)
 
12. Heaven In Her Arms – DIABOLOS
Some of Kyo's clean parts can be somewhat discarded here, for the sake of post-ish performance here. Atmosphere might be pretty fitting for them, and Kyo's growling/screaming can replaced with their ”signature” screaming without ruining the flow. I might even like their effort more than original.
 
13. HOLLOWGRAM – Inconvenient Ideal
Falsetto-heavy number? Ryo's top-notch specialty. Also, by listening partly to their ”Qualia”-record, I admit that this wouldn't be an out-of-place number for them. In addition to the first statement of mine, Ryo can pull this off much better – methinks.
 
14. MERRY – Rasetsukoku
Let's say it briefly: you know how this will end up – no? Imagine this in their ”Under-world” style, with a bit crunchier guitars
 
15. Takumi (RES) – Vanitas (new instrumental mix)
Instrumental coda. Do you guys remember the PA song DEG used to play during DSS promo tour (music box-ish song). Expect this to be a remake but made by ”semi-DEG member” this time. Nice finish for a tribute
 
ps. I tried to make this less random and "biased" ,heh.

Before I run out of ideas in the later phase (I promise that I won't spam this any further), I will spew out my "last" effort in making sensible tributes, and that's ofc: DEG tribute. I am not the one to knock on Cat's tribute though - it's my "vision" on their possible lineup in possible tribute(s).
 
I might have been influenced by Cat5 (at least based on certain picks), and that is why he deserves my thanks
 
IN NOMINE - DIR EN GREY respect album-
 
1. Joe Hisaishi - THE FINAL (overture)
A short, orchestral snippet of DEG's ”all-time hit” - pretty warm welcome for such a big tribute like this. Honorable one, too! With its majestic presence, it's very reminiscent to Final's unplugged version off ”THE UNRAVELING”.
 
2. Downy – Rinkaku
By refining this to non-chuggy version with more complexity, this will find its way quite easily into Downy's comfort zone. (Side-note: should be tuned up to A# for the sake of segueing from ”THE FINAL”-prelude) Falsetto vocals shouldn't be the problem either.
 
3. AA= - Child Prey
With those ”Wooh oooh oooh”-ing BG vocals, underlying electro influence (those weird effects during riffs) and downtuned guitars, I can expect Takeshi Ueda and folks to pull out even punkier performance than Kyo's own. The original in fact starts to remind me of Mad Caps for some reason.
 
4. Coldrain – Agitated Screams of Maggots
Lyrics completely in English? Check. Lots of metalcore-y riffs? Check. Really fitting for Coldrain guys? Well, by judging their earlier covering efforts, I can see them having some potential to do this sweetly too.
 
5. kamomekamome – Clever Sleazoid
After trying out some kamomekamome, I came to the realization that Kyo's performance in CS (both versions) is somewhat similar to what KK's vocalist was doing in most of their songs. I apologize to Cat beforehand for clinging onto same-ish ideas
 
6. Kannivalism - Higeki ha Mabuta wo Oroshita Yasashiku Utsu
Sincere ballads like this are Kannivalism's specialty (knowing that their best songs like ”mum.” are like this), and so is underlying melancholy in Kyo's lyrics. Won't be a random number at all
 
7. THE NOVEMBERS - Toguro
Atmospheric, riffy number – might be pretty much NOVEMBERS' specialty (tagging along with Cat in this case). Knowing what they've done in their latest album, potential of this being a good cover is pretty high. Oh, and let's not forget the bass too
 
8. Lynch. - AMBER
Simple half-ballad with emphasis on low singing → goes well for Hazuki's range (falsettos too) and band's performance. Also, the guitars here are very reminiscent to what lynch. Started to do with ligher songs at their latest records. Nothing really else to explain in terms of obvious artist choice.
 
9. Boris – Mazohyst of Decadence (2011 ver. cover)
Imagine if this was their lo-fi take on DEG's ”revamped” live version of MoD. I might see Takeshi using more of monotonous vocal take (with Imogen Heap-ish filtering) on Kyo's lyrics (can skip some parts), along with improvised take on Toshiya's VERY audible and varied bassline (lots of fuzz). Wata in the meanwhile can give those ””sludgy”” (have to use double quotation marks for the sake of it) riffs a bit more dynamics. Creepy pro-life songs definitely deserve a deeper take, and Boris are able to pull it off well.
 
10. DAISHI DANCE feat. Chieko Kinbara – Hotarubi (a LIGHT mix)
Basically an instrumental House mix/cover of Dir's original. Having Kinbara appearing again in this piece (she played violins in the original), and DAISHI DANCE pulling out a Ghibli Set-like performance (vibraphones, soothing piano, some stock falsettos/vocals some strings + etc.). To live up to its mix title, it should be have more of hope-giving aura unlike the original with its ”all hope is gone”-vibes.
 
11. Michiro Endo/M.J.Q – 304 Goushitsu, Hakushi no Sakura
Assuming that Michiro might ”thank” DEG for covering STALIN's ”Warsaw no Gensou”. With its acoustic-friendly performance, Endo might find himself even at his old age pretty comfortable with this. Some anti-folk-kind of vibe will be sweet for this track (should also be shorter than the original imho)
 
12. Heaven In Her Arms – DIABOLOS
Some of Kyo's clean parts can be somewhat discarded here, for the sake of post-ish performance here. Atmosphere might be pretty fitting for them, and Kyo's growling/screaming can replaced with their ”signature” screaming without ruining the flow. I might even like their effort more than original.
 
13. HOLLOWGRAM – Inconvenient Ideal
Falsetto-heavy number? Ryo's top-notch specialty. Also, by listening partly to their ”Qualia”-record, I admit that this wouldn't be an out-of-place number for them. In addition to the first statement of mine, Ryo can pull this off much better – methinks.
 
14. MERRY – Rasetsukoku
Let's say it briefly: you know how this will end up – no? Imagine this in their ”Under-world” style, with a bit crunchier guitars
 
15. Takumi (RES) – Vanitas (new instrumental mix)
Instrumental coda. Do you guys remember the PA song DEG used to play during DSS promo tour (music box-ish song). Expect this to be a remake but made by ”semi-DEG member” this time. Nice finish for a tribute
 
ps. I tried to make this less random and "biased" ,heh.

Cool topic! I'm not very familiar with A9, so I can't really offer a critique on your fantasy tribute. =|
 
 
I'm a big fan of tearing down boundaries, taking risks, and being both creative and unpredictable when it comes to music, so my tribute would be very unorthodox! I think it would amazing to hear these bands and their different renditions:


MY DIR EN GREY TRIBUTE ALBUM!

01: 激しさと、この胸の中で絡み付いた灼熱の闇 - kamomekamome

"Hageshisa..." is a pretty intense song throughout and would suit a "thrashing-ly" hardcore band like kamomekamome. I could imagine them spicing up the riffage a bit, but maintaining the spirit of the song. They'd probably replace kyo's low-growls with screaming (but they're good at it, so... ;P)

02. CAGE - 9mm Parabellum Bullet

The melodic and hooky nature of this song would be right up 9mm's alley. Not to mention they'd absolutely nail the upbeat instrumentation while managing to infuse their signature sound.

03. 逆上堪能ケロイドミルク - THE BACK HORN

"Gyakujou Tannou Keloid Milk" has a signature high-note in it that Yamada WOULD NOT be able to hit. For some that would probably kill the song, but I think THE BACK HORN could put enough power behind the rest to make a compelling rendition.

04. Bottom of the death valley - LOSTAGE

Lostage are fucking fantastic at covering songs AND "RED…[em]" has a great, straightfoward hard-rock sound that would cater to the band's strengths. Although since Takahisa doesn't really scream, their cover wouldn't be as dark as the original. Still tons of room for Takahisa's bass playing to shine, though.

05. Machiavellism - 八十八ヶ所巡礼

This song has such a sinister yet playful tone to it - 88kasyo could do wonders with this. My only concern would be the more melodic, singing parts since Margaret doesn't really "sing" per se.

06. 凌辱の雨 - me-al art

I'm specifically referring to the funkier (and all around better) single version of "Ryoujoku no Ame". Imagining Satoko singing the chorus gives me chills. In fact, she'd completely obliterate Kyo on this song. The only real downfall is that Satoko probably can't do the screaming parts.

07. 悲劇は目蓋を下ろした優しき鬱 - THE NOVEMBERS

Brooding, atmospheric numbers like "Higeki wa Mabuta..." are THE NOVEMBERS' specialty. In fact, I think their cover would be extremely faithful to the original.

08. raison detre - 凛として時雨

I know I wanted ling tosite to cover ONE of dir en grey's songs, but it was tough to chose one. Ling is an extremely peculiar band, so I think they'd rip a completely new asshole into whatever DEG song they cover. They'd probably change the drumming and speed it up a bit for sure.

09. INCONVENIENT IDEAL - イツエ
 
The chorus of this song is so incredibly powerful that you'd need an equally or even more emotive vocalist to sing it, but I think itsue's vocalist fits the bill. There are no screaming or harsh vocals in this song either, so she could definitely pull it off!
 
10. THE FINAL - cinema staff
 
Perhaps one of diru's most pop-oriented songs? What better band to cover this than cinema staff? A band that has both keen pop sensibilities and raw aggression!
 
 
 
OBVIOUSLY this is a highly-unlikely tribute, and my selection of DIR EN GREY songs is horribly biased (I'm just a casual fan, haha). Ardent fans of the band would be both disappointed in the tracklist AND the band selection, but I personally think it would turn out pretty cool!

L'Arc~en~Ciel Tribute ~REBOOT!~
(because the *actual* tribute sucked - yeah, just because you can desperately pay some western hasbeens to play your songs =/= "tribute")
 
Main tracks:
 
1. BUCK-TICK - Get out from the Shell (Japanese version)
Seeing as that Tetsu and Hyde usually handled/crossed their vocal parts, I can see Imai and Sakurai doing the same thing, but in more sympathetic way. Also, those synth/guitar lines definitely ask some handling from Hoshino (who can do synth and rhythm guitars) and Imai (guitar messing lol). Also: a good starter.
 
2. ONE OK ROCK - Killing Me
The original is very teen rock-ish - with a big T. Also, it's kinda natural (and financially more productive) to put new generation blockbusters in the tribute album for "old generation blockbusters". 
 
3. Zigzo - And She Said
"And She Said" has sort of underlying indie-ness (or okay, I just pretend that I hear some Smiths' in that riff) - and it'd be interesting to hear ex-vk guys (well, look up to their bio) doing ex-vk-ish song...with certain ex-member (Sakura)! Fun fact: this song was used in "Jeepers Creepers" (international/US version). You don't believe me? Look it up!
 
4. The HIATUS - HONEY
This is one of those L'arc songs where I feel certain, harmonic "balance" in between its teen rock-ish riffs and sweet, poppy melody. Hosomi doing his stellar performance while Ueno and Izawa handling the bass melody in a whole new way. I can see them working some good magic with that one
 
5. Maaya Sakamoto x SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS x Jin Oki - Wind of Gold
I had some intentions in throwing in lecca for this, but then I realized that WoG is not the same without "calm tones" - and that is where I thought that Maaya would show some potential, and S&P doing their "almost close to Blurry Eyes' version but less messy" arrangement in the background   (I really want to see female performers doing Hyde's sensual L'arc songs tbqh). Also, Jin Oki (that flamenco guy who did a song with Miyavi too) gets the vibe heating with his cool guitar(s).
 
6. B'z - Shi no Hai
Okay, yes, they were L'arc's "marketing rivals" back in the 90s but it'd be nice to see Inaba singing and Tak playing Ken's "Santana-ish" guitar lines in a different fashion (or okay, I just imagine myself in some South American suburb whenever I play this song, ok...) - this just SCREAMS some definite guitar makeover.
 
7. SID - Blurry Eyes
They covered "Shout at the Devil" in actual tribute - and that in fact didn't really fit in Mao's way of singing nor his range at all. So I decided to find more fitting piece - okay, BE is pretty "fast" too but the singing pace here is quite okay for Mao to follow. Also - they are obviously one of the candidates to perform their idols' "biggest hits ever".
 
8. Acid Black Cherry - Flower
Knowing that JDA covered this already but in live only, I assure that Yasu will find his comfort zone pretty quickly with this easy-going song - and hopefully add something more to original's "autumn-y" vibe.
 
9. MUCC - Floods of Tears (single ver. with album ver. -ish vocals)
The band, minus Yukke, actually played Shinshoku in one of JITB events - and dear god what a mindblow (especially in Tatsurou's part). FoT is much more dramatic though, and I expect this to be a good challenge for Tats' and Miya to show up their efforts (in doing great covers). Might be a short comeback to their angstier past Also, the bassline yearns for Yukke tbh.
 
10. Gackt x Neko Saito Orchestra - Hitomi ni Utsuru Mono
Instead of doing stuff with his "higher" voice, he should do more sensual/honest stuff - like this cover for instance. Definitely fitting for Gackt's "if-it-were-possible-to-delve-back-to-his-new-prog-past"-range. Also, I expect this to be a grandiose number with Neko Saito doing some magical arrangements (especially with that "sinister" ending) . The pv for original song can be found in jpopsuki tv.
 
11. Alice Nine feat. NHK Tokyo Children's Choir -  MY HEART DRAWS A DREAM (live rendition)
Includes Ken's live solo impro too in the beginning. A9 is basically "the master" at doing songs like this (thanks to Shou's underlying "Hydeness" for eg.)- but at the same time, this whole "make peace no war"-kind of anthem thing will be quite new to them   get your bass magic ready, Saga. Also: children's choir necessary for that climax part (also, some plus for grandiose orchestral parts).
 
12. Mono - Mirai Sekai
I am really expecting a grandiose, sincere over-10 min version out of this - this lil' ditty of a lullaby definitely asks to be covered by such artists as Mono for instance .
 
Bonus tracks (for limited edition or w/e - hey, it's L'arc, so of course we have to make some "not-so-cool" marketing tricks!):
 
13. Gain(가인) - X X X (Korean ver.?)
Hyde's obnoxious, a bit embarrassing effort on being "erotic" with song like this can be turned into something "smartly sexy" by Gain
 
14.  Kiyoharu x Miyavi - READY STEADY GO
Kiyoharu basically responding to L'arc's "For Dear" in my imaginary tribute universe, lol.
 
15. DAIGO feat. Yasutaka Nakata & Seiji Kameda - NEO UNIVERSE
Daigo can show his Hyde worship here and it's pretty easy for ystk to adapt this synth-poppy piece into something off his "Sugarless Girl"-era . Also, Seiji doing magic with Tetsuya's 6-string bassline.
 
16.  GLAY x KAT-TUN -  Coming Closer
The original is very boyband-ish - in a good way...and a bad way too xD So it's kinda expected to have this kind of number in. Glay has done rock band x boyband-kind of number before, and Kat-Tun has done "New World" cover in TV...but let's say that this will be their least embarrassing effort.
 
17. Mika Nakashima feat. D'ERLANGER - Blurry Eyes (anniversary rendition)
Anniversary rendition is very carousel-themed (check it out in YT). Kyo's raspy vocals fit the song pretty well, and Mika Nakashima has a chance in showing that she's still able to perform in the level of Hyde (despite them both being weak nowadays due to smoking) - AND the idea of "new generation x old generation" doing the all-time hit is just gorgeous! / crazy collab ideas / also, expecting Cipher to do Ken's riffs in his trademark way.
 
18. H ZETT M x GREAT SAKAEDA x CHIEKO KINBARA - Niji
A good tribute deserves a good ending - and A BIG ONE. Great Sakaeda is the concert master mostly known for partaking in Ringo Shiina's latest orchestral efforts (since Sanmon Gossip I guess?), Chieko Kinbara is the violinist mostly known for collabing with such artists as Ringo Shiina (again) and DEG too (in "Hotarubi").
 
 
I might be taking this too far but come to think of it, the original tribute was a pure ripoff...(inb4 opposition).

MALICE MIZER tribute album

Some of these are pure fantasy since this isn't going to happen anyway, but a few are pretty plausible cover candidates I think!  The order of the tracks is also a bit random, but I think it's practically a requirement that "Bois de merveilles" be the closing track.  Enjoy!

1. au revoir - Moran
Moran really screwed up their chance to cover "Illuminati" unfortunately, but I don't think that song was really right for them in the first place.  Anyway, I'm prepared to give Moran a second chance and because they really shine on their light, dreamy ballad-type songs, I think "au revoir" is a great fit.
2. Le ciel - DIMMDIVISION.
Le ciel is already a pretty dreamy song, so I can imagine DIMMDIVISION. adding their shoegazey flair and producing magic for my ears.  Their song ".ReyarP" comes to mind as proof that they could pull this off.
3. Gardenia - 네미시스 (Nemesis)
I think it's pretty obvious when listening to Nemesis that despite not being visually inspired, the band must be closet fans of light, frilly VK like this.  Their orchestral arrangements are always beautiful and their guitarist is also a lovely piano player, so they could definitely do some justice to this song.
4. N・p・s N・g・s - 己龍 (Kiryu)
I can really imagine Kiryu putting their unique, crazy spin on this track.  The creepy talking parts and the "DIE GAME" parts are begging to be Mahiro-fied.
5. Syunikiss ～二度目の哀悼～ - Vior gloire
I really struggled with finding a good band to cover "Syunikiss" until I remembered Vior gloire.  Their songs occasionally had a grandiose/cinematic quality.  That combined with Shall's special vocals make Vior gloire a strong candidate for this song.
6. 記憶と空 - Megaromania
Neoclassical guitar riffs and questionable vocals? Sounds like a job for Megaromania!
7. エーゲ ～過ぎ去りし風と共に～ - DOPPEL
Thinking back to DOPPEL's songs like "Eggknock" and "Moonlight xxxx," I think they could produce a neat, twinkly update of this classic MM track.
8. 麗しき仮面の招待状 - Kaya
The VK queen of goth/electronic.  While "Illuminati" seems like an obvious choice, I'd rather hear Kaya's take on the Gackt-era's first single.  This song already has a slight dancey beat, so I can easily see Kaya going all out and doing a full-blown gothy/electronic rendition.
9. 白い肌に狂う愛と哀しみの輪舞 - Lacroix Despheres
The self-labeled "Symphonic Gothic Rock Opera" group has some definitely influence from MALICE MIZER's Klaha era (the Bara no Seidou album), so they seem like a great fit for this track.  Not to mention, Sho's vocals actually do resemble Klaha's somewhat.  I can see them adding their signature, whimsical oboe/flute (and maybe even Saya's vocals for a duet?) making it totally their own.  It worked on "Le sortilege" and "天啓の瞳" so they could definitely work their magic again.
10. 幻想楽園 - Nocturnal Bloodlust
Why not have MALICE MIZER's by far heaviest song get covered by the most br00tal VK band around.  It'd be interesting to hear them deathcore-ify this track, haha.
11. ヴェル・エール ～空白の瞬間の中で～ - Jupiter
Songs like "Bel Air" show that even though Malice Mizer was mostly known for their diverse influences and theatrics, they also had quite interesting guitar parts.  I think "VK metal" guitarists like Hizaki/Teru could give this song a nice modern update, while still retaining the unique atmosphere of the original.  Plus, I think ZIN could do a great job on vocals.
12. Beast of Blood - 関西耽美系～Lily Project～
Harpsichord, heavy repetitive riffs, and a dramatic chorus?  Only Lily project!  I'm sure Seira would do his unique German growls at some point in the song too, haha.
13. 死の舞踏 - Sito Magus
With songs like "necromance," I'm sure Sito Magus could produce a beautiful cover of this old MM favorite.  They would probably slow it down and add even more elements of classy gothic atmosphere.
14. Bois de merveilles - KAMIJO
While solo KAMIJO has a small repertoire so far, he's already shown on "Grazioso" that he's capable of waltzy, soundtrack-worthy arrangements like "Bois de merveilles."  Plus, KAMIJO idolizes vocalist Gackt, so...

So, the point of this topic is that you'll bring up a few (let's limit it to ~2 RELEASES PER PERSON*) titles that have affected the sound in later generations. AND THIS TIME you don't need to rely on "facts" - unless you are willing to cause shitstorm here: before you post your title, discard the whole "influence fact" mess out of your head - and think how that certain title has influenced IN YOUR OPINION (I am not really looking forward to "opinions are for the weak"-ideology, btw).
 
I am not really sure whether this kind of idea has been cultivated much earlier here (as in topics with same ideas), but it's still interesting to see that what kind of titles pop up here. 
 
You can format your posts your own way, BUT MAKE SURE it includes following details:
 
1) artist title - album title (obviously)
2) album cover
3) release date (or release year)
4) Explanation to your choice (Why? How?)
5) Youtube link for certain song off the album, if possible (as a showcase/supporting element for your explanation, you can add a small description if you wish)
 
And definite rule of thumb here is of course: NO SPAM, NO SHITSTORM
*yup, I am quite harsh here.
 
Thank you.
 
As a "firestarter", I will do this first:
 
 
 
AND THIS IS NOT LIMITED TO VK ONLY, GO AHEAD AND POST NON-VK TITLES TOO (that's actually something I'd appreciate too).