Delkmiroph

Fitear1590's Five Top 5s of 2015
Welcome to my year-end list! I'll be the first to admit that 2015 wasn't my favorite year in music. Sure, there were great releases or songs here and there, but overall, the year left a bad taste in my mouth with crushing disbandments/hiatuses (Moran, yazzmad, My Fairytale, etc.) and underwhelming releases from so many of my faves: DIV's Secret, NEGOTO's Vision, Kayoko Yoshizawa's Himitsu Kouen, Odotte Bakari no Kuni's Songs, Scenarioart's Happy Umbrella, DOPPEL's Röntgen, etc. With this in mind, I revamped the structure of my list and came up with five Top 5s: Japanese Artists, International Artists, PVs, Singles, and Surprises. In order to ensure the most breadth and variety, I made sure that there were no repeats throughout the five lists. Even if 2015 didn't seem that great when I started compiling this, I'm happy with the results and proud to share this with you. Hopefully, you find a few things worth checking out! Have a listen and be sure to let me know what you think in the comments!
 
 

Top 5 Japanese Artists


Chanty

 

The fin.

 

THE NOVEMBERS

10-1
 
Releases
 
10. 印象派 - AQ
I still prefer Nietzsche, but this was easily great too.





 
5. Lament. - The Unvarnished Truth
these guys can release as few releases as they want. at least its always high quality


 
3. Plastic Tree - 剥製
one of my alltime favourite , i can never listen to their releases too much, but that doesnt change the fact that they are amazing.
pls another eu tour.

 
2. 김예림 - Simple Mind
easily the best kpop release this year.
took a while for her to release something new, but at least it was worth the wait.
ppl tend to say that it reminds them a bit of bands like CHVRCHES or Purity Ring? idk.




 
8. STEREO.C.K - in secret
another mini pls? great song.

 
7. 己龍, Royz & コドモドラゴン - 繚乱レゾナンス
this song is so much fun, i hope they do something like that again in the future.







https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfxmwcAlNTQ' title="External link">PV

I love your list @Lestat i agree with almost all. The best until now for me

Since im passion stalker of every new band you should not suprise that you dont know this or that band... And since im not a good reviewer just my little comments
 
This is  my Top-10 releases which made my year
 
10) Didius - Addict [29.11.2015]
 
 

This synth music with really good vocal and nice melody makes my ears dissolve because of pleasent ...
 


 
 
9) IV - ミーティア [21.11.2015]
 
 

 
Maybe these songs are really standart for visual-kei and not-so-original, but they will rise your mood up to 100% .. My favourite song is tot et moi ..
 
8 ) LOG-ログ - Adore you~キミヲ想フ声~ [25.03.2015]
 
 

 
When i first watched their PV i said myself "I NEED THIS CD"!!!!!!! So I have a physical of this CD .. and still listen to them very often ... My favourite is .自信ない僕、強気な僕。
 


 
7) The♡Valentine - 処女の照れくさい気持ち [02.11.2015]
 
 

 
There were my two favourite band Fi`Ance and TRUST.. after both disbandments vocalist from Fi`Ance and Trust members formed this group .. It is very different from origin ... Oshare-kei sound, pretty look .. What I need else?
 


 
6) Blaive - イグサレーション [16.09.2015]
 
 

 
I think this is the most harmonic look of my list.. This blue color is really attractive .. and the look of the memebers is also smart) The MV represent my favourite song from them
 


 
5) VEXENT - オメガ [02.11.2015]
 
 

 
ITS TIME TO REAL ROCK! Very powerful songs from this single make my head doing like this :headbang:My favourite is Dystopia .. but here there is MV of Omega 
 


 
4) WEED - AK-47 [28.07.2015]
 
 

 
This is another my favourite hard release with a lot of screaming and growl ... I JUST WANNA SCREAM WITH THEM!
 


 
 
BUM-BUM-BUM
 
THIS IS TOP-3
 
3) Azlina - Gladius [28.10.2015]
 
 
 

 
Oh .. This tune just bite my soul.. A litlle bit melancholic song open my old memories ..
 


 
2) A≠ris - Fake romancer [18.01.2015]
 

 
 
 
Just solid realese.. especially song Mask .. electronic masterpiece
 


 
1) DiCE - 色彩 [20.05.2015]
 
 

 
I wanna listen and listen and listen to them!!!!!! My top.. my NUMBER-1
 

So, I went to hike a while ago.
 
Eh, people do hike, right?

Hiz - 8インチの脅迫 (8 Inch no Kyouhaku)



 

Standout Track: SIREN

 

INORAN - Beautiful Now



 

Standout Track: Fading Memory

 

JILUKA - Brave Agonistic Letters Under Segregation



 

Standout Track: Crossing Fate

 

JILUKA - DESTRIEB



 

Standout Track: Twisted Pain

 

Jin-Machine - ゴリラ (Gorilla)



 

Standout Track: ゴリラ (Gorilla)

 

KAMIJO - Royal Blood ～Revival Best～



 

Standout Track(s): Imperial Concerto / HEEL / Royal Blood

 

KRAD - Beginning of Darkness



 

Standout Track: Beginning of Darkness

 

KRAD - Plantman



 

Standout Track: Plantman

 

KRAD - SepsiS



 

Standout Track: Sand&Blood

 

 

DADAROMA - 「最終電車」(Saishuudensha)



 

Standout Track: 最終電車 (Saishuudensha)

 

DADAROMA - dadaism#1



 

Standout Track(s): SEX! / 「溺れる魚」「Oboreru Sanaka」

 

Dead Children - Haunted Vox



 

Standout Track: Black Lily

 

Develop One's Faculties - reincarnation



 

Standout Track: insert memory

 

Devil Kitty - 雌豚解体新書 (Mesubuta Kaitaishinsho)



 

Standout Track: Chalmmy

 

DEZERT - 「暫定的オカルト週刊誌①」 (「Zanteiteki Occult Shukanshi①」)



 

Standout Track: ゴシック (Gothic)

 

DEZERT - 「変」 (「Hen」)



 

Standout Track: 「変」 (「Hen」)

 

DIAWOLF - REBELLION



 

Standout Track : REBELLION

 

DIAWOLF - TURBLUENCE



 

Standout Track: Turbulence

 

DiSPiИA - Coward TV



 

Standout Track: Coward TV

 

DuelJewel - Jewel



 

Standout Track: Beauty of the lie

 

FEST VAINQUEUR - ペルソナ傷女 (Persona Shoujou)



 

Standout Track: ペルソナ傷女 (Persona Shoujou)

 

Ｆｉｘｅｒ- 孤慟 -into the vortex- (Koudou -into the vortex-)



 

Standout Track: 孤慟 -into the vortex- (Koudou -into the vortex-)

 

ＧＡＧＡ - 恍惚の花－コウコツノハナ－ (Kokotsu no Hana)



 

Standout Track: Death Parade

 

glamscure - Subliminal



 

Standout Track: Fruitless

 

GRIMOIRE-グリモア- - ぼくとタルパ (Boku to Tulpa)



 

Standout Track: ぼくとタルパ (Boku to Tulpa)

I've enjoyed the best of's I've seen so far this year from most of the members here and since I was really lame last year and completely spaced on it because of insane work schedules. This year I've spent a lot of time listening to and enjoying a lot of the releases I've heard this year. I spend a lot of time at work listening to music and I've got a big list of albums/singles that have stood out for me. They aren't in any particular order since I'm a bit all over the place with my tastes. Some might be surprises and some might not be. Enjoy~

 

I have uploaded the songs that stood out for me and linked them. Hopefully the songs work and I have only posted them for sampling purposes. If there is a PV/MV for the song I will link to that instead or if I can find a song uploaded elsewhere I will link to that as well.

 

NOW COMPLETE ENJOY AND TAKE THE RIDE ON THE MAGICAL MUSIC TRAIN~

 

 

∀NTI FEMINISM - MAD OF PAIN

 



 

Standout Track: Hell On Earth

 

Ⅸ -NINE- - VIDYA

 



 

Standout Track: Sky Burial

 

ACID BLACK CHERRY - L-エル-



 

Standout Track: エストエム (S to M)

 

ALSDEAD - INAZUMA

 



 

Standout Track: INAZUMA

 

amber gris - 小さな銀貨を左手に (Chisana Ginka o Hidarite ni)



 

Standout Track: Absolute being

 

AvelCain - おまじない (Omajinai)



 

Standout Track: 片想い (Kataomoi)

 

BAROQUE - PLANETARY SECRET



 

Standout Track: DREAMSCAPE

 

ＢＡＳＨ！- クサレゲドウ (Kusaregedou)



 

Standout Track: クサレゲドウ (Kusaregedou)

 

Black Gene For The Next Scene - 裏返り (Uragaeri)



 

Standout Track: 裏返り (Uragaeri)

 

BLESSCODE - white/Regret Love



 

Standout Track: Regret Love

 

BORN - GOD COLLAPSE



 

Standout Track: GOD COLLAPSE

 

BORN - オルタナティヴ・タランチュラ (Alternative Tarantula)



 

Standout Track: foxy foxy

 

BULL ZEICHEN 88 - WENDY



 

Standout Track: WENDY

 

Chanty - m.o.b.



 

Standout Track: m.o.b.

 

Crimson Shiva - Feather Pray



 

Standout Track: Mermaid Misery

full albums, 10 — 1

 

10. "EPIC DAY" by B'z

 

 
After being assigned the title of 'best-selling artist in Japanese history', the long-serving duo in 'B'z' laughs in the face of retirement, and instead continues to pack arenas to the brim where it serves up great portions of quality Rock 'N' Roll on a silver platter. Do we still hunger for more? Oh yes, we most certainly do.
 
01. Las Vegas
02. 有頂天
03. Exit To The Sun
04. NO EXCUSE
05. アマリニモ
06. EPIC DAY
07. Classmate
08. Black Coffee
09. 君を気にしない日など
10. Man Of The Match
 
09. "Royale" by GOTCHAROCKA

 

 
As a fanatic of both Jui's and Jun's previous participation in VIDOLL and Phantasmagoria, I can not help but stay involved with their choices of movement — and there I believe myself to be one of the few individuals who remains eclectic about this extremely fun and clever assemblage of musicians, whose chemistry
continues to reflect on my everlasting love for UNDER CODE PRODUCTION records.
 
01. 撃愛
02. S or M
03. 恐想ロワイヤル
04. TAROT
05. Director’s cut
06. SNAKE CHANNEL
07. 赤い駅
08. Shortcake
09. Alarm
10. Starry eyes
11. Emotion
12. Happy
 
08. "BRILLIANT WORLD" by defspiral

 

 
After quite actually dismissing this group earlier in the year, defspiral are now another new contestant that made their way into my list of favourites simply by this astonishing collection of faultless Hard-Rock, most cherished when played with the volume turned up high. Vocalist Taka just about has that rough edge to his chords that make this unbelievably enjoyable, no matter the occasion.
 
01. NEW DAYLIGHT
02. SILVER ARROW
03. DREAM OF YOU
04. IN FLAMES
05. THANATOS
06. SERENADE
07. カナリア
08. FAR AWAY
09. ESTRELLA
10. BRILLIANT
11. CARNAVAL
 
07. "裏現" by COHOL

 

 
Every annual calendar deserves to encompass an absolute powerhouse, and 2015 has been a proficient year for the upcoming Post-Black horde going by the name of 'COHOL'. While haunting the less intensely freezing forests of Tokyo, we are still reminiscent of many brothers and sisters in the cold lands of Scandinavia.
 
01. 冷たい石
02. 下部構造
03. 暗君
04. 地に堕ちる
05. 葬送行進
06. 絶えぬ火
07. 病の元型
08. 急性期の終わり
 
06. "I AM MORTAL" by THE MORTAL

 

 
Who would have imagined that in this age, it was possible to navigate backwards into the olden Romantic era of spooks, witchcraft and vampirism? Mastermind Atsushi Sakurai and his supergroup 'THE MORTAL' have arranged for us a genius of gothic-horror favourites, compact in the grandly, beautiful full album 'I AM MORTAL'. 
 
01. 天使
02. DEAD CAN DANCE
03. Barbaric Man
04. 夢 -Deep Dream
05. Fantômas -展覧会の男
06. MOTHER
07. ギニョル
08. 月
09. PAIN DROP -It rains cats & dogs
10. グロテスク
11. Mortal
12. サヨナラワルツ
 
05. "少女喪失-syojosoushitsu-" by R指定

 

 
It is unquestionably rare for someone to enjoy every singular release that makes up one distinguished band's discography, but for me — so is the case with the young men of 'R指定'. Walking a lone desert of nonconformity, '少女喪失-syojosoushitsu-' is filled with originality and character, and makes up for all the legends we have seen coming and going.
 
01. 帝都に死す
02. 喪失-soushitsu-
03. サドマゾ
04. 終身旅行
05. 晩秋
06. 病ンデル彼女
07. 白いキャンバス、赤い絵の具
08. O.D
09. 八幡の薮知らず
10. 君はサブカルチャー
11. 殺したいくらい愛してる
12. THE廃人間
13. スーサイドメモリーズ
14. 焔-homura-
15. MELT DOWN
16. さらばビッチ
17. 誰かのメリークリスマス
18. LOVE is HAKATA
 
04. "Spectacular Nite -狂おしい夜について-" by D'ERLANGER

 

 
After what is nearing the thirty year mark, 'D'ERLANGER' continue to provide us with proportionate and uncompromised Hard-Rock, this album mixed with a taste of just about every respectable sub-genre available to the veterans, and therefore it would do on just about anyone's shelf. A pity, how undervalued they still are.
 
01. SEX ON THE CARPET
02. 狂おしい夜について
03. Cherry
04. Dance with me
05. SWEET EMOTION
06. DARLIN’ -2015
07. BABY
08. LULLABY -2015-
09. Candy In The Shape Of You -2015-
10. Skeleton Queen
11. CRAZY4YOU
 
03. "別世界" by DER ZIBET

 

 
The few spins that I have given this album have transported me back in time. The intelligence and craft with which this album has been composed is something I believed to no longer exist in our current era, but here comes 'DER ZIBET' in all its former and current glory; pummeling a melancholic and almost lugubrious proficiency at us, track after track.
 
01. 別世界への招待状 (ver.0)
02. METRO
03. Mr.Bad Trip
04. 時の亡命者
05. 月下美人
06. 黒い犬
07. トリックスターの憂鬱
08. MONDO MOVIE
09. 青空
10. 朝日を待ちながら
11. 傀儡使いの街
12. ドッペルゲンガー
13. 天使達のパ・ド・ドゥ
14. 別世界への招待状
 
02. "D.A.R.K -In the name of evil-" by lynch.

 

 
Being rather late to the party, I discovered the brilliant musicians of lynch. in early 2015 (after an extensive period of unjustified avoidance). Correlative to its predecessor which was equally and continuously solid, 'D.A.R.K. -In the name of evil-' does everything musically and instrumentally correct, warring itself as a deafening rival to everyone who dares to walk in its way, or footsteps.
 
01. INTRODUCTION
02. D.A.R.K.
03. ANTARES
04. EVOKE
05. GHOST
06. ILLUMINATI
07. ETERNITY
08. FALLEN
09. BEAST
10. INVADER
11. COSMOS
12. MELANCHOLIC
13. MOON
 
01. "Royal Blood -Revival Best-" by KAMIJO

 

 
Majestic, glorious, and famous for his immortal voice. This year was the one in which our nocturnal and aristocratic king took us back into his career spanning two whole decades, and our royalty did so splendidly by shining a new and bright light on well-known compositions, astride of a few new classics that will be heard by many an ear in the future to come. 
 
01. Emblem
02. Imperial Concerto
03. 薔薇は美しく散る
04. Aristocrat’s Symphony
05. 蝶の花
06. Audrey
07. この世で一番美しい薔薇よ
08. 冬東京
09. HEEL
10. God Palace -Method Of Inheritance-
11. Royal Blood

individual tracks, 10 — 1
 
10. "彼ノ夢、幻。" by -真天地開闢集団-ジグザグ (愛シ貴女狂怪性, 2015.09.14)

 

 
09. "拡聲ニ蝕ユ蠢" by 己龍 (FAMILY PARTY, 2015.11.25)

 
http://i.imgur.com/X2d4hSY.jpg?1px;width:auto;" src="200" alt="Image" />
 
08. "Absolute being" by amber gris (2015.04.15)

 

 
07. "ETERNITY" by lynch. (D.A.R.K. -In the name of evil-, 2015.10.07)

 

 
06. "METRO" by DER ZIBET (別世界, 2015.11.25)

 

 
05. "Stranger" by PENICILLIN (Stranger, 2015.10.14)

 
http://tinyurl.com/jemsyc5px;width:auto;" src="200" alt="Image" />
 
04. "残り香" by More (Morphe, 2015.10.07)

 
http://i.imgur.com/fBAR3Ru.jpg?1px;width:auto;" src="200" alt="Image" />
 
03. "God Palace -Method Of Inheritance-" by KAMIJO (Royal Blood -Revival Best-, 2015.07.15)

 

 
02. "青く透明なこの神秘の海へ" by 摩天楼オペラ (青く透明なこの神秘の海へ, 2015.07.20)

 
 http://i.imgur.com/kylGx5L.png?1px;width:auto;" src="200" alt="Image" />
 
01. "Dedicate to Graveyard" by 凛 -the end of corruption world- (Dedicate to Graveyard, 2015.09.09)

 
http://tinyurl.com/qdmwjlwpx;width:auto;" src="200" alt="Image" />

oh fuck I forgot this.
 

 
honestly didn't expect any new VK to draw me in in 2015, but xaa-xaa are outstanding. Sounding just like 2007/8 Mucc, before they went to shit. 

thanks for your time!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
also
 
The original not the karaoke obvs. The frantic, saccharine ziyouuvachi we all love.

 
tw: ruffs; striped hotpants; appropriation of sobreros, mer-culture, 70s prog organ.

 
The canon in the last minute is sublime.

 
katy perry but less evil!

 
2015 anthem tbh

 
should've been bigger

 
blood orange x carly, was bound to result in one of the best produced tracks of 2015

 
problematic queen mixed by the best half of thunderpuss

 
king sef

 
french pop revival 2k15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbVnbwCKigo
 
french pop revival 2k15[2]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPjazi4mQSQ
 
And suiyoubi upped the game for everyone 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuuUfP4uJEk

great news & line-up!!!!
The face of some to see the news:

YES DELKI YES! I've only given the album two listens but it's already up there for me with Träumerei, Dona Dona and ammonite. There's only two songs on the album I don't completely adore (告白 (Kokuhaku) and スラッシングパンプキン•デスマーチ (Thrashing pumpkin death march). A beautiful album beautifully done, or maybe I'm just hella biased, lol. When looking at it compared to the rest of their discography, it's easily one of their best imo. A coherent album that keeps at it throughout its whole run. I honestly wasn't expecting it to be one of my favourites of theirs, since their recent PVs didn't really cut it for me at first. I'm glad I could enjoy them as much as I always have in the end. 
 
omg one of my not so favourable songs is your favourite. XD Still, awesome review! I was so excited for this!

Since everyone else is also doing it, i'd like to share my favorite releases of 2015~ I'm aware that my taste is rather specific, so you're likely to either love most of the songs or despise all of them. Whatever the case, if you happen to find something that piques your interest or a song from my list you happen to enjoy, you can be sure that i'll be delighted to know what you think--so please feel free to comment etc.
 
I'm not even gonna try to list everything I like from 2015; so here's my top 10 minis/albums, top 10 singles, and top 5 live-limited singles. Each entry will feature a snippet of my favorite track from the release. Enjoyyy~
 
 
 
TOP 10 Mini-Albums & Full Albums (in reverse order)
 
10. Anima - irony of fate
 

 
Favorite track: バンギャイズム
 

 
 
09. Anli Pollicino - STARGAZER vol.1
 

 
Favorite track: Lonely Glory Story
 

 
 
08. Blu-BiLLioN - GENESIS
 

 
Favorite track: キミコレクション
 

 
 
07. メガマソ (Megamasso) - ニシュタリ (Nishutari)
 

 
Favorite track: ｽﾉｳｨﾌﾞﾙｰ
 

 
 
06. BLESSCODE - Mind Core
 

 
Favorite track: Lucid
 

 
 
05. Diz - Dearly
 

 
Favorite track: 魅惑のMEW
 

 
 
04. V.A. - 妖幻鏡 -WEST- Vol. 2 ～大阪・名古屋連合～
 

 
Favorite track: ピノキオ (by FoLLoW)
 

 
 
03. vistlip - LAYOUT
 

 
Favorite track: Idea
 

 
 
02. Shellmy - 伍月病 (Gogetsubyo)
 

 
Favorite track: 甘い目眩、煢然に僕は依然、
 

 
 
01. アンフィル (Anfiel) - LUNAR PHASE
 

 
Favorite track: charming love
 

 
 
 
=========================================================================================
 
 
TOP 10 Singles (in reverse order)
 
10. ペンタゴン (Pentagon) - ひじきとカラアゲ (Hijiki to Karaage)
 

 
Favorite track: MAKEINU
 

 
 
09. Lig - 恋HANABI (Koi HANABI)
 

 
Favorite track: 恋HANABI
 

 
 
08. Blitz - 卒業 (Sotsugyo)
 

 
Favorite track: 卒業
 

 
 
07. Purple Stone - アオイヤミ (Aoi yami)
 

 
Favorite track: Break the World
 

 
 
06. Neverland - HumaNOISE
 

 
Favorite track: HumaNOISE
 

 
 
05. CLØWD - #夏の微熱 (#Natsu no Binetsu)
 

 
Favorite track: #夏の微熱
 

 
 
04. FoLLoW - プラネタリウム (Planetarium)
 

 
Favorite track: プラネタリウム
 

 
 
03. Crimson Shiva - Feather Pray
 

 
Favorite track: Mermaid Misery
 

 
 
02. アンフィル (Anfiel) - destin
 

 
Favorite track: timeless
 

 
 
01. DiCE - Hope
 

 
Favorite track: Secret Night
 

 
 
 
=========================================================================================
 
 
TOP 5 Live-limited Singles (in reverse order)
 
05. アプレスエコール (Apres Ecole) - ハジマリノセカイ (Hajimari no Sekai)
 

 
Favorite track: ハジマリノセカイ
 

 
 
04. 日本男児 (Nihon Danji) - (Untitled)
*Session band of Shibuya (Vo. 東京指定)
 

 
Favorite track: (Untitled) [Note: I confirmed with Shibuya that none of the songs in this cd are titled ._.]
 

 
 
03. V.A. - VISUAL GRAFFITI vol. 2
*feat. CRIMZON bands
 

 
Favorite track: sakura.-Demo ver.47- (Band: Purple Stone)
 

 
 
02. ミケ with HMK2 - ポップコーンLOVE DAYS / カサブランカ (Popcorn LOVE DAYS / Casablanca)
*Resistar Records Shuffle band feat. Mike (Vo. Blu-BiLLioN)
 

 
Favorite track: カサブランカ
 

 
 
01. THE SINK. - Starry Starry Night
*Session band of Kate (Vo. My Fairytale)
 

 
Favorite track: Starry Starry Night
 

 
 
 
=========================================================================================
 
 
THAT'S ALL!! Whew, took ~3h to write this post >_> Thanks for reading!

2015 is finished, welcome 2016 and with it its lot of future releases.
Best & favourites are suggestive and may not please everyone but still, let’s try to do a personal selection. Those tracks & albums has been selected for its replay value + the ‘love at first hearing’ thing. Because there’s definitely something in these tracks that attract me for good and want to destroy the repeat button. xD doesn't mean that I didn't liked the others tracks from album x (for example), just that if I had to choose one or two songs off this release, this would be my choice.
Sorry I'm not that good to write things or doing review, I'm shit.
Anw, here’s mine:

Tracks
 

— March —
 
INAZUMA, by ALSDEAD / SPOT
Sick track, really. It’s like a melodic punch in your face and you can't resist it, you want more, I want more!

VIPER (U need Me [GAMASSO] add4), by メガマソ(megamasso) / SPOT
They took a classic and remade it perfectly onto a sick track. The synths brings really something more.
 

— April —

Cross Peagent, by 凛-the end of corruption world- / SONG
I love everything in this song; the piano, the solos, Sui’s singing, the verse and chorus, I could put this song on repeat again and again. So epic.

九尾(kyuubi), by 九尾(Kiryu) / SPOT
It’s a giant mess and stil, it’s working!
 

— August —

VENOMS, by MEJIBRAY / SPOT
I’m on a love/hate relationship with MEJ, but I enjoyed this song a lot. Dunno if it’s the symphonic background, or the addictive chorus, ambiance or something. I really love this song, I wish they'd continue in this path...

スノウィブルー(snowy blue) & エインシャントソング, by メガマソ(megamasso) / PV SONG
1st track: Probably my most listened track off this year. What can I say more? The verse already is addictive, let the chorus begins and it’s heaven. Impossible to be bored with this song xD
2nd song: My biggest surprise of 2015, what an insolent idea! Delightful track and voice, I'm especially in love with the synths! Now I'm waiting impatiently for a reverse track xD

DOGMA & OMINOUS, by the GazettE / SONG1 PV2
Their latest album may not please everyone for reasons, but these two song stands out and each time I’m like “wow. just wow.” I’m totally amazed with the ambiance and creativity.
 

— September —

WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD, by 少年記(shounenki) / SPOT
Each time I’m listening shounenki, I’m saying to myself “holy shit, this guy can def sing!! what a voice, this tone!”, and yet here you can really hear that in the chorus.
 

— October —

m.o.b., by Chanty / SPOT
These guys definitely knows how to make good and fresh songs that you can love immediately.
 

Releases
 

Camera obscure -カメラオブスキュラ-, by lycaon
INAZUMA, by ALSDEAD
Memento-Mori, by 凛-the end of corruption world-
ニシュタリ(nishutari), by メガマソ(megamasso)
VENOMS.app, by MEJIBRAY
WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD, by 少年記(shounenki)
 
 
 
thanks for reading, don't hesitate to share your thoughts if we have a best/fav stuff in common.

Hello!
I can't write such well in English, so I decided to just make a list.
There are VK bands and non VK.
Since I saw greats best of 2015 I decided to make my   
What I meant with "Bands that grew the most" are bands that I had been following before, but in 2015 made incredible materials, each release was perfect!
Unsurprisingly my favorite album was BLACK, but feel free to post your opinion!
 
Album / Mini Album
 

BLACK - SuG
Result - ANGELO
Factor - ANGELO
PLANETARY SECRET - Baroque
VENA - Coldrain
EPHEMERAL - AKi
REVOLUTION - IGGY
LAYOUT - Vistlip
TONICK DIZAIN - Far East Dizain
Royale - GOTCHAROCKA
Rebellion - DIAWOLF
dadaism♯1 - DADAROMA
Corpse Reviver - MORRIGAN
Sirus - DaizyStripper
Providence of BIONIC - The Lotus
MIMIC - My BACTERIA HEAT IsLAND
Honne to Tatemae - Yeti


Single / Maxi Single
 

SICK'S - SuG
Providence - Nocturnal Bloodlust
Paradigm Paradox - MEJIBRAY
Sennen Dive!! - An Cafe
Ikenai KISS - DIV
Burn Your Soul - WING WORKS
Waruagaki - Codomo Dragon
Calling - Loka
DTM - Back-on
Split EP - The Legendary Six Nine
WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD - Shounenki
Heads up! - ZON
Koi ga Dekinai - D=OUT
Subcul - RAVE
Gozensanji no kanjousen - Belle
LIQUID - Xenon


V.A.
 

Family Party - Kiryu, Royz, Codomo Dragon


Best new bands
 

GUTS AND DEATH
FAR EAST DIZAIN
AKi
DIAWOLF
ZON
IGGY

Bands that grew the most
 

Angelo
Vistlip
Shounenki
Baroque

It has been really fun to read all you guys reviews, so I thought, why not?
 
I'll stick to individual songs instead of full releases, in no special order, so let's go!
 

xTRiPx - good trip.
 
Such a heartfelt song, a thank you for all those years. It so on point that really makes me question why disbanding when they were clearly on their best shape. Ena is a BEAST here, I'm afraid D=OUT won't do justice to him. A powerful, bittersweet end note for my favorite band. Let's meet again for sure.
 
 

develop one's faculties - insert memory.
 
This song gives me fucking hope in the future. DOF never ceases to amaze me with their guitarwork, and yuya's voice and quirks really works. And then comes that chorus. Thats utter brilliance in everyone's face, guys! The voice layering on each other, makes a funky, banger song turn into an emotional rollercoaster that you really should not miss. DON'T YOU DARE TO MISS THE OTHER SONGS ON REINCARNATION, THO. 'it is what it is.', 'for', 'Frasco wo Furu to Tenbin Yureta', 'Negative baby', 'hope', 'Shunkanteki Shoudou no Hate ni Ushinatta Shunkan' are all absolutely amazing, enough to make this the album of the year for me.
 

SuG - Kagerou (LOL, thx Tetora)
 
I had to choose one song from their 'BLACK' album, and this is the one. This is SuG in what they do best. Since MISSING, their style has changed for the better, and even if you have any kind of prejudice with them, should totally give 'BLACK' a listen, one of my top contenders of 2015. Which was a fucking shitty year for me, and this song quite helped me going through, love the lyrics here. Other high notes on the album: 'Ichirentakushou', 'MISSING', 'overflow', 'CRY OUT', 'time after time', 'BLACK'.
 

MORRIGAN - Betrayal:Cocytus
 
MORRIGAN is probably my favorite new band of 2015. they shelled out so many songs, and most of them rocks my ass! Was difficult to choose just one, so I've just went with the one I think is the most their most emotional piece. Nice lyrics aswell! Please also check 'Everlasting', 'UNDER WORLD END 'XISS', 'SELFISH RUSSIAN', 'EUTHANASIA', 'UNDERWORLD'.
 
 

MY BACTERIA HEAT ISLAND - Mezameru nifun Mae
 
The whole MIMIC mini-album is AMAEZENG, as most of their disco, truth to be told. Again, had to chose the song that directly talked to me, and this was the one. If I had to choose one song to introduce Tenten to someone, this would be the one (Actually, Praparat 1st ver. but moving on). Now go give that mini a spin and terrorize your neighbours with Tenten bad english shouts on their skull!
 

DIAWOLF - Turbulence
 
DIAWOLF's Rebellion mini was not bad, but Turbulence is on another level. They really stepped up here, the whole mini is really really nice. It was a toss up between 'Turbulence' and 'Afterglow', but the title track gets the prize for its composition. Check the whole release, Shou's improved english, pronunciation and lyric-wise was a nice really touch!
 

PELICAN FANCLUB - Dali
 
This song revived my love for indie. The guitar work here totally reminds me of Two Door Cinema Club, which is a hell of a compliment for them. This song has EVERYTHING to be commercially viable on the west, for radio time, indie festivals and everything. Besides the vocalist. Not that he is bad, not at all, I quite like it, really. It's just not fit for western ears, unfortunately. Other high notes on the mini: 'Variety Mania Talent System', 'Police City'.
 

the GazettE - RAGE
 
Maybe DOGMA wasn't what everyone was expecting, but was good enough for me, much better than some of their previous recent efforts. Following a concept really worked for them, but they really should give up SOME of their formulaic styles of composition. I know, RAGE is not the best song on the album, and really is part of the rehashed formula I mentioned above, but LEAVE ME ALONE, OK? I like it. Other great tunes on the album: 'DOGMA', 'OMINOUS' (which  are both better than 'RAGE'), 'INCUBUS', 'DEUX'.
 
 

REALies - Ano Kage no Naka de
 
One word to describe it. Emotional. Rayka pours his everything in this one. They really saved their best for last. It's another thank-you, bittersweet goodbye note that shows the best REALies could do. Go listen to it, right now. As Rayka said, I hope this song reaches deeper in your chest aswell.
 

Shounenki - WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD
 
Shounenki DELIVERS. They just DELIVER. THEY WILL NAIL IT if not on the A-side, the B-sides come to rescue, as happened with 'BANG ME' (please don't hate me). This wasn't the case tho, WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD is absolutely great, and makes up for the weaker b-side. Kou's shouting, failing voice in the end of this song is so fantastic, make this song sound TRUE. And oh my god, it's CATCHY. You will be all LEEEET ME KNOW MY BLOOOOOD MY BLOOOOD all the way around.
 

amber gris - Absolute Being
 
to end the 'OH COME ON GUYS, WHY THE FUCK YOU ARE DISBANDING?' comes amber gris. Seriously, WHY? Absolute Being is their last effort that proves they still had so much steam to burn. Temari vocals are beautiful as usual, and while it may not be the best on their disco ('wishstar and sunlight and darkness' takes that prize) this song has a sense of grandeur that really gave closure to such an awesome band, that ones that gives you flashbacks of their best moments.
 

BAROQUE - SWALLOW THE NIGHT
 
BAROQUE'S PLANETARY SECRET was quite a disappointment for a lot of people, but not for me. It was what I expected from them, a step forward from the style kei and Ryo followed on the final years of kannivalism. 'SWALLOW THE NIGHT' embraces their new style, while paying respects for their past with kei's intense guitar work. Everything in this song just CLICKS. Don't be afraid to try it, to dive on the atmosphere they brought to you in this album. Other great songs: 'PLANETARY LIGHT', 'DREAMSCAPE', 'SILENT PICTURE'
 
 
Other High notes to make this post shorter: Misanthropist - Solace / xaa-xaa - Tsumetai / lynch - EVOKE / DIV - Ikenai Kiss / IX-NINE - HEAT HAZE / LAMP IN TERREN - Ryokusenkou / Kuroyuri to Kage - Kimi no Kusuriyubi wa Boku no Stew / DOPPEL - ZEPPET CiTY / Fake? - Addicted / ONE OK ROCK - Memories / Roub - Snatcher / TRA TRA TRA - Shosen Onnayadori, Shangri-La / Re;ply - Illumination / Sakanaction - Shin Takarajima / coldrain - Fire in the Sky / GOTCHAROCKA - Marry me, 'cause I hate U / WING WORKS - RAVVE OF MY TRINITY / KRA - Tsuyogari no You na Iroaseta Boku no Hitorigoto, Purple Stone - Aoi Yami / XENON - LIQUID, Hitoshizuku.

Thought I should write my own favorite releases of 2015 since it seems you guys are having so much fun in it. xD
I can't tell apart which ranks the releases are in in my heart, so I won't be ranking them down here.
 
 
 
>> [album] Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas - Feeling of Unity
Genre: Post-hardcore, Trance
One of the few releases I was able to buy, and I'm so glad I did! Very fun to listen to so every time I got bored, I listen to this.



 

>> [album] lynch. - D.A.R.K. - In the name of evil -
Genre: Metalcore, Nagoya Kei
This was an awesome album at first listen. I got bored with it gradually but I'm sure it will grow on me later nonetheless.




 

>> [album] CROSSFAITH - XENO
Genre: Metalcore
Stunning album! I actually liked the ballad, "Tears Fall", unlike other fans who preferred their old sound.



 


>> [album] Chouchou - Alexandrite
Genre: Electronica, experimental
Very beautiful electronica album. Chouchou are one of the best electronica duos in the scene.






>>[album] the GazettE - DOGMA
Genre: Visual Kei, Metal
One of the darker albums that they have released. They didn't disappoint me this time.




 
>>[album] Presence of soul — All Creation Mourns
Genre: Post-rock, post-metal
Very atmospheric. Loved the last two track of this album.




 
>> [album] world's end girlfriend, Vampillia, 中原中也 -  在りし日の声 Voices of Days Past
Genre: "Poemcore", electronica, ambient
Poemcore with dark and mysterious atmosphere. Loved the world's end girlfriend's and instrumental tracks.

 

 
>> [album] Anoice - Into the Shadows
Genre: Modern classical, ambient, post-rock
Beautiful and stunning music like always.


 
 
>> [mini-album] ハルカトミユキ - 世界
Genre: Indie-pop, pop rock
Easy on the ears and lively to listen to. Good release.




 
 
>>[album] それでも世界が続くなら - 最低の昨日はきっと死なない
Genre: Rock
Album starts of with mellow slow vocals and beats which catches the ear. Don't get me wrong though, they are a pretty upbeat rock band.
 


 
 
>> [album] 溶けない名前 - タイムマシンがこわれるまえに
Genre: Shoegaze
Sounds like My Dead Girlfriend and Plastic Girl In Closet. I don't know if they are related but even if they are not, 溶けない名前 is still good shoegaze to listen to.


 
 
>> [mini-album] 雑魚猫タワー - 一隅にて
Genre: Indie pop, Folk
Very light-hearted and easy to listen to. Vocalist has a sweet voice.


 

 
 
>>[album] Gecko（ゲッコー） - Forestract
Genre: Ambient, modern classical
Sad, beautiful, and captivating.


 
 

>> [album] 渋谷 慶一郎 - ATAK022 Live in Paris
Genre: Piano, modern classical
Shibuya plays one of the saddest piano music, in this live album, mixed with electronic elements. My favorite track is "Open Your Eyes".


 
 
 
 
Yup, that's all I could think of for now even though I might have missed some. Tell me if you have common favorites from my list! I also very welcome recommendations as well! Thanks for taking time to read this.
 
Edit: I edited out Haruka Nakamura's album since I'd mistaken it for releasing in 2015 but it was actually from 2014.

I was really happy that Pura were releasing a new album (they've always been an 'album band' for me), but I couldn't even finish it on my first listen. So terribly flat and boring, it's like nobody really plays what they play with any sort of active interest and Ryuutarou's vocals are like "I'm getting too old for this guys, I don't rly give a damn anyway."
I'll try my best to re-listen sometime in the future, but the urge isn't too strong...
On a positove note, I liked the sounds of Insomnia Blues. Cant remember the actual song for the life of me tho, only that it was pleasant.

I still have to listen to the album a bit more, but I really don't think this one is on par with ammonite or ink. Hacienda and Kokuhaku are great, the single songs are good, but the rest is kinda meh. A 7/10 for me.

"Hakusei the 13th Album of Plastic Tree band. 13 looks a good number to them when if think about 13th Friday   "
 
 

 
 
 
What talk about Plastic tree ? I think this is a great and biggest discussions to me. Anyway I just want to say about my impressions about the new album them.  First of all I will write about every detail and the highs of every song… (I will try, because I never wrote a big review in my view point that I can express my feelings about the music and I'm sorry if I commit some wrongs in English). I am not none specialist or an awesome reviewers like my friends that do a great work here.
 
After 3 years Plastic Tree released a new album with same proportions of last album entitled “Ink”.I can consider that “echo” is great to be a mini album and the one way to keep great songs to this new release. Some tricks were used to this new album in relation about audio editing and this isn’t a new for us. The tracklist was sinuously work to bring a new harmony to album (Happened with last album is really worked).  It comes to album Hakusei I can say that worked again with some imperfections that i will say in the end. I bought both versions to see how them work with the art of Doroinu (Gekidan inu curry) to try understand what is spectacular point this album both in view of beauty (aesthetics) as musically.
 
Leaving try to be too specific…  Let’s to review.
 
 
LET'S GO!
 
 
1 - ◯生物 (◯Seibutsu)
 
The album start with many sounds, since guitar sound to a relaxing atmosphere with little sound piano until back to guitar sound to next song. Special beginning that want  to say "the next songs are spontaneous and unique". I really like these beginnings of albums them, since release of Puppet show in 1998 they demonstrate the sign that the album is a new world that should be discovered and re-created the way of the listener.
 
2 -フラスコ (Frasco)
 
Following the way of first song we start with Frasco, the beginning is strong with instruments until smooth with the Ryutaro’s voice. Its great song to beginning and enjoyable and addictive follow of first song, I always think that two songs of parts is more addictive and great. For me its two songs and keep your sharp ears. This is a song looks for me a little remember of “Ink song” that is the second track of album “ink”, mainly the way that they work to this two first songs and this is the high for Frasco. I don’t have nothing against this, but do many times no looks so original/different. Anyway I’m happy with Frasco song.
 
3 -マイム (Maimu)
 
I have to say that Maimu is an awesome song that I have affection. The single "Maimu" already showed the new beginning for band, after the mini album "echo" and the beginning of art Doroinu on CDs. Now Maimu is in Hakusei album (Usually the singles prior to the album are always on the album, only the title track.) and make a break between the end of song previous and the end this song to next that made me a little uncomfortable. Isn't necessary for me that every song must have a anchor to connect to another song, but in my opinion the tracks need to be aligned to form a certain harmony. This always happens with me and eventually disappears. I always think that the highs this song is the moment of refrain and think of the small movements with a little dance of ryutaro hands that are very cute.
 
4 -ハシエンダ (Haçienda)
 
Started one of the new songs, Haçienda is very enthralling and amazing. I have a great impression that this song will play with a certain frequency in the concerts them, because the song just fit exactly in context of current music and previous them (For example of tracks: Dummy Box, GEKKO OVERHEAD and Tretis) that are amazing to endcores in live concerts. It’s wonderful hear with intensity kenken in drums that enchants me completely, most music plays perfectly with akira and Tadashi. Haçienda have your own high in all duration with much peculiarity with traits of being a great song that many people gonna love. Also brings this magic to give all harmony as the basis for the following song.
 
5 -告白 (Kokuhaku)
 
The best moment of all album for me. Kokuhaku is the most high of all album, the song is in one perfect way in all album (It’s the point central). In this song I can see “The Hakusei” of album like all. In all moment the song is perfect and so addictive, same I trying remember of another song similar… But until now I don’t found and I don’t want.  I would like this song like MUSIC VIDEO haha, maybe in a live DVD. Kokuhaku have own singularity of others songs in this album in my opinion. It’s the best song.
 
6 - インソムニアブルース (Insomnia blues)
 
After the amazing "Kokuhaku" the high of all album comes in a balance with Insomnia blues. Its a nice song and quite solid in own effects. It is like was hearing the song "Elegy" of album "Nega to poji" completely. I really appreciate this great memory, but in Insomnia blues is a new sense that will conquer you with each new music and this track already made it obvious that this album is already wonderful. The highs of Insomnia blue is in own solid beat and enjoyable with Ryutaro on vocals. I can say that this song is a one of the best of all album.
 
7 – float
 
Float song already start so quiet and wonderful to bring delicacy of album. I just want say that this song is so "yummy" to hear. peaceful to listen while I drink a tea in afternoon (my way). float already have own meaning from the title to have a first impression to the listener. Same i dont understand the song i feel that is a great poem inside this song. Its good sensation and this float do all the time.
 
8 - 落花 (Rakka)
 
Rakka makes the restart of lively songs after float. Rakka is a the end of singles this new “era” them, mainly about the art of Doroinu (I think). Talk about rakka… I like this song, is addictive. But I don’t have nothing special, because I just think in “doukou”song already have this identity of song lively in perfect harmony and make the same way sometimes is boring and this is case of rakka. Like always they put songs of singles on album its okay to me. My focus is in new songs.
 
9 -スラッシングパンプキン•デスマーチ (Thrashing pumpkin death march)
 
WOOOW…. Was the first thing that I thought about this song. Its a mixture of consent with Bermunda Triangle (in the first time that I heard). *** is a song that i have emphasize on several points. The music has a attractive beat with wonderful effects that were already used in other songs (beyond what I already quoted). Thrashing pumpkin death march is one of my favorite songs after Kokuhaku. I can risk that this music will play so much in many concerts them as well as Haçienda. The highs are the aesthetic of sounds that impressed me a lot, actually I am so happy and with feeling that I needed to hear this song... The title that gave me tips of how it could be. Because the album itself was already showing to me all this strength and twinkle alive, contagious that Hakusei behind.
 
10 - スロウ (Slow)
 
The penultimate single before the new album, "slow" bring the melancholy and poetry that is a own identity of band. Particularly i like of songs this way that bring a sad way with a reflection inside that sensitize every minute. The position of song in tracklist is great to rhythm end of album, besides being enjoyable with a strong ecstatic feelings between beats together with the Ryutaro’s voice. The high this song is in poetry that  passes to the listener, is a song that proves that them still write the same songs with poetry and expression feelings sad, but have a single true. This is one reason that I love this band.
 
11 - 剥製 (Hakusei)
 
The title track of album was a surprise to me when I heard the album the first time. Because Hakusei was the first song that played on the radio, however only half song without intro that start with Ryutaro's voice grumbling about the song and the amazing 2 minutes remaining that I got hear when I was with my copy. 
I was already thinking that the radio version was not complete, maybe because the duration of the program or intentionally like a order from label... cruel doubt. However I enjoyed quite this (Radio Edit), but doesn't compare to the full track that made me fall in love for gentleness and relieving the rhythm that "slow" brought before of end album. The highs of Hakusei is light and giving the impression relaxing after a flurry of amazing songs and giving the place to the last song.
 
12 - ●静物 (●Seibutsu)
 
The title of the last song is similar with the first.  Exist serenity between both, ◯Seibutsu start flourishing with other sounds to connect with the second song. While ●Seibutsu comes with peace of mind and goes fading with light of piano together with a sound it seems with the space. I love songs this way with a impression that the sounds begin in a way and inside them exist a world with many these sounds to the end that of all is nothing more than that silence from the beginning. Where it all starts is the same as where it all ends.
 
 
Overall:
 
I must admit that the album has a great performance in all new songs that too have strong individuality and some similarities with other songs them. The album have a fluidity in all moments with the good position in the playlist, because exist a link between the first track and the last giving an infinite loop in album and i like so much this. Also have a certain division in the album of first six songs to six latest as reference the first track show a clearer contrast alive to a contrast more obscure to latest track. Therefore exist differences in the art of booklet, like Yin-Yang like reference.
 
Hakusei has a beautiful visual content in both physical versions, the band used all the art Doroinu in booklet. This is the best covers and content in all releases them. By the way the singles that previous the album showed that the album would not be different and at that point and I must congratulate them.
 
Although Hakusei have all this quality performance exist also some problems: the first is that the album doesn't have a PV or an extra digital content that left me disappointed. I've been thinking that they have chosen not to make a PV because of the high cost of own album as a whole since only the regular edition costs 3000 yen and limited edition box and more the art of Doroinu costs 5400 yen, paper quality in the limited version should have increased the cost of this version. Supposing that if there one PV together with one Type C Limited Edition would be quite expensive because of all production and unmistakable art Doroinu or same if there in this Limited edition BOX would be expensive. This makes us think that the release of "Ink" there was a version with 2 DVDS due to the rebuilds that cost almost 10,000 yen. I think that the label didn't want some loss by this album's performance if compared with previous album. It is possible that they release one new DVD after Hakusei with a live pv with some song from the album giving reference to the extra digital content that is missing on the album or same one PV. It is possible that they release one new DVD after Hakusei with a live pv with some song from the album giving reference to the extra digital content that is missing on the album or same one PV. The second problem is that i have in particular is the number of singles in album, i think that must have only 2 songs from the singles. But isn't today that they do this, just to have a normal amount of tracks for the album.
 
In relation with other albums, Hakusei has similarity with the previous album as has already said at the beginning of my review. The loudness of "Ink" is present in Hakusei at some moments with addictive beats and songs that conquer the listener. I couldn't left out a few others like "echo" that could disregard, but has a small reference of ammonite in songs and is different from Hakusei without intro in much details. While ammonite is a solid album with shoegaze in the wonderful song 13th Friday and with references to previous releases about this old plastic tree also is the last album without seal of FlyingStar/ CJ Victor Entertainment that happened in 2012 in the same period of release of "Ink" that makes me with one possible doubt about way the label. Possibly "tried" change the way of how the band works, because ammonite is different of Ink and Hakusei that left obvious these albums. Also I think that they can be out of comfort zone for do something different during these releases as a certain interference from the label that has a good and bad side.
 
However my rating about Hakusei is very fair for performance and quality aspects that the album behind. I hope that the next releases dont have much similarity with other albums and I would like to see more the art Doroinu on the covers of CDs them. Also I would like to see a fully shoegaze album of them, not wanting them to be just a shoegaze band but with a moderate form of each sub-genre in his songs.
 
 

 

Disclaimer: I'm ass at writing, so expect nothing at all to a couple incoherent sentences. 

 

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アンフィル - LUNAR PHASE



Honestly...fuck. This whole album is          

Shogo's vocals make me feel like I'm being twirled around in a sea of erotic whispers.

---

 

AvelCain - 片想い



This song gets me with the fucking piano. I blast this shit on repeat whenever it comes on.

---

 

CLØWD - #夏の微熱



I thought their フィクションØ album was atrocious honestly, but this single saved CLØWD for me.

I normally don't like short songs that are like 2mins long but Take_53 was a banger.

Obviously the title track was fucking amazing too.

---

 

DADAROMA - 「dadaism#1」



I'm all for jazz kei and this blew me away.

I really enjoy MONEY and モルヒネ#2

---

 

Develop One’s Faculties - 「reincarnation」



I couldn't care less if some of their songs sound similar to each other.

These guys are brilliant with their catchy compositions.

"insert memory" more like "insert this awesome 3-songs-in-1 into my fucking ears"

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DIV - イケナイKISS



Holy shit did I hate the cheesy music video for this single but the song delivered. 

They kept the catchiness of SECRET NIGHT and made a banger with イケナイKISS.

I miss how DIV used to sound but they pull off space-club-electro-rock flawlessly.

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the GazettE - DOGMA



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グリモア - ぼくとタルパ



I miss PIECE so much, but I'm starting to really get into Grimoire.

This release blows their 1st one right out of the water.

Hot spooky carnival kei

---

 

Kra - 次の物語



Hands down probably my favorite album of 2015. Kra never disappoints.

For such an amazing album, the artwork is horrendously ugly. A hat on a white background? Same.

---

 

L'Arc~en~Ciel - Wings Flap



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---

 

凛 -the end of corruption world- - Memento-Mori



UGHHH!HH!!!!!!!!!! 

---

 

the LOTUS - Providence of BIONIC



This was one of my favorite surprises. I had no idea how often I'd listen to this.

All 4 tracks are fucking bangin' 

---

 

Lycaon - Camera obscura



FUCKING HOT

---

 

My Fairytale - 鳥籠トロイメライ



Kate's fucking voice tho...

Sing me to sleep and trap me in a fucking birdcage made out of my dreams.

---

 

Purple Stone - アオイヤミ



THIS SONG IS FUCKIN POPPIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Rides in ReVellion - -CHAIN-



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少年記 - 最果てのドール



Kou my fucking queen never disappoints.

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Sick² - マーチング・アント



This is so unbelievably catchy it should be illegal.

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TRA TRA TRA - 「所詮、女宿り」



WASURENAIDEEEEEEEE

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VANIRU - MASQUERADE OF COSMIC



VANIRU puzzles me. They deliver this fantastic album and then their next 2 releases are subpar as fuck?

Memory of Mayfly        

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vistlip - LAYOUT



My bbies. I was so blown away by REM SLEEP that I got goosebumps and started shaking.

Spectacular!!

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FoLLoW - プラネタリウム



OMG THIS IS SO FUCKING GOOD I CANT STOP AND WONT STOP LISTENING TO THIS ON REPEAT.

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Thanks for reading!!!

(Some of) my favorite Japanese releases 2015

 

 

テクノ・ナルシスのすべて by Burgh (All About Techno Narcisse by Burgh)
 
Newcomers Burgh deliver a quick round of catchy post-punk tunes with heaps of that surfin'
punk flare you can’t help but love. Fun and dancey goodness. A band to look out for!
 
 

12 by cali≠gari
 
It's no secret that cali≠gari is close to my heart, so naturally this was gonna be on here. Quirky,
melodic and always interesting - a very strong album with a surprising amount of diversity.
 

 

妄想主義者ノ背徳。by グリーヴァ (Mousou shugisha no haitoku. by Grieva)
 
I must applaud Grieva: after losing a drummer, they quickly found a new member and proceeded
to release some of their best work to date. This mini takes the cake, such kote-kei goodness.
 
 

ホログラムを登る男 by 平沢進 (Hologram wo noboru otoko by Hirasawa Susumu)
 
Hirasawa outdid himself once again, serving up his unique brand of futuristic new-age synth pop.
Soaring melodies and arrangements bursting with bio-mechanical personality; the very best.
 
 

Cthulhu & R'lyeh by KEEL
 
KEEL is undoubtedly the Nagoya-kei supergroup of the year for me. Four excellent musicians,
two mini albums, a cool dark style with garage-y undertones. Couldn't ask for more, just perfect!


 

 

近代ブラック by マルコ (Kindai Black by Marco)
 
Marco are one of the big positive surprises of 2015. Even though their style is unmistakably
borrowed from MERRY, they manage to crank out killer tunes like it's nobody's business.
 
 

VITIUM by sukekiyo
 
Kyo & co can practically do no wrong with their mystical progressive style of music, no matter
how challenging it may seem at times. The overall length is just right for it all to click too.

 

 

情緒 by THE HAKKIN (Joucho by THE HAKKIN)
 
Sadly THE HAKKIN is no longer with us, but before their demise they released a full-length.
This baby is full of shameless '80s new-wave nostalgia. If you can handle cheese - dig in!
 
 

I AM MORTAL by THE MORTAL
 
BUCK-TICK's Sakurai Atsushi turned his goth-o-meter to 11 and, with his talented crew, cooked
up a boiling cauldron of dark rock elegance. Bauhaus called, they want their swag back!

 

 

CUTE by TOWA TEI
 
With a plethora of impressive guest artists (and a telling album title!), master TOWA TEI made
one of the best electronic pop albums of the year: full of bleeps, bloops and sleek Shibuya chic.
 
 
 
Stay tuned for my list of Non-Japanese favorites - coming soon!