PIZAZ

Yeah, I know. You'd think a thread like this already existed here, but somehow, it doesn't.
(well, there was this old thread, but that's not exactly the same thing.)
 
So yeah, what are some of your favorite guitar solos in J-rock? You know, those solos that are so damn soulful that they sucker punch you right in the feelz, those solos that absolutely melt your face off with their sheer technical prowess, or those solos that are just inexplicably memorable! Whatever the reason, what are some of the guitar solos that have spoken to YOU?
 
....
 
A somewhat recent solo that's become a favorite of mine is in "PHANTOM" by lynch. It actually caught me off guard, since I wouldn't typically expect it from this band, but man, I found this one to be pretty powerful. It's very clean and traditional, but it's also very soulful. They definitely hit all the "right" notes, and for me, the solo is the apex of this song. Listening to this was what initially prompted me to search for a thread like this, and subsequently make this one. The solo starts at about 2:48.
 
 
 
This is probably the most recent J-rock solo that's cemented itself in my head. Though I'll probably post more at a later date. What are some of your favorites?
 
(also, please use spoilers if you add video)

I low key love this tbh



The left of this pashya single always seemed very phallic to me upon first glance. It creeps me out.

I'm not wild about every single thing they've released, but I think Kizu definitely have potential because it seems like they've managed to draw in both "dark" visual kei fans and people into the more accessible stuff. Whoever is managing them also clearly knows what they're doing, which seems to be pretty rare these days. Plus they've got Lime, who is basically exactly the type of singer I like, so I can't not pay attention to them.
 
I don't see them revolutionizing VK or anything, but I feel like Asty has the potential to be a really solid band if they keep going long enough. The songs are catchy, Takeru's voice stands out a bit, and their looks seem to be getting more polished with each release.

Pretty cool day today!
 
It's bassist Higuchi Yutaka's 52nd birthday, and 29 years ago on this day the band's single "Aku no hana" was released! What makes it extra special is that the B-side "UNDER THE MOON LIGHT" (which is exclusive to this single, not appearing on the later album) has writing credits from U-ta, penning the lyrics. This makes this track the only one in B-T's history where U-ta contributed writing something. It's a fun little song but personally I'm not too crazy about it. I'd link it but no one has uploaded it on YT (awww  ).
 

Just in case anyone is interested in numbers/stats, their music video oshimai just broke half a million views woo
 
Will be interesting to see how many 0 gets in the long run, it's already creeping up on Steroid 

22 years ago, on January 24, 1997, DIR EN GREY played their first ever show at Nagano J.
Kyo, Kaoru, Die and Shinya arrived the day before and met Toshiya in a parking lot.
They stayed at Toshiya's parents' house over night and on the next day, they booked two hours in a studio to rehearse.
In the evening, there was an event and the future members of DIR EN GREY performed on stage together for the first time.
Since they had not thought of a band name, they called themselves DEATHMASK and played around four Kuroyume cover songs.
Toshiya also performed with D+L as their support guitarist on that evening.
So since it's already the 24th in Japan, today marks 22 years since the true beginning of DIR EN GREY! 😊

Welcome to the 3rd annual most notable VK looks presented by yours truly, The Reverend.
 
As usual, we're here to celebrate the 'Visual' in Visual Kei. Suggest your favorite or least favorite or weirdest looks from the past year in the comments below!
 
Thanks to the ORZ team for helping out and contributing, and especially @platy for making like five banners for me and letting me choose which one I liked best.
 
マーブルヘッド (Marblehead)
 
 
ユメリープ (Yumeleep)
 
 
キズ (Kizu)
 
 
lynch.
 
 
BRATBAX
 
 
the Raid. vocalist 星七 (Sena)
 
 
SHiSHi guitarist お花 (Ohana)
 
 
MEIDARA
 
 
Virge
 
 
Dillinger
 
 

Yeah, I had fun with the latest episode in the moment but like... nothing changed. As much as I like Latrice, she shouldn't have come back. She wasn't bringing it like I know she can.
I love delusional Villaintina, honestly 2019 goals to be that. I get why she isn't everyone's cup of tea tho

Yeah, I had fun with the latest episode in the moment but like... nothing changed. As much as I like Latrice, she shouldn't have come back. She wasn't bringing it like I know she can.
I love delusional Villaintina, honestly 2019 goals to be that. I get why she isn't everyone's cup of tea tho

the tracklist of their new mini-album "X" has been revealed and vocalist Yukari confirms all the songs are new.
 

Psst. 

 
 
How did this rumour start anyway? Is there anything that indicates that they're dating or did they just smile at each once like friendly human beings often do? 
 
 

Valetina makes for some good TV this season, but boiiiii am I irritated by her most of the time too, haha.  
 
Also lol @ this all-too-obvious 'suspending All Star rules' buffoonery just to keep some ppl in and bring some other ppl back...

This is me
 
https://imgur.com/a/ql5glcr

New profile pic
 

ayyyyyy, long time no see

Currently I'm playing: 
 
Persona 5
My Hero Academia: My Hero One's Justice
Overwatch
 
And a game I WANT to play is Tales of Vesperia. I'll be buying it as soon as I can. 

Good point, they're a live band, actual releases don't seem like their priority.

You can buy it on iTunes now. Listening right now!

(this reminds me of Amaji/Kindai Black so much)
 

 

 

I don't know if "struggling" is the right word for them. They seem to be really content just doing what they do and enjoying that. I think it's pretty clear at this point that they certainly aren't in it for the money.

フシアナ (Fushiana) Ba.LiRu will depart at 2019/2/1 due to lack of motivation.
 

@Furik

縄, R指定 were Gara (Merry) and Ryou (Baroque)
アイドル狂いの心裏学 was Haru (Dog in the PWO) and Lime (Kizu)
リストカッター was Show (A9), Gara, Ryou
夕暮れの謝罪 was Gara, Ryou, Show, Haru, Lime & Tatsurou (MUCC)