doombox

it will be DIRTY YOUNG MEN

Artist: SiM Album: i AGAINST i Score: SiM is having an identity crisis and you're all invited.
Never shying away from their modus operandi of reggae grooves mixed with chaotic punk rock, the last ten years have gifted us many strong showings from SiM. They may be an acquired taste, but they've carved themselves a niche that very few bands worldwide can share. And to further separate themselves from the pack, they aren't afraid to cover the hard hitting topics in social-political, economic, or environmental commentary that are becoming less and less common in the modern punk scene. They are also poster boys for promoting recreational marijuana use in Japan. After a nearly year long wait since the last release, i AGAINST i is finally ready.

The mini album opens with "RiOT". A song that sounds like it will get the crowds going at their shows, but falls short as an album opener with lots of energy but no dynamics. I would have been far happier if it were swapped with the second track or left off the mini, since SiM has similar and better songs in their catalog. As for that second track, "Fallen Idols" embodies everything I love about SiM: catchy lyrics, crunchy riffs, bouncy reggae bass lines, unbridled aggression, and most importantly-- the message. While SiM often relies on stories and fictional characters to get their points across, this time they took a more direct route warning fellow bands about letting their egos get out of hand. It makes this song the most attention-grabbing on the album, and fans are already driving themselves crazy deciphering the mystery of whom is being referenced.
"GUNSHOTS" keeps the record turning like a calliope carousel on drugs about to spin out of control. The strong storytelling element to this song keeps the lyrics at the forefront, but the music has a palpable atmosphere that transports you out of this world! The classic punk riffs come out to play for "IKAROS" which contrasts nicely with song before it. Outside of that, it's a rehash of older material. They virtually cut and pasted the ending of "Happy Home" right onto this song and thought no one would notice. The emotional vocal melody is buried whenever the guitars come in and they don't compliment each other very well. "Slim Thing", the next track, highlights some interesting and unusual musical choices from SiM. I've never heard guitar work like this from the band before and I'm glad to see them expanding their repertoire. This might be the first time they've stripped down without resorting to a ballad or dub intermission. The placement in the tracklist also worked in this song's favor. Rounding out the album, "Teardrops" brings the intensity down a notch and SiM reminds you that they can do emotional rock as well. It straddles the line between a lullaby and a breakdown, yet restrains the 'heaviest' parts in effects so they don't steal the show. I was leery of ending the album on a melancholy note but with such a drastic mood change, this was the best place to cut the album short.
Overall, i AGAINST i ends up being hit and miss. The fat could have been trimmed to reduce this mini to one kick-ass maxi single. If that had been the case, "Teardrops" would've had a better place in the middle instead of slowing the mini to a tepid stop. But since the high points were so high, it's a ride I'd get in line for again. The reggae infused songs were a lot stronger than others on Pandora and they brought back that vintage SiM feel. This band is much better at creating cohesive albums with varied content, but they've fallen a bit short this time. i AGAINST i lives up to it's title, with too many tracks that work against each other and even themselves.

^ i love to unpack kpop stuff

Really? What kind of job?
My computer is running like a dream now.

My BACTERIA HEAT IsLAND mysterious countdown has been shown in their OHP

I think we all needed this...
 
I hate to say it but it was a bit Nostalgic seeing Kenta in a song with that much intensity again.

Hmv has sometimes different bonus.

The comment about "better selection" was in direct relation to CD Japan. CDJ didn't used to have as many non-visual rock artists, but they seem to have improved over the years. And like sweetholm mentioned, they have a multibuy discount for large orders. I also like the fact that they are fast and extremely reliable so I just stay with them.

Can we talk about Kenta in this new Crystal Lake video tho? Because I needed this.
 

The comment about "better selection" was in direct relation to CD Japan. CDJ didn't used to have as many non-visual rock artists, but they seem to have improved over the years. And like sweetholm mentioned, they have a multibuy discount for large orders. I also like the fact that they are fast and extremely reliable so I just stay with them.

when I have ordered from them they had deals at the time where depending on how the CDs are marked you get certain discounts according to how many you buy, but that was only good for larger orders. I also feel like at the time they had a larger selection, but since then cd japan has definitely surprised me with the selection they carry. Also I noticed when ordering CDs that have been out for a while through hmv were more or less likely to still be first press. Cd japan always runs out fast

Artist: SiM Album: i AGAINST i Score: SiM is having an identity crisis and you're all invited.
Never shying away from their modus operandi of reggae grooves mixed with chaotic punk rock, the last ten years have gifted us many strong showings from SiM. They may be an acquired taste, but they've carved themselves a niche that very few bands worldwide can share. And to further separate themselves from the pack, they aren't afraid to cover the hard hitting topics in social-political, economic, or environmental commentary that are becoming less and less common in the modern punk scene. They are also poster boys for promoting recreational marijuana use in Japan. After a nearly year long wait since the last release, i AGAINST i is finally ready.

The mini album opens with "RiOT". A song that sounds like it will get the crowds going at their shows, but falls short as an album opener with lots of energy but no dynamics. I would have been far happier if it were swapped with the second track or left off the mini, since SiM has similar and better songs in their catalog. As for that second track, "Fallen Idols" embodies everything I love about SiM: catchy lyrics, crunchy riffs, bouncy reggae bass lines, unbridled aggression, and most importantly-- the message. While SiM often relies on stories and fictional characters to get their points across, this time they took a more direct route warning fellow bands about letting their egos get out of hand. It makes this song the most attention-grabbing on the album, and fans are already driving themselves crazy deciphering the mystery of whom is being referenced.
"GUNSHOTS" keeps the record turning like a calliope carousel on drugs about to spin out of control. The strong storytelling element to this song keeps the lyrics at the forefront, but the music has a palpable atmosphere that transports you out of this world! The classic punk riffs come out to play for "IKAROS" which contrasts nicely with song before it. Outside of that, it's a rehash of older material. They virtually cut and pasted the ending of "Happy Home" right onto this song and thought no one would notice. The emotional vocal melody is buried whenever the guitars come in and they don't compliment each other very well. "Slim Thing", the next track, highlights some interesting and unusual musical choices from SiM. I've never heard guitar work like this from the band before and I'm glad to see them expanding their repertoire. This might be the first time they've stripped down without resorting to a ballad or dub intermission. The placement in the tracklist also worked in this song's favor. Rounding out the album, "Teardrops" brings the intensity down a notch and SiM reminds you that they can do emotional rock as well. It straddles the line between a lullaby and a breakdown, yet restrains the 'heaviest' parts in effects so they don't steal the show. I was leery of ending the album on a melancholy note but with such a drastic mood change, this was the best place to cut the album short.
Overall, i AGAINST i ends up being hit and miss. The fat could have been trimmed to reduce this mini to one kick-ass maxi single. If that had been the case, "Teardrops" would've had a better place in the middle instead of slowing the mini to a tepid stop. But since the high points were so high, it's a ride I'd get in line for again. The reggae infused songs were a lot stronger than others on Pandora and they brought back that vintage SiM feel. This band is much better at creating cohesive albums with varied content, but they've fallen a bit short this time. i AGAINST i lives up to it's title, with too many tracks that work against each other and even themselves.

I started with CDJapan, then moved onto HMV for better selection. I love ordering bandcamp if it's an option, too. 

I started with cdjapan as well, later moved to hmv also because they're better for huge orders... however I don't make that kind of money anymore so I either buy it on itunes if it's available or go through shopping services to get things from various auctions sites or japan only shops. So I can't say that i stick to just one place... I just use whatever is convenient at the time I need it.

Artist: SiM Album: i AGAINST i Score: SiM is having an identity crisis and you're all invited.
Never shying away from their modus operandi of reggae grooves mixed with chaotic punk rock, the last ten years have gifted us many strong showings from SiM. They may be an acquired taste, but they've carved themselves a niche that very few bands worldwide can share. And to further separate themselves from the pack, they aren't afraid to cover the hard hitting topics in social-political, economic, or environmental commentary that are becoming less and less common in the modern punk scene. They are also poster boys for promoting recreational marijuana use in Japan. After a nearly year long wait since the last release, i AGAINST i is finally ready.

The mini album opens with "RiOT". A song that sounds like it will get the crowds going at their shows, but falls short as an album opener with lots of energy but no dynamics. I would have been far happier if it were swapped with the second track or left off the mini, since SiM has similar and better songs in their catalog. As for that second track, "Fallen Idols" embodies everything I love about SiM: catchy lyrics, crunchy riffs, bouncy reggae bass lines, unbridled aggression, and most importantly-- the message. While SiM often relies on stories and fictional characters to get their points across, this time they took a more direct route warning fellow bands about letting their egos get out of hand. It makes this song the most attention-grabbing on the album, and fans are already driving themselves crazy deciphering the mystery of whom is being referenced.
"GUNSHOTS" keeps the record turning like a calliope carousel on drugs about to spin out of control. The strong storytelling element to this song keeps the lyrics at the forefront, but the music has a palpable atmosphere that transports you out of this world! The classic punk riffs come out to play for "IKAROS" which contrasts nicely with song before it. Outside of that, it's a rehash of older material. They virtually cut and pasted the ending of "Happy Home" right onto this song and thought no one would notice. The emotional vocal melody is buried whenever the guitars come in and they don't compliment each other very well. "Slim Thing", the next track, highlights some interesting and unusual musical choices from SiM. I've never heard guitar work like this from the band before and I'm glad to see them expanding their repertoire. This might be the first time they've stripped down without resorting to a ballad or dub intermission. The placement in the tracklist also worked in this song's favor. Rounding out the album, "Teardrops" brings the intensity down a notch and SiM reminds you that they can do emotional rock as well. It straddles the line between a lullaby and a breakdown, yet restrains the 'heaviest' parts in effects so they don't steal the show. I was leery of ending the album on a melancholy note but with such a drastic mood change, this was the best place to cut the album short.
Overall, i AGAINST i ends up being hit and miss. The fat could have been trimmed to reduce this mini to one kick-ass maxi single. If that had been the case, "Teardrops" would've had a better place in the middle instead of slowing the mini to a tepid stop. But since the high points were so high, it's a ride I'd get in line for again. The reggae infused songs were a lot stronger than others on Pandora and they brought back that vintage SiM feel. This band is much better at creating cohesive albums with varied content, but they've fallen a bit short this time. i AGAINST i lives up to it's title, with too many tracks that work against each other and even themselves.

Artist: SiM Album: i AGAINST i Score: SiM is having an identity crisis and you're all invited.
Never shying away from their modus operandi of reggae grooves mixed with chaotic punk rock, the last ten years have gifted us many strong showings from SiM. They may be an acquired taste, but they've carved themselves a niche that very few bands worldwide can share. And to further separate themselves from the pack, they aren't afraid to cover the hard hitting topics in social-political, economic, or environmental commentary that are becoming less and less common in the modern punk scene. They are also poster boys for promoting recreational marijuana use in Japan. After a nearly year long wait since the last release, i AGAINST i is finally ready.

The mini album opens with "RiOT". A song that sounds like it will get the crowds going at their shows, but falls short as an album opener with lots of energy but no dynamics. I would have been far happier if it were swapped with the second track or left off the mini, since SiM has similar and better songs in their catalog. As for that second track, "Fallen Idols" embodies everything I love about SiM: catchy lyrics, crunchy riffs, bouncy reggae bass lines, unbridled aggression, and most importantly-- the message. While SiM often relies on stories and fictional characters to get their points across, this time they took a more direct route warning fellow bands about letting their egos get out of hand. It makes this song the most attention-grabbing on the album, and fans are already driving themselves crazy deciphering the mystery of whom is being referenced.
"GUNSHOTS" keeps the record turning like a calliope carousel on drugs about to spin out of control. The strong storytelling element to this song keeps the lyrics at the forefront, but the music has a palpable atmosphere that transports you out of this world! The classic punk riffs come out to play for "IKAROS" which contrasts nicely with song before it. Outside of that, it's a rehash of older material. They virtually cut and pasted the ending of "Happy Home" right onto this song and thought no one would notice. The emotional vocal melody is buried whenever the guitars come in and they don't compliment each other very well. "Slim Thing", the next track, highlights some interesting and unusual musical choices from SiM. I've never heard guitar work like this from the band before and I'm glad to see them expanding their repertoire. This might be the first time they've stripped down without resorting to a ballad or dub intermission. The placement in the tracklist also worked in this song's favor. Rounding out the album, "Teardrops" brings the intensity down a notch and SiM reminds you that they can do emotional rock as well. It straddles the line between a lullaby and a breakdown, yet restrains the 'heaviest' parts in effects so they don't steal the show. I was leery of ending the album on a melancholy note but with such a drastic mood change, this was the best place to cut the album short.
Overall, i AGAINST i ends up being hit and miss. The fat could have been trimmed to reduce this mini to one kick-ass maxi single. If that had been the case, "Teardrops" would've had a better place in the middle instead of slowing the mini to a tepid stop. But since the high points were so high, it's a ride I'd get in line for again. The reggae infused songs were a lot stronger than others on Pandora and they brought back that vintage SiM feel. This band is much better at creating cohesive albums with varied content, but they've fallen a bit short this time. i AGAINST i lives up to it's title, with too many tracks that work against each other and even themselves.

Artist: SiM Album: i AGAINST i Score: SiM is having an identity crisis and you're all invited.
Never shying away from their modus operandi of reggae grooves mixed with chaotic punk rock, the last ten years have gifted us many strong showings from SiM. They may be an acquired taste, but they've carved themselves a niche that very few bands worldwide can share. And to further separate themselves from the pack, they aren't afraid to cover the hard hitting topics in social-political, economic, or environmental commentary that are becoming less and less common in the modern punk scene. They are also poster boys for promoting recreational marijuana use in Japan. After a nearly year long wait since the last release, i AGAINST i is finally ready.

The mini album opens with "RiOT". A song that sounds like it will get the crowds going at their shows, but falls short as an album opener with lots of energy but no dynamics. I would have been far happier if it were swapped with the second track or left off the mini, since SiM has similar and better songs in their catalog. As for that second track, "Fallen Idols" embodies everything I love about SiM: catchy lyrics, crunchy riffs, bouncy reggae bass lines, unbridled aggression, and most importantly-- the message. While SiM often relies on stories and fictional characters to get their points across, this time they took a more direct route warning fellow bands about letting their egos get out of hand. It makes this song the most attention-grabbing on the album, and fans are already driving themselves crazy deciphering the mystery of whom is being referenced.
"GUNSHOTS" keeps the record turning like a calliope carousel on drugs about to spin out of control. The strong storytelling element to this song keeps the lyrics at the forefront, but the music has a palpable atmosphere that transports you out of this world! The classic punk riffs come out to play for "IKAROS" which contrasts nicely with song before it. Outside of that, it's a rehash of older material. They virtually cut and pasted the ending of "Happy Home" right onto this song and thought no one would notice. The emotional vocal melody is buried whenever the guitars come in and they don't compliment each other very well. "Slim Thing", the next track, highlights some interesting and unusual musical choices from SiM. I've never heard guitar work like this from the band before and I'm glad to see them expanding their repertoire. This might be the first time they've stripped down without resorting to a ballad or dub intermission. The placement in the tracklist also worked in this song's favor. Rounding out the album, "Teardrops" brings the intensity down a notch and SiM reminds you that they can do emotional rock as well. It straddles the line between a lullaby and a breakdown, yet restrains the 'heaviest' parts in effects so they don't steal the show. I was leery of ending the album on a melancholy note but with such a drastic mood change, this was the best place to cut the album short.
Overall, i AGAINST i ends up being hit and miss. The fat could have been trimmed to reduce this mini to one kick-ass maxi single. If that had been the case, "Teardrops" would've had a better place in the middle instead of slowing the mini to a tepid stop. But since the high points were so high, it's a ride I'd get in line for again. The reggae infused songs were a lot stronger than others on Pandora and they brought back that vintage SiM feel. This band is much better at creating cohesive albums with varied content, but they've fallen a bit short this time. i AGAINST i lives up to it's title, with too many tracks that work against each other and even themselves.

I added this to the release list a few days back. I wasn't sure if anyone cared about them here, but I love them. And I'm super excited about this. I wish it as another album but, something is better than nothing!

their new album "STRUGGLE" will be released at 2014/12/24 (2,000yen)

Their self-titled has really become my favourite 12012 album, despite the massive change from their UCP-repertoire. I cannot help but feel a sting each time I am reminded that they'll soon be gone...
 
Also can I just say how much I love this little forum-game? It's nice to see how much diversity there exists between Visual Kei/J-Rock fans, still. I feel the genre has spread itself over so many possibilities, musical genres and sub-classes that attract different varities of people with individual interests. 
GOTCHAROCKA - 2032 LUNA SEA - Stay BORN - Innocent Bullet Dali - Homesick Dio - Distraught Overlord - GOD forsaken ～僕は君の着飾った身体を共有する世界の隣人などでは無い～ BUCK-TICK - Romance RedruM - INITIUM Sleep My Dear - Breath of Air ネガ - GOODBYE HUMAN Lillies and Remains - Lasting Feast Not really one of my favourite shuffles, but there are two gems in there, so that's fine. 

BEFORE MY LIFE FAILS will release their new single "SOLARIS" on 2014/11/05.
 
Tracklist:
 
1. Direct Solaris 2. Transaction  3. Division Point  

Well ive pointed this out on the chat and some said its an interesting idea , so i thought before i forget this ill post this here and maybe other ppl will also jump on this idea . I know there is a topic about a radio , but radios need a lot legal issues to be taken care , especially cause a radio is easier to track by the anti piracy organizations , and making a radio server is like calling out to them "come and get me" , closed community podcats on the other hands dont differ from uploading albums .
So yeah here is the idea , altough my spoken english is bad and sounds more like engrish i will go around trying to record something this week just for fun and post it here , mayhaps (is there even a world like this) others will catch on to this idea as well .
So yeah heres the topic guys lets discuss this out and see where we can get with this .

Artist: girugamesh EP: Gravitation Score: After a few years of borderline radio-friendly stagnation, Girugamesh have hit back with quite possibly their best release yet.
After a few years of borderline radio-friendly stagnation, Girugamesh have hit back with quite possibly their best release yet. Last year's Monster symbolised a beacon of hope for both fans and the band. The aggression was back, the heaviness was back, Girugamesh was back. Although steeped in pop-sensibilities at times, the album took a 180 from pop to electronic metalcore, leaving the burning wrecks of Now and Go far behind.

It's been a year since their last full-length Monster, and Gravitation not only keeps this reclaimed heaviness in place but polishes it to perfection. Kicking off with their hardest song to date, 'Go Ahead' lures you in with gentle tones before ripping your head off. Satoshi's transition from gentle crooning to terrifying growls, for example, are nothing short of frisson worthy. Having the rawest vocals, the hardest breakdown, and the most memorable chorus, this song characterises the EP and spearheads their new sound. As a song that can only be described with superlatives, 'Go Ahead' highlights how Gravitation has led the band to a new level of heaviness. This permeates throughout the EP. While 'Reflection' displays a hard metalcore influence, for instance, 'Vortex' goes beyond that, opting for a thrashy deathcore vibe; a massive departure from Go in many respects.

I thought it would let up at some point but the whole EP is like this; every time a lull in the intensity is expected, it continues its bombardment of chunky riffs and pleasantly incessant drumming. This is exemplified best in 'Reflection' where Satoshi tries to do some severe damage to his throat...in the best possible way. They could have included a slower, gentler track to give the listener a breather, but instead they opted for five heavy songs varying in loudness and intensity. The infectious electronic elements and catchy vocals which have characterised their more recent efforts are used to full effect here, modernising their previous sound and making each track as memorable as the last. All of these elements culminate in 'Vortex' which, replete with screams, riff-heavy guitar work and double-bass pedaling, is the best way to end Gravitation: in the same loud and exciting way in which it started, exuding a confidence not found on their older material. This is the Girugamesh we wanted after Music and the band sure as hell knows it.
 
By cramming everything their fans love about them into one neat package, Girugamesh has created their best effort yet. Contrary to more recent releases, the intensity and loudness of their old sound is back and better than ever. While taking a new form reflective of some current "-core" genres, classic Girugamesh permeates to the point where they might win their older fanbase back.

Upon listening to Gravitation it's clear that Girugamesh are back and louder, heavier and better than ever!

I half love and half hate that list.... Diru, アンド, chariots, and Slipknot are all bands I actively listen to. But yeah... SHINee.... ;;

01. An Café - S☆B☆Y
02. Dir en grey - AMON
03. exist†trace -  Daybreak 〜13月の色彩〜
04. Muse - Easily
05. Dir en grey - 残
06. Pt. - ナチュラル ロウ
07. SKULL MANIA - Fuck You
08. Put That Cookie Down Remix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IROZqyCmn0
09. アナーキー - シティ・サーファー
10. 水樹奈々 - METRO BAROQUE
11. Lily Allen - Never Gonna Happen [Explicit]

I'm a little embaressed about #8, but.... oh well. I included an 11th song in case #8 shouldn't count. *hides under a rock*

Anyone else (who knows me) surprised that Diru isn't the winner despite having two songs play?

Some pre-Madeth gray'll and Loz'a≠Veria goodness courtesy of rarezhut.
 

 
The green tape is even brand-new so that I can't get to it without tearing that green cover/sticker... which I'm not about to do.