freesia

Was on my way to OOR's concert on the bus. I cut my bangs myself and unfortunately messed up... =.="
 

Was on my way to OOR's concert on the bus. I cut my bangs myself and unfortunately messed up... =.="
 

直樹(naoki)(DEATHGAZE) is recruiting Vo. / Gt. / Ba. for his new band (recruiting deadline 2016/03/31)
 
http://jellyrecords.jp/menbo/

Me awkwardly scratching my head while taking a picture

THANK YOU ALL WHO CAME
 
 
 ATTENDEES:   
 
 
-NOVA-
 
Dogprince21
 
Aeolus
 

#SorryForTheWait but a bitch has been busy and this has been a FAT undertaking so my apologies (not that anyone cares). this took a hundred years to do but goddamn im happy with this fucking list. its image heavy, sorry; the relatively long blurbs are under spoilers for all u people who r too lazy to read the GOTDAM text. jk i'm one of yall, unless an album interests me, then i'll read further. anyways im talking out my ass sorry
Rules:
ok lets fucking go
Albums i was eh on the edge of liking but didn't really care enough to listen to them more to review them. nonetheless i thought they were decent
Note the sore absence of DISH and yazzmad, its a shame i didnt get to hear their outputs this year as they certainly would have made the list
Without further ado:
emmny's Top 20 Visual Albums of 2015
 
20. Sel'm - 玲瓏 (reirou)

 
19. シビレバシル - サヨナラ狂詩曲 (sibilebashir - sayonara rhapsody)



 
18. ザアザア - 死にたい (xaa-xaa - shinitai)



 
17. nüe - サイレン (siren)

 
16. KRAD - SepsiS / Plantman / Beginning of Darkness

 
15. IX -NINE- - VIDYA



 
14. AvelCain - 片想い (omajinai)

 
13. グリーヴァ・ゴシップ・黒百合と影 - 暗黒世界ハ闇 (grieva, gossip, kuroyuri to kage - ansoku sekai wa yami)



 
12. Lycaon - Camera Obscura -カメラオブスキュラ-



 
11. Pla stic Tree - 剥製 (hakusei)



 
10. 黒百合と影 - 皮肉な種の卑屈な芽。(kuroyuri to kage - hiniku na tame no hikutsu na me)
 

 
9. THE BLACK SWAN - 赫音



 
8. emmurée - 窓の外は、カァニバル。(mado no soto wa carnival)

 
7. MORE - hypno / morphe

 
6. グリーヴァ - Fake / 操リ人間 / 絶望ノ朝 (grieva - fake / ayatsuri ningen / zetsubou no asa)



 
5. Moran - 夜明けを前に (yoake wo mae ni)



 
4. amber gris - 小さな銀貨を左手に (chisana ginka wo hidarite ni)

 
3. the GazettE - DOGMA / UGLY

 
2. KEEL - Cthulhu / R'lyeh

 
1. lynch. - EVOKE / ETERNITY / D.A.R.K-in the name of evil-



 
Thats it, thanks folks. this list isn't comprehensive, check the lists of other users to see what things on the more oshare/pop spectrum i might have missed. also as to the absence of chanty and scapegoat, they likely would have made the list but a bitch aint got enough time to listen to everything. Tell me what u think i might have overlooked, and feel free to fight me in the comments ^>^. here's to another lovely year of all things visual kei with my friends at MH for 2016, love y'all <3 <3

THERE WAS A NEW HARUKA NAKAMURA ALBUM!?!?!? I didn't know!
Both those Chouchou and Anoice albums were good and yielded some favorites for me!
I just recently tried that Gecko album which was nice too. Did you ever get around to listening to that Radicalfashion album? Also have you tried Hior Chronik? I think that might be up your alley, and it also features some Japanese musicians Yasushi Yoshida and Yoshinori Takezawa. I'd recommend that if you haven't heard it yet.
Great list!

Nice list! Even though I don't know a lot of the bands/artists, haha. But I'm rather intrigued by Presence of soul and Anoice. I never really paid much attention to Anoice, but I like the sample you put! I may need to look into them more~ Ah, I haven't checked out anything by world's end girlfriend in a while either, but I like that track too~

Howl from Howl's Moving Castle or Killua from Hunter x Hunter if I was younger.
 

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 wish they can come to Hong Kong!!!!!

Great list! I like how you include so many post-rock stuff in your list. It's got a few post-rock albums that are new to me to check out.

2015 marked the first year in which I kept a record of every new release that I listened to and attempted to create some sort of ranking system to determine which ones I most enjoyed. This is a favourites list, not a best of list; I don’t believe that music can be reviewed objectively and thus I feel that the concept of a best of is inappropriate. Also, I’m going to mix the Japanese and non-Japanese releases together and just list them all in alphabetical order.
 

AES DANA feat. MIKTEK - Alkaline
Ambient, Electronic, IDM

 
Both AES DANA and MIKTEK are members of European label Ultimae Records; a label specialising in a distinct brand of ambient and occasionally trance-influence IDM. It should come as no surprise, then, that Alkaline is a trip through a cerebral, almost dystopian aural soundscape. It marks the second instalment of a planned three-part series of releases by the two artists. I tend to find AES DANA’s work to be most enjoyable whenever he’s collaborating with other artists and Alkaline is no exception. Despite only being three tracks long, this is one of my favourite releases by either artist.
Sample song:
 
Aureole’s latest effort is the most direct, raw and straight-forward album they’ve ever put out. Despite generally being described as a post-rock band, Aureole’s previous releases haven’t been scared to delve into other territories including considerable ambient and electronic influences. On Spinal Reflex, however, the band opted to utilise a more streamlined sound-palette (the electronic elements in particular have been notably turned down) and the result is a more tightly-focused album than any of their previous efforts. It could perhaps have had a couple more stand-out moments, but overall Spinal Reflex is Aureole’s most consistent album to date.
Sample song:
 
One day I’ll stop shamelessly fanboying over everything that haisuinonasa does. Today is not that day. Almost two years after their previous release, 2013’s reflection, haisuinonasa came back to remind me why they’re one of the few bands I can honestly say have never let me down to even the slightest degree. 変身 is every bit as captivating as the rest of their material. Even if it’s not quite as experimental as their preceding single, it still encapsulates everything that makes this band so fascinating; it’s cerebral, unique, and utterly brilliant. New album in 2016, pretty please?
Sample song:
 
Geskia (apparently now sans his trademark !) released both an EP and a full-length this year. As you can probably guess from their almost-identical artworks, both of them are extremely similar in sound & style and thus are included together here. Unlike the majority of his work, Geskia opted to make heavy use of vocal samples this time around, resulting in slightly less complex but in many ways more chill soundscapes that make both of these releases rather unique within his discography. Neither of them are my favourites amongst his other releases, but they’re both welcome additions to his always exemplary portfolio.
Sample song:
 
Over half a decade on since their previous studio album, Los Angeles-based noise rockers HEALTH finally returned this year with DEATH MAGIC, arguably their most dynamic album yet. DEATH MAGIC sees the band finally embracing the pop elements that have slowly been creeping more and more into their sound whilst still retaining a large portion of their trademark noisiness. Usually the idea of a noise rock band embracing pop sensibilities would be a cause of concern, but in this case it works surprisingly well, and in fact helps to make this my favourite release by them.
Sample song:
 
For the longest time I had ATLANTIS AIRPORT’s a [ 360° ] Cosmic Flight set to feature in my favourites of 2015 list, but after finally listening to their split with Marmalade butcher released back in October, I’ve since decided to replace it with Rembrandt rays. Normally I tend to find splits hard to enjoy as cohesive entities as the two (or more) bands involved rarely tend to gel together effectively, but in the case of these two artists that problem is nowhere to be found. Marmalade butcher contribute two solid tracks that emphasise the band’s strengths while hiding the weaknesses in thei songwriting, whilst ATLANTIS AIRPORT put out one of their strongest songs in the form LOVECRAFT MYTHOS. Solid stuff all around.
Sample: 
 
mouse on the keys’ second full-length is probably their most dynamic release yet. Jumping from epic pieces like leviathan and the lonely crowd, to more subdued numbers like mirror of nature and reflexion, to an experimental recreation of Maurice Ravel’s le gibet. Despite their expanded stylistic palette this time around, however, mouse on the keys never lose sight of their core sound - minimally phrased piano melodies supported by the brilliant drumming of their main composer, Akira Kawasaki. It’s not a flawless release - the band still has a habit of coming off as being somewhat pretentious to me at times - but it is nevertheless one of 2015’s strongest efforts.
Sample song:
 
After a few years of embracing their darker/heavier side (albeit with a brief break in the form of 2014’s 今日も生きたね single), THE NOVEMBERS have finally re-embraced their softer, poppier leanings for the first time since 2012’s GIFT with Elegance. Compared with their 2012 effort, Elegance is tighter, more refined, and more accessible, yet nevertheless willing to throw a curveball at you in the form of its closing track, 出る傷を探す血. THE NOVEMBERS have established themselves as one of the true standout bands in Japan’s absolutely stacked indie scene, and Elegance does nothing to suggest that things will be changing any time soon.
Sample song:
 
the piqnic have created quite the buzz around here as of late and after listening to ZyouK it’s not very difficult to understand why. Their first official release is a well-crafted (albeit highly imitative) noise/shoegaze album that immediately earmarks the band as one of the most intriguing up-and-comers of the scene. That said, despite the albums many strengths, I’m not quite as willing to place them on the same level as say, THE NOVEMBERS, just yet. Rather they seem like a band that’s still trying to discover their own identity whilst nevertheless showing a lot potential in their songwriting abilities. I’ll be paying close attention to them in 2016.
Sample song: krs
 

사람12사람 - feels too letter
Acoustic, Chillwave, Electronic

 
SARAM12SARAM’s sound revolves almost entirely around vocalist zieum’s beautiful, wispy vocals with everything else simply serving as a musical landscape for her to play around in. It’s a simple yet highly effective approach that paid dividends on the duo’s first EP, 2013’s 빗물구름태풍태양. In comparison to that release, feels too letter isn’t quite as dark or moody and places more emphasis on the acoustic elements rather than the electronic, but nevertheless retains the duo’s core sound. In fact, if anything, feels too letter is more of a refinement of that sound than it is a progression, but it works and is, in my opinion, the stronger of their two main releases.
Sample song: Cripple
 

실리카겔 - 새삼스레 들이켜본 무중력사슴의 다섯가지 시각
Neo psychedelic, Prog rock

 
SILICA GEL’s debut EP is a wonderful, albeit short, aural acid trip. Their sound is basically a combination of predominantly-instrumental progressive and psychedelic rock mixed with a healthy dose of synth and occasional vocals for good measure. In a country where the term “indie rock” more often than not refers to chilled-out, sentimental pop in disguise, SILICA GEL are one of the few standout bands not afraid to challenge the musical norm. Hopefully this EP is just the beginning of what they have in store.
Sample song:
 
I already wrote a larger review for this album here if anybody is interested. In short, ghost is dead marks a welcome return for one of the few bands whose music I consider very close to my heart. Kana Otsubo’s vocals remain as insanely relaxing as ever, while on the musical side the compositions feature a renewed emphasis on minimalism and subtle complexity that plays to the band’s strengths. Given the extremely busy nature of each of the members’ personal lives, ghost is dead may be the last we hear of SCLL for quite some time, but fortunately this release shows that there’s still plenty of life in the band… when they can find the time to record new music.
Sample song:
 
I suppose I’ll get one thing out of the way early: I didn’t enjoy this release as much as IMMORTALIS. The main reason being that whereas I found their first album remarkably consistent throughout its long length, VITIUM seems to go through a notable dip in quality during its middle three songs. foster mother seems to aimlessly meander around without any direction, 雨上がりの優詩 feels like a song that the band didn’t really know how to finish and just cobbled together, and maniera seems like a song much more suited to a live setting than a studio record. That said, however, VITIUM’s strong points, most-notably leather field and focus, do more than enough to convince me that this is still one of the most intriguing CallItWhateverYouWant-Kei bands going at the moment.
Sample song:
 
Proudly sitting alongside 실리카겔 as one of my favourite Korean rock discoveries of the year, Tierpark’s music is a delightful blend of dreamgaze, post rock, and a hint of math rock accompanied by melodic, haunting vocals courtesy of the band’s vocalist SeHee. The Moment Two Worlds Meet is a notable improvement over their previous self-titled full-length released in 2013 (although the opening track is a little on the weak side); the arrangements are tighter, the compositions more intricate, and the vocals more effectively utilised. It’s kind of like what you’d get if you took COgeNdshE’s sound but placed more emphasis on the melodic vocals.
Sample song: 명왕성
 
toe - HEAR YOU
Math rock, Post rock   For the longest time I really wasn’t sure whether I wanted to include HEAR YOU on this list. Somehow toe have managed to come up with what I consider one of the strongest albums of the year yet simultaneously one of the most disappointing. Perhaps it’s just the ridiculously high bar they’ve set for themselves over their exemplary career, or my stubborn unwillingness to fully accept their subtle stylistic developments. Either way, I can’t deny that HEAR YOU is still an expertly made album, and even in my disappointment with its relative lack of mathy elements, I can’t deny that toe achieved exactly what they set out to achieve here. There is, admittedly, a rather delightful irony about the fact that whilst Japan’s plethora of toe clones keep trying desperately to imitate the magic of 2005’s the book about my idle plot on a vague anxiety’s intricate complexities, the real thing themselves have been moving further and further away from it.
Sample song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxeQmF4sUJY'>Boyo

Really cool, I really love FALILV but didn`t get too listen to them too much this year, seems like I missed out.
 
I will be studying the second half of your list, don`t know too much there, and I have to admit I have taken a peek at your last.fm before and stolen some bands from you there that I really like.
 
Hopefully girugamesh will be killing it next year to make up for keeping us waiting again!

I was surprised to see so many people were hard on FALILV this year, I thought Feeling of Unity was great too. Sounds like classic FALILV to me. Also the same could be said for XENO, though I understand why old fans may not like it as much. But I still think it's a really good album with fun songs. I'm happy to see Presence of Soul on your list as well! All Creation Mourns was wonderful! There are may other albums I liked on your list and artists I need to hear for the first time. Thanks for joining in the fun and sharing!

Yay for ハルカトミユキ! That and LIFE were two of my favorite releases last year. I was disappointed they didn't make MH's lists.
There are some things here that have caught my eye, so I'll definitely try and sample some of them. I didn't even know Chouchou had a new album too, will also check that one out!

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.

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.

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.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
I couldn`t fit everything into my main list, and I can`t fit everything here either but here are some:
BugLug (changed a lot but I still enjoy some), Chanty, Xaa Xaa, Clowd, Anfil, Plastic Tree, Arlequin, Dead Children, Deviloof (they look cool), Pentagon, Ronocro (R.I.P.), My Fairytail, Panorama Kyoko etc, Loud Grape, Liraizo, Unrealistic, The Mortal, Jupiter.
Also, I didn`t include any live-limited.
 
Favorite Vocalist: Takeru from SuG
Favorite Guitarist : Taizo from Kra (And favorite solo from雨に唄えば)
Favorite Bassist : Chiyu from SuG
Favorite Drummer: Shinpei from SuG
Favorite Synth Sound :  INAZUMA by ALSDEAD
Favorite PV: Teenage Dream by SuG
Favorite lyrics : イケナイ Kiss by DIV
Favorite Label : BPR
Best Comeback : Alice Nine members in Diawolf
Worst Split :  ALSDEAD
Best Look : Gackt during Hallowe`en
Best announcement : New Gackt album
Favorite Live`s : UNiTE Band Reunions, TMR Live Experience.
Best VK fan : Tetora
 
Thanks for reading. Also big thanks to Yakihiko for bugging me (for months) to make this.

ALBUM`S
 
COOL!
 
LOG-ログ- – Re:TRAGRAS-リトラグラス-

A great, higher pitched release somewhat down the street from Blu-Billion.
 
R指定–少女喪失-syojosoushitsu-

A really deep and enjoyable album. I was surprised by this.
 
The GazettE – DOGMA

To me this was the comeback of Gazette I had been waiting for, they got back to a place where I could finally be excited to hear new things from them. A well thought-out album that feels like it was conceived as such, instead of being a compilation of songs or singles.
 
CRAZY!
 
AKi – ARISE, EPHEMERAL


He came out with a stripped down sound and youthful approach that some might not expect, and not everybody will enjoy. I personally loved it. Simple and fun.
 
FAR EAST DIZAIN – TONICK DIZAIN

This album definitely rocks. Some great lyrics, interesting guitar work that goes very low on the spectrum, and some rocking songs like The War Went On and Blank Space.
 
Blu-BiLLioN – GENESIS

A great album by them. You really feel plugged in to what the vocalist is feeling.
 
DIV – SECRET

Okay, I didn`t appreciate that there were barely any new songs, and no killer tracks like DIV is more than capable of, but I still have to admit it is a great album if you take a step back and look at it.
 
コドモドラゴン –下克上。

A heavier release that does not contain as many catchy moments as their first album, but is still great altogether. It may be more of a grower than an instant turn-on. If you just let it play, you start to get the feel of it.
 
SMOKIN` SICK STYLE!!!
 
Develop One`s Faculties - reincarnation

Definitely one of the break-through`s of the year. A resurgence of the classic `band-playing` feel, great vocals, and songs that leave a strong impression.
 
vistlip – LAYOUT

Great album with emotion and delivery. The feeling is one of a kind.
 
Kra – 次の物語

Their most cohesive release in a little while. Not quite as rocking as some would wish, but still great altogether. If you are a fan, it contains great moments, though leaves you wanting more (like more guitar!).
 
BORN – LIVE THE STALIN

Possibly the most rocking release of the year for me, they absolutely kill it live, and you have to appreciate how he can still pull off his vast array of voicings in a hectic live show. If you really enjoy the head-banging element of BORN the live songs almost outperform their studio versions.
 
BAROQUE – PLANETARY SECRET

A new direction that really left an impression on me. Swallow The Night is one of my favorite songs, and the awesome guitar always pops into my mind making me listen to it again and again.
 
DOG inTheパラレルワールドオーケストラ– パラドッグス

They went in a different direction as well with this one, creating an album based on their past, present and future.
 
ユナイト – UNiVERSE

The grower of the year for me. At first I was very disappointed by this, but after a long time, I started to appreciate it more, and can now see it as a great album. Hard to explain, but the band creates huge expectations, though this does definitely deliver once you get over the fact that not every song is wild ride through UNiTE-ville.
 
SuG – BLACK

For me this is the greatest release of the year, and one of the most well-made albums I have ever heard. I have always loved a deep tonic sound mastered to cover the full spectrum, creating a sonic environment that is rich in detail and a pleasure to sit back and listen to, examining the different parts. The song-writing is amazing, at times taking elements from their influences, and making them their own, and at times creating their own completely fresh sound. Every track is great, every member performs the best that they ever have, and everything is so different yet it all fits together into one amazing album that gets better with every listen.

SID – 漂流

Another great SID single, as expected.
 
MEJIBRAY – 盈虧

They have really been mixing it up lately, some like it, some don`t. I really liked the dark and low-fi sound of this one.
 
SMOKIN` SICK STYLE!!!
 
DOG inTheパラレルワールドオーケストラ – メテオライト

DOG played it somewhat safe this year after killing it last year. Another great single with slight play on their signature sound keeping it fresh.
 
少年記 – WEAKNESS_MY BLOOD, ココロモンスター

 

 
One of the stand-out band`s in recent times. They have been following a formula yet still make everything sound fresh, and exciting. Again, great melodies, a pop element that doesn`t compromise their rock sound, and amazing work overall.
 
ユナイト –マーブル

 
The B-Sides really are what I love and long for the most from this band. One of the most killer tracks of the year from LiN, and great performances all around.
 
WING WORKS – RAVVE OF MY TRINITY

Title track is an absolute blast to listen to. This is the kind of energy that I can always appreciate. This single put him near the top of my watch-list.
 
Royz – THE BEGINNING

A bit of a different almost Codomo sound here for another solid Royz release bringing what I really like about them, attitude.
 
己龍/Royz/コドモドラゴン - FAMILY PARTY

A budget-buster, but absolutely worth it. Absolutely epic release with tons of great tracks and one of the funnest tracks of the year as its center-piece. Really shows how great the bands are and why they are taking over.
 
Purple Stone -アオイヤミ

My favorite release by them. It`s catchy and it rocks. Break The World is just too sweet.
 
NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST - PROVIDENCE

At their best with their great mix of Visual and Heavy elements creating something that is harsh and holds your attention throughout.
 
ALSDEAD – INAZUMA

Perhaps the farewell by an amazing band that left behind quite a discography. One of the best storyteller`s in terms of lyrics, and a great band behind him, with another standout in guitar work.
 
SuG – SICK`S,  teenAge dream/Luv it!!


 
Some of the deepest and well written singles. This band has been bringing it for a long time now. One of a kind for sure. Every track is different, but no matter the style or how many things they have going on, they just seem to `get it`.
 
DIV - イケナイKISS

Mind-blowing single in terms of sound, approach, delivery, etc… I just have to put it at the top of my list for the feeling I get each time I listen to this single.

(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!

Cool list, I like the variety! ...even tho most of the bands I know did nothing but disappoint me this year, lmao (okay, maybe GazettE's album wasn't that bad, just easily forgettable).

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.