ghost

If you're referring to what I wrote, I never compared the music. I compared the consistency of each album. Seeing as Madrigal de Maria was their last album I felt it was appropriate to talk about it.Edit: Jk, didn't put 2 and 2 together.....they both (kind of) have MM abbreviations. How do you delete comments?

I think it might be the intro SE that kind of sounds like Megaman. Check out for yourself though, I found the album here (via Rezker): http://www.4shared.com/rar/Czer-D3tce/GANGSTA.html *edit I think if that were the case my review would've been veeeeery different.

This is the worst release Sadie has ever put out. It's inconsistent, repetitive, and unmemorable. The first problem is that every track overstays its welcome. More than half the album is over 4 minutes, most going almost up to 5. While you might think that's actually a good thing, it isn't. There are plenty of tracks that would be fine if they ended about halfway through, especially the heavier ones, but they keep going and going repeating the same elements. It really drags the album down. The inconsistency in this album is no secret. You've got tracks where M to the ao tries the rapping thing (2 only actually), a few that sound more like a poor rendition of a middle school jazz play soundtrack, one that tries to implement electronics and synth for that fun and poppy yet heavy sound, a heavy alternative song (that sounds somewhat like Yellow Card's "Lights and Sound"), an uplifting pop ballad, a "Spirited Away" instrumental piano track, and a majority of songs that feature Sadie's typical chug a chug who gives a shrug style. I'm not even disappointed that the album doesn't incorporate any "gangsta" elements. I just at least expect a uniform sound throughout the album. The album is all over the place and has absolutely no idea what its identity is. I found "Madrigal de Maria" to be a poor album, but it still had a uniform sound between all the songs and you can tell they're all from the same album. But not using the gangster elements is another thing. If you're going to call your album "Gangsta" and even have a few tracks where you try to implement things like rap, why are there only 2 tracks that you do this on? What is the point to all this? You take these 2 songs out and you're left with nothing that relates to the title. Either go full out or don't do it at all. Make a choice and stick with it. * * I found barely anything worth listening to on this natural born trash CD that is only good as orange rotted. -Shoot the targets, hidden in your mind - there's a lovely melancholy guitar break 2:40-2:50. The actual break is longer than that but when Mao comes in his vocals ruin it. -Gesshoku - It sounds like Mao says "I scream for you p***y". It's kinda (kinda) funny. -I find Tokyo Gypsy to be the only song I can listen to (the last guitar melody actually kind of sounds like something off the GazettE's Disorder. Tokyo Shinjuu, Tokyo Gypsy. Coincidence?...maybe?) All in all there's about 5:04 worth of stuff I would listen to on this album. Sadie needs to stop releasing material for a while and really think about what to do with their music. I think this album proves that they have no idea. Gangsta is a prolonged cluttered wreck that needs to be banned and cut off from all access to consumers. In fact, someone needs to take every copy and

The riff from "Hate me or Love me?" was kinda neat. I just wish they did something more with that. I know it's only a few songs, but I'm not enjoying the album.

Suite-pee yeah?

Screw manages to roll out another mediocre album. Where there's potential, they take that and go their usual route, which makes for a less than thrilling ride. It's only been about a month and CDJapan is already selling it for 10% off. That should tell you what to anticipate. Nearly every song tries to be heavy or hardcore and they all begin to sound the same. They try to incorporate different elements like jazz and electronic/dub-step, but they aren't very well executed and distract more than add to the experience. Burst Forth, for example, is fast and intense mostly throughout but will have these short jazzy moments. But, they're too short and infrequent that it just seems out of place. Calvacade is another example where the electronic breakdowns don't have much to do with the rest of the song and in fact drag it down. These sections don't work because they're too distinct and sudden. I can understand changing the mood of a song but Screw's execution is choppy and awkward. A quick note on Eternal Flame, I'm all for the use of auto tune but Byo uses it throughout the entire song and it gets old fast. Calvacade also featured some auto tune but it was only used in some parts and much better executed. Also, evil passions sounds like the GazettE's my devil on the bed. The voice department especially falls flat as Byou just can not deliver the right vocals to back up the songs. His vocals don't have any power behind them and he sings some of the most unforgettable melodies. Also, his use of filters to add an harsh edge is as unsuccessful as ever. Not to say he can't sing entirely because sometimes he does sing well. I've been ripping apart this album head to toe but there are some nice moments. - mellow is a refreshing upbeat ballad that's a throwback to older Screw and reminds me of tracks like Celestial Bliss and Dearest Wish. Byo does a fine job here too. - The use of piano in Burst Forth, while very short, is beautiful. They should have pushed the piano instead of the jazzy parts. - オブセッション is a pretty neat track that mixes traditional Japanese sounds with a heavy vk style. - Helter Skelter has a decent chorus and breakdown. - 絶望の讃美歌's back up vocals in the chorus slightly remind me of BABY STAR. Overall, It's a weak album. There's not much variety and when the variety happens it's usually sloppy and unfitting. With tracks like mellow, though, a little bit of hope is restored and I'm now in a place where I look forward to their next release.....But not that much. Final Opinion 3/10 *edit 5/10 (some of the album really stuck with me even after about a week. I admit the album has more staying power than I initially gave it credit for. I still say.....)

I always thought they just transitioned from a studio version of g.d.s. into the live version of shokubeni. But good point, I'm not entirely sure.

My gosh. When Kaoru's hair was a decent length. Cool, thanks for sharing. (Man I miss old Obscure live)

Goooot it ?. Don't think I ever heard it.

Do you mean the one they used for shows like Code of Vulgar[ism]? If so, they did release a studio version of that on their "saku" single. It's called "G.D.S."

That is a nice intro. Ghoul Intro For anyone who hasn't heard. I could only find a short live clip from their US tour last year. WARNING - screaming starts at 0:35

Who knows, maybe they'll pull a Sukekiyo and put the intro as the second track. I still think it sounds weird. Even though I know you're referring to just the track list, more Kisou would be

Alsoooooo: The Special Limited Version comes in a gorgeous 3-disc package, including the album tracks on a high fidelity 「Blu-spec CD2」, a 7-track bonus CD including a new instrumental track, remixes of single tracks “SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH” and “Unraveling” and unplugged/symphonic versions of their new tracks. The 3rd disc included will be a Blu-ray/DVD of a special studio live recording shot in one-take and Live footage from the TOUR14 PSYCHONNECT -mode of “GAUZE”?- concert that took place in August 2014. Initial Limited Version is consist of 2 discs, including a 3-track bonus CD with a remix of “SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH” and unplugged/symphonic versions of their new tracks. Special limited edition DISC 2 : CD It includes a new instrumental track ‘and Zero’ and ‘tefu tefu’ and remixes of single tracks “SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH” and “Unraveling” and unplugged/symphonic versions of their new tracks. DISC 3 : Blu-ray or DVD It includes new tracks ‘Un deux’ and ‘Chain repulsion’ as special studio live recording shot in one-take, Live footage from the TOUR14 PSYCHONNECT -mode of “GAUZE”?- concert that took place in August 2014 and “ARCHE” original footage contents. Initial limited edition DISC 2 : CD It includes a remixe of single tracks “SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH” and unplugged/symphonic versions of their new tracks. From OHP

Macabre and Uroboros are high on my list. I can't really choose 1, but right now in this moment it feels right to say Macabre. It's the era I remember most through their concerts and music videos. They put on a lot of cool lives during this time. I think this was still when Kyo would throw eggs at the fans during lives and spit out fake vomit and weird white goop. Strange bloke he was. This was also around the time ain't afraid to die was released (which is my favorite song and music video of all time in all of the music in the world). Also, BDSM Die I won't deny that Uroboros is the stronger album though. Macabre had some awesome songs, but some parts of the album would draaag. They're also the first 2 Dir en Grey albums I ever bought. Heck, the first 2 Jrock CDs I ever bought. (Although Uwajimaya rips you off like no other. 50$ for Macabre, what was I thinking (I wasn't)).

I'd be inclined to agree more if these samples sounded more like Sukekiyo but I agree with Hellion, it sounds more like they're incorporating their previous style.

Really diggin alone. But man do these guys ever stay consistent? If someone ever asked me about 12012 I'd have to consider 3 different eras. I liked the direction they were going with decida and the swan and so was hoping this would be a refined continuation of the two. Saaaad face.

I think it's more so that we know what these bands are capable of yet they continue to take on new directions that deviate from their original sound, so much so that it's distracting. Us following them is perhaps a hope that the band will go back to the sound that their old fans originally fell in love with. It's what happens when a band changes their sound: You lose old fans, you make some new ones. New fans like their new sound, but the old fans don't. At the same time, fans (in general) don't want the hear the same material over and over again. That's why bands do something new. But, the band has to know how to expand their sound from the root, not just try a new style. That way they're not just doing something new, they're doing something new with their established style, what originally made them unique or stand out. By choosing a brand new style they alienate their old fan base and on the flip side, if they ever want to do something they used to do, they alienate their new fanbase. Keeping this balance is difficult, but that's one of the challenges of growing as a band. In regards to the preview, I don't think it's anything to write home about. But I find it so much more preferable to [bleach]. Given the title the covers seem like an odd choice too. But, only time will tell whether or not the album will come together. *I just gave [bleach] a listen and it has more to do with GANGSTA than does [Dead End] (so far). Masta Mao the rappa Who knows, the rest of the album might be this.

I liked the first 15 seconds. And then Byou started singing. I mean his voice is....better than it used to be but his melodies are so uninspired and boring. Not to say the instrumental work is phenomenal, only the first 15 seconds caught my attention. Also, not sure if this was intentional but I hear some of Sadie's "toge" influence. Psychedelic guitar cadence, same melodic progression in the chorus. Video is a million times better though.

Does it really count as a symphonic version if you just add strings on top of the original mix? That idea was always so silly. Lotus and Diabolos actually sound symphonic though ?.?

Hey Sadie

Is it just me or does Kyo's live vocals actually sound decent again?

This thread is so much fun.

Yes, that one!

Straight and upfront: 8/10 I love the album. It has a very strong sound and atmosphere and it’s easy to get lost in the psychedelic and milky compositions. Kyo does a great job in a lot of the songs too (although many times he takes to many liberties with his wails and falsettos) As a whole I’d say this is the strongest release I’ve hear from any band in a while (maybe since 2012, Lama - Modanica?) That being said, yeah the album isn't without its faults. So here goes my personal take on the album. elisabeth addict - This song is beautiful. The spanish-like guitars are so delicate and very Rentrer en Soi. Kyo sings emotionally and melodically without screaming (for the most part...)and really ties down the mood of the song. Great intro and great song. 10/10 destrudo - I like SE; I almost feel like every album needs an opener and closer. But honestly, could've done without it. elisabeth addict does a much better job of drawing the listener into the world of the album and setting the mood and I don't think it HAS to be the transition into latour. It's a cool track in its own regard but having it play as the second track takes away from its impact. 6/10 latour - That intro! It's so Japonesque from the melody to the use of the trickling water and super atmospheric. I love the swirling guitar melody that eventually becomes more edgy and demented as the song progresses. Kyo does a pretty great job too. I don't know though, there's something missing that really makes the track stand out. I think it's a catchy melody. When I think about it, my favorite parts are the beginning and end because of the trickling Japonesque melody. 7/10 nine melted fiction - Compositionally 10/10. Kyo 5/10. DANG. IT. KYO. He was doing fine at the start of the song and then decides he'll add whatever obnoxious high notes that he can't sing to "enhance the mood". I mean yeah it's his interpretation but I just think there's a more effective way to sing in the tone of the song without making weird noises and using meandering melody. But the instrumental work is fantastic. Awesome psychedelic guitars. so... 7/10 zephyr - I like the change of pace the track brings to the album. So far the album's been pretty slow and atmospheric so it's refreshing to hear something more upbeat. I'm not sure what to say about the song other than it's a pretty standard rock track with a great melody. 8/10 hidden one - To incorporate Mozart into a song is like putting music into music so you can listen to music while you listen to music. So meta. Okay, so it's not that amazing but it's pretty cool. I've been running the original Mozart piece in my head for days now. But this song is great! I love the melody and Kyo sings well here. The guitar lines are awesome and DAT SOLO. The climax after the first guitar solo is probably my favorite moment of the album so far. 10/10 aftermath - There's something about this mix that just isn't as satisfying as the original. I can't put my finger on it (maybe it's more reverb) but I guess it's not big enough to take away from the listening experience. This track is beautiful with it's dark yet comfortable atmosphere, melancholy expressions of emotion, and delicate execution. It's very laid back but so much is expressed. I especially love the mid section where it picks up and breaks the atmosphere for a bit. It's a nice contrast that still fits within the context of the song. Kyo's falsetto and interesting choice of notes can turn me off at some points but it's not like....terrible. Also, I don't think the song stands as strong without the PV. 9/10 uyuu no sora - It's a cool track. I think it does fine transitioning between aftermath and daemon's cutlery. It's menacing and foreboding. Not terribly memorable on it's own though. 6/10 daemon's cutlery - So. I actually love this song. We finally delve into something more hard and fierce compositionally and here Kyo's screaming fits. I like the crazy guitars, the chorus, and especially those drums in the intro. The pre-chorus is pretty corny but I love corny and so love the pre-chorus. He sounds like the hound from the fox and the hound trying to sing in a opera choir. Call it my guilty pleasure but I love daemon's cutlery. 8/10 scars like velvet - I could dance to this. The atmosphere is so thick and the song has presence. Kyo's high singing can get annoying here but it's not as bad as nine melted fiction. Overall, it works and the listen remains enjoyable. Compositionally it's more or less the same as the other songs on the album but also has a great melody. 9/10 mama - I think the intro really is the only part that sounds like the original. I like that it's more upbeat. The album has been pretty slow so, like zephyr, it's a welcome change of pace. Typical Rock track with a pretty sweet melody and the piano is used beautifully. 9/10 vandal - Ohhh man. This is like daemon's cutlery part II feat. Dum Spiro Spero (kind of). When the bass comes in I get so pumped and when the chorus hits I lose it. The composition is hard, demented, has moments of dark meditation, and exquisite dissonance. Kyo's vocals are outstanding in this. He can be haunting with his low singing and whispering and be aggressive and chilling with his screaming. What's great is that he controls his screams and uses them for a certain nuance not the usual unrestrained release of anger that sounds like a pregnant dolphin giving birth to whale triplets. 10/10 hemimetabolism - I feel split on this track. I absolutely love the beginning and end parts of this song but the middle section just doesn't do it for me. Remember what I said about Kyo using his vocals strategically at the right time and place? Well, forget that because he did too in this mid section. Okay, so the mood of the song, the melody and composition, all of that I think actually fits. These different sections of the song actually flow into each other alright. But, what I really wanted was a track that was soft all through out and didn't have such contrasty parts because it kind of takes from the experience of enjoying the beauty of the track. It almost seems random to have the loud section and takes away from what could have been a great ballad/soft song. But, these quiet parts are so good. So... 8/10 kugui - This is a wonderful ballad with warm melodies, delicate composition, and beautiful vocals by Kyo. Even his falsettos are done pretty great and his melodies are simple yet memorable. I love Takumi's use of harp (I just know it's him) especially as you hear its final plucks at the end. If hemametabolism was more like this it would've gotten a perfect score too. 10/10 funingen - This song is so much fun. I could dance to this too. I love the ethnic sounding guitar melodies and how exciting they are. It's upbeat and heavy yet has its moments of softness and even has that dark and meditative sound too. That "nyannyannyan" part is really corny. But...I like corny and so therefore I like this part! Okay, it's pretty overdone but he's having fun with it so I can't help but love it. I feel like this is the type of song Kyo's more recent vocals fits with best. He can scream, sing, be hammy, and it all fits. 10/10 in all weathers - The 9goats influence just oozes out of this song. It's just wonderful. But, Kyo's vocals are kind of grating because he sings in that overly done falsetto voice. Besides that, the first half of the song is just gorgeous. The melodies are so warm, Kyo does do a great job of singing softly and melodically, and the song falls between the regions of comforting yet foreboding. But then the mid-section hits and, while it's well done and does fit, I feel makes the song lose it's original tone. It's like with hemametabolism or even Dir en Grey's Diabolos. There's nothing wrong with keeping the song one style and making variations within that. I'm personally not a big fan of the theatrical sound of having things be loud and rockin' and so it kind of killed it for me that they did that. That said, the song ends perfectly with the piano slowing down and its last notes fading into silence (or rather a thud). 8/10 I've listened to the album everyday since the first download was available and it hasn't lost it's novelty (couldnt wait for my physical copy!). In fact, I like it better now than I did on my initial listen. Yeah it's not perfect and I feel like Kyo still needs to learn that sometimes less is more, but it was above my expectations. I was half expecting an hour full of Kyo wails and thankfully he knows better than that. I'll be spinning this record for years to come and can't wait for future releases. Sukekiyo totemo sutekiyo!

Yeah it gets too hectic for me. In the context of the album I think it sounds okay but to just listen to the song it's kind of annoying because the nice flow gets chopped off!