Jigsaw9

If they did more Divergence-type songs, would be dope as fuck

just to have some positivity in here too... XD
 
Prolly one of the best (or better) MEJIbro singles out there. The title track is pretty much a quintessence of what they're about in top form: driving rhythmic guitars coupled with Tsuzuku's catchy melodic chorus, and of course his screams (the guitar solo is pretty ace too). Akercock raised my eyebrow at first because of those, uhm, vocals but ultimately it's a pretty fun heavy track, in the vein of Apocalypse. The closing song Divergence is the icing on the cake, and is one of my top favorite MEJI' tunes, it just works so well and has so much power. They really caught some cool melodies and emotional atmosphere with that one (without being sappy). Ace stuff.
 
| wish they'd replicate some of the awesomeness here onto their upcoming album~ (even tho I know their style has changed over these 2.5 years)

just to have some positivity in here too... XD
 
Prolly one of the best (or better) MEJIbro singles out there. The title track is pretty much a quintessence of what they're about in top form: driving rhythmic guitars coupled with Tsuzuku's catchy melodic chorus, and of course his screams (the guitar solo is pretty ace too). Akercock raised my eyebrow at first because of those, uhm, vocals but ultimately it's a pretty fun heavy track, in the vein of Apocalypse. The closing song Divergence is the icing on the cake, and is one of my top favorite MEJI' tunes, it just works so well and has so much power. They really caught some cool melodies and emotional atmosphere with that one (without being sappy). Ace stuff.
 
| wish they'd replicate some of the awesomeness here onto their upcoming album~ (even tho I know their style has changed over these 2.5 years)

Sandwich de 120pun? was/is the only good thing on this label other than that funky whiteface band w/ the dog as a member IMO

WRITE-UP:
 
INTRO:
  The latest album by ALSDEAD, featuring the debut of their new drummer NIKKY (ex. GALEYD), and another obligatory change in their overall sound, feel, and direction.   An album that feels much more 'complete' than its contemporaries, with a solid feel and delivery throughout, providing another replay-button-friendly experience to my library.  
THE SOUND:
 
As similar to previous albums as it is different, they have kept the hard edge to their sound, while putting more emphasis on the individual instruments, and made the vocals fit in more as not necessarily leading the track, with melodies that are still strong and memorable, but do not rise above the value put on the guitars, or other instruments.
 
The signature cinematic ALSDEAD synth sound is back, with an even higher quality than ever. They definitely distinguish themselves as having some of the best synth's today, with more tracks that allow you to pleasurably follow the synth all the way through, and simply enjoy the unique tone, melodic value, and refined nature of production surrounding them. To me, the usual sign of having great tone is having notes that sound not as if they are coming from an instrument, and aren't registered by the listener simply as strings being picked, or keys being pressed on a keyboard, and ALSDEAD definitely accomplishes this on IDEA 
 
THE FEEL:
 
The tracks STARLESS and KILL THE KING should give you a starting point of what this album will sound like. It wavers in both directions: Softer with more synths, and harder with more grit and rough guitar. It is atmospheric, yet still comes off as a track-by-track experience, based on emotional expositions, raw emotions put into words that are either carefully articulated in Picture, or rudely shouted in D.9.N. 
 
It's emotional, atmoshperic rock-music storytelling that is delivered not with sap and melodrama, but with attitude.
 
HOW IT STACKS UP TO PREVIOUS ALSDEAD ALBUMS: 
 
If you have been following them, you have probably noticed that each album marks the end of one term in ALSDEAD's sonic history, and begets another. Their debut had an emphasis on heavy emotions, bad mental states, and a wailing, dramatic sound to match this. MODALITY felt like a series of short stories, with more of a straight-forward rock feel. Seperator felt like one long, interconnected story with a deeply atmospheric feel, and dark, sleepy nature to it in between harder songs.
 
IDEA almost feels like it mixes all of these elements together, while adding in some hard rock, some soft ballad elements, and some 90's rock mechanisms.
 
In terms of overall experience and enjoyment, I think after the initial adjustment to your expectations, and the fact that it doesn't sound exactly like older ALSDEAD, it holds up very well as another great entry into their library.
 
 
Track Count: 13
Listens: 20-25
Production Quality: 
Overall Rating: (This rating took some time to think over, as my first impression was of a 4.0, then built up to a 4.5 after about 20 listens, yet if I go with my gut, and realize how every track on this album hits home with me, and how much I am now enjoying it, I have to give it a 5.0)
 
Worth the Purchase?
If you have enjoyed their singles since Seperator, and have been a fan in general for any of their past releases, I highly recommend this. A solid album throughout, that shows no signs of inserted filler. The tracks are all solid, none get left behind in memory, each one brings something to the table, and overall this is a stand-out album that brings a lot to the table.

Hey I love that there is an expansive horror thread on here, I'm at work and have to be brief but I'd like to make it known that I am irresponsibly in love with the Hellraiser series, the first two movies being absolutely magical to me. The third and fourth are also favorites, although both are a bit flawed by comparison. Anyone else want to follow Doug Bradley to the grave ?

it is announced at Moi dix Mois live "Deep Sanctuary IV" at Akasaka BLITZ at 2014/10/11 that support Gt.&Cho. will commence to participate since their live "Dis inferno XII" at Shibuya WWW at 2014/12/07
 
 
Moi dix Mois SET-LIST at 2014/10/11:
 
SE.En Lumiere
01.Dialogue Symphonie
02.Gloire dans le Silence
03.front et baiser
04.Twilight flower
05.Witchcraft
06.Immortal Madness
07.Dead Scape
08.Beast side (with Közi)
09.Ange～D side holy wings～ (with Közi)
10.Je l'aime (with Közi)
 
 
Közi / Mana / Yu〜ki SET-LIST at 2014/10/11:
 
SE.Bois de merveilles
01.S-CONSCIOUS
02.N・p・s N・g・s～No pains No gains～
SE.au revoir

Voted for SADS in the end, cuz almost all of their stuff is at least decent/okay, even the releases after their reunion... while I can only tolerate Kuroyume till the beginning of their punky era.

I am taking the freedom to revive this thread, though with a more specific question (or more of a personal thought I want to share). I have been thinking the last days a lot about the connection and possible influence of japanese popculture, especially manga and anime, and Visual kei.
Now we surely have all come in contact with a lot of foreign "journalists" who branded Visual kei as some kind of real life version of Manga characters. I am sure we all can disagree with them at first though it's understandable that they come to that conclusion as many VK hairstyles seem to be borrowed right from a shonen manga. But maybe that assumption isn't even that far off. So comes my question: did Mangas and Animes have had an influence on Visual kei? And how big is it? Are VK bands the real life versions of a shojo manga reading girl's wet dreams?
It's certain that Visual kei music and bands had influence over Manga artists so it seems more logical that the type of leather wearing bishonen with long or crazy styled hair are the result of manga artists stanning for their favourite musicians and vocalists. See Kaori Yuki who is probably most well known for having integrated typical VK fashion into her Mangas (especially Angel Sanctuary, which is filled with VK guys). I remember people pointing out that some of her characters are even based on real VK bandmember, such as Hyde (L'arc~en~Ciel)
What I found very interesting (and a nice look into early 90s VK history) was the connection between VK and Shojo mangas. In 1989 Manga-ka Kusumoto Maki started to work on the shojo manga Kissxxx. The story is about the love between the singer Kanon and the sister of his bands' bassist. Kanon is the vocal of a punk band called "Die Küsse" (which may ring a bell). Maki was apparently inspired by local punk, post-punk and wave bands and bases the look of Kanon on those. At the same time Visual kei was taking influences from these genres as well. I am not sure if Visual rock already existed as a word at that time, but Kanon can still be seen as your prototypical VK guy.
According to comments surrounding the manga Kissxxx had a huge influence on VK (and not the other way round it seems). It may be oldest record of the phrase "Eins, Zwei, Drei, Vier" to appear in connection with VK. I don't think it has started to be become a ctachphrase in VK until 1990 at least. (but someone can proof me wrong anytime)

In the early 90s Penicllin have made a song and video about the manga, featuring Hakuei as Kanon (and replaying some of the key scenes of the manga. Also all outfits are based on the original character's clothes)


Then there was a 90s VK band called DIE KUSSE. Mejibray named a song after the fictional band too, but according to Tsuzuku the song isn't directly connected to the manga (but the line "eins, zwei, drei, vier" is referenced and according to the same interview about the single Meto aimed for the punk look because Kanon was in a punk band). I am sure there are many more groups referencing the story or taking inspiration from it. Kusumoto Maki also did a illustration for the cover of Vk band's Gilles de Rais album 殺意. And I think Deshabillz borrowed a picture from an eye (in one of the chapter pages) from the manga for a cover of their tape.
So yeah… maybe that does add a bit to the whole 90s Vk history and where it got it's influences. It would be cool if someone was able to translate really old magazine articles as this would help "recovering" some of it's history. I find it strange how no one has ever mentioned the influence of manga in such a discussion though.

Resolution - Just watched this interesting little movie, and I'm having a bit of a hard time whether I should mention it here or in the "general" movie thread... I read some praising remarks about it, watched the trailer and then the movie itself. Everything points to the fact that this should be some kinda horror flick (especially if you watch the trailer), and the end product... I dunno how to call it, maybe an anti-horror horror movie? XD So yeah, it was a pretty weird ride. I had a sense the overall theme and conclusion is very similar to The Cabin in the Woods but I actually liked this one, heh. If you're a fan of horror in general and wanna watch something different and eerie (but maybe don't expect too much) to make your mind bend a little, then I recommend this one.

Opera - While I do like some of Dario's films after this one, this is with no doubt whatsoever Dario Argento' last proper good film. And while not quite as good as masterpieces like Profondo rosso, Suspiria, Tenebre, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and a few more, it's still a fantastic giallo with great atomsphere, an awesome killer, a cool plot, fine visuals and damn cool soundtrack. It's very stylish in an Argentoesque way, which means it looks amazing throughout, it's well-acted and all in all it's a very good film. The kills? Top notch! Cold, gruesome and very well made. One just gotta love it if one's into this kind of things.
 
 

THE HAKKIN have been working on their upcoming album (release date unknown).
 
Their new single "Baby Conscious" will be released on 2014/10/25 via iTunes, Amazon MP3 and music.jp.
 
fab cover art over hereee: https://twitter.com/THE_HAKKIN/status/520227444763029504

Black Mirror - Damn, this mini-series packs a punch. Shame it's only two seasons with just six episodes in total. I love the anthology format to begin with, and these stories were really neat and frightening (or more like unnerving). Most of them could be even quite plausible in the near future. I liked how it concentrated more on human relations than hi-tech sci-fi shizz. Makes for a good viewing, highly recommended.
 
Danger 5 - Okay, I'm almost at a loss for words. Wow. xDDD This has gotta be one of the funniest mini-series I've ever seen. If you like over-the-top cheesy B-movie "so bad it's good" stuff it's mandatory to watch this. I mean....damn. XD There's a 2nd season coming soon too!

"Sleeping Madness" [track list]
01.Sleeping Madness
02.Lilith
03.Sleeping Madness(instrumental)
04.Lilith(instrumental)
 

^ My recommendations: Child's Play franchise (especially first two and Bride of Chucky but stay away from the remake), You're Next, High Tension (except for the ending, lol), The Midnight Meat Train (same as before), The Hills Run Red, Trick 'r Treat and of course the fabulous Texas Chainsaw Massacre (first movie and maybe the two remakes).

That cover art is like a . . . Shadow of their former releases. *ba dum tss*

I don't think I posted this here so I just wanted to show what is inside Masochist Red Circus Limited Edition. 

I don't think Mortuus were that good on Plague Angel actually. If I'm not mistaken he came after it was written and didn't get to put his touch on the album, and I think that shines through. It's as if they wrote music to fit Legion's vocals, and then he left and Mortuus cae in and they jst didn't bother changing anything. I just don't think it fits his vocals much at all. But that's just my opinion.
 
Rom:512 however, fits like a fat girl in a pair of fat jeans. The production is the best they ever had, and Accuser / Opposer are by far their best song ever. A.A. Nemtheanga is as good as he ever was, and the chemistry between him and Motuus are fantastic. Both helping eachother to sound even better. Impressive song with some impressive vocal work by both.
 
 
Also, gotta add that Mortuus is an insane vocalist. Few harsh vocalists have had such a range. The only people with a bigger vocal ranger than him within the genre, are people who are also talented clean singers. Insane guy. Shame he doesn't sing on many albums that I enjoy though.

So how did you guys like this first taste of what Gossip-ゴシップ- has to offer?
 
I was quite pleased with what I've heard. The three tracks capture an interesting atmosphere/sound more prevalent around 2003-2006 or so in the indies-vk scene, that kind of style that rapidly changes between fast melodious (kinda punky) parts and more head bobbin' "tough guy" stylings. Yeah, pretty obviously there's an influence from Gazette's older works somewhere in there, but it doesn't get too overwhelming or obvious to the point of plagiarism (or idk, I have a bad memory when it comes to their old stuff). All the tracks are pretty entertaining to listen to, tho I can't recall many actual riffs or melodies but they're catchy and colorful enough to hold my interest. All in all, a suitable and powerful introduction into the band's world.
 
(almost gave it a 4) | better than expected, pretty cool stuff

So how did you guys like this first taste of what Gossip-ゴシップ- has to offer?
 
I was quite pleased with what I've heard. The three tracks capture an interesting atmosphere/sound more prevalent around 2003-2006 or so in the indies-vk scene, that kind of style that rapidly changes between fast melodious (kinda punky) parts and more head bobbin' "tough guy" stylings. Yeah, pretty obviously there's an influence from Gazette's older works somewhere in there, but it doesn't get too overwhelming or obvious to the point of plagiarism (or idk, I have a bad memory when it comes to their old stuff). All the tracks are pretty entertaining to listen to, tho I can't recall many actual riffs or melodies but they're catchy and colorful enough to hold my interest. All in all, a suitable and powerful introduction into the band's world.
 
(almost gave it a 4) | better than expected, pretty cool stuff

So how did you guys like this first taste of what Gossip-ゴシップ- has to offer?
 
I was quite pleased with what I've heard. The three tracks capture an interesting atmosphere/sound more prevalent around 2003-2006 or so in the indies-vk scene, that kind of style that rapidly changes between fast melodious (kinda punky) parts and more head bobbin' "tough guy" stylings. Yeah, pretty obviously there's an influence from Gazette's older works somewhere in there, but it doesn't get too overwhelming or obvious to the point of plagiarism (or idk, I have a bad memory when it comes to their old stuff). All the tracks are pretty entertaining to listen to, tho I can't recall many actual riffs or melodies but they're catchy and colorful enough to hold my interest. All in all, a suitable and powerful introduction into the band's world.
 
(almost gave it a 4) | better than expected, pretty cool stuff