Visutox

Jigsaw's favorite Japanese releases 2014

或いはアナーキー by BUCK-TICK
 
Ever since 2009's memento mori there hasn't been a BUCK-TICK album that was
as much fun as this latest gem, fittingly titled Arui wa Anarchy. From the rowdy
tounge-in-cheek opener to the ethereally beautiful closing track, this is Atsushi &
co. at their surreal, sensual best, delivering one catchy pop-rock hook at a time.
Sample: Devil'N Angel / ボードレールで眠れない
 
DIStopping by Charisma.com
 
Charisma.com came, saw and conquered me with their ridiculously catchy mash-up
of electronic, pop and hip-hop elements. Infectious beats and clever raps are on the
menu here that will surely please even the most jaded pop fanatics. If you just
want something fun and cool to listen or dance to, look no further.
Sample: イイナヅケブルー / ハッピーターン
 
ARCHE by DIR EN GREY
 
DIR EN GREY take no prisoners as they unleash one of their most eclectic albums
to date, ARCHE. Spiritually continuing on the path of its dark and proggy
predecessor, the songs are tailored to regular rock listeners' taste this time.
The outcome, however, is far from being regular. It's an atmospheric,
kaleidoscopic ride with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Sample: 空谷の跫音 / Revelation of mankind
 
NERO by ギャロ
 
I'm only a recently converted THE GALLO listener but even so, it's not hard to
see why their 2nd full-length NERO is so wonderful. The band takes cues from
all over the visual kei spectrum to construct their own quirky style where nostalgic
melodies and sheer aggressivity are good neighbors (and then there's Jojo's
ridiculous vibrato). A nice colorful surprise coming from the indies-VK scene.
Sample: 夢葬 / 大日本黒鶏主義者聯盟行進曲イ短調

終焉 by グリーヴァ
 
Grieva is like a machine pumping out release after release, but thankfully this
doesn't show much in the quality of their catalogue. Shueen is another proof of
why I consider them to be the premiere "nostalgia kei" act. It's got attitude,
mystical atmosphere and songs coming at you like a kote-kei rollercoaster.
Sample: Lost tears / 罪
 
HER NAME IN BLOOD by HER NAME IN BLOOD
 
HER NAME IN BLOOD's eponymous second album is a no-nonsense kick in the teeth
(or ears?), and you're guaranteed to be grinning when it's over. Their caveman-like
explosive aggression is close to being unrivaled but at the same time they haven't
forgotten to include some melodic bits either. Just an all-around badass record.
Sample: HALO / ZERO (FUCKED UP WORLD)
 
ABSOLUTE SENSES by HONE YOUR SENSE
 
The debut album of HONE YOUR SENSE is simply a beast. If you want to know what
it's like to be torn to shreds by a whirlwind of metalcore, death metal and melodic
extreme metal, then this is your poison. This relentlessly heavy and unexpectedly
catchy full-length is a true diamond in the rough in the underground J-metal scene.
Sample: BLACK LOTUS / THE LAST MAN STANDING

Heart by KAMIJO
 
KAMIJO, the uncrowned king & queen of cheese starts off strong with his debut
album Heart, leaving former bandmates Jupiter in the dust. This album is packed
with the stuff you expect from the vocalist: epic melodies, fluffy piano and synth
flourishes and some symphonic rockin' too, of course. It has just enough variety
to keep your interest, making this quite a smooth (and fun!) listen.
Sample: 闇夜のライオン / Moulin Rouge

LOST by Lillies and Remains
 
As soon as I heard LOST, I knew it would be the staple Lillies and Remains release
for me, and that hasn't changed throughout the whole year (not even with their
subsequent full-length). Six tracks of expertly crafted pop-rock with touches of
new wave, post-punk and even some gothic influences. Simply beautiful!
Sample: This City / You Stand Alone

SOVILLETTA & SEXIVIA by SPEECIES
 
What a treat to able to listen to two albums by SPEECIES within a few weeks' time!
Mastermind Sadie Pink Galaxy continues where he left off on his first record, that is
delivering oodles of fun and weird lo-tech jams. It's like the '80s never left – rather,
they hid out in a dingy basement to make new-wave electrojunk tunes for the initiated.
Sample: MUZIK / HARDCOWALSKI
 
IMMORTALIS by sukekiyo
 
sukekiyo's debut is typically one of those albums you might be confused by on first
listen but then you have an urge to come back to it, to re-discover its every corner.
And boy, there's sure plenty to discover here! Kyo and his band of merry men
concocted a curious mixture of avant-garde rock coupled with proggy and folksy
bits that sneaks up on you. Before you notice, you're hooked!
Sample: in all weathers / hidden one
 
賑やかな食卓 by the god and death stars
 
the god and death stars, being a band fronted by aie, is a project I'll always hold
dear to my heart. I was somewhat disappointed with their first full-length, but
none of that feeling is present on their latest mini album. Nigiyakana shokutaku
is a wonderful display of the band's usual grungy, melancholic garage-rock style
woven into hypnotic songs that will burrow their way into your ears.
Sample: 出来事と偶然の為の媒体 / 隣人林

晩成 by THE HAKKIN
 
As I love that typical '80s new wave sound, THE HAKKIN were like a godsend for me.
Their first relatively longer offering Bansei (or "Bansay") is only a mini album but it
delivers in spades! Addictive emotional vocals fuse with catchy synth sparkles and
guitar lines that evoke old affairs like COMPLEX and newer acts like cali≠gari at the
same time. Perfect listening for misty-eyed nostalgia enthusiasts.
Sample: NO NO モチベーション / Tokyo Lung

Best of 2014
I tried to create a short, cohesive "best of" list this year. I failed.

Welcome once again to my fourth year-end list, where I talk way too much about a bunch of releases I've never mentioned before. I had the intention of keeping this list short and sweet this year, but 2014 was a great year for music. Every time I completed the list, I remembered two or three more albums that just had to be on here, and before I knew it I ended up wanting to share a lot more artists than I intended. I had to draw the line somewhere. Then, I had to find a way to keep your attention long enough for everything on this page to load.While this isn't the most exhaustive of lists, I tried to pick artists I thought people may be interested in alongside some more unusual things I liked. So now that we've reached the end of my not so subtle introduction, I think by now everything should have loaded. Read, enjoy, and leave me comments!

0号室の旅人 by 101A
Songs: forbidden sky and luminous (from '4')
The Joy of Motion by Animals as Leaders
Songs: Air Chrysalis and Ka$cade
Syro by Aphex Twin
Songs: minipops 67 [120.2][source field mix] and CIRCLONT14 (shrymoming mix)
Noise by Boris
Songs: Heavy Rain and Melody
DIStopping by Charisma.com
Songs: Iinazuke Blue and HATE
Clark by Clark
Songs: Winter Linn and The Grit In The Pearl
Butterfly Effect by Clockwork Indigo
Songs: Butterfly Effect and LUAM
Promulgation of the Fall by Dead Congregation
Songs: Immaculate Poison and Only Ashes Remain
Arche by Dir en grey
Songs: phenomenon and 禍夜想
Under the Influence 2 by Domo Genesis
Songs: Go Outside and X
Oi Magoi by Hail Spirit Noir
Songs: Oi Magoi and Hunters
The Path of Apotheosis by Inferi
Songs: The Ancients of Shattered Thrones and Marching Through the Flames of Tyranny
Shiori by jizue
Songs: shiori and 真黒
Symphony of the Vampire / Heart by Kamijo
Songs: Moulin Rouge and Heart
Abstruse Imbeciles Nailed on Slavery by Lost Ubikyst in Apeiron
Songs: Nothing to s(l)ave and blind cyclops
Elddop by Martyrdöd
Songs: En Jobbigt Jävel and Martyren
The Last Dawn / Rays of Darkness by Mono
Songs: Recoil, Ignite and Elysian Castles
Rhapsody in Beauty by THE NOVEMBERS
Songs: Romance and Meursault
風神界逅/雷神創世 by 陰陽座
Songs: 雲は龍に舞い、風は鳳に歌う and 青天の三日月
Dangerous Days by Perturbator
Songs: Hard Wired and Humans are Such Easy Prey
Run the Jewels 2 by Run the Jewels
Songs: Oh My Darling Don't Cry and Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)
逆輸入 ~港湾局~ / 日出処 by 椎名林檎
Songs: 主演の女 (from 逆輸入 ~港湾局~) and 走れゎナンバー (from 日出処)
Strangeulation by Tech N9ne
Songs: Great Night and Make Waves
Fantastic Magic by TK from 凛として時雨
Songs: unravel and Fantastic Magic
Digital Dream Sequence by Trioscapes
Songs: Digital Dream Sequence and Stab Wounds
ボカロ三昧 by 和楽器バンド
Songs: 天樂 and 千本桜

I'm curious what everyone's favorite music videos were for 2014? I've been running a jrock video blog for a couple of years now and I figured I'd give a short list of the top 10 most popular from there, and everyone else could share their favorites too? Feel free to talk about the choices and posts too!
 
# 10. Silent Siren - “Lucky Girl” 
# 09. SuG - “B.A.B.Y.”
# 08. kinoko teikoku - “CHRONOSTASIS”
# 07. DADAROMA - “oboreru sakana”
# 06. BIOSPHIA - “SUISEN”
# 05. Lycaon - “Akujo no bishou”
# 04. coldrain - “You Lie”
# 03. MEJIBRAY - "RAVEN"
# 02. TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA - “Wake Up! feat. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION”
# 01. Wagakki Band - “Senbonzakura”
 
The number one video pretty much smashed everything else we posted this year with over 400 reblogs. But Tokyo Ska was a really strong second with over 100+! But I think Wagakki Band is a good top to the list because the pv really was quite beautiful. (o_~)

The only conclusion you can make when you listen to "THE OMNIGOD" and then to "ABSOLUTE SENSES" is that Gaku is a fuckin genius, a smart guy. I know he isn't a HYS member (only live-support) but still, leaving NB was one of the best decisions he ever made in his fucking life. Sorry for that off-topic but I had to say it. Now, talking about this new release: THE OMNIGOD is not a bad album, but it lacks something that normally makes me say "I really enjoyed this shit". I didn't feel anything. GENESIS actually has an atmosphere that I really enjoy, and except 1 or 2 more songs, the rest is lyrically and musically bland. The album has its few good parts, but overall it is really disappointing. It's a shame since I expected more from NB. But hey, at least the album artwork is awesome.
 
My rating:
   

I know right!? *re-visits plug homepage after every few minutes*
Reads: 'Was this a clever plan to get you to go outside for a few minutes?'
My reaction: 'HELL NAH! YOU'VE GOT US GLUED TO THE SCREEN IN ANNOYANCE AND ANTICIPATION </3
I'll keep checking anyway ehe. If so many of us are free, we need to party!

OH MY FUCKING GOD, HOLY FUCKING SHIT 10 SONGS OF THE BAT! im not ready............. HELL YEAH I'M READY FOR THIS FROTHY PLEASURE!
 

i'll be waiting like a good bitch slave....

"Camera obscura-カメラオブスキュラ-" [track list]
01.Camera obscura-SE-
02.追憶(tsuioku)
03.Dark Night
04.Liar
05.shadow
06.暗室(anshitsu)-SE- (included in limited edition)
07.marionette
08.君を壊すガラスの衝動(kimi wo kowasu garasu no shoudou)
09.くちづけ(kuchiduke)-SE- (included in limited edition)
10.Rouge
11.馬鹿ね。(baka ne)
12.アネモネ(anemone)
13.売女(baita)-SE- (included in limited edition)
14.悪女の微笑(akujo no hohoemi)
15.ILLUSION
16.メランコリック(melancholic) (included in limited edition)
17.ジプシー(gypsy)
18.endroll-SE-

I sense more Papa Haydn is needed in this thread:
 
 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WNykhWtn1I
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImxwlZ37N2g
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyEtugA3iK0
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVl8E3PHUMA
 
 
 
And some Mozart:
 
 

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyNFElawfTg

Same here. As long as we don't know more details about the open world the doubts will remain. Really? Didn't know about that. It would be awesome to finally play a FF game with the japanese voices.
 
Btw, new trailer of Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 from Jump Festa. 
 

 
I knew they wouldn't risk to change the basics of the Ultimate Ninja Storm games. After all, you don't replace something that works, you just improve it. Mainly, only new details have been added; scratches on the character, his stuff can also be broken. The fights look to be more entertaining, chaos on the screen with all these explosions and stuff to blow your mind. Looks like a game that I'll enjoy. Can't wait to know more about what could probably be the last UNS game.

New trailer from Jump Festa. 
 

 
Okay. So this looks better than I expected, though I'm still not convinced. Waiting for more. 

it is announced at MEJIBRAY one-man live at Shibuya Koukaidou at 2014/12/22 that their LIVE DVD "THE THEATRICAL SHOW「鳥ハ泳ギ方ヲ知ラズ溺レ亡骸(tori wa oyogikata wo shirazu obore nakigara)」at Shibuya Koukaidou" will be released at 2015/03/04 (5,400yen), which will include scene of that one-man live at 2014/12/22
 
[track list]
SE.IDEA
01.シアトリカル・ブルーブラック(theatrical blue black)
02.DiefiL
03.Hungry Psychopath
04.Mr.レインは死んだふり(Mr.rain wa shindafuri)
05.RAVEN
06.埋葬虫(maisoumushi)
07.Contagion
08.Echo
09.hatred × tangle red × hunger red
10.瞬間のアイディアル(shunkan no ideal)
11.BOWWOW
12.SUICIDAL WORD GAME
13.SERVANT
14.Cristate
15.鳥は泳ぎ方を知らず溺れ亡骸(tori wa oyogikata wo shirazu obore nakigara)
SE.COPERNICUS
EN1
SE.猛毒(moudoku)
01.ネペンテス(nepenthes)
02.Invisible Tower maker
03.マダリ(madari)
04.サバト(sabbath)
05.月食(gesshoku)
06.枷と知能-それってとても人間らしいって神様は笑ってるの-(kase to chinou-sorettetotemo ningen rashiitte kamisama wa waratteru no-)
07.メサイア(messiah)
SE.Iris
 
 
their new maxi single "ネペンテス(nepenthes)" will be released at 2015/04/01 (3 TYPE)
 
limited edition TYPE A (2,160yen) will include CD+DVD (including "ネペンテス(nepenthes)" PV), limited edition TYPE B (1,944yen) will include CD+DVD (including scene of their live at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo at 2014/09/25), and regular edition (1,620yen) will include CD only
 
[CD track list]
01.ネペンテス(nepenthes)
02.原罪の林檎(genzai no ringo)
03.砂に還りしキミ走る(suna ni kaerishi kimi hashiru) (included in regular edition)
 
 
their new maxi single "盈虧(eiki)" will be released at 2015/05/06 (3 TYPE)
 
limited edition TYPE A (2,160yen) will include CD+DVD (including "盈虧(eiki)" PV), limited edition TYPE B (1,944yen) will include CD+DVD (including scene of their live at Zepp DiverCity Tokyo at 2014/09/25), and regular edition (1,620yen) will include CD only
 
[CD track list]
01.人間(ningen) (included in regular edition)
02.盈虧(eiki)
03.蜈蚣(mukade)
 
 
btw they will hold their one-man live tour "毒(doku)" since Ikebukuro EDGE at 2015/05/11 and up to tour final at Akasaka BLITZ at 2015/06/21 and their one-man live "盲目の猫を殺した猛毒(moumoku no neko wo koroshita moudoku)" at Hibiya Yagai Ongakudou at 2015/09/05
 

looking good! I'm still have my doubts about the game... mainly the open world elements. But regardless it does seem to be looking promising so far. Also it has been confirmed that they will be releasing this Final Fantasy with dual audio! It's about fucking time Square about fucking time XD

I have just listened to this album once with the second play-through going on as I'm writing this, but I'm doubtful my mind about this will change since it's Mejibray being Mejibray. Here's some notes from first impressions.
 
How Mejibray functions is akin to a factory at this point as the releases come out consistently in consistent quality. They stay true to the form and the wheel remains un-reinvented, with most of the experimentation being rather subtle and mostly just small variations to the particular mold their songs are made from; and that said this album will not win over anyone who has disliked them in the past. The band definitely has a trademark sound courtesy of the production job, MiA's power metal infused metalcore riffage and Tsuzuku's rough and effortlessly cool vocals. All the elements they've had in the past are very much present here, and it is an album for fans and the people who come in expecting something other than just ol' bijuaru with tsuzuku & co. will be disappointed.
 
The songs tend to feel a little samey during the 70 minute long behemoth, however this also manages to make the album feel very coherent. In the past where they would do very formulaic A-side, a little more upbeat B-side and the heavy B-side single track listings, here there's none of that "variety" as some would put it. A lot of the songs have similar paces and there's almost a complete absence of gimmick. The pacing is perfect especially with the Kisaki ballad being in the middle, though while I did certainly notice the absence of their always-quality A-sides on the second haafu, it didn't really matter too much...
 
And in fact, to me most gripes I'd have don't really matter because I just like the sound that they have. I think the riffs are kind of corny, they recycle shit like hell and Tsuzuku is the uncrowned king poseur of the visual kei scene, but that's kind of the appeal here. Tsuzuku is as charming as ever with the choruses being a definite highlight, and to me he could make an entire album where he just recites a phone book from beginning to end and I'd probably enjoy listening to it.
And as crappy as I think a lot of their riffs are, they do work for me in the context of everything. The non-single tracks while do lack the pop sensbility, are just really solid Mejibray tracks with hits and misses here and there, but I don't really care lol. I would say that overall this is some of their best material to date. There's no shit like HATE on this album which is gr8 2
 
 
ratings are stupid/5 

Day 22 - sukekiyo - IMMORTALIS
 

 
Release Date: 2014-05-01
Label: Firewall Div.
Genre: Visual Kei/Experimental
 
 
Impressions from @Jigsaw9:

  Impressions from @Peace Heavy mk II:

  Impressions from :

  Impressions from @Zeus:

  Sample song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnH29YO_h5w
 
Buy the album:
CDJapan | Amazon | iTunes

^ The effort would be laudable. But it seems kinda unreal to hope for something different given that 6 Naruto games have been released for PS3/X360 and the difference between these is just the number of characters. I know I'm exaggerating but I think you got the point, they only added some new features for each new game (and sometimes nothing) so yeah. But hey, as you said, who knows. While I breathe, I hope. haha
 
Going to Square Enix's side, a new trailer for FFXV has been launched.
 

 
Looks so awesome, this could probably be one of the best FF games ever released. Just hoping they're not going to play with our feelings again and postpone the release date for 2020. They are capable of anything.

The only conclusion you can make when you listen to "THE OMNIGOD" and then to "ABSOLUTE SENSES" is that Gaku is a fuckin genius, a smart guy. I know he isn't a HYS member (only live-support) but still, leaving NB was one of the best decisions he ever made in his fucking life. Sorry for that off-topic but I had to say it. Now, talking about this new release: THE OMNIGOD is not a bad album, but it lacks something that normally makes me say "I really enjoyed this shit". I didn't feel anything. GENESIS actually has an atmosphere that I really enjoy, and except 1 or 2 more songs, the rest is lyrically and musically bland. The album has its few good parts, but overall it is really disappointing. It's a shame since I expected more from NB. But hey, at least the album artwork is awesome.
 
My rating:
   

First of all i wanna start with saying im not a fan boy or anything but i really enjoyed the full album!
So maybe the Scores will be a little different.
 
1. Gottmord
A dark way to start the album, love the way the song goes a little bit mysterous but as it progress it gets it' tempo.
7/10
 
2. Punch me if you can
One of my favourite songs on the ALBUM, i'ts mainly becouse i can understand everything he sings about his ENGLISH is truely great in this one. And mainly i think he sings this song from heart , maybe something he got true life? Love the Guitars and the BREAK DOWN IS ABSOLUTELY EPIC!! NOW GET AWAY FROM ME FUCK YOU!!
10/10
 
3.Desperate
This one is a headbanger for sure, no really this song if play on live will get the crowd going, guitar rifs are really good in this, love the GOTHIC ATMOSPHERE IN IT.
//10
 
4.Tyrant
One of the songs that starts slowly, but in a while i get's everything you love on NOCTURNAL . Hiro's voice gets strong and as it progress . Guitar solos amazing in this one, maybe one of the best i let you decide,love hte part where the violins come in .
9/10
 
5. Dead End
Another song one of my favourites, as the album progress it get's havier and havier ,some parts remind me of MARILYN MANSON dont know why,but maybe its me.The song overall keeps you going so you cant stop headbanging for most part of it.
10/10
 
6. My seraphy
/A midlle SE maybe? Not much to say about it  but it fanilly let's you breath and relax something else the the few HEAVY SONGS.
8/10
 
7.GENESIS
Someone earlier wrote that its a long sons, Yes it is. But actually if you listen really well you get to it slowly i'ts nice song. And it keeps you entartain for whole 5:18  min, of the song breakdowns,guitars and drums are EPIC!
9/10
 
8.Ressurection
Slow start,before HIRO's screaming starts not the best one but far from worst, guitars in this is the main reason i played it so many times. Love the RAPPING PART in it.
8/10
 
9.Libra-Another Scene
Beutiful voice of his in this, i'ts truelly something you wouldnt expect from NOCTURNAL the piano give you chills one it starts playing.
10/10
 
10.IVI
Here i think Nocturnal experimented a little bit and it payd off, great song something different something much more. Bass and drums are really good and it gets good along with the breakdown.
10/10
 
11.The Beautifull Craze
Another heavy song, drums go crazy in this one so does the guitar. Vocals in this one are the main part the song is good ^^.
8/10
 
12.Strike in Fact
One of the songs, that introduced me to Nocturnal first heard it when the PV was released. Since thanks to this song im listening to them i love it. Fast,heavy.it has everything.
10/10
 
13.Linaria
Final song ends the album,and it's soft something you need to hear after all the heavy metalic sound and why not ?^^
 
9/10
 
Fell free to write you opinions !!^^
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Not gonna write up a whole review on this release, so I'll just say: my thoughts exactly (tho I'd give it more like 2.5 out of 5 prolly).

Welcome to the official tutorial to create a Japanese iTunes account!
 
Before you get started, make sure you have all of the following:
✅ An E-mail Address That Is Not Registered To An iTunes Account
Something like Gmail, Yahoo, etc. I would not recommend that you attempt to use your iCloud e-mail address (if you have one).
✅ A Valid Japanese Billing Address
From what I’ve read around, iTunes requires a valid Japanese billing address and they have a system that will check. While it’s probably against Apple’s terms of service, you can use public/business addresses. One user used J-list’s business address, for another account of mine, I used my Tenso mailbox. You could probably even use a Japanese Apple Store location.
✅ A Japanese Phone Number
Requirement is debatable. Some people have claimed that they have used their own (non-Japanese) phone numbers, others have claimed to use a random string of numbers, or a 01 2345 6789 sequence… do whatever works!
✅ Japanese iTunes Gift Card
I highly recommend that you use Japan Codes, because their cards are the cheapest, and they have a wide selection of cards for other stores, such as レコチョク. I also recommend OffGamers.com if you have multiple iTunes store accounts from many different countries. I use OffGamers to get cards for my UK iTunes account.
 
One thing to keep in mind about gift code shops:
Every single one of these shops claim to send out gift codes immediately. Some shops live up to this promise... sometimes. It really depends. Sometimes one shop will send out codes instantly, other times that same shop may make you wait a few days.
 
Now that you have everything on that checklist, let’s get started…
 
Open up iTunes and go to iTunes Store. If you’re logged into an iTunes account already, then log out.
Then, scroll all the way down to the store homepage, and click on the flag in the bottom corner. It will take you to the region select page.
When you're on the region select page, look for the Japanese flag and click it.
Now you’re in the Japanese iTunes store.
 
Some computers may display the store in Japanese.
If that’s the case, then...
続ける = continue
キャンセル = cancel
戻る = back
同意する = agree
 
Click the Sign In button, then click the Create Apple ID button.
You’ll get some Welcome to iTunes screen. Click Continue.
Then there will be a Terms and Conditions page, check the box at the bottom, and click the agree button.
 
Now, let’s enter some basic account information:
 
Here’s where we begin to have some fun! Many people have trouble with this part.

Don’t worry, you actually can skip the Payment Type part with all the credit cards, and just enter your gift card code below that.
Enter the Billing address. I used From Japan’s headquarters in the picture above, and you could probably get away with using it, too.
Click Create Apple ID and buy some Japanese music!
 
Feel free to PM me with any questions or feedback.

While Uroboros stays up there as their best work with its overall organicity and ecstatic feel, Arche sure comes across as a very close second to me.
I, too, think that the first part flows waaay better than the second one and that some of the bonus tracks should have been in the regular version (but that won't make me spend 80 euros on the album, sorry you lovely old farts), yet this project pictures exhaustively how DEG can always reinvent themselves while expressing their skills both as individual musicians and as a whole. 
I also appreciated how Kyo gave up on the constant screaming, one of the things that made DSS less enjoyable to me three years ago.
So for me it's a 9/10 and a permanent stay on the hype train. 

I can't get enough of this album for the entire week, and this is probably the first time since withering to death when it happens.
I hope it won't take them another 3 years to record a follow up, and they won't be doing self-cover releases anymore in the meantime, since nothing good typically comes from those.
my 2nd favest deg album at the moment (vulgar and wtd got stale a few years ago, although I still listen to kisou quite a lot.)

I was so excited for Dir en grey’s release of ARCHE that it physically hurt me. After the disasters that were DUM SPIRO SPERO and Sustain the untruth my iTunes library was in dire need of something worth listening to. I was hoping ARCHE would satiate that need. My first listen through was fantastic. I was so crazy over it I couldn’t say a thing about it that wasn’t in all caps telling my limited number of uninterested Facebook friends about how they were missing out on a fantastic album. Then I listened to it again and the hype was gone. It wasn’t even a slow burn out; it was like everything I had imagined the album to be after the first listen came crashing down like a house of cards soaked in gasoline and lit on fire. As I replayed the album I kept asking myself what happened. I found I had to force myself to make it even halfway through many of the tracks.
 
I loved “Un deux” but I don’t feel like it’s placement at the start was the best decision. “咀嚼” was listenable but it would have sounded better without the Cookie Monster feature. In fact, the entire album could have done without it. I was not aware he was a member of Dir en grey so color me surprised at his frequent inclusion on this album. I enjoyed “Phenomenon” and the almost “Disabled Complexes” groove it had to it, especially in the beginning. “Cause of fickleness” is probably the worst excuse for a song that Dir en grey has ever released. The fact that the band put some fairly decent music on this album and then thought it would be a great idea to include it almost angers me. I would have been content if it had transitioned directly from “Phenomenon” into “濤声” which is a mellow easy-to-listen-to song that made me think of the unplugged version of “艶かしき安息、躊躇いに微笑み.” I can’t say “輪郭” is a favorite of mine but compared to a large chunk of ARCHE it is a quality song worth listening to.  “Chain Repulsion” was enjoyable except for the weird distortion on the guitars near the middle that hurt my ears.
 
The rest of the main album was more or less a blur of nope. Either it wasn’t memorable or it was just flat out horrible. I pretend “Sustain the untruth” doesn’t exist. “The Inferno” is nothing more than leftover trash from DSS and I can’t say “Revelation of Mankind” was much different. Going into the bonus disc, I sincerely believe “and Zero” should have been the album opening track. The word ‘gorgeous’ doesn’t even properly express what I think of it. I could listen to it on loop for days and never grow tired of it. “てふてふ” was another highlight overall. It gave me a lot of Withering to death./Marrow of a Bone feels. It boggles the mind why these two tracks weren't put on the main album instead of the rather replaceable tracks that somehow made the cut. The remix, acoustic and crossover tracks were not even worth the effort it took to make myself listen to them. I would even go so far as to say they weren’t even worth releasing to the public.
 
All in all, this album was disjointed and not deserving of any of the hype it received. Songs that should have been on it were reduced to bonus disc material. Song placement was thrown out the window. Most of the songs are lackluster and uninspired and it has me worried that maybe this brilliant band has run out of worthwhile creations to offer to the masses. The few good songs were not enough to keep me interested. Add this to the list of yet another painful miss in the collection.
 

After three years since their last album, DIR EN GREY returns to the spotlight with the highly anticipated album ‘ARCHE.’ With a running track of an hour and twenty three minutes, it may appear overbearing at first but don’t feel intimidated. For an album with sixteen tracks in total, adding another seven tracks if you include the limited edition, there’s a lot to get through. But you won’t be joining the ride just because of the sheer hype. DIR EN GREY hasn’t disappointed. In fact, they’ve exceeded expectation, at least to me. For a band that has delivered every time, they’ve still managed to produce a beautifully balanced and highly addicting album this year.
 
What I can quickly bring up about this album is that its atmospheric factor is spot on. Not only do the album covers do this justice, but the opening track, ‘Un deux’ really pulls you in. With an engaging chorus and bridges, it’s structured beautifully with brilliant guitar and drum soloing. We definitely know we’re hearing the Dir En Grey we all know and love with this fine opening song. Coming in at track two is ‘咀嚼,’ and with a more melodious and steady tune to it as well as high and low notes from Kyo, it keeps the album going strong as well as nicely contrasting to the loud opener. It follows up wonderfully to ‘鱗,’ which is just as thrilling as the opener, if not more! The inclusion of ethereal choir singing caught my attention against the rougher tone of Kyo’s vocals and instruments. 
 
Now coming to my favourite album song, ‘Phenomenon’ really is phenomenal. It’s the kind of track which really shows off Dir En Grey’s eerie sound. Creepy and haunting, it stood out and kept me anticipating the rest of the album. Possibly the most disliked track from the album, ‘Cause of Fickleness’ might be a lengthy filler to most, but it’s a lot of fun and a rather random placement which breaks up the unnerving feel of the album. I found that quite appealing and a nice addition. ‘濤声’ brings us back to a gloomy mood, with an emotional and sorrowful delivery. Another track I’m addicted to as much as ‘Phenomenon’ the more I listen to it, it’s got a warm yet cold feel to it. In a way, I found this track mesmerising; it’s both depressing and comforting. This is actually how I felt throughout the whole album, caught between mixed emotions.
 
At seven, ‘輪郭’ is another lengthy track which is even more melodious as the engaging track ‘咀嚼.’ Kyo’s vocalisation is my favourite element of this track.  As you might have noticed, my favourite part of the whole album was definitely this section. But Dir En Grey keeps the energy with lovely contrasts in tone and style with each track. ‘Chain Repulsion’ is energetic and strong, even if it’s the shortest track of the album. ‘Midwife’ is highly enjoyable, and I especially adored those precious onslaughts of Kyo’s frantic shrieks and screams. What a track.
 
Even coming this far in, to track ten, the band continuously delivers contrasting tracks beside one another, some sounding brutal and unforgiving, while others are of a haunting beauty with a slower tempo and calmer mood. This made ‘ARCHE’ truly appealing and engaging to me. Stand out tracks from the later part of the album for me where the final three songs. ‘The Inferno’ is a super powerful number, while ‘Revelation of Mankind’ is a brilliant album closer and the single ‘Sustain the Untruth’ is one of their many songs I’ll return to many times. I found it difficult to stop the album when I had to, and it certainly kept me hungry for more as I continued listening. If you haven’t boarded the hype train yet, you’ll only be disappointed with yourself.
 

DIR EN GREY need little introduction in circles such as these, but it bears repeating that they've been the chameleons of Japanese rock and metal over the last 17 years with a career that all but started in the Oricon Top 10. The band has not only toured the world over, but been one of the handful of Japanese rock acts to do it continuously. Outside of their home country, they've won awards on MTV2, Kerrang! Magazine, and Loudwire.com, to name a few. Many would call them the quintessential Japanese rock band of the last 10 years. And this year they've graced us with their 9th full length album, ARCHE.
 
For me, ARCHE was a bit of a 'grower'. After my initial listen I was left with only a single song I can say I enjoyed, which was largely in part to it being previously released as a single. "輪郭(Rinkaku) " was the bar I expected the rest of this album to reach, and that was an error on my part. After getting over my previous expectations, the second and third spins of this album revealed "Un deux", "Phenomenon", and "空谷の跫音(Kukoku no kyouon)" all to be gems in their own rights. All four songs have strong rhythm that seperates them from the rest of the album. Shinya's drums sound absolutely massive on these tracks. I have to say the production on most of the album is amazing. These songs not only have driving beats to them, but the emotional element really comes through. Unfortunately, I can't say that the rest of the album had this effect.
 
A large chunk of this album sounds boring, to be frank. It's as if the band is no longer striving to out-do themselves. They sound complacent and uninspired. Songs like "濤声(Tousei)", "Chain Repulsion", "懐春(Kaishun)", and "Behind a vacant image" all have transition issues that keep the songs from establishing their own flow, or they simply feel like parts of songs thrown together that never achieve the dramatic highs or lows the band is known for. None were so bad that I was itching to skip them, but I was left rather unimpressed and they ultimately end up as album filler.
 
I was shocked to come across so many songs on this album that I absolutely could not make it through willingly. Too many songs are worse than dragging and complacent, they forge right on into contrived try-hard material. This probably stems from so many of the songs not having a strong enough emotional core that they can wonder off into vocal dramatics and muddy chug-fests without losing their focus. At points, it began to feel like the band threw in everything from their arsenal as they tried to fill in the gaps where the album required something heavier. The problem with coloring with all of your crayons at once is everything turns into mud. Somehow DIR EN GREY found that magical place where a song can be ridiculously heavy yet go absolutely nowhere. "咀嚼(Soshaku)", "Cause of Fickleness", "Midwife", and "Revelation of Man" all made me really annoyed in the same way a child feels locked in a car with your little brother poking at you repeatedly. I just needed them to stop. 
 
Even though I have not been on the hype train for this band since Withering to death., I could appreciate they were passionate about their new direction and they were growing, expanding, and evolving with it on the previous albums. But it seems that journey has come to an abrupt halt with ARCHE. And worst of all, the compositions feel more half assed than anything I've ever heard DIR EN GREY release before. There was far too much strangeness for the sake of strangeness, failed transitions from polar opposite sides of the spectrum with no unity, and basic recycled material that was not even near the high points of their discography. I was lucky that I ended up liking more of the album than I initially thought I would, but ARCHE is definitely not going to be one of the pillars of the band's catalog when I look back on their body of work. 
 
Rating: 

I must admit, I sat down to listen to DIR EN GREY’s latest full-length ARCHE with a mixture of slight fear and lowered expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed the dark and sprawling nature of their previous album DUM SPIRO SPERO and it seemed to me that they were on a somewhat logical track with their subsequent singles. Despite this, I found myself caring less and less about those one-off songs, and the promo tracks for ARCHE didn’t exactly rile up my attention either. As soon as I pushed play, however, I remembered the band’s greatest strength – making cohesive, strong albums.
 
This time around it sounds like DIR EN GREY stayed with the overall mystical atmosphere of their previous full-length but managed to craft songs that are far more accessible and compact. This accessibility coupled with the band’s taste for the eclectic proves to be a winning combination, as they manage to hit us with some truly impressive (and even catchy) segments. Far from being predictable, songs like the menacingly lingering “Phenomenon” or the kaleidoscopic whirlwind of “Behind a vacant image” are sure to cause a – hopefully pleasant – surprise for old and new listeners alike. Even the tracks previously released as singles are planted effectively into ARCHE’s framework, strengthening the album and vice versa. Accordingly, the dark and gorgeous “輪郭” provides a smooth transition from the somewhat lighter “濤声” to the catchy aural stampede of “Chain repulsion,” one of the simpler offerings of the album, executed with perfect musicianship nonetheless.
 
Speaking of performance, the whole band is in top form, from the reliable and smart grooves of Toshiya and Shinya’s rhythm section to the multi-faceted guitarwork that warrants extra praise. We get a lavish treatment from axemen Kaoru and Die who often resort to outright badass solos and unexpectedly well-composed atmospheric segments that border on post-rock brilliance. We must not forget Kyo either, who does an excellent job at painting the scenery with his vocals – whether possessed by spheric or demonic beings at any given moment. With the five of them, the DIR-EN-puzzle fits together perfectly, yet again.
 
DIR EN GREY’s newest album ARCHE feels like a strong contender for album of the year, at least it certainly mesmerized me. Almost all the tracks work well with each other, intertwined to make a lasting listening experience that might feel a bit long at times but is ultimately satisfying. They manage to do what very few can accomplish authentically, that is to evolve their sound constantly without abandoning their core characteristics. And if this process results in actually worthwhile and meaningful compositions, like here – all the better!