Visutox

No Shave November!

BUCK-TICK will release their new live DVD/Blu-ray "TOUR2014 或いはアナーキー -FINAL-" (TOUR2014 Arui wa Anarchy -FINAL-) on 2015/02/25. Regular edition features either 1DVD (¥5500) or 1Blu-ray (¥6500), limited edition is 1DVD more for the DVD version (Blu-ray ver. remains 1-disc), plus live CD, 80p. photobook and some kind of special packaging. Limited DVD ver. is ¥9000, while Blu-ray ver. is ¥10000.
 
Tracklist (for both limited and regular):
 
SE.～OR ANARCHY～ 01. DADA DISCO - G J T H B K H T D -　　 02. SURVIVAL DANCE 03. Devil'N Angel 04. ICONOCLASM　 SE.～BDLR～ 05. ボードレールで眠れない (Baudelaire de nemurenai) 06. masQue 07. PHANTOM VOLTAIRE 08. サタン (Satan) 09. 世界は闇で満ちている (Sekai wa yami de michiteiru) 10. ONCE UPON A TIME 11. LIMBO 12. 宇宙サーカス (Uchuu circus) 13. メランコリア (Melancholia) 14. NOT FOUND SE.～FOOL～ 15. 無題 (Mudai) 16. 形而上 流星 (Keijijou ryuusei)   -ENCORE-　 17. VICTIMS OF LOVE with 黒色すみれ (with Kokusyoku Sumire) 18. DOLL with 黒色すみれ (with Kokusyoku Sumire) 19. DIABOLO with 黒色すみれ (with Kokusyoku Sumire) 20. LOVE PARADE 21. STEPPERS –PARADE- 22. NATIONAL MEDIA BOYS 23. 夢魔-The Nightmare (Muma-The Nightmare)   DAT ENCORE BLOCK with Kokusyoku Sumire wow~

After being totally disappointed by their latest effort (skipping button was a trustworthy friend~), I decided to give "The Mantle" a try
 
Totally worth it.

I posted this once before. I'll post the relevant portion again in case you somehow missed it.
 
 
 
You want to know what the real issue is? Too many people care too much about what other people think about their opinions. This mix of neediness and constant validation that manifests on last.fm and other social media is sickening and it's a negative reinforcement feedback cycle. People don't feel like what they say holds salt unless someone backs them up, so they don't speak their mind. Since they parrot someone else's opinion, they never share their own because no one backs them up on it. I can't count how many times I personally have walked into a conversation, shared my opinion which was the opposite of the general consensus, and watched as it quickly became the popular consensus because so many other people felt the same way but everyone was too afraid to say something.
 
What does this have to do with liking/disliking a band based on its fans? EVERYTHING! So many times I hear people say that they don't like MEJIBRAY or the GazettE or Dir en grey because of how the fans act, but they've not listened to the band enough to form a coherent argument of their own beyond that. It's almost universally covering for some other reason that said person doesn't want to divulge, which is (usually) that they don't want to be judged for liking or disliking something so many other "stupid" people like.

Guess what? At the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Like what you like. Dislike what you dislike. Your preferences have no bearing on how valid your argument or opinion is. That speaks for itself.

Day 1 - 和楽器バンド - ボカロ三昧 (Wagakki Band - Vocalo Zanmai)

Release Date: 2014-04-23
Label: Avex
Genre: Rock/Folk/Visual Kei/Female Fronted
Impressions from :

Impressions from @Zeus:

Sample song:

Buy the album:
CDJapan | yesasia

But no we're super duper mega cereal this time guiz
 
 

Track durations is now revealed (NO longer song this time)
 
01. Un deux (3:33) 02. 咀嚼 (4:10) 03. 鱗 (4:03) 04. Phenomenon (4:01) 05. Cause of fickleness (3:25) 06. 濤声 (5:31) 07. 輪郭 (5:43) 08. Chain repulsion (2:48) 09. Midwife (4:11) 10. 禍夜想 (4:25) 11. 懐春 (4:22) 12. Behind a vacant image (4:59) 13. Sustain the untruth (4:25) 14. 空谷の跫音 (5:48) 15. The inferno (3:15) 16. Revelation of mankind (3:23)   Source is European iTunes Store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/arche/id946048367

It snowed here so I took a snow selfie. Not as goofy as last year's : P
 

I've been recommending some albums in the past, and now I thought I'd go in a slightly different direction and recommend several albums by one band. Or, just recommend the band. This is a band that it has taken me years and years to get into, but a few moths ago I tried for the X-th time and suddenly I realised how brilliant this band is. Or, was. Along with Summoning, Abigor is one of the big black metal bands from Austria, Summoning-member Silenus was a part of the band in the period 94-98 as their vocalist. Since their formation in 93 the band has released 5 demos, 1 split (with Summoning and a few other bands), 5 EPs, 1 single and 10 fullenghts, where one is a new interpretation of an old album.
 
Their three first albums are absolutely brilliant IMO. Original and unlike every other band in the genre. One of those bands you'll recognize during a few seconds of the first song. With the release of Supreme Immortal Art they went in a more complex and symphonic direction more inspired by the likes of Emperor and geting more and more experimental with each album. I really like Supreme Immortal Art and Channeling the Quintessence of Satan with their chaotic avant-garde touch, but with Satanized (A Journey Through Cosmic Infinity) they started losing me and with the next album, Fractal Possession, I was actually completely lost. I haven't really tried the albums after, but I plan too.
 
Fractal Possession was the first album I checked out by the band back in 2007, and I disliked it then. I don't dislike it as much in 2014, but I am still no fan of it. Tried it again only a couple of days ago actually. With this they went in a direction that sounds inspired by newer Dødheimsgard and Deathspell Omega. While there's plenty of great riffs and melodies and awesome structures and whatnot, it just seem as if they created and album that was too straightforward for their liking and just added weird parts here and there to make it seem more avant-garde and unique. It just doesn't work for me.
 
But if you're a fan of black metal, this band is highly recommended, both old and new. But especially their three first albums which are all 10/10 IMO. Unique band! Perfect mix of semi-symphonic, melodic and raw black metal.
 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fORKhwNqo3o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBclUtEb8M8

Marduk's upcoming album "Frontschwein" (release: January 19) tracklist and cover:
 
01 - Frontschwein 02 - The Blond Beast 03 - Afrika 04 - Wartheland 05 - Rope of Regret 06 - Between the Wolf-Packs 07 - Nebelwerfer 08 - Falaise: Cauldron of Blood 09 - Doomsday Elite 10 - 503 11 - Thousand-Fold Death  
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10710520_1028048487221059_5768197016989142034_n.jpg?oh=4e0cdca0c9869dfd2cc645f281dd107d&oe=551FC890&__gda__=1427913664_e2c6547076d76fe6c23db69c1e22ce9d
 
Not sure about putting the tracklist itself on the front cover, but otherwise looks neat enough.
 
In other news, I've been listening to some Varathron these days, pretty kickass stuff. Greek black metal with a great melodic sound. For example, the first track of their latest album:
 

So This Game was announced over the summer, It will be the latest game installment in the franchise. Many fan's as always were hyped for it, other's anticipated it'd be a failure like the previous slew of DBZ garbage games that have been being released such as, DBZ: Ult. Tenkaichi, DBZ: Kinect, and DBZ Battle Of Z. Personally all the DBZ games after Tenkaichi 3 were Garbage, but the fanbase has mixed feelings on these games. This game's story line is in your hand's, You are a time cop sent through the DBZ timeline to stop a mysterious villain from screwing everyone over. You are to create your own character btw. Since this game is being made by dimps, I have high hopes for this.
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
What do you think?

nocturnal pooplust

Artist: APOGEE Album: OUT OF BLUE Score: If you like to dance then OUT OF BLUE may be for you. Serendipitous moments in life are my favorite. You’ll be going about your usual way and then run into a band like APOGEE. They’re a four-man powered synth-pop group with heavy influences from New Wave and 80’s music. And, their music is very danceable.

We’re introduced to the album with "Runaway Summer", a fairly slow track but exciting enough to make you tap your feet. The chorus is simple but catchy and you’ll find yourself singing along every time it plays. And, those syncopated synth chords will undoubtedly bring you back to the 80’s. Things really get down with "Tonight". It opens with a double bass and snare blast and launches you into a groove so infectious you’ll wish there was a dance floor nearby. The use of electric guitar adds a nice edgy sound to the song too. It’s a really fun track and I find myself coming back to it a lot. The only drawback for me is the rather abrupt ending.

 
"Losing You" keeps the album’s energy going but brings a more sobering mood to the album. It features a catchy little electronic cadence and some really great vocal work in the second melody. "Out of Blue" slows the pace down but retains the groove from prior songs. It’s relaxing and the swelling synths add an otherworldly atmosphere. As a side-note, the filter used on the vocals reminds me of vocals from the band Electric Light Orchestra.

The New Wave influences are a lot more apparent in "Twilight Arrow" from the wonky bass line to the various clinks and clanks of metallic electronic noises. There’s a steady rhythm set by the kick drum and in the chorus everything flows together nicely. Near the end, the song picks up into something funkier and breaks out into an exciting sequence. The synths here can be a little obnoxious though. "Fall into the Sky" is a wonderful ballad that combines a traditional Japanese sound with their electronic synth sound. It’s split into two parts, a milder soft section that focuses on the vocals and a more powerful section that emphasizes the synth and other instruments. I love the sampled voice they use in the beginning (and later throughout the song); it adds a very cute and Japonesque quality to the song without breaking the mood.

 
After all that build up I’m ready for something upbeat. But instead, "A Boy in the river" is next. By no means is it a bad song though. It’s a laid-back track that continues off the more traditional Japanese sound. Simple and short, A Boy in the river is a nice casual listen. The album does pick up again with "Fictionalizer". It begins strong with the synth and drums and maintains a steady pace. About halfway through though, I had hoped that the song would come to some sort of climax, but the same melody and rhythm kept playing. It repeats three times and the song goes nowhere. It’s a bit of a downer to be honest.

We finally come to the close of the album with "Transit". It’s another ballad but plays entirely off their electronic sound. In fact, it reminds me of the disbanded electro-rock/new wave band school food punishment. It starts with one note, held forever. It grows louder and louder, intensifying. Another note joins in. It keeps growing louder and louder until the songs starts and the note slowly fades away. When the song starts, it’s a slow and steady rhythm with a repeating keyboard cadence. For much of the song, the same melancholy beat and melody is played. But, when it gets to the chorus, the vocals become a beautiful A Capella. It’s the perfect calm ending to the album.

 
APOGEE is a fun band. They make fun music that a lot of people can enjoy, and they do a fantastic job of mixing in different influences while staying unique. OUT OF BLUE is an album that stands well as an entire package and by its individual songs. I came upon the album by chance but it’ll definitely stay with me for years to come. Now let’s go hit dat dance floor.

Enjoying some K-Rock today.
 

samples

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.....)
 
 

Let's combo-break the positive hype with possible trainwrecking:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFcWaLte-Yo
 
"SEKUSHII PORTUGARUUU"

Same, I started playing FFXII: IZJS on PCSX2 as it has been a long time since I've finished FFXII on PS2, what an amazing game. I plan to start again FFX and why not the previous FF games too.
  Still on PCSX2, I also started DBZ: BDT3 as I never had the opportunity to play it since its release and I'm loving it so far. Probably the best DBZ game ever made.

Hi guys! With the new Pokemon games coming up, I just wanted to big up my lil bro's artwork! He's been doing a ton of speed drawings and gameplay videos in the run up to the UK release of the games so please show him some love! He only started drawing properly this year and as you can see below, he's pretty damn good!
This is a kickass speed drawing of the two legendaries in their primal forms. Make sure to like and subscribe!

never feel bad for not giving a shit about the gazette anymore, they are just a starter band with a few songs here and there to headbob to. as for looks ................

Nobody cares.

Same, I started playing FFXII: IZJS on PCSX2 as it has been a long time since I've finished FFXII on PS2, what an amazing game. I plan to start again FFX and why not the previous FF games too.
  Still on PCSX2, I also started DBZ: BDT3 as I never had the opportunity to play it since its release and I'm loving it so far. Probably the best DBZ game ever made.

FF7 FTW. This franchise is all I talk about in here. xD I'm becoming a FF manic fan recently...

I liked the new song* they premiered in JP and EU tour (quite chill - a la less messy 'in all weathers' pt 2) - so looking forward to this one too :>
 
Also: Kyo became fond of Latin titles, huh?
 
*