2020 Japanese Music Ratings

[YuyoDrift 1540]

Here we are yet again, the beginning of a new decade. Are we at the 5th year now? I forget.

 

This thread is dedicated to Japanese releases in 2020 that the MH Community will listen to and would like to keep track of throughout the entire year. It’s a nice way of referring back to a list, should you forget if you’ve listened to a certain release yet or not. I know I forget sometimes haha. These ratings can also help those who may want to see which releases are favoring well or not, based on each individual user who you may have similar tastes with.

 

Feel free to set up your own rating system (Stars, ?/5, ?/10, Best to Worst, Oooh to Eww, etc.), but try and use spoiler tags to save room in your post, and save room on the page for the other members’ rating lists.

 

Keep this list in mind in the event that we, the MH staff, host a JRock Awards at the end of the year  .

 

Let those who participate know that we need to come back to this topic a few more times than we did last year (I did pretty bad lol).

It could be our New Year's resolution or something 😂.

 

Last Year's for reference:

2019

 

Yuyo’s List for 2020:

 

Spoiler

Purple = Visual Kei

Blue = Rock (and related)

Yellow = Pop (and related)

 

 

Whoa

 

 

Ohhhh

ザアザア (Xaa-Xaa) - 「イライラする雨」 (Iraira Suru Ame) [2020.02.05]

lynch. - ULTIMA

 

Meh

DIMLIM - MISC. [2020.01.28]

 

Uhhhh

 

 

Ugh

 

[monkeybanana4 1732]

Neat! Looking forward to listening to more music this year. (I hope I can keep up better than last year ^^;) [Opinions =/= quality~]

 

Ratings List

Spoiler

Blue = Visual Kei

Yellow = J-Rock/Shoegaze/Metal/Pop/Rap/hip-hop/etc.

Purple = English pop/rock/etc.

Pale Red = K-pop/etc.

 

Loved it!

 

[2020.01.20][Album] れをる (Reol) - 金字塔 (Kinjidou) - The pop, rap, and traditional instruments all meshed together to make for a fantastic and addictive album. She never disappoints with her experimentation!

[2020.01.29][Single] WANDS - 真っ赤なLip - The singer (ZigZag's vocalist) sounds great and is complemented by the vibrant energy encapsulated throughout the music.

[2020.02.05][Single] ザアザア (Xaa-xaa) - イライラする雨 (Irairatsuru Ame) - Loved the variety and the energy put into the single, even the ballad track, which didn't feel like a slog to listen to. Props to the bass for having a prominent role in this one.

[2020.02.19][Single] 緑黄色社会 (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) - Shout Baby

[2020.02.26][Album] ダウト (D=OUT) - 曼陀羅 A (Mandala A) - A heavier release from D=OUT, but it's got some lighter songs.

[2020.03.07][Album] NICOLAS - Umbra - Begonia is a fantastic ballad! Might be my favorite for this year.

[2020.03.18][Album] ZigZag - 慈愚挫愚 弐 ～真天地～- The singer has got a great voice! Even though they've went more "mainstream" with their sound, there is still an attractiveness to the singer's vocalist and their music.

[2020.03.18][Mini-Album] vistlip - 9 - Less experimental than their previous album release, but not afraid to push the envelope. It's not exactly the vistlip from 2008, but their touch on each of the pieces remain. GPS, Shikisai, and Dance in the Dark are absolute bangers.

 

I dig it~

 

[2020.01.29][Album] The Thirteen - Enigma - Great solid playing from Mizuki and fantastic drumming by Ryo (ex Awoi). It sounds like Sadie, and it was highly enjoyable. That said, it did feel somewhat long as though it overstayed its welcome.

[2020.01.22][Mini-Album] Chain×maiL - 召集令状 (Shoushuureijou) - Laced with metalcore elements and synths, nothing too abnormal for VK. The guitars shined brightly in this mini-album, being the most memorable and addictive element to listen to.

[2020.01.22][Album] ACME - WE ARE VISUALKEI - Most of these songs have already been released in some form, meaning that there's not a while lot of new material on here. But it's always nice to listen to more ACME.

[2020.01.31][Single] Mother - Someni

[2020.02.07][Album] envy - The Fallen Crimson

[2020.02.12][Single] Mother - Ave Maria

[2020.02.12][Single] Mother - Mask

[2020.02.12][Single] Mother - Slavery Doll

[2020.02.20][Album] Allie X - Cape God

[2020.03.01][Album] Daizystripper - Infinity

[2020.03.04][Single] DIAURA - Envy - Catchy tracks with Yo-ka's unmistakable voice. Especially love the second track, Drain Drain. Kudos to the prominent bass parts as always.

[2020.03.11][Album] Develop One's Faculties - Inverse Reverse - Great voice from yuya and neat guitar playing.

[2020.03.11][Single] Neth Priere Cain -「人故、人願う。」- I had no idea what to expect when listening, but it was a pleasant surprise. It's nothing too different from a "typical VK sound", but there's kind of addictive to what some may think is a "mill-of-the-run" single.

[2020.03.24][Digital Album] Clack Inc. - Q.E.D. - A really great collection of (most of) Clack Inc.'s songs up-to-date. Definitely a must listen-to for any Clack fans!

[2020.03.25][Single] Ashmaze. - Phantom Shell

[2020.03.25][EP] Mai Yajima - Hell on Earth - A female presence in a male-dominated field is always nice to see. She has a strong voice, and I listened to the tracks more than once, so it's definitely interesting. There's potential. I hope she'll come out with something even more unique in the future.

[2020.04.01][Album] RAKUGAKI - RAKUGAKI

[2020.04.01][Single] コドモドラゴン (Codomo Dragon) - Pest

[2020.04.11][Single] Liplich - ケレン気関車

[2020.04.17][Album] Rina Sawayama - Sawayama - No idea what to expect, but after seeing her name floating around, I decided to check her out. Pleasantly surprised! I've been sleeping on her for too long.

[2020.04.22][EP] Matenrou Opera - Chronos

[2020.05.01][Album] 少女S - PARANOIA - Another female (band?) that has the potential to become something interesting and fresh.

[2020.05.03][Mini-Album] gulu gulu - ぐるぐる流出音源集

[2020.05.03][Single] Mother - Cannibalism - Dancing overall to that jazzy feel.

[2020.05.03][Single] Mother - ゴチソウサマ

[2020.05.06][Album] RAZOR - Okite - Rehashed or overdone? I think RAZOR knows their fans well and caters their music to their audience without feeling any need to "change the formula". Still overall solid stuff from good musicians.

[2020.05.09][Single] Liplich - 三千世界

 

Catchy; good ideas; nice/easy to listen to

 

[2020.01.12][Single] NAZARE - Proof of Existence - Metalcore, screaming, pig squeals, and everything that makes NAZARE, NAZARE. Solid, but might not win over those who aren't already fans of the band.

[2020.01.14][Single] nurié - 人として人で在る様に (Hitotoshite Hito de Aru You ni)

[2020.01.15][Single] POIDOL - 猟奇的少年

[2020.01.22][Single] SHiSHi - ぐるぐる症候群 (Guruguru Shoukougun)

[2020.01.25][Single] Rides in ReVellion - -反抗声明- (Hankou Seimei) - Nothing too far from RIR's formula, but I'm a sucker for the vocalist and their songs. The A-side track was catchy, and although the B-side track was a beautiful ballad, it felt a bit slow. Ballads are meant to be slower, but this one dragged a bit.

[2020.02.12][Single] 外道反逆者 ヤミテラ (Yamitera) - ナンセンス (Nonsense)

[2020.02.12][Album] Hollowgram - Pale Blue Dot

[2020.02.12][EP] KARD - Red Moon

[2020.02.26][Single] アルルカン (Arlequin) - 怒り (Ikari) 

[2020.02.26][Single] Kamijo - Symbol of the Dragon

[2020.02.26][Single] SCAPEGOAT - 心と身体の秘密-上- (Kokoro to Karada no Himitsu -Ue-) 

[2020.02.26][Single] ロマン急行 (Roman Kyuko) - グッバイ

[2020.02.26][Limited Single] Glen -『marionnette (bailout ver)』

[2020.02.26][Single] ヴィルシーナ (Verxina) - サヨナラ (Sayonara)

[2020.03.10][Single] BugLug - Karaku Lyric

[2020.03.11][Single] POIDOL - 機械的少年

[2020.03.18][Single] Glen - pillow talk

[2020.03.25][Single] Scapegoat - 心と身体の秘密-下-

[2020.03.25][Single] 零[Hz] - DISTURBO

[2020.03.25][Mini-Album] Chanty - 正体不明

[2020.03.27][Limited Single] Glen - Natsuiro Adventure - It was on their first single, Aster, but they re-recorded it with the new vocalist. This one, for some reason, strikes a different chord than with the first vocalist.

[2020.03.31][Single] Astaroth -「Knife...」

[2020.03.31][Digital Single] DIEZE - 021story

[2020.04.01][Digital Single] Haku - Brain Shake

[2020.04.01][Digital Single] Haku - Kuroha〜crow〜

[2020.04.01][Mini-Album] Hueye - キミノヒーロー (Kimi no Hero)

[2020.04.01][Single] Mamireta - 五臓六腑に染みる雨

[2020.04.08][Single] Houts - スターチス

[2020.04.15][Single] Dadaroma - 「ミスター・テロルマン」

[2020.04.15][Single] i.D.A - 「LRRH.」

[2020.04.15][Mini-Album] Kebyou - 実験くん2

[2020.04.18][Live-Limited Single] Glim Gardo - RED MASQUERADE - Interesting potential. Will this band last long? Hard to say in VK...

[2020.04.15][Single] the Guzmania - Arabesque - Typical chorus and riffs. It also sounded super familiar like some parts were inspired from another song.

[2020.04.22][Single] Xaa-xaa - Horror

[2020.04.22][Single] DE/CLIO - 深淵に響く終焉の鐘 - Came in with zero expectations and ended up being pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Typical heavy VK, but something feels muffled or muted about it. Not sure how to describe it.

[2020.04.28][Single] kizu - 地獄 (Jigoku)

[2020.04.29][Single] Kamijo - Persona Grata

[2020.04.29][Album] NAZARE - NEMOPHILA

[2020.05.03][Single] heidi. - 玉響

[2020.05.13][Single] lynch. - OVERCOME THE VIRUS

[2020.05.14] The Nostradamnz - FANTIMMUNE!

[2020.05.16][Digital Single Release] Alcyon - Another

[2020.05.16][Digital Single] Arlequin - ビロード

[2020.05.06][Digital Single] the Guzmania - Glow - Fun and catchy. Like with Arabesque, it sounded like it was inspired from another song since it sounded familiar in some aspects.

[2020.05.27][Album] mama. - Ningen Shikkaku - Not bad and some good ideas in there.

[2020.06.07][Digital Single] Xaa-xaa - 明日晴れるといいな

 

Neat and fun; maybe something is (possibly) missing, though?

 

[2020.01.01][Single] CULA - 絶痕-Pride of the clan- - Right off the bat, it sounded like Fixer except with Sui's vocals. It's not too much of a surprise, seeing as two members of CULA are from Fixer. But unlike Fixer, there isn't many screams, gutturals, or growls. I've always been a fan of Sui's vocals, but for people who aren't, it may deter some from liking this release.

[2020.01.06][Single] Gelnica - esse

[2020.01.20][Single] Astaroth - Fantasia -Ideal&Reality- Typical heavy VK with synths and harpsichord-like sounds; not completely unattractive; although, does the vocalist's voice work in this one? Not sure.

[2020.01.21][Single] Jack Caper - Re:KID ROOM

[2020.01.22][Single] Project Coda - Nocturnal Secret

[2020.01.22][Single] 影喰イ (Kagekui) -「子供」

[2020.01.25][Single] Doku - 人と傲慢

[2020.01.28][Album] DIMLIM - MISC. - Interesting ideas and some stand-out tracks, but something seems to be missing. Definitely not the worst release in the world.

[2020.01.31][Single] Noctiluca - Roots

[2020.02.05][Maxi-Single] Zera - Erica - For me, I remembered the singer's voice the most. There was a pleasant quality to the music, but for some reason, I lost my attention while listening to the single. Although, it wasn't necessarily bad either. I wonder if it's missing something.

[2020.02.08][Single] Sigma Memoria - ELIZA - Metalcore and synths, making for a typical VK song. The guitar solos, while probably nothing innovative, helped produce a decent track. I feel the vocalist here sounds a little flat, though.

[2020.02.19][Single] milet - Prover

[2020.02.19][Single] Doku - 僕と嫉妬

[2020.03.01][Single] Lavitte - cry more/ドロップス

[2020.03.04][Single] アクメ (ACME) - 嘘顔 (Usogao) - Typical heavy ACME song, which I quite enjoyed headbanging even within my own living space. The second track is a melodic, slow ballad. Even though it might not be anything groundbreaking, it serves as a nice contrast to the heavier first track.

[2020.03.08][Album] ayabie - 色纏う人展 (Iro Matou Ninten)

[2020.03.11][Single] BabyKingdom - 忍☆すぱいちゅ

[2020.03.11][Single] Dobe - Ghost Town

[2020.03.18][Single] Royz - Daydream

[2020.03.18][Single] DAMILA - 「アリシア」

[2020.03.18][Album] lynch. - ULTIMA - As a warning, I haven't listen to much of lynch's discography. The album isn't bad and is quite solid, but it sounds like something that's been done before.

[2020.03.18][Single] the Guzmania - Prayer

[2020.04.01][Single] DIAURA - HYDRA 

[2020.04.03][Digital Mini-Album] MEME -「Cryptos」

[2020.04.08][Single] Jupiter - Warrior of Liberation

[2020.04.08][Single] Envyl - 「少年 少女」

[2020.04.22][Mini-Album] リブラヴェル (Libravel) - 『追憶』

[2020.04.27][Single] Glen - Aster (bailout ver)

[2020.04.29][Album] アリス九號. - 不夜城エデン

[2020.05.13][Single] POIDOL - link. - Not a bad song, but it sounds like the kind of tune that's been done and played over without bringing anything new or interesting to the table. It'll be interesting to see if the guys will come back in a different band.

 

Not bad, but not exactly my cup of tea...

 

[2020.01.01][Single] Jirudore - Joker

[2020.01.08][Single] Coagula - Dying Breed

[2020.03.04][Single] 己龍(Kiryu) - 私 塗レ (Watashi Mamire)

[2020.03.16][Single] mama. - Zenbu Corona no seida!

[2020.04.12][Single] Gelnica - attic room

[2020.04.12][Single] Gelnica - neglect

[2020.04.14][Single] Asty - 反逆ブレイズ

 

Maybe someday ^^;

 

[2020.01.15][Mini-Album] L.A. Bate - The New Daybreak

[2020.01.29][Single] SoNZAi. - 404.

[2020.03.11][Album] 自我-ジガ- (Jiga) - 自我 - I loved listening to them live as they had lots of energy, but I couldn't get behind this one for some reason. I found it difficult to finish. Maybe I need another re-listen in the near future.

 

 

Release List

Spoiler

January

[2020.01.20][Album] 蘭図 (Rands) - 九相図 (Kyuusouzu)

[2020.01.22][Mini-Album] The Sound Bee HD - The First Blood

 

February

[2020.02.14][Single] Visual Laboratory - I hate you

[2020.02.15][Single] XA-VAT - 芸夢

 

March

[2020.03.04] Free Aqua Butterfly - Boo&Coo

[2020.03.24][Single] Ari - Yowamushi wa, koufuku wo sae osoreru monodesu

 

April

[2020.04.11][EP] RANA - Kaeru no Uta

[2020.04.15][Single] Scarlet Valse - Inferno

[2020.04.22][Album] Miyavi - Holy Nights

[2020.04.22][Single] ZON - ポジとネガ

[2020.04.23][Mini-Album] ユメリープ (Yumeleep) - でっどまたー

[2020.04.28][Single] LUNA SEA - Make a vow

[2020.04.29][Album] Zombie - ぼくら100%死んでる

[2020.04.29][Mini-Album] Unlucky Morpheus - Takiyasha Hime

 

May

[2020.05.01][Digital Single] Shellmy - 高原くん

[2020.05.04][Digital Album] Vertex - From the Abyss

[2020.05.06][Single] HOWL - ふぁぼって人生。

[2020.05.08][EP] The Muzzle - Dearest Bullet

[2020.05.11][Single] 蘭図 (Rands) - 茹でた隠元豆のある柔らかい構造

[2020.05.20][Maxi-Single] Undeux - 安藤の悪魔的レジスタンス

[2020.05.21][Single] The Gallo - 極東海賊團-神威-

[2020.05.31][Single] HOWL - 迷宮ディスコニック

 

June

[2020.06.07][Digital Single] Shellmy - 昨日までと明日から

[2020.06.10][Album] ムック (MUCC) - 惡

[2020.06.24][EP] RANA - Kaeru no itazura

 

July

[2020.07.01][Digital single] Diaura - Gokusai

[2020.07.01][Single] nurie - 今宵、未来のために歌おう。

[2020.07.11][Single] Desperado - Another Universe

[2020.07.29][Album] Unlucky Morpheus - Unfinished

[2020.07.31][Digital Single] nurie - Labrador

 

Edited August 10, 2020 by monkeybanana4

[sleepy coffee 1476]

Welp here we go

Spoiler

1-100 scale because i just feel like it lmao

 

魅裟  -  極彩  - 50

i cant stop listening to these guys but im almost never impressed either so idk why i keep going at it. either way a pretty unique song as far as these guys go but you're probably just better off checking out their new mini.

 

NAZARE - PROOF OF EXISTENCE - 60

dimlim might've left deathcore but you guys can stop pretending these guys are gonna do anything as good as chedoara

 

蘭図 (Rands) - 九相図 - 50

whatever

 

ALEVAS - HUMAN NODE 2020 - 57

just a remake of one of their songs prior to signing onto starwave/becoming vk (nothing during this time was that great). the bass is twangy as fuck which 99% of people will hate but im the 1%.

 

DIMLIM - MISC. - 65

im the most biased dimlim fan so feel free to dismiss this take but misc. imo had highlights and lowlights. the highlights being funny world, whats up, tick tac, before its too late, and out of the darkness. the lows being everything else. tbh overall i dont dislike this new sound theyre going with but they have to be more consistent with it for me to rate this sort of stuff higher.

 

The THIRTEEN - ENIGMA - 77

basically a collection of all their good music video tracks + like 7 new tracks that very from boring to pretty good. this album wouldve been rated way higher if it was like 2-3 songs shorter because it felt like it went on for way too long and yeah there was probably about 2-3 subpar songs on this. 

 

ラヴェーゼ  - 暗黒二咲イタ脈絡 - 82

the best thing theyve released so far. 

 

魅裟  - dp - 60

shitkei guilty pleasure. 

 

DOBE - 新宿アスホール - 63

nothing these guys do sounds bad but nothing has stood out so far either. 

 

sukekiyo - 接触 - 0

what was that

 

SCAPEGOAT - 心と身体の秘密-上-  - 70

getting closer back to their sound they had prior to their hiatus which is definitely a good thing. main track on this is solid, the bside is forgettable.

 

ヴィルシーナ  - サヨナラ - 86

verxina has for the most part completely dropped the synths on this new single and despite actually being a fan of their chaotic sound with those synths im in love with this single. both tracks are fantastic and i really hope we get more songs in the future in this style

 

2019 releases people/me missed out on cause it was released towards end of the year or something

DOBE - 大日本プロパガンダ - 70

UNDER FALL JUSTICE - 僕以外に何がいる? - 82

GELNICA - nostalgia- 71

R指定 (R-Shitei) - 遺書 (Isho) - 50

THE DESPERADO - Gerbera - 63

マチルダ (Mathilda) - 少女A - 74

DOBE - Repent - 75

glamscure - Gloria - 83

ARTiCLEAR - 黎明期の夢 - 80

 

Edited February 27, 2020 by sleepy coffee

[Karma’s Hat 3107]

Alright, first ratings are up. Same rating system as last time

 

Spoiler

GOOD

 

 

MEH

 

蘭図 -  九相図

A tough rate for me, a something that could be good on one day and a meh+ on another. Did I start liking them just a bit less? I just might have, because the strongest material here I would have no qualms ranking besides their strongest. Tracks 4 and 6 stand out in particular in weaning out from the norm, a norm that its worst is not much removed from some La'veil pizzeria tier anesthesia mediocrity. Their other mode, which is largely represented by A-sides, that poppier melodic 90's sound is not as present here as I thought it would have been based on Solaris, but do I like this a whole lot better than that? Did the loss of momentum coming from the singles color how I feel about this one, 'cause it is still just kind of the same. Well either which way it may be, I like this just without being as ethusiastic about it as I might've been an year ago. 

 

SHIT

 

mama. - 哀々傘 (2020.01.15) 

I guess fate just had it that 2020 would be kicked off with the most aggressively mediocre way possible. Ex-Morphine, present mama. is the quintessential hopping on a wave and seeing how they're able to ride it before the two fans they have find something else to do, and they sound every bit the part with all the lalala's and bloodstained clothes checking those boxes. There's no need to talk about the funny synth or the same fucking metalcore riffs that every other dime a dozen band is using, but the vocalist does have seemed to improve somewhat, like the melodies in the chorus are not that terrible and he's just breaking out of that one tone voice even if just a bit. It's still boring and shitty, no matter how good their aesthetics are. I wonder if by 2025 we'll have any of these bands left. 

 

エンヴィル - デス・パレード

Two bands in a row that decided that rebranding their particular brand of mediocrity into another brand of mediocrity is a sound idea, albeit this time that's is where the similarities end. The core of their sound is formed by the same metalcore riffs of the dead horse variety, even if not doing it as bad as mama. is.; see where mama. seems to get their influence from is a bit more in the direction of those nu metallier bands, whereas ENVYL is looking at the direction D.I.D and if that wasn't obvious when the dude started belting out his best Akane impression, then it should've been when they put out a song called literally D I D. As a result, the synth and vocals are both crazier and the variety in the guitars and song make this band a lot better than mama., but that's not saying much because mama. is trash and this band just manages to be the king of that particular hill this time, a low hill but a hill nonetheless, like a pile of rubble in the netherlands or something. 

 

DIMLIM - MISC.

This album really is a piece of shit from guys who could've been doing something a lot better. It's actually full of ideas, sections and melodies that could've done well in their last album, or especially on their last single that's the closest thing we got from them to this prior. The thing is that sounds so unfinished; no bassist! Only Retsu filtering his esoteric western and indie influence through his warped "i'm not vk lol jk i am" filter. The transition to his impression of math rock I guess came naturally for him when all the stylistic flourishes still come from the metal influenced music they used to do, just at the cost of the impact and weight the chugging gives to the music. It's like the spine of the song is missing, and they're playing circles around it. That might've been for the better since when it only noodles and meanders, I'm alright with it, like for the Future and What's Up could've been their songs in the past if you squint your eyes just right... but fuck me, Funny World and Before It's Too Late sound like DIMLIM channeling their inner 2020 Girugamesh MUSIC era that I think would show up on a MRI scan. The influences from electronic music are also especially funny, like the Gazestep from the 2010's channeled to this decade. This really sounds like Retsu made it in his shitty 10x10 flat, and I think that's because it was. 

 

魅裟 - dp (2020.02.03)
I've never listened to the non-Ayame Missa before outside of peeping at a PV spot or two some years back. Well, at least they do stand out from the seas of menhera bands with the kind of disgusting synth and vokills that you could only expect from a band that's on Starwave, and I guess that's how they effectively set themselves apart from the rest, by being on Starwave and sounding v much the part. Fairly boring stuff to be honest, especially the ballad at the end my god.

 

Cula - 絶痕 -Pride of the clan- (1.1.2020)

Nipping right on the heels of David as the worst project Sui has been involved. Starwave production, dumb heavy riffs and with the exception of the chorus of Dracula he underperforms. I don't think there's any vk vocalist that ever managed to sound better after polishing his technique, maybe with the exception of Kyo as of late where he's almost as cool as he was in 2002. The riff on Knight Pride is a monument of how this genre refuses to evolve unless its dragged kicking and screaming into a new decade. 

 

Astaroth - Fantasia -Ideal&Reality-

Fucking shockingly, it's not that bad. Imagine Megaromania on Starwave or something. A-side is lame, but the B-side is actually pretty cool!

 

 

 

Edited February 12, 2020 by Disposable
added sum mo 9.2

[CAT5 9075]

^ and yet you still got further than me. I may be kidding myself by posting here, but let's see...

[platy 3018]

Making this list actually helped me keep listening to music during a year where I almost stopped caring. So here's for another music filled year and it's starting with all my favorites releasing albums 😍

 

 

 

 

Constantly on replay
[01/2020] [EP] I'm too Sensitive For This Shit - Hayley Kiyoko

[26/02/2020] [Single]大東京万博 - 大東京万博 (I'm so glad I stumbled across this group. I've been blessedddddd)
[29/02/2020][Single]東京事変 (tokyo jihen) - 永遠の不在証明
[05/05/2020] [Mini] gulu gulu - ぐるぐる流出音源集 (Ryuushutsu Ongenshuun) All tracks are spot on. So addictive.

 

Yes

[01/2020] [Single] Commes Des Garçons (Like The Boys) - Rina Sawayama 

[31/01/2020] [Single] Someni - MOTHER

[30/01/2020] [EP] through love - HYUKOH (nice korean chillhop)

[19/02/2020][Album] 女王蜂 -  BL - It's been fun following zyouuvachi's evolution. This is very polished but it throws back to their very early sound, in  a toned down way. It's very different to their previous album  十 in that sense. 十 was the new  anisong zyouuvachi (not an insult in any way, their anisongs have been perfect every time) and it was like the group grew up and wanted to get away from their roots/less major sound. Listening to BL I almost forgot that the more mainstream zyouuvachi has been in development for the past couple of years. Ramblings, hope it makes sense.

[05/02/2020][Album] 東京ゲゲゲイ - キテレツメンタルワールド (Kiteretsu Mental World)

[29/01/2020][Album] tricot - 真っ黒

[03/03/2020][Single] Rina Sawayama - XS

[24/03/2020][Album] Pabllo Vittar - 111

[25/03/2020][Single] Kimbra & Tank and The Bangas - In My Bones - so wacky, a lot going on but it works!! I miss Kimbra 😢 

[27/03/2020][Single]Cö Shu Nie - red strand

[27/03/2020[Album] Little Dragon - New Me, Same Us

[28/03/2020] [Single] 明日の叙景 (Asunojosei) - Stardust

[17/04/2020][Album] Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA

 

In-between

[08/01/2020] 蘭図 - 九相図 -  Cool stuff, but RANDS' formula works best with short songs since their stuff is so repetitive. Wish they'd stick to 2/3mins songs rather than looping the same thing for 5mins and killing a cool idea.

[28/01/2020][Album] DIMLIM - MISC.

[21/02/2020][Album] Moses Sumney - Græ He has a really enchanting voice and Græ's subject matter goes against everything we see in mainstream music, but this album is huge (20 songs!) so his voice ends up just grating my ears. Too much of a good thing.

 [10/03/2020][Single] yaeji - WAKING UP DOWN - not as memorable as previous work
[23/04/2020][Mini]ユメリープ (Yumeleep) - でっどまたー pls get rid of vocalist and his murderous baby antics

[11/05/2020][Single] 蘭図 (RANDS) - 茹でた隠元豆のある柔らかい構造 tough one...It's messy. But good.

Mediocre

 

[31/01/2020] [Single] Sheena Ringo - 唄 STOP ADDING WEIRD VOICE SFX TO COVER UP YOUR ENGRISH. The melody is actually good but the song is ruined
 [12/03/2020] [Single] Kehlani - Toxic (nice album cover tho)

[27/03/2020] [Album] Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia

[08/04/2020][Single] La'veil Mizeria - 葬刻 the singing...

[15/04/2020][Single] DADAROMA - ミスター・テロルマン」It's a shame we're saying goodbye like this

 

 

 

Flat line -  unremarkable to a point where no impression was left

 

[14/02/2020][Single] LM.C - Campanella 

 

It makes my ears uncomfortable

 

[27/03/2020][Album] Oliver Tree -  Ugly is Beautiful  Only one song worth listening 'I'm Gone' the rest of it is truly awful.

 

Tried it, Binned it

[15/01/2020][Mini] L.A bate - THE NEW DAYBREAK Use of synth borders psychosis, use of Engrish is a cardinal sin

Remove yourself

[14/02/2020] [single] sleepyhead - BOKUNOJANAI - This joker released a single with 46 tracks. All are the same song except performed by different friends of his. Most can barely sing. I'm done with takeru.

 

 

 

Colors:

 

Non JP Stuff (#ff6699)

VK/J-Rock Stuff (#3399cc)

 

 

 

 

 

[12/01/2020][Single] NAZARE - ??

[20/02/2020][Album] ダウト (D=OUT) - 曼陀羅 A (Mandala A)

[26/02/2020][Single] アルルカン (Arlequin) - 怒り (Ikari) 

[04/03/2020][Single] 己龍(Kiryu) - 私 塗レ (Watashi Mamire)

 

[01/04/2020][Album] RAKUGAKI - RAKUGAKI

 

[29/04/2020][Album] ZOMBIE「ぼくら100％死んでる」

 

 

~last update:  04/12

[Jigsaw9 6783]

Hell yeah, I'm in!

 

Spoiler

Stuff I listened to:

[2020.01.08] 蘭図 - 九相図  

[2020.01.28] BAROQUE - SIN DIVISION  

[2020.01.28] DIMLIM - MISC.  

[2020.01.29] BUCK-TICK - 堕天使  

[2020.01.29] The THIRTEEN - ENIGMA  

[2020.02.05] ザアザア - イライラする雨  

[2020.02.09] DOBE - 新宿アスホール  

[2020.02.26] ヴィルシーナ - サヨナラ  

[2020.03.11] DOBE - GHOST TOWN  

[2020.03.11] 自我-ジガ- - 自我  

[2020.03.18] downy - 第七作品集『無題』 

[2020.03.18] lynch. - ULTIMA  

[2020.04.01] RAKUGAKI - RAKUGAKI  

 

Spoiler

Stuff I'm interested in:

[2020.02.15] XA-VAT - 芸夢

[2020.04.04] cali≠gari × deadman - 死刑台のエレベーター

[2020.04.15] La'veil MizeriA - 葬刻

[2020.05.05] gulu gulu - ぐるぐる流出音源集

[2020.05.13] マツタケワークス - すこしふしぎ

[2020.05.22] Crossfaith - SPECIES

 

[2020.xx.xx] new BUCK-TICK album

[2020.xx.xx] new Moi dix Mois album

[2020.xx.xx] new MUNIMUNI album

 

Spoiler

Non-Jp stuff I'm interested in:

[2020.03.13] Fotocrime - South of Heaven

[2020.03.13] Lychgate - Also sprach Futura

[2020.03.20] Malokarpatan - Krupinské ohne

[2020.04.03] tētēma - necroscape

[2020.04.17] Aborted - La Grande Mascarade

[2020.04.24] Malevolence - The Other Side

[2020.04.30] Head of the Demon - Deadly Black Doom

[2020.05.22] Revenge - Strike.Smother.Dehumanize

[2020.06.19] Hail Spirit Noir - Eden in Reverse

 

[2020.xx.xx] new Carpathian Forest album

[2020.xx.xx] new Krallice album

[2020.xx.xx] new Marilyn Manson album

[2020.xx.xx] new Mykki Blanco album

[2020.xx.xx] new Yelle album

 

Non-Jp stuff I enjoyed:

[2020.01.15] Szabó Benedek és a Galaxisok - Cím nélküli ötödik lemez

[2020.01.17] Eminem - Music to Be Murdered By

[2020.01.24] Midnight - Rebirth by Blasphemy

[2020.02.16] Havária - M M X X

[2020.02.21] Grimes - Miss Anthropocene

[2020.02.21] Jigokü - HAT∃ : SPΞΞCH

[2020.02.28] Internal Rot - Grieving Birth

[2020.02.28] Man-eaters - Gentle Ballads for the Simple Soul

[2020.03.13] King Dude - Full Virgo Moon

[2020.03.13] Ocean Grove - Flip Phone Fantasy

 

Edited April 20, 2020 by Jigsaw9

[thom35 31]

Damn! Just two days ago and so many comments. 
Let's see what 2020 holds for us...

 

ALBUMS

Spoiler

 

 

tricot - 真っ黒

IX -NINE- - Psyche

THE NOVEMBERS - At The Beginning

女王蜂 - BL

downy - 第七作品集『無題』

春ねむり - LOVETHEISM

LLLL - Impure

 

—  — decent, just OK

 

AWICH - 孔雀

DIMLIM - MISC.

CY8ER - 東京

REOL - 金字塔

The THIRTEEN - ENIGMA

SHISAMO - SHISAMO 6

Grimes - Miss Anthropocene

Lady Gaga - Chromatica

 

 — well, it's music

 

Chara+YUKI- echo

fulusu - The Nativity

蘭図  - 九相図

 

 

WAITING LIST

Spoiler

 

02.15 XA-VAT                       芸夢 ( will it be leaked this time?)

 

03.25 Plastic Tree               十色定理

 

XX.XX Moi dix Mois             XXX

 

Previous year just for my own personal reference here.

Edited June 4, 2020 by thom35

[violetchain 912]

Gonna give this a shot again, although I never seem to get very many releases in.

 

Last update: December 5th

 

 

Could end up being one of my favourite releases ever

Favourite releases of the year

 

Half time Old  - CRISP YELLOW ["Tsuki no Tomo" MV] [Spotify]

I like this one a lot better than the last two releases they put out. I think they balanced Masaharu's angsty teenager energy with their more upbeat side really well this time.

 

4s4ki - Iei ni Yeah ["I LOVE ME" MV] [Spotify]

Wasn't really wild about her at first because I felt like all her stuff sounded the same and it was generally too mellow for my taste, but after hearing "I LOVE ME" and "35.5" from this EP I had a major change of heart.

Great
 

LEGO BIG MORL - KEHAI [Spotify]

I have kind of mixed feelings on how some of the songs sound on the actual release, but the live stream performance of the full album they did made them sound so good that I have to rate it highly. I really like the live version of the title track.

 

i.D.A - LRRH. ["LRRH." MV] [Spotify]

They're one of the few new-ish VK bands that caught my attention this year. I kinda feel like they're not going to last too long since they don't seem to have that many fans, but I like what I've heard so far. Especially the singer. The way he screams is cute.

 

DJ CHARI & DJ TATSUKI - GOKU VIBES feat. Tohji, Elle Teresa, UNEDUCATED KID & Futuristic Swaver ["GOKU VIBES" MV]

Tohji, Elle Teresa and Futuristic Swaver was not a combination I was expecting to see this year. Works surprisingly well. Lol, I didn't realize until I saw the lyrics written out that he was saying "I'm Super Saiyan". Somehow I never made the connection in my head that the title meant Son Goku.

Good

 

été - episode  ["Bipolar" MV] [Spotify]
^I've been watching this band closely since their single "I am" because I felt like they'd be really cool once they polished their sound up a bit (Well, that, and I'm a sucker for whispered/breathy vocals and dudes with high-pitched singing voices). Since they got signed to a label, they've been releasing new music super fast, and I think they've improved a lot with each release.

 

THURSDAY'S YOUTH - hinatanonioi [Spotify]

 

MAKE MY DAY - Mind Haven ["Mind Haven" MV] [Spotify]

I mean, it feels a bit generic metalcore - especially the lyrics - but I had a lot of fun listening to it. There's something about the screaming in "Money" that always makes me laugh.

 

TYOSiN - blue blue ["HYPE" MV] [Spotify]

I was super excited for this one, since I listened to his previous EP "dive" a lot this year and the lead track "HYPE" is the song that sold me on him in the first place, but he released the two strongest tracks as singles really far in advance, and the rest just feel a bit underwhelmng by comparison.

 

LIPHLICH - KEREN KIKANSHA [Spotify]

Good enough

OK

Not so good

 

Tohji - Oreo ["Oreo" MV] + Propella ["Propella" MV]

Tohji's silliness is a big part of his charm, but these singles just feel so one-note to me. Not feeling the MVs either. I was really surprised, because his collab tracks have been great this year.

Couldn't finish it
 

 

Edited December 5, 2020 by violetchain

[CAT5 9075]

updated: 02/06/2020

GREAT

(stuff that I TRULY enjoy listening to, and that truly moves me. the question here would be "which tracks DON'T stand out?".)

 

★★★★★★★★★★ ---> ★★★★★★★★★★

 

downy - 砂上、燃ユ。残像

single | 2020.02.05

This is not the greatest downy track in existence, but dayum, this band's sound just speaks to my very soul! It's almost like it gets better with each listen. The remix is dope too. Looking forward to the album next month!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DECENT

(stuff that I consider listenable, but not particularly compelling. may have potential to grow on me. could have a few of standout tracks)

★★★★★★★★★★ ---> ★★★★★★★★★★

 

DIMLIM - MISC.

album | 2020.01.28

I had very high hopes for this after hearing "what's up", but those hopes were quickly dashed. I honestly can't decide if I want to file this one under "Decent" or "bad". "What's up" is still a great track, and I like "For the future", too. And there are some nice ideas here and there, but everything about this album was handled in such a tacky fashion that it's almost embarrassing.

-

sleepy.ab - fractal

album | 2020.01.29

Stellar production and beautiful soundscapes that are, unfortunately, restrained by boring songwriting. Given their last few albums, I expected this turnout tho. Despite the snoozefest, there are a few wonderfully written tracks here that are well worth it.

-

tricot - 真っ黒

album | 2020.01.29

I haven't really been into tricot since their early, EARLY material, so I was pleasantly surprised at just how listenable this album is. In fact, this is definitely the best stuff I've heard from them in ages, plus their musicianship is has grown exponentially. Still, they're just missing something. Maybe this one will grow on me?

-

envy - The Fallen Crimson

album | 2020.02.05

I'm a sucker for envy's sound in general, but the excessive, airy post-rock elements here just get really old really quickly. It's like they were playing straight from the post-rock handbook on some songs. That said, I do appreciate the more hardcore moments on the album. "Fingerprint mark" in particular is amazing. Shoutout to Achico for being featured on track 4!!!

-

羊文学 - ざわめき

ep | 2020.02.05

Typical, run-of-the-mill indie-rock with female vocals. Pleasant, but completely lacking in character.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

BAD

(stuff that doesn't do a thing for me/stuff that I have no desire to listen to again. may have one or two  standout tracks, but is irredeemable otherwise.)

★★★★★★★★★★ ---> ★★★★★★★★★★

 

[spockitty 643]

Maybe if I start earlier than halfway through the year I'll manage to listen to all the stuff I want to~? 

 

visual kei / jrock

 

Spoiler

★★★★★ BURY ME WITH THIS RELEASE

★★★★☆ JUST SHORT OF BRILLIANCE

★★★☆☆ THE FRIEND ZONE

[2020.01.10] MUCC - Terrace／テディベア (Terrace／TEDDY BEAR)

[2020.01.22] アクメ (ACME) - WE ARE VISUALKEI

[2020.02.26] GREN - marionnette (bailout ver)

[2020.03.11] NICOLAS - UMBRA

 

★★☆☆☆ MEH

[2020.01.08] 蘭図 (Rands) - 九相図 (Kyuusouzu)

[2020.01.24] David - Gothculture

[2020.01.28] DIMLIM - MISC.

[2020.01.29] The THIRTEEN - ENIGMA

[2020.02.07] DEXCORE - DRAGOUT

 

★☆☆☆☆ IT PROBABLY HAD ONE (1) REDEEMING QUALITY TO  IT

[2020.01.06] GELNICA - esse

[2020.01.14] nurié - 人として人で在る様に (Hitotoshite Hito de Aru You ni)

[2020.01.28] baroque - SIN DIVISION

[2020.01.29] BUCK-TICK - 堕天使 (Datenshi)

[2020.02.05] ザアザア (Xaa-Xaa) - イライラする雨 (Iraira Suru Ame)

[2020.02.09] 0.1gの誤算 (0.1g no Gosan) - gosan's presents 玄人向けシングル集

[2020.02.12] マザー (MOTHER) - アヴェマリア (Ave Maria)

[2020.02.12] HOLLOWGRAM - Pale Blue Dot

[2020.02.12] 外道反逆者 ヤミテラ (Gedou Hangyakusha YAMITERA) - ナンセンス

[2020.02.12] マザー (MOTHER) - SLAVERY DOLLY

[2020.02.20] ダウト (D=OUT) - 曼陀羅 A (Mandala A)

[2020.02.21] David - Gothculture -序章-

[2020.02.26] SCAPEGOAT - 心と身体の秘密-上-

[2020.03.01] Lavitte - cry more/ドロップス

[2020.03.01] DaizyStripper - INIFINITY

[2020.03.04] アクメ (ACME) - 嘘顔 (Usogao)

[2020.03.18] -真天地開闢集団-ジグザグ (ZIGZAG) - 慈愚挫愚 弐 〜真天地〜 (ZIGZAG 2 ~Matenchi~)

[2020.03.31] Astaroth - Knife...

[2020.03.25] Ashmaze. - Phantom Shell

 

☆☆☆☆☆ THANKS, I HATE IT

[2020.01.08] COAGULA - DYING BREED

[2020.01.17] the deadly school - 死ノ学舎 -the deadly school- 初音源

[2020.01.12] NAZARE - PROOF OF EXISTENCE

[2020.01.22] THE SOUND BEE HD - FIRST BLOOD

[2020.01.26] ALEVAS - HUMAN NODE 2020

[2020.01.29] ラヴェーゼ (Labaiser) - 暗黒二咲イタ脈絡 (Ankoku ni Saki Ita Myakuraku)

[2020.01.31] マザー (MOTHER) - ソメニ (Someni)

[2020.02.05] HELLO. - デッドオアモンスター

[2020.02.09] 0.1gの誤算 - gosan's presents 玄人向けシングル集

[2020.02.12] マザー (MOTHER) - MASK

[2020.02.16] sukekiyo - 接触

[2020.02.29] ALEVAS - carve out

[2020.03.04] DIAURA - ENVY

[2020.03.04] 己龍 (Kiryu) - 私塗レ

[2020.03.06] RANA - 蛙の詩

[2020.03.11] NETH PRIERE CAIN - 人故、人願う。 (Hito Ko, Hito Negau.)

[2020.03.11] DOBE- GHOSTTOWN

[2020.03.16] mama. - ぜんぶコロナのせいだ!

[2020.03.31] ALEVAS - 春愁

[2020.04.30] ALEVAS - vanity

[2020.05.18] ANKH - 現代病モンスター

[2020.06.26] Astaroth - Genesis of Astaroth -第一章-

 

2ND CHANCE CORNER

 

WAITLIST

 

[2020.01.20] ベル (Belle) - 解体新書 (Kaitai Shinsho)

[2020.01.21] ジャックケイパー (Jack Caper) - Re:KID ROOM

[2020.01.22] HOLLOWGRAM - Flood of love

[2020.01.25] どく (Doku) - 人と傲慢 (Hito to Gouman)

[2020.01.25] Rides in ReVellion - -反抗声明- (Hankou Seimei)

[2020.01.26] SARIGIA - ANSM- ア ン セ ム -

[2020.01.26] NICOLAS - 月下美人 (Gekkabijin)

[2020.01.31] 午前零時。(Gozenreiji.) - 孤独、二人、それから。

 

[2020.02.05] ジグソウ (Jigsaw) - 苦い飴 (Nigai Ame)

[2020.02.08] NoGoD - DADA

[2020.02.09] 道化て鴉 (Doukete Karasu) - 怖い譚 (Kowaitan)

[2020.02.15] XA-VAT -  芸夢 (Geimu)

[2020.02.19] どく (Doku) - 僕と嫉妬 (Boku to Shitto)

[2020.02.26] KAMIJO - SYMBOL OF THE DRAGON

[2020.02.26] Kra - Dis WORLD

[2020.02.26] アルルカン (Arlequin) - 怒り (Ikari)

[2020.02.26] ヴィルシーナ (Verxina) - サヨナラ(Sayonara)

[2020.02.26] ロマン急行 (Roman Kyuko) - ハロー (Hello)

[2020.02.26] ロマン急行 (Roman Kyuko) - グッバイ (Goodbye)

 

[2020.03.04] シド (SID) - delete

[2020.03.07] NoGoD - Es

[2020.03.08] 彩冷える(Ayabie) - 色纏う人展 (Iro Matou Ninten)

[2020.03.10] BugLug - カラクリリック (Colorcrylic)

[2020.03.11] POIDOL - 機械的少年 (Kikaiteki Shonen)

[2020.03.11] DEVILOOF - Devil's Calling/Angel's Cry

[2020.03.18] lynch. - ULTIMA

[2020.03.18] Royz - DAYDREAM

[2020.03.18] vistlip - No.9

[2020.03.18] GREN - PillowTalk

[2020.03.18] The Guzmania - prayer

[2020.03.24] IIIRD - 勿忘草 (Wasurenagusa)

[2020.03.24] CLACK inc. - 5th

[2020.03.25] Chanty - 正体不明 (Shoutai Fumei)

[2020.03.25] Kiyoharu - JAPANESE MENU/DISTORTION 10

[2020.03.25] Plastic Tree - 十色定理

[2020.03.25] SCAPEGOAT - 心と身体の秘密-下-

[2020.03.26] MIMIC - BLACKBOX

[2020.03.26] lua'N jihad - JIHAD / medicine / 硝子ノ棺

[2020.03.27] GREN - 夏色アバンチュール

[2020.03.28] 0.1gの誤算 (0.1g no Gosan) - サイレントメモリー (Silent Memory)

[2020.03.29] NoGoD - 優美な死骸

[2020.03.31] Astaroth - Knife

 

[2020.04.01] DIAURA - HYDRA

[2020.04.01] RAKUGAKI - RAKUGAKI

[2020.04.01] コドモドラゴン (Codomo Dragon) - PEST

[2020.04.01] Hueye - キミノヒーロー (Kimi no Hero)

[2020.04.01] MAMIRETA - 五臓六腑に染みる雨 (Gozouroppu ni Shimiru Ame)

[2020.04.01] haku ~漆黒ノ時~ - Brain Shake / 黒羽 ~クロウ~

[2020.04.03] MEME - クリプトス

[2020.04.04] HOLOH - # 配信のすゝめ〜桜花爛漫〜 (Haishin no Susume〜Oukaranman〜)

[2020.04.07] アスティ (Asty) - 販逆ブレイズ (Hangyaku Blaze)

[2020.04.07] どく (Doku) - 欠損 (Kesson)

[2020.04.08] Houts - スターチス (Statice)

[2020.04.08] Jupiter - Warrior of Liberation

[2020.04.08] エンヴィル (ENVYL) - 少年 / 少女 (Shounen / Shoujo)

[2020.04.11] LIPHLICH - ケレン気関車

[2020.04.15] Leetspeak monsters - Beltane

[2020.04.15] DADAROMA - ミスター・テロルマン (Mister Terror Man)

[2020.04.15] Scarlet Valse - Inferno

[2020.04.15] La'veil MizeriA - 葬刻 (Soukoku)

[2020.04.15] Libravel - 『追憶』

[2020.04.15] i.D.A. - LRRH. 

[2020.04.15] KEBYO - 実験くん2

[2020.04.18] GLIM GARDO - Obscurial

[2020.04.21] GoodByeMyFriends - Midnight Blue

[2020.04.22] MIYAVI - Holy Nights

[2020.04.22] ZON - ポジとネガ (Posi to Nega)

[2020.04.22] ザアザア (Xaa-Xaa) - ホラー (Horror)

[2020.04.22] Matenrou Opera - Chronos

[2020.04.24] Yumeleep - Dead Matter

[2020.04.27] LUNA SEA - Make a vow

[2020.04.28] キズ (Kizu) - 地獄 (Jigoku)

[2020.04.28] lynch. - OVERCOME THE VIRUS

[2020.04.28] XANVALA - 文明開花 (Bunmei Kaika)

[2020.04.29] NAZARE - NEMOPHILA

[2020.04.29] KAMIJO - Persona Grata

[2020.04.29] アリス九號 (Alice Nine) - 不夜城エデン (Fuyajou Eden)

[2020.04.29] David - Gothculture -Nightimage-

[2020.04.29] ZOMBIE - ぼくら100%死んでる (Bokura 100% Shindesu)

[2020.04.29] D - ACACIA～Pray For Australia～

[2020.04.29] D - Hard Koala

 

[2020.05.01] Screech in2 the Rain. - ADIS

[2020.05.01] Shoujo A - PARANOIA

[2020.05.01] Shellmy - 高原くん

[2020.05.03] heidi. - 玉響 (Tamayura)

[2020.05.05] gulu gulu - ぐるぐる流出音源集 (gulu gulu Ryuushutsu Ongenshuun)

[2020.05.06] RAZOR - 掟 (Okite)

[2020.05.09] シド (SID) - Star Forest

[2020.05.09] LIPHLICH - 三千世界

[2020.05.11] 蘭図 (Rands) - 茹でた隠元豆のある柔らかい構造 (Yude ta Ingenmame Noa ru Yawarakai Kouzou)

[2020.05.13] マツタケワークス (Matsutake Works) - すこしふしぎ (Sukoshi Fushigi)

[2020.05.21] ギャロ (THE GALLO) - 極東海賊團-神威- (Kyokutou Kaizoku Dan-Shini-)

[2020.05.27] David - Gothculture -断章-

[2020.05.27] mama. - 「人間失格」

[2020.05.29] NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST - Life is Once

 

[2020.06.10] MUCC - 惡 (Aku)

[2020.06.27] umbrella - アマヤドリ(Amayadori)

[2020.06.27] GRIMOIRE - クインテット(Quintet)

 

[2020.07.15] KAMIJO - PERSONA

[2020.07.15] Versailles - EMPEROR

[2020.07.15] HIZAKI Grace Project - PAVANE

 

 

jpop / kpop/rock / everything else

 

Spoiler

★★★★★ BURY ME WITH THIS RELEASE

★★★★☆ JUST SHORT OF BRILLIANCE

[2020.03.11] DEMIAN - Cassette

[2020.04.06] MAX (of TVXQ) - Chocolate

[2020.04.09] DALsooobin - DIVE

[2020.04.23] Solar (of MAMAMOO) - SPIT IT OUT

 

★★★☆☆ THE FRIEND ZONE

[2020.04.26] BEN - Off The Record

[2020.06.05] Maria Tyszkiewicz - Ufam Sobie

 

★★☆☆☆ MEH

[2020.02.19] IMLAY - DYSTOPIA

[2020.02.23] DayDream - NUMNUM

[2020.02.26] ELRIS - JACKPOT

[2020.03.05] YEZI - HOME

[2020.03.11] FAVORITE - LIE 또 LIE

[2020.04.07] Stella Jang - STELLA I

[2020.04.23] ZICO x KANG DANIEL - FOR THE LOVE OF KOREA

[2020.04.27] CHUNG HA - Stay Tonight

[2020.04.28] IMFACT - L.L

[2020.04.29] NCT DREAM - Reload

[2020.05.13] BVNDIT - Carnival

[2020.05.29] Lady Gaga - Chromatica

 

★☆☆☆☆ IT PROBABLY HAD ONE (1) REDEEMING QUALITY TO  IT

[2020.02.14] Moon Byul (of MAMAMOO) - Dark Side of the Moon

[2020.02.20] WEKI MEKI - DAZZLE DAZZLE

[2020.02.21] 3YE - QUEEN

[2020.02.23] SPECTRUM - 0325

[2020.02.26] XENEX - IT'S GONNA HURT

[2020.03.03] MCND - into hte ICE AGE

[2020.03.15] DONGKIZ - LUPIN

[2020.03.21] PurpleBeck - Starry Night

[2020.04.01] AleXa - Do Or Die

[2020.04.14] CRAVITY - HIDEOUT: REMEMBER WHO WE ARE - SEASON1.

[2020.05.07] NATTY - NINETEEN

[2020.05.11] Nu'est - The Nocturne

[2020.05.15] Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now

[2020.05.29] Kygo - Golden Hour

 

☆☆☆☆☆ THANKS, I HATE IT

[2020.02.14] Nu'est - Let's love (with Spoonz)

[2020.02.06] BVNDIT - Cool

[2020.03.01] Stella Jang - Recipe

[2020.03.03] CRAXY - My Universe

[2020.03.26] MY.st - THE GLOW: Eden

[2020.04.02] OTC (Off The Cuff) - Going Out

[2020.04.07] Cignature - ASSA

[2020.04.14] GIRLKIND - FUTURE

[2020.04.20] BVNDIT - Children

[2020.05.08] Hayley Williams - Petals For Armor

 

WTF OUT OF 5 STARS

[2020.05.13] AleXa - WE CAN

 

2ND CHANCE CORNER

 

WAITLIST

[2020.04.27] OH MY GIRL - NONSTOP

[2020.02.21] BTS - MAP OF THE SOUL: 7

[2020.04.24] AWOLNATION - Angel Miners & The Lightning Riders

 

 

Edited August 30, 2020 by spockitty

[Rahzel 110]

It's my first time doing this in a very "why not" fashion, expect me to give up in 0.5 days

I'm bad at ratings so sorry if I reevaluate  this in 0.2 days 

 

I decided to do this because I thought Dimlim's album sucked so bad I found myself skipping all of it and I'm glad I'm not alone in those thoughts lol.

 

* = It's not yet released OR I didn't listen to the full thing yet so my comments are concerning the MV/previews

 

J-MUSIC  

• [January 07] [single] グラビティ↗︎↗︎楽しさFULLVOLTAAAGE!!! (Gravity) - 決意ゼロヒャクMAX!! (Ketsui Zero Hyakku Max) - 7/10
  It's... a very solid rating coming from me I swear.
• [January 20] [album] ACME - WE ARE VISUALKEI - 7/10
  This Best Of album is so goooood. The only thing I don't like about ACME, as I realized, is that they somehow got robbed during that US tour if that means they won't want to come/feel safe in my country lol aside from that, I love. Rock on. 
• [January 25] [pv] SHIN x Alice Nine - Velvet - 8/10
  This is a rating pure out of nostalgia because this cover really sent me back to the Rainbows days. Great song and great vocals singing.
• [February 19] [album] Queen Bee - BL - 7/10
  First time properly listening to Queen Bee mostly because of their videos on The First Take and it's pretty cool. Not really in a "ohh my jam" way but it's good and chill music. What drew me to them was probably how the vocalist looks anything but generic j-pop/rock singer but their voice is as generic as it goes, although very skilled.
• [February 26] [single] flumpool - 素晴らしき嘘 (Subarashiki Uso) - 6/10 
  Still need to watch Ahiru no Sora ... I really need to watch it ....... the song is ok but I bet it looks amazing as a TV size opening and I don't want to spoil myself. Because I swore I'd watch it but lol
• [March 01] [album] DaizyStripper - INFINITY - 6/10
  * It's OK and my brain is like "mugen no kanata heeeee" all day lol
• [March 4] [single]  SID - delete - 6/10
  * Technically, rhythm-wise it'd be a 5/10 tops but I adore his voice lol
• [March 4] [single] ACME - 嘘顔 (Usogao)  - 6/10
  * I mean... it's cool
• [April 22] [album] Miyavi - Holy Nights

 

K-MUSIC

• [February 12] [album]  펜타곤 (Pentagon) - UNIVERSE : THE BLACK HALL - 7/10
  The first full album is definitely not their best but far from being their worst.

 

OTHERS

•  

 

Edited February 26, 2020 by Chell

[SoulTheBaka 81]

I've been trying to make this list for 2 years, and I've never lasted more than 6 months! In order to solve this problem, I'm just going to make a list of albums I enjoyed in 2020 with comments on them.

 

Spoiler

ALBUMS:

 

[2020.01.15] King Gnu - CEREMONY (mixture rock, pop rock, alternative rock, indie pop)

I am a client of this unique blend that King Gnu manages to create. Even if I prefer the previous album Sympa, I still quite liked this album. As usual with King Gnu, I find Daiki Tsuneta's songwriting so effective, even if the songs are never alike, they always have a particular identity which makes them so pleasant to listen to. The voice duo between Tsuneta and Iguchi is really good, the two are really different and complement each other perfectly. The bass is often really jazzy and the drums are soo effective. As in Sympa, there are songs that are more made for the atmosphere of the album and that serve more transitions. Here, it's the opening, the interlude and the closing and they're really interesting, and make me love the violin which is an instrument of which I am not a big fan. My favorites are the catchy Hikoutei, the crazy Doron and Teenager Forever and the beautiful Danjou with the very good piano. Still, there's some songs I'm really meh about.

https://open.spotify.com/album/7i52WTMXSBFAx6kUnNdjIK

 

[2020.01.22] 踊ってばかりの国 - 私は月には行かないだろう (alternative rock, indie rock, pop rock, art rock)

I discovered Odotte Bakari no Kuni with their 2018 album Hikari no Naka ni that I really loved. I find their "soft rock" side very interesting and very original, which differs them from all the new Japanese bands of this style. After listening to it, I tried all of their previous releases and it turned out that I preferred Hikari no Naka ni, I find their previous albums way more generic and less particular. So when I learned that they were going to release a new album, I was in a hurry to know if it was going to be in the vein of Hikari, and I was not disappointed! It was really a pleasant listening, that was spent by looking out the night sky while listening to the music. Very soothing. As usual, the harmonies in the voice, the riffs, and especially the drums which I find superb on each track! I also noted that I liked all the effects they added to their music in post-production. My favorites are probably Aki no Tasogare, Crawl, Salinger and the explosive In your eyes. The only songs I didn't found that good were Pet and Right now (especially because there was a reggae riff on Right now).

https://open.spotify.com/album/41vEn1o6048w0N5wdvBaNE

 

[2020.01.29] GEZAN - 狂 (noise rock, neo-psychedelia, art rock, experimental rock)

Wow what an album! Probably one of my favourites of the year. Not the perfect definition of a concept album, but it clearly feels like that. The chants that take us from start to finish are really interesting and guide us in what looks like a single unique song. The sharp voice of Mahi to the People is truly reminiscent of the lyrics of protest and revolt against the problems of society. In terms of music, it's incredible. Songs like replicant and AGEHA are really pure definitions of the edgy and vociferous noise rock. And of course the best song on the album: Tokyo! It gives full meaning to the noise of the album, all the mess leads to that beautiful screams. Without forgetting the last track I which completes the album perfectly in a euphoric and joyful way (with even trumpets, damn, they are incredible) after an album of revolt, anger. It's so meaningful and beautiful.

https://jusangatsu.bandcamp.com/album/klue

 

[2020.02.02] 帯化 - 擬似縁側型ステルス (noise rock, psychedelic rock, post-punk)

The debut album from the duo Taika was recorded, mastered and mixed by Ryo Matsuyama from Klan Aileen and we can clearly see the inspiration of that band in Taika's sound. For me, the record looks like a Klan Aileen album but with an even louder sound, and with a more tribal, shamanic appearance. The first half is much better than the second, songs like Natsu ga Tsukareta Kuni or Suiden are really good. In the second half, only the 7-minute song 1994 managed to really satisfy me. But, overall, it's a good album, and for a band's first album (even more considering the band was formed in late 2018) it's really promising!

https://taikafasciation.bandcamp.com/album/gizi-engawagata-stealth

 

[2020.03.18] downy - 第七作品集『無題』 (post-rock, math rock, electronic, experimental rock)

I've always had a complicated relationship with downy, I have always loved their albums but I also feel an unexplored potential, I have the impression that they could make one of my favorite albums of all time. And it's not the case with this one but still, this seventh untitled album is really good! I really love the stuffy atmosphere so special that they manage to create. I think that Sunnova's work on electronic features of the album is responsible for this mood. I also like the use of the voice, it's only used at specific and appropriate times that make me wait for it, and then when the voice appears, I'm really liking the moment. Another point that works as much as a quality as a defect, is that each track has a fairly similar identity which gives a good homogeneous effect to the album, the problem is that certain songs seem a little similar to me. My favourites are Contrapposto, Haze, good news, Dune, Scatter. Persistence of Vision and the really good stand alone who ends the album in an harder way which is pretty cool!

https://open.spotify.com/album/5QTsPoZuJr2aPTQ49ui41R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WAITING LIST:

[2020.01.29] tricot - 真っ黒 (have to review)

[2020.04.24] ANISAKIS - 大いなる

[2020.05.04] LOSTAGE - HARVEST

[2020.05] THE NOVEMBERS - At The Beginning (have to review)

jan and naomi's two albums (have to review=)

 

 

 

 

-update memo-:

Review tricot and Shohei Takagi and make a little category about EP's

Edited May 30, 2020 by SoulTheBaka

[thom35 31]

why I can't edit my own post?

[suji 8317]

2 hours ago, thom35 said:

why I can't edit my own post?

We've put a limit on that for certain users since it was being abused. Best thing to do is quote your original post and add onto it for now. 

[thom35 31]

1 hour ago, suji said:

We've put a limit on that for certain users since it was being abused. Best thing to do is quote your original post and add onto it for now. 

Certain users? I rarely post or comment here on MH. All I've been doing this year is to update my 2020 music rating list on this post-

[suji 8317]

4 hours ago, thom35 said:

Certain users? I rarely post or comment here on MH. All I've been doing this year is to update my 2020 music rating list on this post-

I meant users who have not yet reached the Reincarnated Hot People rank. 

[thom35 31]

On 11/15/2020 at 5:18 AM, suji said:

I meant users who have not yet reached the Reincarnated Hot People rank. 

How many points do I need to reach that rank?

[Total Saikou 735]

57 minutes ago, thom35 said:

How many points do I need to reach that rank?

It's not point numbers based, it's post numbers based. I have seen some users who have like 330 posts with only the hot people rank and some with 360 with RRH rank, so my educated guess is that the amount you need is 350 posts. 

[thom35 31]

17 hours ago, Total Saikou said:

It's not point numbers based, it's post numbers based. I have seen some users who have like 330 posts with only the hot people rank and some with 360 with RRH rank, so my educated guess is that the amount you need is 350 posts. 

Thanks!

And comments are considered as posts as well, right?

[Total Saikou 735]

1 minute ago, thom35 said:

Thanks!

And comments are considered as posts as well, right?

You're welcome! If you're referring to comments as in comments under thread posts (like this one I just made here), then that's right! If you mean comments as in profile status posts or comments you make on your own status/others', then they do not count towards your post count. This is slightly unrelated, but posts made in club spaces also count towards your post count. Ah, and shoutbox ones do not. I think that's about everything.

[platy 3018]

We're looking to tweak the edit feature again because this whole thread's point is that you should be able to edit your post 😅 I'll keep everyone updated 

[platy 3018]

@Total Saikouand @thom35 the editing feature is now back