Lotus [Regular Edition]

Amazing single. "LOTUS" is a great song. The b-side are "Obscure" new version so cool, and "Reiketsu Nariseba" live version.

I don't really know how I feel about this single yet. I feel like it could have been much better. The song Lotus is actually pretty great. It emits a very mysterious atmosphere and is interesting to listen to. The guitar, bass, and drum work is amazing. However, I feel that the vocals were the weakest. For one, the dual layering of vocals was done so that both voices were the same volume, making for (at least for me) some annoying moments in the song. Overall, Lotus is a great song and really shows how much the band has matured since Missa. Obscure was a major let down for me. It felt super rushed, in a sense that it felt like they just played it to get off stage or something, the chorus was less melodic than the original, and the song was not very structured. I feel like I'll have to really listen this version a lot for it to grow on me. Reiketsu Nariseba is really nothing special, just a live recording that can be listened to on their recent live DVDs. A different B-side might have been better. Overall, I'd give the single 6/10. Lotus was great, Obscure wasn't, and Reiketsu Nariseba, can't complain with.

Now, for commenting the regular Edition. I was really excited for this. And my expectations were almost fulfilled! Mixing, Tuning, Instrumentation was absolutely flawless, so you definitely got something to rock on! After hlistening to this, I am more than excited for the new album! LOTUS turns out to be a heavy contraire to their previously released Hageshisa to (...), since there are totally no growling/shreaking/screamo elements. Still, the song can't be judged as some sort of Ballad, since already the first riffs are blowing you away. Overall, a very nice song (not epic or sth but still, nice)! OBSCURE surely was a risk to retake, since also many fans were sceptical about the outcome. It takes some repeated listening and maybe the consciousness to think of this song as a sole, new thing. Because it doesn't really sound bad, just different. Ok, the main riffs could have been a little stronger. Last one: Reiketsu Nariseba live. Recording quality is great, performance was imho the strongest one this song ever had. Very good Choice!