DIM Limited Edition [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]

By far my favorite album in my collection. It's a great mix of songs from hard rock to even a ballad or two =] Some of the GazettE's best work, and there is more to come I just know it.

The first time I listened DIM, I was so afraid to listen it after reading tons of negative reviews I almost cried when I realized that this was not so horrible. But I have listened it only two to three times because it doesn't transcended me so much and it bored me, I admit. In fact, I regret that this album needs to be heard in a specific atmosphere. When I'm in the subway, it grows not granny in the nettles, it bothers me quite quickly and I'll listen to something else. But I made the discovery of the century, falling on this CD when I was plunged into darkness, lying on my bed with the iPod on the ears. My vision has completely changed: it really transported me. Each song has its place, even the small interludes, and it almost gives shivers down my back. If taken as it is, it seems insipid, bland and uninteresting. But deep in the right mood, it is really good (although some tracks really annoy me in both cases). And this is probably the biggest worries of this CD because having to dive into a certain mood to listen to an album, it's a bit boring. So, I'm pretty mixed, but for me the album is not rubbish.

This album was pure genius. Every interlude was strategically placed, every song pretty much flowed logically from one to the next. a True work of art in my books.

This album is not the GazettE's greatest. That doesn't mean that it isn't still great. The best songs are the previously released singles, but none of the songs are bad. The whole album has the sound and feeling that the title implies. It demonstrates the abilities and talents of the band well. The DVD is entertaining for a one time viewing. The video isn't one of their more creative ones and the behind-the-scenes feature is interesting, but not gripping. All in all, I would recommend this album.

The Gazette is as popular as it is for a reason. They are really outstanding musicians. They know how to write music and they know how to perform it. While maintaining their signature sound, they are able to come out with new styles for each album release. Dim is a clear example of this musical ability. The overall album is dark and keeps this dim feeling throughout. This feeling is also visually presented through the package itself, especially the interesting photo booklet included. Each song smoothly transitions into the next. The short transition numbers that seem to be there to help this I could do without--they don't give much and really aren't needed to keep the feeling between songs. The band sounds as amazing as usual. Ruki's voice is as smooth and entrancing in all the ballads as I expect from him, but he can also perform a head-banging song with as much capability. The rest of the band displays their talent just as well, creating a really exceptional sound. Despite all the praise, there are also some forgettable moments on the album. After my first listen, there wasn't as much of an impression left in my mind as when listening to previous releases. My favorite song on the album is "Distress and Coma," which is not a new song. Although there is nothing glaringly wrong, there just is not that quality that I expect in a release from the Gazette. The DVD with the limited edition includes the PV for "The Invisible Wall," which is visually beautiful and worth at least one viewing. In addition the DVD includes footage of the whole release coming together, from recording to designing the jacket. I found it extremely interesting to be able to see the process, but it was devoid of any display of personality that rendered it nothing more than educational. For any fan, I would definitely recommend the album. It's a solid release, even if it doesn't quite reach the standards I have for the Gazette. For firt-time listeners, I would probably recommend one of their previous albums.