Review by Don
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Hageshisa to, Kono Mune no Naka de Karamituita Shakunetsu no Yami [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]Dir en greyTHE UNWAVERING FACT OF TOMORROW
After realizing that UROBOROS is their greatest achivement, I started thinking however they will be able to follow that album up. Not that I think every new release must exceed the predecessor, but with DIR EN GREY, they have proven each time that they can. This new single clearly demonstrates that they have a pretty good idea where they're heading. The song itself is absolutely brilliant from beginning to end with such a range of raw and powerful music. It definitely has some things in common with some songs from UROBOROS, but manages to bring something new to the mix as well. The new version of ZAN is everything I could've wished for and a whole lot more at that! So violent and destructive that I've forgotten what the original sounds like. SHOKUBENI has always been a favourite and it's great they've re-recorded it the way it's performed live, obviously updated to their current sound. No need to say it's better than the original version! The bonus DVD is nice too with the video of when they recorded SHOKUBENI in one go. They've also included footage from the recording of the single which gives the impression of a very complex process. This is DIR EN GREY's greatest single release yet and a great promise for a future none but them can predict. The wait for a new single is unbearable and they have yet to disappoint.
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crying rain [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]girugameshThird single of 2009!
The third consecutive single of 2009, following ALIVE and BORDER which were both great singles with great B-sides. As is quite easy to figure out from the title alone, crying rain is a ballad. Although they've definitely watered down quite a lot compared to the early days, it's still a worthy song. Oh by the way, no pun intended, It's very pop friendly and could've been sung by a pop singer, but don't let that turn you off. It's just not as edgy as say Fukai no Yami or Freeasia. B-side S.T.F.U. has an amusing title, and while I was hoping for a song like stupid, this is just as radio friendly with a more upbeat pop rock sound. Good nontheless. While the regular edition has a second B-side, this edition has a DVD with the music video for crying rain instead which is really good. Of course it's got making of footage as well which is great fun as always. Pay extra attention when ShuU arrives at the shoot! All in all, another great single although it's their most commercial release yet. Do get it if you're a fan though!
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crying rain [Regular Edition]girugameshThird single of 2009!
The third consecutive single of 2009, following ALIVE and BORDER which were both great singles with great B-sides. As is quite easy to figure out from the title alone, crying rain is a ballad. Although they've definitely watered down quite a lot compared to the early days, it's still a worthy song. Oh by the way, no pun intended, It's very pop friendly and could've been sung by a pop singer, but don't let that turn you off. It's just not as edgy as say Fukai no Yami or Freeasia. B-side S.T.F.U. has an amusing title, and while I was hoping for a song like stupid, this is just as radio friendly with a more upbeat pop rock sound. Good nontheless. However, the best track is NITRO'09 which is just kick ass with heavy guitars and great backing vocals. All in all, another great single although it's their most commercial release yet. Do get it if you're a fan though!
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volcanogirugameshPowerful and violent!
Owari to Mirai was the first video I saw of girugamesh. Sounding promising, I checked out volcano and was forever hooked! The track is so powerful and violent, it's the perfect introduction to one of the best bands today. Along on this "DVD single" comes two live B-sides, Jarring fly and Shadan from their dying tour 2006. Great stuff, they truly deliver on stage. Short and sweet, but so worth the low cost. It's a must if you're a fan, and if you're not, this will most definitely make you a loyal one.
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Kireina Sex
Sora AoiKireina SexSora AoiOne of a kind...Sora Aoi is definitely one of a kind, her videos are always great to watch and this is no exception with several nice segments of her fully nude as well as some quite kinky ones involving simulated sex all by herself! Now that's talent!
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Tour 08 The Rose Trims Again [2DVD+CD / Limited Edition]Dir en greyTheir best live release in years!
Their best live release since TOUR04 THE CODE OF VULGAR[ism]! After so many fanclub DVDs, we're finally treated to an official one once again! Odd is it though since all their previous live DVDs have always been tied to an album like VULGAR and Withering to death. THE MARROW OF A BONE never got one though, but this is about as close as one can get I guess. One striking thing from the start is that most of the old songs have gone through an UROBOROS make-over as you can just imagine how impatient they must be to finally get to perform their new material. The whole concert is perfect, all old songs are very exciting to hear in this updated way of performing them. The first part of the encore is beautiful with two songs performed in unplugged style and the remaining is just insane. The band is in top notch and Kyo starts to add lots of screams and growling to songs where there was nothing before instead of skipping parts like he did in the past. Incredible! And the level of energy they put out makes you as a viewer exhausted, there's no other band like them! Disc 2 was secretive, only saying "Bonus Content", but boy was it quite the bonus! Not only did they show the preparations that went into the URUBOROS -breathing- concert at Osaka Jo-hall, they even included 7 songs from the actual concert! Now that's quite the treat! Disc 3 is a CD with selections from the first disc which is quite odd as they could've recorded some audio only from some other show from the same tour. At least the other half of the disc contain songs from UROBOROS -breathing- which all sound great. All in all, their best live release in years and the concert alone is a must have! All the bonus stuff only makes a solid release even better! Highly recommended!
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Dozing Green [Regular Edition]Dir en greyA glimpse into the new album...
I remember hearing this the first time and immediately being struck by it's depth and emotion. You saw everywhere how these so called fans called it "nothing special" or how "DIR EN GREY fans are too easy to please". If it's not your kind of thing, fine! But let the rest of us fans enjoy it for what it is - sheer exellence! DOZING GREEN was the first step towards the new album and created an unbearable wait. I was so intrigued by HYDRA -666- and when finally hearing it, it just blew me away by it's power and darkness. I've always loved the original, but this is a million times better! Last is a live recording of AGITATED SCREAMS OF MAGGOTS where the only negative thing is the mixing of Kyo's voice which is just too low compared to the rest of the band. Otherwise a powerful performance of this awesome song! DOZING GREEN shows a glimpse into the new album and remains one of their best singles. It has such beauty with a surpressed anxiety that breaks out in such an intense way at the end which just makes me go a bit crazy every time. With such an awesome B-side, this is a must!
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Glass Skin [Cardboard Sleeve] [Limited Edition]Dir en greyCould be their most emotional single
The first thing that struck me with GLASS SKIN was how complex it was. I had to listen to it several times to truly grasp it's depth, but it was never a case of me finding it hard to love the song which I did instantly. It still amazes me of all the hard work you hear from the band when performing this song. With the previous single, they not only re-recorded an old song, but reworked it completely. This time, undecided has only been adapted into a more unplugged kind of sound which suits the song perfectly and makes it far more haunting and beautiful than the original recording. It amuses me how so many people are disturbed by AGITATED SCREAMS OF MAGGOTS -UNPLUGGED- as I couldn't stop laughing the first time I heard it. It's just too awesome to be true! Besides, I consider this more a little nice bonus than something that's meant to be taken too seriously. The limited edition also includes a live recording of RYOUJOKU NO AME in amazing quality! The performance itself is incredible and only makes this already excellent single release even better! GLASS SKIN is incredible, and could very well be their most emotional single ever (and that's saying quite a lot!) With three extra tracks that are all great, this is one awesome release!
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Glass Skin [Regular Edition]Dir en greyCould be their most emotional single
The first thing that struck me with GLASS SKIN was how complex it was. I had to listen to it several times to truly grasp it's depth, but it was never a case of me finding it hard to love the song which I did instantly. It still amazes me of all the hard work you hear from the band when performing this song. With the previous single, they not only re-recorded an old song, but reworked it completely. This time, undecided has only been adapted into a more unplugged kind of sound which suits the song perfectly and makes it far more haunting and beautiful than the original recording. It amuses me how so many people are disturbed by AGITATED SCREAMS OF MAGGOTS -UNPLUGGED- as I couldn't stop laughing the first time I heard it. It's just too awesome to be true! Besides, I consider this more a little nice bonus than something that's meant to be taken too seriously. GLASS SKIN is incredible, and could very well be their most emotional single ever (and that's saying quite a lot!) The two extra tracks are awesome and it's another must have for any fan!
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Uroboros [Limited Edition, 2CD + 1DVD + 2LP]Dir en greyThe Past, Present and Future...
The wait was unbearable, but I waited till it was dark outside when I plugged this disc in. It didn't take any longer than the first second to have me in complete trance all the way through till the last second. The only thing I could say was that it was probably their best album yet. After having listened to so many times that I know every single detail in the songs, I can say that it truly is. Why is really not that easy to explain under 2400 letters, but I'll try. SA BIR is the greatest instrumental opening I've heard from any band - period! VINUSHKA is not only a great insight to what the whole album will feel like, it's their most epic song ever! The two delicate singles GLASS SKIN and DOZING GREEN could never have prepared one for the powerful darkness this album holds. INCONVENIENT IDEAL which closes the album is their most emotional song ever. Really, there's no point in talking about every song because they are all perfect! I can't even pick favourites, I just thought I'd say how the album starts, how it is somewhere in the middle and how it closes. The amount of hard work put down in this album is astonishing as DIR EN GREY manage to push themselves in a direction that make them better and better with every album which is something I can't think of any other single band have ever accomplished. The unplugged disc contain 3 tracks once again and they are just as great, if not better than those from the previous album! In particular RED SOIL which also feature completely re-recorded vocals. The DVD is nice with some interviews as well as two songs performed live in the studio. I have yet to listen to the vinyl records, but that will definitely happen one day. UROBOROS is so great that I can't possibly imagine how their next album will ever manage to top it, but I've said the same thing in the past with their previous albums as well and they always prove that they know how. They managed to capture the past, present and future of themselves with their darkest album yet.
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Uroboros [Limited Edition, 2CD]Dir en greyThe Past, Present and Future...
The wait was unbearable, but I waited till it was dark outside when I plugged this disc in. It didn't take any longer than the first second to have me in complete trance all the way through till the last second. The only thing I could say was that it was probably their best album yet. After having listened to so many times that I know every single detail in the songs, I can say that it truly is. Why is really not that easy to explain under 2400 letters, but I'll try. SA BIR is the greatest instrumental opening I've heard from any band - period! VINUSHKA is not only a great insight to what the whole album will feel like, it's their most epic song ever! The two delicate singles GLASS SKIN and DOZING GREEN could never have prepared one for the powerful darkness this album holds. INCONVENIENT IDEAL which closes the album is their most emotional song ever. Really, there's no point in talking about every song because they are all perfect! I can't even pick favourites, I just thought I'd say how the album starts, how it is somewhere in the middle and how it closes. The amount of hard work put down in this album is astonishing as DIR EN GREY manage to push themselves in a direction that make them better and better with every album which is something I can't think of any other single band have ever accomplished. The unplugged disc contain 3 tracks once again and they are just as great, if not better than those from the previous album! In particular RED SOIL which also feature completely re-recorded vocals. UROBOROS is so great that I can't possibly imagine how their next album will ever manage to top it, but I've said the same thing in the past with their previous albums as well and they always prove that they know how. They managed to capture the past, present and future of themselves with their darkest album yet.
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Uroboros [Regular Edition, 1 CD]Dir en greyThe Past, Present and Future...
The wait was unbearable, but I waited till it was dark outside when I plugged this disc in. It didn't take any longer than the first second to have me in complete trance all the way through till the last second. The only thing I could say was that it was probably their best album yet. After having listened to so many times that I know every single detail in the songs, I can say that it truly is. Why is really not that easy to explain under 2400 letters, but I'll try. SA BIR is the greatest instrumental opening I've heard from any band - period! VINUSHKA is not only a great insight to what the whole album will feel like, it's their most epic song ever! The two delicate singles GLASS SKIN and DOZING GREEN could never have prepared one for the powerful darkness this album holds. INCONVENIENT IDEAL which closes the album is their most emotional song ever. Really, there's no point in talking about every song because they are all perfect! I can't even pick favourites, I just thought I'd say how the album starts, how it is somewhere in the middle and how it closes. The amount of hard work put down in this album is astonishing as DIR EN GREY manage to push themselves in a direction that make them better and better with every album which is something I can't think of any other single band have ever accomplished. UROBOROS is so great that I can't possibly imagine how their next album will ever manage to top it, but I've said the same thing in the past with their previous albums as well and they always prove that they know how. They managed to capture the past, present and future of themselves with their darkest album yet.
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THE FINALDir en greyHeavy sound... equally emotional...
There's no question, THE FINAL is one of Dir en grey's most powerful and loved songs. It's got a heavy sound that manages to be equally emotional, much thanks to the acoustic tune that accompanies the rest of the instruments. Kyo's voice is just perfect, emotional singing like this hadn't been heard before. The live tracks are in great quality, in fact some of the best they've released on a single. INCREASE BLUE goes a bit slow which is surprising, but really good otherwise. RED... [em] however is awesome and captured really well! This recording of THE IIID EMPIRE is one of the best ever as their energy is undeniable, just what is required for that awesome song! THE FINAL in itself is one of Dir en grey's best songs and the live tracks included makes this one great single release that's still worth getting even if you own Withering to death.
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sakuDir en greyLeaves a lasting impression...
Dir en grey made the interesting move by starting with the B-side Machiavellism which is a really catchy and up-beat song. I love how Kyo gets inspiration from this kind of music to write lyrics about self mutilation. Then follows the actual single, SAKU which further introduced the great sound they would've achieved on all of Withering to death. The song is quite short, but leaves a lasting impression on a first listen. Going from the hysteric start to the wonderful part where Kyo sings his heart out is a great ride! Last, but definitely not least, they included their awesome live opening G.D.S. which is the absolute greatest way a live show can open. I can never get enough of that track as I listen to it constantly which send chills down my spine when I think of the awesome DVDs they have with it as well as when I saw them myself live. Included is a live version of SYOKUBENI and I definitely think this song is better when performed live. Even though it's a bit short, I love Kyo's acapella part, such unbelievable power they put down in this song every time when played live. Yet another great single release!
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embryoDir en greyAn emotional single...
embryo is an emotional single. The balance between the instruments is done with great care and Kyo's range from whisping to pouring out lots of feelings is always captivating. I've always liked the unique sound in this song. The lyrics of embryo were changed when appearing on the Kisou album so that alone makes this single a worthy purchase. The remix of ZOMBOID is quite interesting, but I'm not that fond of the embryo remix. The additional tracks don't make an excellent single release, but the actual single is great so this is definitely worthy of checking out!
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Child PreyDir en greyA great single!
The first couple of times I heard this song I just couldn't get into it. I couldn't get a grip on anything in it as it sounded so chaotic. Then one day something just happened. I completey fell in love with it and still am today. The only diference is that I tend to love it more every time I listen to it. There are clear differences between the single version and album version of Child prey. Here on the single, it sounds like a cross-over between their sound from Kisou and six Ugly. On the VULGAR album, they re-recorded new parts for it so it would fit better in with the rest of the album. I personally prefer the album version, but the single is definitely worth buying anyway! The live tracks are of great quality. I think kigan is probably the best out of the three as Hydra just doesn't get as good as it could've been. RASETSUKOKU is also really powerful! Just wish they hadn't faded out the song that is about to start at the end since I've always wanted to hear it live. A great single though, do check it out!
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DRAIN AWAYDir en greyA beautiful sight
DRAIN AWAY has always been a favourite of mine. From the gentle opening to the heavy guitars to Kyo's passionate vocals, it's got a lot of depth. The sound landscape that gets painted before the eyes is a beautiful sight. Why I give this release only a three star rating depends on the entire single release, and not just the actual single track. The remix of DRAIN AWAY has it's moments, but eventually grow a little boring after awhile. The Gyakujoutannou Keloidmilk remix also has some momennts, but just doesn't capture my interest. And I have no idea why it's called "plucking Mr.NEWSMAN". The remix of JESSICA is really boring as well. The only reason I bought this is because I'm a Dir en grey fanatic and wanted all of their single releases just for the sake of owning them. However most of their other single releases are great in their own rights, but DRAIN AWAY only has a great song and nice art cover.
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KasumiDir en greyDark and epic sound...
KASUMI has been a favourite of mine ever since the first time I heard it. I love the heavy guitars and Kyo's amazing vocals. Every second of this beautiful song is a pleasure listening to. This song also show very clearly the dark and epic sound of VULGAR. Another thing that makes this single release such a stand out is the excellent B-side FUKAI which was omitted from the VULGAR album. Very similar in the way of having heavy guitars, a steady rhythm and really powerful vocals from Kyo, it's definitely one amazing song from start to finish! And I just have to comment on this ignorant talk that FUKAI never was released on VULGAR because no one would've bought the single after the album's release. Newsflash! The single was released before VULGAR as they always do and if a B-side is required, then I guess no one bought the Child prey and DRAIN AWAY aingles as well then? The additional live track of umbrella is really good too and makes this one of Dir en grey's best single releases. All from a great single track to an excellent B-side to a nice live track, it's definitely a keeper!
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MyakuDir en greyEnter the MACABRE sound...
I can only guess the anticipation fans must've had after five singles and one amazing debut album for Dir en grey's next single. Enter the MACABRE sound, MYAKU in itself is a fantastic song which is itself worthy of purchasing this single as it differs slightly from the album version. Most notably the opening and end of the song. The B-side Ash is a powerhouse of a song! Hitting 100 from the start and not letting go until the end of the song, it's a ride you won't want to get off! I usually don't care much for their remixes, but the MYAKU remix is really cool. You just gotta love that wonderful ring signal!
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[KR] cubeDir en greyA lot of versatility!
Just like MYAKU, the previous single, [KR] cube is as much a worthy buy thanks to the fact that the song itself differs slightly from the album version. An extended intro with some really odd talking from Kyo. "Mama, I accidently dropped the candy..." and it's very abrupt ending... ...which leads into the B-side, a gorgeous acoustic version of JEALOUS with Kyo pouring his emotions out. The remix of [KR] cube is also very enjoyable even though I usually don't care much for remix versions. A great single with a lot of versatility!