Before I get started, today is Memorial Day here in the US, and I'd like to take a moment to thank all the soldiers and their families for their service to our country. Your strength and sacrifice is deeply appreciated.
Starting this Quickie off with happy news! Alice Nine has announced their official comeback with their 11th Anniversary live, Re:Birth, at Toyosu PIT on August 23. What this means for their independent incarnation, A9, I'm not really sure, but it's exciting nonetheless. Check out the announcement trailer and try not to squeal.
So ostensibly this was to be a review of BABYMETAL at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. But that’s too easy. Want some adjectives…?
How about Spectacular…? Ground-breaking…? Total…Mind…Fuck?
Too harsh?
Then let’s go with Unprecedented.
Since the release of their debut/self-titled album in February of last year, the reviews have been pouring in. Everyone, with the exception of a few lonely metal elitists (and there are fewer and fewer of those) seems to agree (even Rolling Stone). BABYMETAL is the most innovative act of the 21st century…at least to date.
Highlights from the Toronto show include “BABYMETAL Bucks” tossed by adoring fans during the performance of “Onedari Daisakusen”—
This money was handed out in the queue prior to the mayhem. Like, thousands of them. A couple of days previous BABYMETAL had played Mexico City and the audience threw some 12,000 Mexican versions of same into the air. Apparently the Canadian goal was to beat this...I'm not sure if we did. But yeah, you can see them fly in the video.
Hold onto your pants, folks. I've got a cool one for ya. Just announced, Momoiro Clover Z will be performing at Anime Expo in LA July 2-5. Not only that, Paul Stanley of KISS will be making a special guest appearance during the show. You may remember, Momoiro Clover Z collaborated with KISS on their last single. This is an event not to be missed.
VNITED Music Festival, taking place on July 5 at Amplify Hollywood, is the first ever music collaboration between Asia and the US, boasting great visual acts from both Japan and the US. Sponsored by Cure Magazine shop, XENON, the festival features KON and NAO from CELL, ANTI FIMINISM, and local act, Lolita Dark. Presale tickets are just $20 with a VIP option for only $60, so get out there and support VK in the USA!
Not in the area, but still want to support the cause? No problem! Dig the banner at the top of this post? Even better! Just follow this link to download one of your own to post on your own blog. Link back to the VNITED Music Festival website, add #VNITED15 to your tweets, and help build awareness for XENON's first ever US Visual Kei festival.
This week heralds the return of visual kei circuit event, Shibuya ga Taihen. For those that aren't familiar, Shibuya ga Taihen is an annual music circuit that took place from 2009-2011. This year's even will take place August 10 and span across five clubs: Tsutaya O-EAST, Tsutaya O-WEST, Tsutaya O-NEST, Tsutaya O-CREST, and Shibuya MUSIC EXCHANGE. Thought the lineup has not yet been announced, it promises over 50 visual kei bands, so there's bound to be a few you want to see.
Get 'em while they're hot folks!!! Advanced tickets are now on sale, and they are only $10!!!! I've said it before, and I'll tell you again, this is a steal of a price for an experience of a lifetime. There's no excuse for missing this series, you can't get this anywhere else.
In case you missed the details, check our previous coverage HERE!!
Taka here with another review- second in a row; not too shabby!
I was honestly surprised when I received this single in the mail... but I was overjoyed! I adore Sono's voice and just the overall dynamic composition style that is Matenrou Opera.
On April 8, Matenrou Opera released their maxi-single, ether. The first thing I HAVE to note about this single is how cool the jacket is. The lyric booklet is actually sitting in the little holster that is the band (as you see above) and there is a moon that also separates and you slide in behind them, building it as a 3 layer pop-up book in a way. Not to mention, the CD is kept iridescent with white printing over the top.
This single features 3 awesome tracks:
1. ether
2. Round and Round
3. ari no koushin
Before I diagnose each song individually, I have to say I unfortunately was unable to find translated lyrics in order to discuss the lyrical content. If you happen to find any, feel free to tell me so I can look into them!
Also, you cannot necessarily judge this single as a whole, since the style changes from track to track. I feel this single has a little something for all of your tastes.
Hey, guys! I know I skipped a week, but....Welcome to Rockville happened ^^. I'm going to try not to beat you over the head with old news and just stick to the good stuff. There were TONS of new releases announced the last couple of weeks, so make sure to check that release calendar in the sidebar for updates. Here we go!
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas have announced an overseas show along with the worldwide release of their music via iTunes. The band will play Heart-Town Festival 2015 in Taiwan, which takes place August 7-9. iTunes sales start April 29 and will include all 7 of their releases to date. They also have a new limited single, titled 'Starburst,' releasing May 13 in two types.
Right smack in the middle of their run with Nikki Sixx on SIXX:AM's Modern Vintage tour, VAMPS made a quick stop in Florida to perform in Monster Energy's Loudest Month series, rocking the stage during Ft. Rock in Ft. Meyers and Welcome to Rockville in Jacksonville. I caught up with Hyde and KAZ after their smoking set in Jacksonville on April 24 and, with the help of translator, Hiroki, chatted about touring with an American legend, performing in a foreign country and vampire evolution.
You guys have been playing a LOT lately. You’ve been very very busy. Do you do anything special to stay in shape, maintain your voice, anything like that?
H: We have kind of a hard time, of course. With the one man tour we get kind of tired, but everyday something new happens and it’s kind of refreshing.
Speaking of new things, Nikki Sixx recently played VAMPARK in Japan with you guys and now you are opening for him on his SIXX:AM Modern Vintage Tour. How did that come about?
H: Nikki knows that I’m a big fan of Motley Crue and Nikki Sixx. We recently had a big gig in Japan called VAMPARK Festival and we supported SIXX:AM and helped them get into the Japanese market. Now, we are with SIXX:AM because they are trying to give back for what we did for them.
