I'd like to start this week off with a good mystery. X-Japan drummer, Yoshiki, has the jrock world all stirred up again with a mysterious tweet in which he asked his followers what festival they liked. He mentioned several in the tweet, such as Summer Sonic, Fuji Rock and A-Nation and gave fans the opportunity to voice their opinion. Could this mean there's a festival in X-Japan's future? Probably not, but it's fun to dream.
After returning from a near two year hiatus, heavy hitters, VIRULENT, have announced the release of their second mini-album, TECHNO BREAK. The album releases February 13 and they've already updated their ohp with their new look and a music preview so make sure to head over and check that out.
Nihilizm has announced the release of a new single on April 8 in two versions. The version titled "Sybiosis" will include two tracks and a DVD live digest and the version titled "Parasite" will be CD only and feature three tracks. They will also be holding their second one-man, Malice of A - Nero&Cbet -, on June 20 at Ikebukuro EDGE.
Matenrou Opera will be releasing a new single on April 8 titled, Ether. The title track was written as the theme for horror film, Shinrei Shashinbu, for which keyboardist Ayame is the soundtrack supervisor. The single will contain three tracks and sell for 1111yen. The group kicks off their live tour, titled The Fifth Element, on May 6 at HEAVEN'S ROCK with the final held at Akasaka BLITZ on June 17.
And now, for a suck that hit me really hard. Just announced via their official Ameblo accounts, drummer Kaji and guitarist Nagi of REIGN will be departing the group after their one-man performance in April. Personally, this really breaks my heart. I just can't see the band being the same without them. REIGN has decided to continue on with all activities as a three member group and we'll keep you posted on any changes as they come up.
Here's a cool thing. Synk;yet is throwing some love to their foreign fans! They will be giving away three pairs of tickets to their one-man, [Expanding Inner Core-THE FINAL-] at Tsutaya O-WEST on March 26 to foreign nationals wanting to attend. To apply, send an email to info@starwaverecords.jp with "Synk;yet Free Oneman Live Tickets." The email should contain your name, sex, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. This giveaway is only open to foreign fans and winners will be contacted sometime in March. Make sure to check their OHP for full details.
Last but not least, our friends over at XENON in LA have announced their next livestream Q&A event! The artists has yet to be revealed, but rumor has it it's none other than Arlequin. The event will take place on February 7, so make sure you like XENON on Facebook and keep an eye out for the event invite for all the details.
That's the Quickie. Check ya later.
