direngrey Blog and Journals

Im in love with you all

JAPANESE!!!! I love JAPAN!! I LOVE HOT ASIAN GUYS!!!! I LOVE THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE!! I LOVE MUSIC!!I LOVE ROCK N ROLL!! add them all together and what do ya get???? JROCK!!! Thats right Japanese Rock for some people that may sound silly but trust me its amazing!!!!! Here are some Jrock Bands that knock my socks off!! When it comes to these bands and these songs it doesnt matter what language you speak you will be blown away!

Dir en grey- Dir en grey is not only the best Japanese Rock band to ever live but they are one of the best cult bands ever (in my opinion dont shoot me). They are amazing and sick and twisted, I fell in love with them right after hearing Glass Skin which is still my favorite song. (plus I love Kyo).They are #1 in my opinion!

Sadie-Some Fans of Dir en Grey probably wouldnt like that I am puting them but I am. Sadie was the first Japanese band I came across and I am still a loyal fan. I love their sound,thier style,and they boys. Some think they are just wannabe Dir en grey. While I do know that the started out as a Dir en Grey cover band and that Kyo is Mao's Idol I dont think they are trying to copy Dir en grey at all. Maybe Mao's voice is sorta like Kyo's but it is soooo not the same and Sadie has there own sound.

The Gazette-Amazingly Hot guys+2 amazing guitarists+an Amazing bassist with a covered nose+Passionate drumming+Sensational Vocals= THE GAZETTE!!! GAZE ROCK IS NOT DEAD! These guys are so talented and are worth it to look up! Plus Uruha has great legs!

Antic Cafe(bou era)- I love Antic Cafe but some really big fans of the band may not like the fact that I dont listen to any of thier new stuff. I refuse to accept that Bou left and I only listen to the songs that still have bou in them. Maybe I am a bigger Bou fan then the whole band but I still love the band. Antic Cafe is what i would condider Rock Pop! They are so cute and so are there songs

Miyavi-Technically not a band and his music is not what I would consider Rock but Still he is AMAZING! He is one of the most succesful solo artist I know of and I practically worship his guitar skills its almost unfair for someone to have that much talent!!!

live report - 28.07.2009 20:01

author: Neejee

Dir en grey's second trip to Poland saw them play a solo concert in club Stodoła.

© DIR EN GREY - JaME - Andi

This summer a dream of many Polish (and not only Polish) J-rock fans was fulfilled. On June 24th Dir en grey came to Poland for a second time, but this time they weren't here to take part in a festival, but played a solo concert in club Stodoła in Warsaw.

On the day of the concert the first group of waiting fans began huddling in front of Stodoła several hours before the club gate was opened. The colourful crowd aroused the curiosity of passers-by, interested in their particular fashion, make-up and hairstyles. Also noticeable was the male presence among the fans - not quite half, but quite a considerable proportion. Regrettably, as the club gate opened, rather than an orderly queue, a hysterical flocking crowd surged towards the opening in a frightening way.

After entering the club, some fans checked out the merchandise stands or stopped by the bars for beer. But most of them ran to the venue immediately to get a place as close to the stage as possible. Throughout the whole live there was an incredible throng near the rails, and even before the show started so many crowded forward that a few people collapsed and had to be removed from the crowd. To prevent further injury, water was passed around to the rest of the crowd occasionally. But the majority of the audience was calmly waiting for the live to start, moving back as needed. Fortunately, the stage was quite high, so even from the back of the venue the view was good. Many were just happy to be there, hardly believing they had a chance to be at a Dir en grey concert.

As the mysterious sounds of SA BIR were heard, the band was called out by shouts from the fans, and they went out on stage several minutes after eight. The musicians briefly greeted the audience and then immediately went to their instruments, Kyo appearing last of all. At first, the members didn't show a lot of enthusiasm, maybe because of fatigue - their concert in Poland came at the end of their tightly packed European tour.

The band played songs from their last four albums, mostly from UROBOROS. Some of the fans were disappointed about the lack of older compositions in the set list, but the existing songs seemed to be winning them over. The audience enjoyed themselves throughout, and everyone jumped with the music (especially during STUCK MAN), head banged, and pumped their fists. When it was time for GLASS SKIN they sang the chorus along with Kyo, one of the more impactful moments of the live. Pouring all of his energy into his singing, the vocalist stayed at his podium for most of the show, making himself easily visible form every part of the venue. To the delight of the crowd, he shouted in Polish a few times: "Polska" (Poland) and "Warszawa" (Warsaw), earning him roars of enthusiasm in response.

Bassist Toshiya also encouraged the audience to have fun, often coming to the edge of the stage, pretending the screams weren't loud enough for him to hear them. For most of the time Shinya was hidden behind the smoke, but he compensated with his impressive drum play. However, both guitarists were a bit static. Kaoru concentrated mostly on playing and was the least conspicuous Dir en grey member. But the fan in front of Die made history, blowing his hair back for the fans who were photographing him.

After the main part of the show the band left the scene and fans had to wait a long while for their return. The audience stamped as they shouted "Dir en grey" and "encore." Gratifying the crowd, the musicians returned to the stage and played another three songs, perhaps the best moments of their performance. The first of these was a moving fan favorite, THE FINAL, and the audience responded with unbridled energy. Once again the whole venue - holding over 1,000 people - resumed jumping and singing together with Kyo, who also seemed to enjoy the moment as he allowed the fans to sing one verse of the familiar song by themselves.

Like the audience, the rest of Dir en grey's members also seemed to have a lot of fun. The guitarists moved from their places and walked along the stage, and Toshiya, like before, was everywhere. After finishing the last song, the powerful, chaotic CLEVER SLEAZOID, the band didn't leave the stage immediately, instead playing around and dousing fans with water. When Kyo spat water over the audience it seemed that he reached almost the half of the venue. The guitarists celebrated giving away picks, not only throwing them at different parts of the venue but even putting them directly into the hands of the fans. Toshiya kissed every pick before throwing them, and Shinya was less emotional but threw his drumsticks with enormous energy, so not just those at the front were able to catch them.

Dir en grey's concert lasted about two hours, but the time passed very quickly. Many in the audience couldn't accept that it was over, instead taking a seat on the floor and crying. Others rallied near one of the club's exits hoping to see the musicians one more time or even get an autograph. Unfortunately, the band used the second exit and their bus drove away honking in farewell.

While there were some problems with the sound quality (mainly where vocals were concerned) and many wished for more contact with the band and words from the musicians, the shortcomings paled in comparison to the positive impression left by the band. Dir en grey's performance in Warsaw was an excellent show and even better than their performance two years earlier, and every person in attendance will be reminiscing about it with a lot of sentiment. We look forward to our next chance to see them.


Set list:

01. SA BIR
02. INCONVENIENT IDEAL
03. VINUSHKA
04. OBSCURE
05. STUCK MAN
06. GRIEF
07. audience KILLER LOOP
08. DOZING GREEN

(voice DELAY)

09. TOGURO
10. GLASS SKIN

(voice DELAY)

11. BUGABOO
12. REIKETSU NARISEBA
13. Merciless Cult
14. Agitated Screams of Maggots
15. GAIKA, CHINMOKU GA NEMURU KORO

Encore:
01. THE FINAL
02. -saku-
03. CLEVER SLEAZOID

dir en greylive report - 14.07.2009 20:01

author: demi de

Dir en grey faced the audience of one of the biggest metal festivals in Europe in Gothenborg, Sweden.

© demi de

Dir en grey was the last of the three Japanese bands to perform at the Metaltown festival in Sweden, and they were the only to appear on the main stage. Following MUCC and right after Marilyn Manson, they were the only band performing on the festival grounds at the time. The ground in front of the stage an hour before their set was deceivingly empty; every inch of space was covered by excited, eagerly anticipating fans by the showtime. As the technicians took their time with the preparation, the formidable crowd - loyal fans and curious bystanders - kept growing.

Right on time, SA BIR, Dir en grey's intro, reached the audience. The band members appeared one after another, each taking a few seconds to greet the crowd, starting with Die on guitar, Toshiya on bass, Kaoru on lead guitar and Shinya the drummer, discreet as always. Kyo, the vocalist, appeared last to deafening screams, and instead of a smile he sprayed a mouthful of water all over the stage. Forgoing any sort of warm-up, Kyo suddenly growled and the band kicked off the snazzy rhythms of OBSCURE.

The song went by in a flurry of headbanging. After the final note, the members had a chance to properly greet the audience, raising guitars and fists in answer to the wild cheering. Merciless Cult followed, keeping the fierce pace going. However, its melodic parts offered the expressive vocalist the opportunity to accompany the words with firm gestures while standing on his infamous red box. GRIEF thundered in, adding oil to the fire of fierce excitement. The guitars were ominous; Toshiya's unstoppable energy rivaling Kyo's violent fury. The entire band was contributing back up vocals, creating a rather peculiar dynamic. Keeping the harsh pattern going, the intricate Red Soil was up next with an accordingly intense performance. These first rather difficult songs were also a test for the recently hospitalized vocalist. Unlike at their last European tour, Kyo fully stood up to the challenge: his voice was better than ever, and he performed the songs faithfully and emotionally, his presence - sometimes erratic, sometimes almost gentle - dominated the arena.

Dozing Green slithered in; Kyo's torso, now strikingly bare, was molded into intriguing shapes - an instinctual belly-dance of his own creation. As the track ended, Toshiya stepped up and pumped up the crowd to make up for the striking lack of MC throughout the gig. The crowd responded eagerly, screams flooding the pit. The momentum was necessary, as the next song was the eight-minute long VINUSHKA. The soft introductory melody spiked into a strong beat, and the band headbanged in unison. Looking and pointing straight into the crowd, Kyo screamed, "Koko ga shinjitsu da!" (Here is where the truth is!), making the fans yell vigorously back at him. Kaoru and Die stayed at their respective sides for the most part, offering the spotlight to the rhythm section. Shinya was doing a formidable job, the complicated drums beats building up the entire song. The song reached its peak with Kyo going berserk, grasping thin air while screaming in agony, and then it was over. The band turned away from the audience, looking momentarily drained.

As the break got longer and longer, it became apparent that it was time for Kyo's a capella. The vocalist stood alone at the center of the stage, screaming, crooning and sighing, the sound digitally manipulated on the spot. With elements of avant-garde, the esoteric performance silenced the fans who stood in awe. However, the regular metal fans looked rather restless. Not a minute too soon, the band was back in position, summoning the crowd back into an excited frenzy. STUCK MAN exploded from the speakers, demanding everyone's attention. This choppy, energetic song was well-received; painfully rough vocals and bullet fast screams added to their regained momentum. The low growls of the bass matched the beautifully fast paced drum rolls and Die's funky tunes, causing the crowd to jump up and down in abandonment. To top this electrifying performance, the band chose to play the fan-favorite, THE FINAL, next. After the familiar soft intro, the main melody came in, causing mass hysteria in the audience. The catchy yet interesting melodies had more and more people closing in on the stage.

Just when the massive crowd was getting into the show, the inevitable happened in the form of another a capella break. The front rows silently admired the mourning screams, yet the vast majority raised an eyebrow, many walking away from the band. Pausing the set twice for experimental chanting in front of a metal audience might have been an unfortunate choice. Still, it proves that Dir en grey will always be a "take it or leave it" kind of band that is proud of its unique elements.

The overly emotional chanting came to an end, and the entire band faced the crowd for BUGABOO. Kyo was now highly interactive, pointing at the audience and thrashing around, producing formidable wails that were subdued slightly by Die's electrifying, high-tuned playing. The staccato beat offered Shinya a chance to shine behind his massive drum set. Reiketsu Nariseba was hard and rich, offering the members the chance to interact with the crowd. Toshiya walked the entire stage, and Kyo spread his arms, urging the crowd forward, louder, more! Even Kaoru took a step forward, nodding vigorously. The punishing Agitated Screams Of Maggots ended up being unexpectedly static, with the band doing little but headbanging non-stop. The spectators grew in number again, but only the ones closer to the band participated actively. -saku-, combining death metal screaming with melodic main melodies, was apparently more appealing; the amount of people thrashing and moshing was increasing rapidly. Kaoru, seemingly delighted by the crowd's response, was smiling and performing more intensely than ever.

Far too soon, Kyo yelled, "Final song of the tour!" That song turned out to be Gaika, Chinmoku ga Nemuru Koro. The members gave their all for this difficult song. The vocals were obscured by the instruments, and then vice versa, creating an appealing, wild result. Kyo yelled at to the crowd "dance for me!" and his fans complied, each one moving to the music. Then the track was over, though the fans screamed on and on. The vocalist stayed back for a few precious moments, clapping a few times, and as always, he left first. The others members lingered, throwing picks, water bottles and drumsticks.

The satisfaction was apparent on almost every face: the band concluded a largely successful European tour and performed in some of the most formidable rock and metal festivals; the fans received an honest, powerful performance, and the rest of the audience enjoyed a rather unique show.

For a detailed article on the general response and reaction to Dir en grey's performance, which will be accompanied by a survey, please check the official JaME blog in the following weeks!


Set list:

SA BIR
OBSCURE
Merciless Cult
GRIEF
RED SOIL
DOZING GREEN
VINUSHKA
STUCK MAN
THE FINAL
BUGABOO
Reiketsu Nariseba
Agitated Screams of Maggots
-saku-
Gaika, Chinmoku Ga Nemuru Koro

I decided that im going to try to post one of these every week, in a hope that i can share my music taste with you:)

 

10. Drain The Blood-The Distillers

Just an awesome song, Brody Dalle's voice is so PUNK! This is a fun song to dance about to, if your into kinda Grunge punky stuff.

9. Legends-Madina Lake

Oh gosh, ive had an obsessionw ith these guys for a while now. This is a track off of their new album, Attics To Eden, and i love it so much. Its different to their older rstuff, but its never failed to get me singing along once.

8. If You Run-You Me At Six

I just..i love this song. Its my favorite off of the album, i think its a bit of genius. It may be getting fairly old now, but i love it anyways.

7. Vegas-All Time Low

I've been listening to this all week! Its such a good song, and i love singing along to it in the car with me best mates;)

6. Yokan-Dir En Grey

Ok, i think this song is back from their 'Gauze' period, where they dressed up as girls(There is a better phrase, but i've forgotten it...). I just love this song, i dont care that its in Japanese. The guitar solo just makes me wanna pick my guitar up and learn something new^_^

5.Papa Mama Nozomare Nu Baby-Miyavi

I love this song. I just seriosuly do. Don't yell at me, im going through my Jrock period:) Everyone has to go through it once:)Also, the solo in this is f'amazing:)

4.Sakura Sake-Arashi

Ok, a lot of people are going to be going 'hold on she was on about Jrock a minute ago and now she is listening to freaking Jpop'. But i like this song, so...yeah:) Also, i know all of the words to this song, even though its in Japanese:) And when the wee guys all do the glasses thing, i just crack up:)

3. I (hate) Everything About You-3 Days Grace

Emo, i know. But i think some people can relate, and i just like the song. So dont start flaming me with all your emo crap. I like it, and i dont care if you think im emo:D

2. So Over You-The Mission District

Ok, can i start by saying i FUCKING love these guys! I saw them live supporting Elliot Minor on Saturday, and i think they are just awesome. This is a brilliant song that just cries out to be sung along with:) Oh yeah, and you Canadians will be happy to know that one of your bands got to number 2:)

1. Solaris-Elliot Minor.

Ok, this has been on youtube for an average of about an hour. But i fucking LOVE it. You all know i have an obsession with these guys, but this song is just love. Actually. And isnt Ed Minton looking rather lush in this video? I think so!

So here you go, my number one this week, Solaris:

Clicky

Edit: Codefail fails. So im just gonna have to post the links for these.

I was wondering who you were all voting for? If you are voting at all:)

im voting for:

Best Brittish Newcomer  -  Circlestop. Awesome band.

Best International Newcomer  -  I dont know yet. Haha.

Best Live Band  -  Mindless Self Indulgence, Elliot Minor and Dir En Grey.(Well...you can vote more than once aha!)

Best Single  -  The White One Is Evil(Elliot Minor),Parallel Worlds(Elliot Minor), Discover(Elliot Minor)(Is my Elliot Minor fangirl side showing yet? Haha)

Best Album  -  Elliot Minor(Elliot Minor), Take Off Your Colours(You Me At Six) and IF(Mindless Self Indulgence)

Best Brittish Band  -  ELLIOT FREAKING MINOR!!!! THEY SHOULD SO WIN!! Obsessive fangirl much! haha:)

Best International Band  -  All Time Low and Paramore ftw!!!!

Best Video  -  Parallel Worlds(Elliot Minor), Dear Maria Count Me In(All Time Low), Six Feet Under The Stars(All Time Low) and Discover(Elliot Minor, just cause it was filmed in Japan...and because Ed is in it...hehe)

 

so, who are you guys all voting for?

if you havent voted yet, getcha ass voting!!!!!!

http://awards.kerrang.com/Categories.aspx

And if you cant think of a good Brittish band, just put Elliot Minor in. For me:)

and if anyone has a good international newcomer for me to vote for, then go ahead and tell me.

 

they've done it again - their crusade to rid the internet of any useful info on their bands, especially the Gazette, is really getting me down - I've just had to delete 6 PVs because they are no longer available.

Yesterday I went from 50+ videos on my youtube account *just of the Gazette* to 5!

 

They've taken off most of Sug's stuff too but strangely they don't seem to have touched Alice Nine or Screw yet ... *fingers crossed*

 

it's really getting me angry though - it's like they really don't want fans outside of Japan to be able to see/do anything - I appreciate the copyright issue but it's not so easy for people to get hold of the cds and dvds, especially older ones - and they cost so much to order (2 to 3 times as much as if they had European distribution and I could buy them in a UK store) and I really can't afford to spend that kind of money - take for example the latest Dir en Grey cd - £13 in my local shop compared to £30 if I had ordered it on CdJapan or something - it's a huge difference

I'm holding off from ordering the new Gazette cd until I can see if my local shop will be able to get it in for me - they've been really good about other stuff but they have had problems with PSC bands before - they couldn't get me Alice Nine's Vandalize for example. Why? Why don't PSC have a decent European distribution? Why are we penalised for not being Japanese?

*I hate to admit that my grandad may have had a point about Japanese inclusivity and being famously anti-foreigners - although he was a lot more colourful in his language - I think the words 'bloody racists' came up - which I really don't agree with but PSC's attitude does make me wonder sometimes*

growl growl growl sigh growl

[[New poem about no one in particular. Inspired by Dir en grey.<3 enjoy & comment~]]

You're the only one I'd ever smile for,
but now you're gone... Shall we meet again?

I can not see you now,
The snow falls and i began to cry.

Taking the test of time,
will we ever pass? I think not.

I'm staring at the flowers you left for me,
right before you left, I...

A portrait of you and I is small in my hands,
a single tear falls upon it.

Time passes, and your voice becomes vital to me.
I'm counting the days until I can...

I want to see you, all alone, just us two,
but time won't permit; will we ever meet again?

"Hey," you said, "Don't cry. Smile."
"I'm only living so i can see you smile," I said to you.

I cry a tear for each time you made me smile,
they fall faster as i watch you walk away.

Atop the rooftops scary height,
I'm staring at the lively city.

I look for your face in the mass of bodies,
It would be the brightest one of all.

If only you could be here, to lay by my side,
I'd wrap my arms around you and say,

"Hey, i love you, Don't cry. Smile.
I'm only living to see you smile."

The way we loved back then is gone.
With the wind, You left me alone.

I waited, I counted the days,
but you never came, and I never smiled.

Will you be the one to save me?
come and let me show you how,

Just how hard it is to smile,
you would be the only one to...

I'll only smile for you, just as the sun shines only for you,
without you here, I can not smile at the disappearing sun.

So I'm left with one final question:
This is all there is, isn't it?

If only we were to meet one last time,
If only for just now, I would...

I imagine your voice once more in my mind,
"Hey, smile, Don't cry anymore. From here on always I'll be watching you."

Dir en grey will release their TOUR08 THE ROSE TRIMS AGAIN DVD on April 29th in two versions. The regular edition will feature a live concert, while the limited edition will come with two more discs featuring bonus footage and performances from the band's October 18th show at SHINKIBA STUDIO COAST and December 29th show at OSAKA-JO HALL.

Additionally, the DVD will be released by Okami Records in Europe on May 1st.

I'll be going over to my second aunt's house soon, though I REALLY don't want to go. I was planning to spend today FINALLY catching up on the current 245 unread favourites I have now.

By the way? I WON'T BE MASS COMMENTING. No time, see.

AND MY DEAREST FRIENDS FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, I SUPPOSE YOU GUYS HAVE HEARD OF THE KERRANG! TOUR, WITH MSI, BRING ME THE HORIZON AND DIR EN GREY? HAS ANYONE GONE TO WATCH THEM? OR WILL BE? PLEASE DO TELL ME HOW IT'S LIKE, IF YOU ARE. BECAUSE I OBVIOUSLY CAN'T GO WATCH THEM, LIVING IN SINGAPORE. ESPECIALLY DIR EN GREY <33333333

[/capslockrape]

Kyo scares the living shit out of me, but I still love Diru :)

I WISH MIYAVI WOULD COME TO SINGAPORE. I WISH HE COULD BRING ALONG THE REST OF S.K.I.N. TOO, MEANING: GACKT, SUGIZO AND YOSHIKI. AND THE REST OF PS COMPANY. PLUS AN CAFE, AND VERSAILLES, AND KAYA.

[/capslockrapetwo]

Miyavi MAY be coming to Singapore in July. Maybe maybe maybe. I don't know, but I hope so. I don't care how much I'd have to pay to watch him. I can go watch Fall Out Boy, though I'm not getting the free-standing tickets. But Fall Out Boy's Fall Out Boy, so seeing them is a dream come true for me already. Now if my Jrock boys would come too... x]

AND GUIZE. REMEMBER DIR EN GREY FOR ME :D