Although they have formed only about four years ago, Dexcore have already estabilished their own status within the visual kei scene, thanks to a powerful and distinctive sound. Their first full album summarizes at best what they are able to do, with energetic themes, accompained by unique vocals and shades of experimentation, in seventeen tracks of pure metal energy.
The veteran band Buck-Tick is back to shake off things after two years from their last album, heading back to their roots, such in a way. In their latest work, their sound maintains the gritty and enigmatic vibe which always characterized them, but there’s also a pleasant electronic vibe, distributed on each track according to the style, driven by Atsushi Sakurai’s sumptuous vocals and a really refined instrumental work. If you are looking for something different, but also belonging to Buck-Tick, this album is definitely your choice.
Everyone knows the energetic and compelling metal band named Lynch., but few people know that their singer, Hazuki, has also a solo project, which has recently seen a sparkle thanks to the first album. In this release he gives vent to his own creativity, managing from covers of known Japanese songs, including something of his band, to newer songs, all transformed into magnificient and deep ballads, each one with its own shade and well driven by Hazuki’s melting and touching vocals. Hazuki has definitely a softer side compared to what he does with Lynch. and we’d like to explore it more.
Climbgrow is a metal band formed on 2015, and since then they released some EP and two albums, both last year. The second one caught the attention thanks to a paced and energetic rock sound, well provided by a quite good instrumental work, along with Taisei’s piercing vocals, giving an unique spin to an already addicting sound. This band appears incredibly interesting and has all the cards for going even beyond.
Smany is a young Japanese electronic artist, active since 2013 and recognized more for her collaborations with other alternative projects, such as World’s End Girlfriend. In her second album since signing up with Virgin Babylon Records, she brings up an enigmatic sound, closer to dream pop, made of vibrant notes, shaded vocals and unpredictable changes of rhythm and atmosphere, leading up to an unusual and fascinating work of pop music.
The first mention is for the Japanese all-female metal band Aldious, which has released the second chapter of their “back to the roots” project, started six months earlier. In this second disc, the band decides to reprise some of their recent hits, mixing up with the genres, going from thrash metal vibes to ballads and catchy hard rock notes. If this Evoke phase is a teaser of what Aldious has become, we can’t wait to experience what they have to offer.
The second mention is for the newest project led by the visual kei singer L, already know for his work in the bands Amber Bullet,The 3rd BirthdayandBalalaika. This EP, exclusively in digital, shows off the band’s sound, made of creepy tones, piercing bass lines, pounding rhythms, energetic riffs and L’s compelling vocals, all filled into the seven tracks featured, bringing on an interesting variety. We can only hope that L’s latest gig will last even more than the other ones.
Inoran, who most of you know as the guitarist of Luna Sea, came out with the eleventh album, made for celebrating his 50th birthday. The album is made of several genres, such as pop, rock and also ballad, mixing up energetic themes with more romantic ones, all of them working with a cohesive harmony. So Inoran is definitely a musician who makes well also outside the highlight of his band, ready to kick in with fresh and addicting music.
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Here I am with the final part of September’s themed week in “Lyrical Love”! The subject is a song of the visual kei band Dexcore, precisely Brain Washing, the lead-track of the same name single came out on 14th November 2018. The song summarizes all the band’s key features, going from a technical and aggressive sound to direct words, expressing raging feelings in the best way possible.
THE MUSIC
The song starts with crystalline notes, leading up to an heavy and highly paced metal theme, showing off an incredible technique; Kagami’s vocals are aggressive at maximum, featuring also clear notes in the refrain, a proof of his fascinating versatility; a complex and astonishing track, where the articulated breakdown represents something unusual and hard to forget.
Lyrics (Romaji)
Is that how you really feel? Do you want to see someone smiling when you are tricking yourself? You have lots a fucking words that someone used lined up in front of you And you listen to those words with no doubt and the venue is filled up with irritated sweat and mother fucking tears Remove it before I drawn I got a problem with the fucking world like that
Pushing my self down to get famous Brain washed by others to get famous Sing for the fame You are already done at the time you are saying that you want to be famous
Appropriate words soko ni wa nani mo umare wa shinai kibou mo namida mo itami mo
Is that how you really feel? Do you want to see someone smiling when you are tricking yourself? You have lots a fucking words that someone used lined up in front of you And you listen to those words with no doubt and the venue is filled up with irritated sweat and mother fucking tears
This is not the world I wanted
Appropriate words soko ni wa nani mo umare wa shinai kibou mo namida mo itami mo
nagashite hontou no namida o kikasete hontou no koe o “koko” de misete
Welcome to my mother fucking heart Probably you won’t fell anything Your basically brain washed
Don’t fucking disturb me
Appropriate words soko ni wa nani mo umare wa shinai kibou mo namida mo itami mo
This world makes me sad kowashite Dope people disappears and shitty people grows
This is not the fucking world I wanted This is not the music I wanted
Lyrics (Translation)
Is that how you really feel? Do you want to see someone smiling when you are tricking yourself? You have lots a fucking words that someone used lined up in front of you And you listen to those words with no doubt and the venue is filled up with irritated sweat and mother fucking tears Remove it before I drawn I got a problem with the fucking world like that (I)
Pushing my self down to get famous Brain washed by others to get famous Sing for the fame You are already done at the time you are saying that you want to be famous
Appropriate words Nothing is born there Either hope, tears or pain (II)
Is that how you really feel? Do you want to see someone smiling when you are tricking yourself? You have lots a fucking words that someone used lined up in front of you And you listen to those words with no doubt and the venue is filled up with irritated sweat and mother fucking tears
This is not the world I wanted
Appropriate words Nothing is born there Either hope, tears or pain (III)
True tears are shed A true voice is heard Show me “here”
Welcome to my mother fucking heart Probably you won’t fell anything Your basically brain washed
Don’t fucking disturb me
Appropriate words Nothing is born there Either hope, tears or pain
This world makes me sad Breaking Dope people disappears and shitty people grows
This is not the fucking world I wanted This is not the music I wanted (IV)
THE WORDS
Written by the singer Kagami, the text is pretty simple to follow, especially thanks to the massive use of English, one of Dexcore’s peculiarites, and to a plain layout. The single where it released deals with the common theme of discomfort for the world where we live in, reflected indeed in the language used for each track. The two b-sides, Hey!! CockroachesandNaked, deal respectively with the rottenness of human soulandthe necessity of expressing ourselves, rendered with the act of screaming, making them strictly linked with the lead-track’s subject. It deals with the mind being the frailest part of a person, which can be easily influenced by words and images, often carrying a mistaken meaning or leading to a wrong purpose or thought. The manipulation of human mind leads unavoidably to the erasure of any authentic feeling and to a constant and meaningless searching for the fame, a vain concept for itself, which is linked to the music world, which sees this dark concept in action. And now… let’s analyze the song!
I) The text starts with the author who is asking to the reader if his feelings are properly real, trying to see someone smiling, while he is deceiving himself; in his mind there are a lot of words, disposed by other people, which he listens to without any doubt, making his world full of fatigue and sadness, so he invites him to leave that world before he is drown into it.
II) The author admits to have gotten too far only for the fame, aware that his brain is actually manipulated by other people for that purpose (there’s a sure reference to Kagami’s personal life); he says that fame brings to the end of life and so he invites the reader to not follow that path, since nothing comes, good or bad, from those aligned words by others ( Appropriate words/soko ni wa nani mo umare wa shinai/kibou mo namida mo itami mo,not by case, this part has two lines written in Japanese).
III) After the repetition of the first sequence, the protagonist says that he doesn’t want a world made of deception and manipulation, and then the sequence ends with the repetition of the second part.
IV)In the final sequence, the author says that tears have started to flow, fulfilled by truth, along with a voice, made in the same manner (nagashite hontou no namida o/kikasete hontou no koe o), so he asks to the reader to show him everything he has in that distorted world (“koko” de misete). The author decides to accept it in his heart, but he is aware that he won’t feel anything, because of the manipulation he’s getting, so he screams to not being disturbed. Following a repetition of the second sequence, the author says that the world where he lives is making him sad, because of its contradictions, such as the bad people living more than the “dream-doped” ones, ending the text with the desire of not hearing the music of this cruel world anymore.
The most important thing for an human being is his/her identity, unique and personal, which is often attacked by manipulation and distorted realities. Dexcore talk directly with each one of us, expressing the cruelty of a rotten and deceiving world, where nothing is as it seems and the individuality is becoming rarer.
That’s all folks! See you with a new review in “Let’s Listen to”!
Here I am with a new band special in “Focusing on”! Today’s subject is a young band, which is already having a relevant spot within the scene despite their little path. We’re talking about Dexcore, formed on 2016 and composed by Kagami (vo.), Yumeto (gt.), who substituted Haku last year, To-ru (ba.), who joined the band after Tetsu’s departure on 2017 and Reizi (dr.), who joined them this year following the departure of the historical member Naoki, of Deathgaze fame. The band name is likely a modified version of the word “deathcore”, which clearly gives an idea of their musical world. In fact their concept is a fusion between rage and feelings in an unique thing, brought up by their music. Their genre is indeed heavy metal, with a tendency to metalcore and deathcore, alternating between adrenalinic melodies with more melancholic ones. Their debut occurred on October 2016 with the singles Hunger,The Dead SeaandImitation.
The title-track introduces pretty well the band’s sound, exalting more the heavier and technical side since the first seconds; the song is about people trying to imitate others in each aspect. It has been followed by the singles Black Pig,New Era(reviewed here) and Brain Washing.
The title-track sees an efficient mix of chilling and crystalline notes with energetic and fascinating metal notes, empowered by Kagami’s vocal performance; the song is about human mind, which can be easily manipulated. It has been followed by the single Don’t be Afraid.
The title-track sees Kagami giving out all his best with screamos and raging tones, driving a strong and unpredictable metal track; the song is about defeating doubt and fear. It has been followed by the single Dragout..
The title-track has a very technical and articulated melody, with an high tax of adrenaline and a compelling vocal interpretation by Kagami; the song is about dragging someone into the darkness.
The visual kei scene is needing something which makes it riveting and worth to be followed, like it was up to ten years ago. With many famous bands disbanding or going to hiatus, with some member coming back with new projects, being ofter less than what it is expected, it’s hard to find some act which can bring a new life to the scene. Dexcore might be one of the few acts capable to kick off the things, thanks to a compelling metal sound, which goes from heavy to melancholic without any effort, and sees a great capacity of delivering, even if the single members don’t have a distinctive musical experience. Kagami’s mature and astonishing vocals are definitely the flagship of this young band, making him able to sing any kind of metal song, with struggling clear notes and efficient screamos, a rare thing to find nowadays, and accompained by young but talented musicians, creating energetic melodies which stick perfectly with his singing. Dexcore is a phenomenon destined to grow more and more, and this is definitely confirmed by their first full album[Metempsychosis.], a really nice metal experience to listen to and a great base for a better musical future, with an interesting duet.
Who might enjoy: who is looking for a compelling and energetic metal band, with a talented and young line-up.
Recommended songs: Hunger, The Dead Sea, Imitation, Black Pig, New Era, Brain Washing and Dragout..
That’s all folks! See you with a new song analysis in “Lyrical Love”!
Here I am with the second part of September’s themed week in “Throwback Thursday”! The subject is always related to the visual kei band Dexcore, but this time we go back to their third single, New Era, came out on 04th July 2018. This release is important in their repertory as it brought the band into a new awareness, allowing them to explore more their sound. And now… let’s review!
-New Era [need of a change]: the title-track opens the single, kicking off things with a pretty steady rhythm, reinforced by an adrenalinic guitar; the vocals are well balanced between clear and heavy notes, with a pretty catchy refrain which makes the song more appreciable; a nice metal track, with a consistent technique, especially in the breakdown. —> 9/10
-Magnet [get by on our own]: the first b-side maintains the musical style provided in the previous track, featuring also an interesting melodic component; Kagami’s voice is clearer and shaded within the melody, driving up a strong and melancholic track. —> 9/10
-The Sky is Crying [the evil ends]: the single ends with a song opened by a pretty adrenalinic guitar, leading up to a strong metal theme, accompained by a nice electronic vibe, which influences also the vocals; a good track, which keeps high the energy and ends the single in a fitting way. —> 9/10
Final Vote —> 9/10
At the end of 2016 Dexcore started their own path in the visual kei scene and since the beginning they showed the will of bringing out good and engaging music. Thanks to a pretty interesting line-up, among which we mention Deathgaze’s Naoki as drummer, the curiosity around this band grew exponentially, until their first releases, a series of singles which shown their wide musical range. New Era, as per title, signed the beginning of a new phase for them, where their sound has definitely matured, enclosing energetic themes, along with a bit of electronic and melancholia, and all those elements are well delivered by Kagami’s distinctive vocals, quite peculiar for a rookie, along with Haku’s good guitar work, To-ru’s skilled bass-lines and Naoki’s musical experience, an added factor for a really promising band like this. Dexcore has been always an act worth to be followed and this engaging single shows what they are capable of. A single for who needs to know better Dexcore’s roots or is looking for a good metal release.
That’s all folks! See you with a band special in “Focusing on”!
Here I am with a new review in “Let’s Listen to”! Today’s subject is the first full album by the metal band Dexcore, named [Metempsychosis.] and released on 30th September 2020. This release is a really important one for them, as it is the first work with the new drummer Reizi, who joined the band during the year, replacing the historical member Naoki, and it represents a musical rebirth for them, with a refreshed sound and including new takes of some past song. And now… let’s review!
-[Metempsychosis.]: the album starts with the title-track, opened by chilling piano notes; Kagami kicks off the thing with a powerful screamo, leading up to an heavy and really paced metal theme, well articulated by the compelling guitar work; a great song for opening the album, emphasized by a fascinating vocal interpretation. —> 9/10
-Dragout.: the lead of the eighth single maintains the highly heavy sound, with a compelling rhythm leading up an adrenalinic theme, well underlined by the guitar; Kagami’s voice is aggressive and powerful, with a good alternance between screamos and clear notes, showing his remarkable versatility; an heavy metal song per definition, with a really astonishing finale. —> 9.5/10
-Replace our Souls: this song starts with a fast guitar, along with Kagami’s screamos and a pretty aggressive and freaking rhythm; the vocals are strong and well coordinated, thanks also to the song’s good structure; a really good track, with a distinctive guitar solo. —> 9/10
-Collapse -2020-: a new take of the lead-track of the seventh single sees Kagami’s screamed vocals opening the theme, leading up to a paced and dark sound, with dark notes underlined by chilling electronic effects; the vocals are dark and whispered, contrasting with the strong guitar notes, where the refrain has a major emphasis of the clear notes; a good track, with a unique technique, especially in the breakdown. —> 9/10
-Breath: this song starts with strong guitar notes alternated with some electronic beat, well fit in the melody; Kagami’s voice is softer and shaded, bringing also some piercing note in his performance, another hint of his incredible vocal versatility; the rhythm becomes stronger, accompained by a decise guitar which adds an heavy vibe into the song, including screamed vocals; a quite various and fascinating track. —> 9/10
-the Ground: the song is opened by Kagami’s powerful screamo, leading up to a paced and freaking theme, driven by strong guitar notes and pounding drums; the adrenaline and the technique are the key elements of the melody, pumping up the whole thing at a new level, without forgetting a more melodic shade, featured in the second part. —> 9/10
-Scribble: this song is introduced by dark notes, accompained by weird voices and a crescent melody, where the drums kick off the theme, heavy and highly paced; Kagami’s vocals are fast and efficient, alternating between heavy and light with great ease, bringing out once again his versatility. —> 9/10
-Two-Dimensional: an electronic intro kicks off the song in a quite fast way, leading up to a pretty paced rhythm, making the melody quite different than usual; the vocals are quite aggressive and piercing, for a catchy and enjoyable track. —> 8.5/10
-Don’t be Afraid -2020-: Kagami’s aggressive vocals open the new take of the title-track of the eighth single, leading up to a powerful rhythm, which makes the melody more animated and freaking, adding even some electronic shade; Kagami’s vocal interpretation in this song sees a major emphasis of clear notes, making the song more distinguishable, even thanks to its unpredictable structure. —> 9.5/10
-U.N.Know: this short track is opened by dark and heavy notes, along with Kagami’s screamo which drives a quite adrenalinic melody, with a nice technique and an angry vibe, seen also in the unregular breakdown towards the finale. —> 8.5/10
- 「T.c.b.t.s」 : in this interlude there’s a shift towards more chilling and scary notes, bringing up an horror atmosphere within the album.
-Demise: heavy tones kick off the song, in a track featuring a really steady rhythm and a piercing guitar; Kagami’s performance brings up an alternance between heavy and soft notes, tracing the style seen in most songs of this album. —> 8.5/10
-Truth=Betrayal: a dark and enigmatic guitar opens this short song, leading up to a beating rhythm, showing a relevant technique, along with freaking vocals; a nice song, which keeps interest high. —> 8.5/10
-Period: this song sees an electronic intro, along with Kagami’s screamo kicking off the theme, with a steady rhythm and a relevant guitar presence; Kagami’s vocal performance drives the whole thing, in an intense interpretation, melting and powerful at the same time. —> 9/10
-Cibus (ft.Ryo from Crystal Lake): the lead-track of the album starts with a raging guitar, leading up to an energetic melody, kept up by the duet between Kagami and Ryo, showing up their differences and clashing them in a really pleasant way, with a good tone variety; another outstanding and unpredictable song by Dexcore. —> 9.5/10
-Needle in the Dust: in this song there’s a style change, going towards a melancholic metal theme, empowered by a compelling guitar; the vocals are melting, building up a quite interesting interpretation for an unusual and pretty good song. —> 9/10
-Visitor: the album ends with a song introduced by slow and peculiar notes, bringing up a weird atmosphere within the melody; in a gradual approach, the theme goes on with an unique energy, where Kagami’s voice is mostly clear, well balanced with the guitar, which empowers the whole thing; a good track for ending the album, different but not far from the style offered. —> 9/10
Final Vote —> 9/10
Dexcore is surely one of the most promising visual bands of recent times, which always delivered with their works without being repetitive. Since their debut, occurred on 2016, the band brought out a distinctive metal sound, alternating between heavy and melancholic tones even inside a single track, and their musical world has been put at the center in this first album. [Metempsychosis.] demonstrates how a band can be strong and competitive even if it’s a rookie one and with member changes behind, with seventeen tracks (a large amount for a first full album) made of what Dexcore does best, going from adrenalinic songs to more experimental ones and balancing past and future. The album worked also thanks to the members’ unique skills, on which Kagami stands out among all, thanks to an incredible vocal versatility, allowing to sing every kind of metal song with ease, an awesome thing for an emerging singer like him, without forgetting the other members, who are beginners and very talented, even for their status. If you are looking for a riveting act in the current visual kei scene, Dexcore is definitely your choice, a mixture of energy and talent, being only at the beginning of their path. An album for who is looking for a promising and compelling visual kei band, whose sound is energetic and intense.
That’s all folks! See you with a review in the past in “Throwback Thursday”!
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