The world-renowned operatic, growling and in-your-face 5-man setup of Dir en grey began the new year with a new single, titled “Lotus” which has had fans praying for time to go faster for the end of 2010. The single is finally upon us, the wait is over, here is Lotus.
Track List
1. Lotus
2. Obscure
3. 冷血なりせば (Reiketsu nariseba)
The title track was delivered to the world alongside a PV which is well-produced and showed off the band’s new look. The single also featured re-mastered versions of Obscure, from the Vulgar album, and reiketsu nariseba, from Uroboros, the band’s most recent album.
Musically, this new song features Kyo’s higher singing voice without any of the growling much of their recent work has featured. The instruments of the band continue to mature and improve as time goes by and the composition is complex and well-orchestrated.
Lyrically, this song seems to be about loss of love and rebirth. It follows the Diru tradition of having complex and meaningful lyrics filled with emotion and power due to the fact that most lyrics written are from Kyo’s heart from his life experiences.
It was a nice touch to add newer versions of two of their older songs to complete the single which are in the style of “new Diru” with more growling vocals and heavier music.
The single shows a promising stylistic movement from the band and it will be nice to see what else they release this year.
-Akumu
Sources: OHP , Album Artwork
I will buy it, for sure :D
ReplyDeleteThank you for supporting the band :)
ReplyDeleteagh. Personally, I really hated the remastered version of OBSCURE, even though I have loved all of the remastered versions they've done in the past [ZAN etc]--
ReplyDeleteI wanted to love the track so desperately, because OBSCURE was the first thing I heard by them, but midway through the track it was just like "WHO IS THIS BAND AND WHAT DID THEY DO TO DIRU :@"
Although the live reiketsu nariseba was GREAT; smooth vocals, good guitars [although I missed whatever instrument Kaoru used in the original...was it a Sitar?] and Shinya and Totchi were awesome as always.
LOTUS was good, but IDK, after the wait, I suppose I wanted a little something more from one of the best bands out there.
A fair point, Nona. Obscure was almost like a different track, it retained some key features such as the intro part, but in many other places it was very different. Perhaps you are right in wanting more after the wait, personally Lotus was a great song for me, but maybe having another all-new song would have been better! =]
ReplyDeletei agree with Nona and i am relieved that i have someone that shares my thoughts...every time i criticised it i was met with crazy fans threatening my demise! [up till god knows when trying to defend myself on diru's facebook before i just gave up, deleted my comments and unliked their page to protect myself from being reported for having independent thought!]
ReplyDeleteHaha crazy ass fans eh? Lotus was brilliant though and the live Reikestu only justified why they are one of the most incredible live bands out their - I'd say the even rival Radiohead in terms of stage presence and atmosphere.
But i enjoyed uroboros most because it showed a more wetern style of heavy metal and i do hope they try and rid themselves of the awful 'J-rock' stereotype and establish a more traditional METAL following [i mean no offence but the weaboo crowd has not been drawing the best publicity to the band and i personally think it keeps them from being taken seriously in mainstream music on a global scale...], they have been doing that so well with both Uroboros and The Marrow of a Bone, lets hope they go all the way this year and win a Grammy!
By the way...please these are just MY opinions...just me, im nobody...i don't deserve to be threatened or attacked...seriously 2 whole days of death threats from hard core fans is really starting to smart...
I liked Lotus but it did seem lacking. I really thought the remastered obscure was kind of unnecessary. Maybe if they did the whole vulgar album that would be cool.(one their best in my opinion.)
ReplyDeleteThough I did like Uroboros I thought it was also quite lacking in some aspects. I honestly wish they would write more songs like Mushi or their really gripping songs. I personally do not like the head to western metal. I mean bands have to change, But if I wanted western metal I would listen to a western band. I love Dir en grey for their unique sound and melodic presence. When Kyo just screams the entire time, it seems like a complete waste of his falsetto which is his most beautiful aspect to me.
The Marrow of a bone. I fell in love with about 3 songs. Vulgar was just amazing though. I could listen to that whole album day in day out.
I'm going to have to say I agree with Anonymous in that the westernisation of eastern bands is pretty sad. In my opinion, Visual Kei music is much more powerful, emotional and well-made than most western music. This is not to say ALL western music is bad, just I don't enjoy most of it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, D.P. also has a valid point in that to branch out into the western culture, bands need to be appreciated by that audience and there are those who love Visual Kei and JRock/metal and those who prefer a more western style. Fortunately, Diru have managed to keep that eastern flair and remain attached to their roots and still produce music which is amazing for both eastern lovers and haters, but metal fans all-over.
It's been proven with many VKei bands that you don't need to change your style to have a good audience over on this side of the globe, so let's hope many other bands come over to tour in the future!
Dir en Grey has never been my favorite....
ReplyDeleteThis was definately not a turning point.
I don't think they stand out enough, and their lyrics don't actually touch the listeners. (Like X Japan)