Best of... October/November 2018
Hello guys, I know that is weird to see this post only now, but it was queued after all the previous ones you have seen here, so I decided to put it out anyway, but in a double format, so here we will cover the charts of October and November 2018, while December is made directly in the Album Selection of the past year. And now⌠letâs start the countdown!
5) Zonbi - We are Zonbi!!/Kurenai [Crimson red] (24.10.2018)
The young and freaking visual band shakes the things up with a new single, featuring two different and really interesting lead songs.
Why they are here: The Halloween single of this band is composed by two tracks; the first one is a pure and all-rounded exaltation of their extravagant concept, a well made one, while the second is a cover of one of the most famous songs by X Japan, here revisited in a macabre but really efficient style; this single definitely puts Zonbi under the spotlight.
4) Diaura - Malice (24.10.2018)
After almost one year, Diaura gets back to their own roots with a new and energetic single.
Why they are here: Following the short old-school phase (Unmei Kaika), Diaura reprise their own path with a strong and dark single, built on engaging tones and dynamic rhythms, showing how the band has never lost their own appeal.
3) The Thirteen - Lament (24.10.2018)
The visual metal duo continues their brilliant career with the third EP, being always better and better.
Why they are here: In each their release, Mao and Mizuki have always brought forward an obscure and provoking image, making each song more pleasant than ever; in Lament, which sees the presence of musicians, like Kazu from Gibkiy Gibkiy Gibkiy and the former Awoi drummer Ryo, we see a major emphasis of the aggressive side of their sound, but unexpectedly united with a poetic shade, compared to a more adrenalinic work, as seen in Urge, confirming the duoâs unique and versatile talent.
2) Mai Yajima - Vampiress (17.10.2018)
The young gothic-metal singer finally releases her first full album, after four years of career.
Why she is here: An album made of powerful and really fascinating sonorities, driven by Maiâs charismatic voice and an instrumental work worth of respect, bringing life to a really incredible product, which will get more people close to this rising star of the Japanese metal scene.
Senkou no Overlord (Modern overlord)
Chi no kyouen (Blood feast)
Aoiro shinju (Blue pearl)
1) Madmans Esprit - Conscientization of Unconsciousness (01.10.2018) *already reviewed by me*
The best release of October 2018 is, surprisingly, not Japanese, even if they seem to be; the South-Korean metal band Madmans Esprit releases their second album, the first work of their coming out worldwide.
Why they are here: Even not being Japanese, this band has a strong link, in terms of style and sound, with the rock scene of the Rising Sun (not by case they recently signed under Gan-shin Records, the German label which has always promoted visual kei bands in the West); the genre they propose is a complex metal, made by dark and chilling tones, unpredictable and thrilling vocals and compelling compositions; this album is a bold and dim product and it hints that we will hear more from Madmans Esprit.
Eine alte dunkelheit (An old darkness)
Drowning and Burning, Empty
Iâm Horrified by the Thoughts of Losing You
5) Trnty D:Code - [HELL]hound. (28.11.2018)
The young visual band delivers the second single, becoming more suggestive and interesting than expected.
Why they are here: This bandâs line-up is made by members of the unlucky band Killaneth, which they share some musical element with; in fact their sound is adrenalinic and well managed, with rap influenced which are well fit in the respective melodies; another good rookie from the visual kei scene.
4) D - Deadly Sin (14.11.2018)
D goes on with their new and fresh path, releasing a new single, five months after the fascinating Revive.
Why they are here: This band continues to surprise with the several influences they have in each work and this time they choose to make a relevant use of electronic notes, well fit in the energetic melodies, driven by Asagiâs powerful voice; itâs impossible to not love D.
3) Razor - Knot Invisible (14.11.2018)
One of the most succesful visual bands of the recent years releases a new and interesting mini-album.
Why they are here: Razor doesnât change their energetic and pounding style at all in this mini-album, in powerful and freaking themes driven by Ryogaâs unique charisma, in an intense and balanced product, enriched by some technical feat, confiriming the great impact of this band in the scene.
Keiai naru kimi e (To the honorable you)
2) Dexcore - Brain Washing (14.11.2018)
This new band, featuring as drummer the former Deathgaze member Naoki, is growing more and more, releasing the fourth single.
Why they are here: A young band, but with really clear ideas, at least as showed in the previous singles, and in this latest work, they make a relevant turn musically, introducing a major dynamicity in the rhythms and in the vocal interpretation; Dexcore are really promising and can really go on and on.
1) [Alexandros] - Sleepless in Brooklyn (21.11.2018)
The best release of November is the latest effort by the alternative rock band [Alexandros], their eighth full work.
Why they are here: The most important feature of this album is the incredible variety seen inside it, alternating catchy and soft themes with maturer and peculiar compositions, accompained by a distinctive technique and versatile vocals, in a release which shouldnât be missed.
Hana uta (Flower song) -ft. Tahi Sahihate-
Ashita, mata (See you tomorrow)
Thatâs all folks! See you with a new review in âLetâs Listen toâ!
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