Month: August 2016

Live Report: the GazettE at the Wiltern, Los Angeles, May 2016

Published by Ali Watson

For a decade and a half -almost-, one band in particular has embodied the soul of visual rock to not only be pioneers in style, but in sound. While they skate the edge of ‘legendary’ in the eyes of many, there is also little doubt that there will ever be a band like them again. They’ve had the makings of a serious force since their inception and in recent years, their music has proven time and again that their creative force is still on the rise. That band is the GazettE. From 2002, fans of Visual Kei and Japanese rock have at least heard of the band and likely numerous songs over the years. Most Japanese music fans can name a few songs even if they’re not die hard fans. It’s testament to their reach and influence to be able to reside in the memories of so many. For those dedicated ones who have come to love this band and their music, were you to ask any one ‘what is your favorite song?’ The response …

Hizumi: Beyond Music

Published by Ali Watson

Hizumi: Beyond Music by: AliW How far back does one have to travel to say ‘this is the beginning’? For anyone’s career, that could depend on what one is doing at this moment that defines where to look for the start. Today, HIZUMI is the sole designer and creative force behind his company, UMBRELLA. His products and accessories feel as though they are tailored for everyday people and for everyday life. Not only are his designs unique, his products are primarily utilitarian; and quite fashionable! A reflection of a sophisticated ideal that is easy for most to connect with. In that sense, let’s take a look at ‘the beginning’. The end of an era Perhaps one of the most curious questions people tend to have for HIZUMI is ‘do you look back?’ or worse, ‘what do you think when you look back?’. In the time during our Naka-Kon adventure, I’ve heard these questions posed to him in as many ways. Time and time again, explanations were laid out; but if we are to consider the …

VAMPS in Denver with Apocalyptica and Sixx:A.M.

Published by Ali Watson

April 13th, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. When VAMPS, Apocalyptica and Sixx:A.M. announced a tour together, one could already see it would be a badass show. VAMPS being from Japan, Apocalyptica from Finland and Sixx:A.M. from the U.S. promised a refreshing complement of styles and a conglomerate of fans usually reserved for festivals. The three bands definitely did not disappoint, delivering hard hitting sound and soul pounding energy to the masses that built from start to finish. At 8pm sharp, VAMPS took the stage, wasting no time to crush into their first song, World’s End, from their latest album BLOODSUCKERS, which was released on March 24th in the United States. HYDE’s style of vocals has always been strong with L’arc en Ciel; with VAMPS, he’s had the opportunity to showcase rock and metal elements that deliver and then some. Following Devil Side and Revolution II, HYDE spoke briefly to the crowd, starting out with a warm welcome, “Hello, Denver, we are VAMPS! We are very excited to be here!” For much of the performance, he carried …

A-Kon 25: GEEKS & Ra:IN

Published by Ali Watson

For A-Kon’s 25th year anniversary, they pulled in some pretty heavy weight when it comes to music. GEEKS, a punk-esque band, opened the night with a hard rocking drive that had fans jumping throughout their performance. Many fans might not have been previously unaware of this band, yet before the night was over, they undoubtedly won quite a few new ones. When one thinks of punk shows in the 90s, high energy comes to mind. A passionate and alive crowd that’s a hair shy of moshing, fists in the air and fans moving in the kind of turbulent tide that promises violence but doesn’t deliver savagery. Even the sounds were reminiscent of ‘old school’ punk with a modern flair that drew one in without hesitation. Each member demonstrated skill and the same kind of energy the crowd gave until the last note where screams sounded for more. GEEKS OHP: http://geeks.co.jp/ GEEKS Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/geeksjapan The headliner for the evening was none other than Ra:IN; Rock and INspiration, a band formed by Pata, and includes Michiaki, DIE …