exist†trace Album Review: TRUE

If you thought this band was good before then you haven't seen anything yet. Now that they've made the move to a major record label the girls of exist†trace seem determined to surpass everyone's expectations and prove that they should have been here a long, long time ago.

These metal maidens are back and stronger then ever before.

Opening the album with the title track TRUE was a wise decision and immediately shows you what this band is all about. Everyone is in top form and Omi's guitar riff paired with Jyou's opening vocals certainly surpassed my expectations and that's hardly the best part of the song. Familiar to any exist†trace fan is the sound of Naoto's bass at the midpoint of the song combined with Mally's drumming helps build the song to a climax just before a surprising but blistering double-guitar solo courtesy of Omi and Miko sends the song even higher on the scale.

Every part of this song is on fire as Jyou sings passionately about moving past betrayal and fear. Certainly a well taught lesson in being TRUE to yourself.

Only Miko and Omi can offer up a double-guitar solo of such epic proportions!



Next up is HONNOU (which translates to "instinct") and this song follows the blistering pace that TRUE began. Jyou's playful invitation of "shall we dance?" sets up Omi's raging lead guitar. The furious solo following Jyou's eerie laughter would rightly scare any man who dared to think of these women as pushovers. Instantly catchy and with a sound that will have you dancing and headbanging all day long, its a surprise when the song starts to fade out instead of just ending at a climax or a final note the way the other four songs do. Any fan in their right mind will be wishing this song could go on longer.

Mally's drums and Naoto's bass make one killer combination!

While TRUE and HONNOU were written by Miko who does most of exist†trace's songs, the next song on the album Tokoyami No Yoake belongs solely to the lead guitarist Omi. The melody is an obvious shift from the past two songs as the opening guitar leads into softer vocals by Jyou fused with the slinking bass from Naoto and the light drums of Mally. Smooth, strong, and everything exist†trace represents perfectly describes this song. While some metal vocalists my struggle a bit when it come to slower songs that is no problem for Jyou and her voice shines beautifully in this dark melody.

Left to right: Miko (guitar), Mally (drums), Jyou (vocalist), Naoto (bass), Omi (lead guitar).



KISS IN THE DARK is the riskiest track on the TRUE album as it differs from anything exist†trace has written or performed so far. The up and down pace of the song has kind of a jazz feel to it at first or maybe that of a song from the 70's or 80's. Playful and upbeat is a big switch from the almost haunting tone of Tokoyami no Yoake, but give this song a chance and you'll see it as the amazing song it really is. Every band needs to change things up stylistically and the girls do this perfectly in this song by creating a melody that is different, but hard to forget.

Closing the album is Jiyuu no Sora, Chijou no Uta which is also written by Omi. While the album opened with a bang it closes on a softer note giving a greater sense of finality. This is not the end of an era, but the beginning of a new one and the steady melody conveys the feeling that exist†trace is merely taking a breath as they prepare the next round of songs to amaze and dazzle their adoring fans.

Jyou and Naoto help show fans what this band is all about.

TRUE is a mix of both old and new styles and any fan of rock or metal would be doing themselves a huge disservice if they did not pick up this album. It is currently available online from JapanFiles.com.

Metal Madness: Screaming Girls, Electric Cellos, and Plenty of Black Leather

Metal. Its a genre of music that has propelled teenagers to all new levels of obsession and reduced rational parents into mystified, head shaking adults who cannot fathom why their children would listen to such "noise". Now I'll admit there are plenty of adults who love metal or heavy metal as well, but for the most part metal isn't as widely accepted as some might like it to be.

However, the bands Apocalyptica, Black Veil Brides, and Exist Trace (more commonly stylized as exist†trace) are all changing people's perceptions of what metal music is and how good it can really be. Whether is through the cello, a visual look that would put KISS to shame, or by being the only all female screamo group around these three groups have reached amazing success through creative songs, looks, and let's not forget amazing talent.

exist†trace is showing the men what metal is really about

exist†trace is an all female Visual Kei band straight from Tokyo, Japan. Exist Trace's music can best be described as melodic death metal, which  isn't something you hear every day and Jyou's growls and shouts rival that of any man's. Just look at their song Judea if you need proof.

Being a Visual Kei band their stylish and individual looks go hand in hand with their music and both are starting to turn heads the world over as one of Japan's first all female Visual Kei rock bands. This genre of music is generally reserved for the guys, but they had better step aside as these women are out to conquer. Singles such as Resonance and the teaser for their new song True show that there is plenty of talent to go around in this group. A heavy focus is put on the bass and drumming in their songs and this helps define their musical style and growing popularity inside and outside of Japan.

The girls have been together since 2003 and recently made their U.S. debut when they played at Sakura-Con 2011 in Seattle, Washington. On June 15, 2011 they will release their EP True.




Cello rock or cello metal? Either way this band is worth listening to


Originally getting their start as a Metallica tribute or cover band, Apocalpytica has certainly come a long way since those days when some postulated that they would quickly fade off the scene due to the fact that they only released cover songs.

While they formed way back in 1993, with a different lineup, it wasn't until the year 2000 that Apocalpytica released their third studio album Cult which contained 10 original songs as well as 3 covers. The first track featuring vocals was released in 2002 and their forth studio album featuring all original songs was released in 2003.

Their success really started to take off, however, with the release of their self titled album Apocalpytica in 2005 featuring unique electric cello songs unlike anything else to date. The album featured only one song with vocals. Undeniably a heavy rock if not metal album the studio release has found much success was followed by their sixth studio release World's Collide in 2007 and most recently 7th Symphony released late 2010. It features eight instrumental tracks and also four tracks with guest vocals. This latest track as well as their soundtrack for the video game MAG: S.V.E.R has shown a definite turn from rock to metal and helped to solidify Apocalyptica's place in the rock annals.

They've played nearly 1000 live shows and this is one of the biggest reasons as to why they are so successful. As a person who has seen them live I can honestly say that they have to be seen and heard at a live concert for you to get the best glimpse of just how talented these men are. Metal could not have better poster child then Apocalpytica and here's hoping that they will infuse even more metal overtures or undertones into their future songs as they seem determined to do.



Fan loyalty has driven Black Veil Brides straight to the top of the charts


Next up are the Black Veil Brides. If there is one thing to be said about these guys its that they may very well have the most loyal fans in the world. Young people in countries everywhere around the globe are flocking to hear a band that has not only brought back true rock and roll, but also the looks and stage presence that is so lacking at shows and in bands today. Never ones to do anything half way, the Black Veil Brides are set to release their first major label album not even a year after their first official album entitled We Stitch These Wounds.

Deep vocals and heavy screams accompanied by a heavy focus on Jake Pitt's unparalleled guitar solo's make their songs stand out from all other rock and metal albums out today. One full song from their latest album Set The World on Fire is already out and two more teasers have been released as well. While its hard to define them exactly, they have a clear metal sound to them to go with their glam rock looks. They've got talent in spades and determination that never stops.

They made it through a devastating earthquake in Japan, and unprecedented tornado outbreak in the south eastern U.S., and several disappointments when their song Set The World On Fire didn't make it into the movie Scream 4 and their single Fallen Angels could not be released on the originally planned date. A few setbacks and changing drummers aren't going to stop these guys though and they've already completed filming for the second single off their next album before the album or the first single has even been released.

Don't call them cocky unless you want an army of fans coming down on your heads. Then again go ahead because these guys have more than enough talent to back up their boasting. Namely that they will be bigger than KISS and that they are finally bringing real rock and roll back to the masses.

Some people think of meaningless screaming and noise when they thing of metal music. Those that know better think of a girl group that has helped pave the way for other female rock groups in Japan, a group of cello players who can play a classical instrument the way no one else could every dream of doing, and five young men conquering the world through their powerful lyrics and music.

Metal is here to stay and I for one say that it has never before looked as good as this.

New Releases of the Year Part 1

It would seem that this is the year of the music. Tons of artists around the world either have or are preparing to release new songs, singles, or full length albums. From the United States all the way over to South Korea the music charts are being dominated by talented young stars.

First up is Lady Gaga.


Lady Gaga is the new Queen of Pop


Her real name is Stefani Germanotta, but now legions of "Little Monsters" know her as Lady Gaga, or just Gaga as she prefers to be called. After joining Streamline Records and writing songs for fellow label artists, she was signed to Akon's label Kon Live Distribution. It was in 2008 that Lady Gaga released a record her own titled The Fame and emerged on the scene with her first smash hit Just Dance. The rest as they say is history.

Following up with The Fame Monster in 2009, Gaga then went on another worldwide tour. When it finishes up this May it will have run for over one and a half years. Now we have the latest single of her new album called Born This Way which sold 1 million copies in just 5 days making it the fastest selling single in iTunes history. Today her fans were surprised with an early release of the next single Judas and Gaga's next full length album is scheduled for a May 23rd release.

Continuing the pop line up is are some girls that have shown us all what it really means to be a fan. Naturally we're talking about fans of the Korean girl group f(x) who nearly started a revolution when one of the members, Amber, disappeared off the radar due to a sprained ankle.



These five girls are gonna rock the kpop scene all over again!

After months of agonizing wait, fans around the world will finally get the comeback they have been dying for. While a teaser video for their new single Danger has been released the full video will be posted to the official SM Entertainment YouTube page on April 18th followed by the album release on April 20th.

The alternating rapping style of Amber combined with the sweet pop vocals of the other girls Luna, Krystal, Sulli, and Victoria provides a unique twist on the all too familiar girl group that idea that is currently overflowing in the Korean pop market.

Already the teaser is generating tons of interest and fans are more excited then ever to see their girls back in action with the same strong pop sound and fashion sense that made them popular in the first place. If fan dedication and parodies are anything to go by then the girls of f(x) are on their way to even greater stardom and popularity.

Now lets move on to Japan.

Electropop rock doesn't come in any flavor other then LM.C

Another upcoming single release is by the Japanese visual kei group known as LM.C. Playing a mix of rock and electronic pop, all you have to do is listen to any of their songs to see just what it is that sets them apart from all the other bands. Its hard to define their style exactly but Maya and Aiji, the main part of the group, have labeled themselves New Century Electrorock

After posting the video for Super Duper Galaxy to their Facebook page for several days the video was taken down leaving fans eager to get their hands on the new song. Originally set for a March 30th release, the next single Super Duper Galaxy was pushed back to May 18th after the massive earthquake in Japan.

This is just a small sample of some groups that are releasing music this year. We have plenty more bands to cover so look for Part 2 and possibly a Part 3 coming this weekend.

Album Review: What's My Name by Miyavi

So as many of us know Miyavi's new album What's My Name is now available around the world.

You all know his name!

Like tons of other fans I rushed out to buy an iTunes card the day it was available on iTunes just so that I would be able to download the new album. His videos Survive and Torture were just a small taste of the awesome guitar skills that Miyavi has. It made all of us hungry for more and we were most certainly not disappointed.

Fresh off his Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour and with a Tour Documentary DVD in addition to a new baby girl and album, Miyavi is no doubt on top of the world. His fans consider him the greatest guitarist of his generation if not in the world. Few are those who can rival him and no matter who you are you can't deny his amazing skill with a guitar.



Miyavi is back and he's letting everyone know his name


Miyavi's music has ranged from more pop songs in the past to a more defined rock sound in other years. One thing though was always certain: when it comes to playing the guitar Miyavi is not just on another level, he has his name plastered all over it.

Each song features a unique twist on his own special brand of guitar playing and once you start listening to this album there is no way you'll ever be able to put it down again.

Not a single song disappoints, but be warned that the lyrics can be hard to figure out since they are a mix of Japanese and English. Then again this is Miyavi we're talking about and all things can be understood just by the mention of his name.

This album is pure rock and the first song on the album is called What's My Name and the guitar intro gives you the perfect taste of what is to come on the rest of the album. Following is his second single Torture and then my personal favorite A-Ha. This tune will be stuck in your head all day long and I love it.

Chillin' Chillin' Money Blue$ is the perfect song to chill out to if you've had a rough day at work and the simple but effective melody really does give it a bluesy feel... or is that just me?

His more subdued vocals on I Love You, I Love You, I Love You, and I Hate You perfectly matches the music and sets you up for the next song Moon which will leave you wishing you could see it live so that you would know just how he managed to pull of those guitar riffs.

Gravity seems like a perfectly good ballad... but watch out for Miyavi's sudden scream of "LET ME OUT!" at 4:06 because he'll blow your eardrums right out if your not careful. I'll admit that I prefer the ending of the song to the beginning.

The opening tune to Universe will immediately catch your attention while Unbreakable deviates from the overall theme by opening with the drums first and then adding the guitar after a few seconds.

Shelter is my second favorite song off this album and I could tap out the tune all day long. The combination of guitar and drum set will hook you right away and never let you go.

Super Hero again seems like it will be a nice soft ballad along the lines of Gravity... but then again this is Miyavi we're talking about and something so predictable will not be allowed on his album. This is a rock song all the way, but again you might want to turn down the volume a little when you get to 0:44 seconds as the pause before it is very misleading. I love the guitar playing on here and it again highlights Miyavi's skill and unrivaled precision.

Miyavi once again does the unpredictable by giving us an actual ballad with the song Sutekina Mirai. No sudden screams or sudden change of pace here. This one you can settle back to and turn the volume up without worry.

Fear not, that's no glitch its just the strange but funky opening to Futuristic Love and it will have you bobbing, or banging, your head before Miyavi has even started singing.

Rounding out this album is his first single Survive which sound slightly different and actually heavier then expected. If you bought the single release and then bought the album like I did then you are in for a big surprise. Although it is interesting to see the same song sound so different with just minor adjustments.

Are you ready to rock?

Sometimes weird, always crazy, and never one to let down his fans. We all know his name and this album will ensure that it stays stuck in your head for years to come.