CLØWD Announces Disbandment

CLØWD has updated their OHP with news that they plan to disband after their oneman live at Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO on August 25. Since it will be their final live, they have changed the title of that performance to "CLØWD FINAL LIVE 'CLØWD NINE'." They apologize for the sudden announcement, and continue to say that after much discussion with members and staff, the five could not agree on the future direction of the band. The consensus was that the band could not continue as CLØWD without these five, so they decided to disband. The members feel that it is important that they have all been together as a band without a single member change since they started activities on January 8, 2015. They thank fans for their continued support and promise to do their best to the very end. Member statements follow the announcement.

CLØWD announcement here

CLØWD Tour Trailer on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video featuring CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The clip includes stage footage of the band and announces the band's Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO tour for 2018.

CLØWD announcement on YouTube here

CLØWD New Album & DVD Release

CLØWD has announced via their OHP that they will release a new album and DVD in 2018. The new album will be released this summer, but no details are available yet. The DVD will feature the band's "3rd Anniversary LIVE 'REVENGE' TSUTAYA O-WEST" live show.

CLØWD OHP here

[Editorial] Visual Kei Bands to Watch, Part 1

I've never done a year-end editorial, but there are several bands this year who I feel deserve a little extra attention. These bands aren't your major-league hitters--not the GazettE or DIR EN GREY. Those bands have found enough fans worldwide who enable them to disperse their new music through major venues. The bands I'm talking about are the up-and-comers of the visual style, the ones still finding new fans and struggling to get their music out there. I've found that these bands are producing consistently good and memorable music and developing unique style, and I'd like to recommend them to visual kei fans. The following are listed in alphabetical order by band, and the band names will link you to their OHPs. I have a lot of bands to recommend, so I intend to break this editorial into two parts. I hope you find someone new to enjoy. --SBEEC

1) Aldious

 

 Aldious is technically a metal band, but I think they also have visual appeal. They started forming in the Osaka scene around 2008, and the members released their debut single in 2009. They formally debuted in 2010. The lineup has changed since formation, but the music quality has only gotten better over time. The power vocals and rapid-fire instrumentals are top notch, which explains why the ladies' new "We Are" mini album found itself at #1 on the Oricon Indies charts in November 2017. Fans can find their newer tracks on iTunes.

2) Anfiel

 

Anfiel formed in Tokyo in 2014, and they've been consistently playing live shows ever since. Their songs feature high, clear vocals, bright, poppy guitars, and interesting bass. They just released their new single "Hikari" on November 8, 2017. Anfiels also has music available on iTunes.

3) ARCHEMI.

 

 ARCHEMI. formed around 2015, and they are currently working with Crow Music. The band's visuals and music provide an interesting mix of traditional Japanese styles with eerie vocals and screams, heavy strings, and racing drums. They also have a fabulous talent for using repetitive effects, background vocals and chants, and echoes that invoke a kind of trance state when you listen. It's a very hypnotic experience. Fans of old Black Gene for the Next Scene music might also like ARCHEMI. The band just released their fourth single on December 6, 2017.

4) Arlequin

The band has been around since 2013, and they call their style "next generation Nagoya kei." Recently they're working with Goemon Records. They've gained steam this year as they tour more major venues with bands like Grieva. Their performances of fan-favorite "Zou" always get things jumping during live shows. Driving, eerie vocals and fast drums up the ante on this band's songs. Their most recent release is their 11th single, "puzzle," out on September 6, 2017. You can find that single and more on iTunes.

5) ART ELICIA

ART ELICIA is an indie band from Osaka that opened their website and released their first single in 2016. They have been working with the V STAR PROMOTION company to get their music out there to a wider audience, but they've released only three singles to date. The latest single, "Madara," was released on October 11, 2017. They have nice layers of sound with both growling screams and melodic vocals. The bass tracks are really nice in their songs. It's pretty polished for a young band.

6) Belle

Belle has been around since 2014, but they don't seem to get much publicity outside Japan. Even though they often make the Oricon Indies chart with their new releases, their music doesn't seem to be that well known. Their music often features deep, melodic vocals, smooth, polished guitar, and nice, mellow rhythm. Their second album, titled "JUKE BOX," will be released on January 17, 2018. Right now they are touring with the next band on the list.

 

 7) CHANTY

 

 CHANTY has been around since 2013, and despite a recent shake up with a guitarist getting arrested and booted from the band, they are still touring and producing quality music. Fans of more melodic, airish music will enjoy CHANTY's sound. The music and vocals are light and bright, but the lyrics and messages are heavy hitting. They will release their second full album sometime in 2018. Current music is available on iTunes.

8) CLØWD

 

 CLØWD made their debut in 2014 in Tokyo, and they are currently working with Danger Crue Records. This is another band who knows how to layer sound and effect for maximum impact, and they don't stick to one sound or style. If you like surprises and variety, you may like this band. They will release a venue-limited single titled "21g" on January 8, 2018. They also have music available on iTunes.

9) Codomo Dragon

Codomo Dragon debuted in 2010, and they are currently working with B.P.Records. It may sound strange to say, but one of this band's great qualities is that they do intros and instrumental solos well. They aren't throwaway riffs, but rather integral parts of the songs. Vocals are also fabulous, often with layers of melody and screams on top of hypnotic chanting as background vocals. Rapid and driving drums are something to notice during more upbeat songs. They also tend to use fading and echoes to emphasize certain portions of their tracks. Songs about rotten worlds never sounded so interesting or intriguing. The band's 12th single, "DIRTY x DIRTY," was just released on November 15, 2017.

10) DAMY

 

DAMY has been around since 2013. Their most recent single, "chilled.," just debuted at #14 on the Oricon Indies weekly chart. The band is relatively new on my radar, but the thing I notice most is the amazing rhythm coming from the bass. This is another band who knows how to use sound effects to impact the listener. The guitarists also do a great job playing off one another, especially on fast-paced songs. Vocals also have great range, with the vocalist doing deep, guttural growls and falsetto equally well.

Did you find someone new to enjoy? I hope you did. If you liked this segment, please stay tuned for part 2, coming soon.

CLØWD New Release Spot

Danger Crue Records has added a new PV for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the song titled "21g" from the band's upcoming 3rd anniversary limited single release of the same title. Track details for that release--out on January 8--are in the videos description area.

CLØWD video on YouTube here

CLØWD New Video on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the eighth episode of a talk series for the band titled "CLØWD Zukan." This episode features members handling snakes.

 CLØWD video on YouTube here

[Music Tip] Visual Bands on iTunes

Some Japanese labels are beginning to test the waters and expand their visual bands' albums into the global market. Today I will share a list of artists and albums that can be found on iTunes in the U.S. Many of these are new releases for 2017 that were released in the U.S. market concurrent with or shortly after the Japanese releases. Today's post will not include links to specific albums; however, I do recommend that if you have a favorite visual artist or band, you should check your local iTunes online to see if that band is available in your country. Be sure to check both the band name and the name of the album, single, or song you want. Sometimes iTunes does not have a proper spelling or catalog listing of the CD or artist, even though they are available through the online store. Checking both ensures you don't miss finding what you want.

Found on iTunes in the U.S.
A9/PENDULUM
A9/Re:Born
AllS/Do or Die
Arlequin/puzzle
BUCK-TICK/BABEL
Chanty
CLOWD/Butterfly Effect
dexcore/The Dead Sea
Initial'L/VISION
lynch./BLOOD THIRSTY CREATURE
MERRY/MOLOGY
MUCC/Coupling Best II
MUCC/Shin Homura Uta
MUCC/Koroshi no ShirabeII This is NOT Greatest Hits
MUCC/Shin Tsuuzetsu
NoGoD/Arlequin
NoGoD/proof
Purple Stone
Rides in Revellion
SHIN/GOOD MORNING DREAMER
THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S/Jougen no Tsuki no Orchestra-Stella Note Magic-

Editor's Note: This list is definitely NOT a complete listing of what you can find on iTunes. Know about more bands? Comment to let me know. Can't find the ones listed here? Comment to let me know and I will find the links for you.

CLØWD Comment Video on YouTube

Danger Crue has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features a comment from the band about their upcoming 3rd anniversary live show at TSUTAYA O-WEST and their sixth single release.  

CLØWD comment on YouTube here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (October 9, 2017)
#18 Daikkirai Tokyo/Kamisama Gomennasai/ Zombie
#44 mademoiselle/ KAMIJO
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (October 9, 2017)
#17 HETERODOX/ Angelo

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (October 2, 2017)
#3   PENDULUM/ A9
#5   CRIMSON/ REIGN
#12 Uramesha/ the Raid.
#14 Akai Ito/ CLØWD
#17 puzzle/ Arlequin

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (October 2, 2017)
#8   Shikkoku no Yami/ Gossip
#11 Koroshi no Shirabe II This is NOT Greatest Hits/ MUCC

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (October 2, 2017)
#30 PENDULUM/ A9
#46 Ame Nochi Kanjyo Ron/ Wagakki Band
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (October 2, 2017)
#6   CATALOGUE 1987-2016/ BUCK-TICK
#9   BELOVED Anthology/ GLAY
#41 Lover's Melancholy/ PENICILLIN

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (September 25, 2017)
#3   Akai Ito/ CLØWD
#11 puzzle/ Arlequin

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (September 25, 2017)
#2   Koroshi no Shirabe II This is NOT Greatest Hits/ MUCC
#14 TWILIGHT/†Яi￠K

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (September 25, 2017)
#32 Ame Nochi Kanjyo Ron/ Wagakki Band
#48 Akai Ito/ CLØWD
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (September 25, 2017)
#14 Koroshi no Shirabe II This is NOT Greatest Hits/ MUCC
#45 NOMAD/ SID

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (September 18, 2017)
#1   puzzle/ Arlequin
#18 SWIMMY/ i.Rias

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (September 18, 2017)
NO LISTINGS

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

CLØWD Video Clip Available on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video featuring CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video includes live footage of "Butterfly Effect" from the band's June 16th show at Tsutaya O-WEST.

CLØWD video on YouTube here

CLØWD Show Available on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the sixth episode of a talk series for the band titled "CLØWD Zukan." This episode features vocalist KØU chatting with DADAROMA's drummer Yusuke.

 CLØWD video on YouTube here

CLØWD New Single Release 9/13

CLØWD has announced that they will release their sixth single on September 13. The new single will be titled "Akai Ito," and it will be released in three types. Track details are not yet available on the band's OHP.

CLØWD OHP here

CLØWD Talk Video on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the fifth episode of a talk series for the band titled "CLØWD Zukan." This episode features Tatsuru and the band's manager doing a variety of activities.
 
CLØWD video on YouTube here

CLØWD New Talk Video on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the fourth episode of a talk series for the band titled "CLØWD Zukan." This episode features Ryohei talking about various photos.
 
CLØWD video on YouTube here

CLØWD New Video on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the second episode of a talk series for the band titled "CLØWD Zukan." This episode features bicycle riding with GOPRO cameras.

 
CLØWD video on YouTube here

CLØWD Live Video on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The video features live stage footage of "Noroshi" from their show at Nippon Budokan. The band's recent single "Butterfly Effect" hit stores on April 12.

CLØWD video on YouTube here

[ORICON RANKINGS] Visual Kei Bands

Here's how some visual kei bands are holding out on the charts this week.

CD SINGLE -Weekly Ranking- (May 1, 2017)
#45 #CD ga Urenai Konna Yononaka ja/ Golden Bomber
         
CD Album -Weekly Ranking- (May 1, 2017)
#12 BREAK!!/ FEST VAINQUEUR
#30 Shikisai/ Wagakki Band
#33 dadaism #3/ DADAROMA

CD Indies Single -Weekly Ranking- (April 24, 2017)
#1   TOKAGE!! Rising/ LEZARD
#2   #CD ga Urenai Konna Yononaka ja/ Golden Bomber
#10 Watashi wa Kairai, Sarugutsuwa no Ningyo/ Kiryu
#13 Butterfly Effect/ CLØWD
#19 Sore demo Boku wa Aragau/ Starku.

 CD Indies Album -Weekly Ranking- (April 24, 2017)
#1   IDEAL/ A9
#2   PANTHEON-PART 1-/ Matenrou Opera
#13 Nihon Abnormal Kyokai/ R-Shitei

ORICON STYLE Rankings here

CLØWD New Video Series on YouTube

Danger Crue Records has added a new video for CLØWD to its official YouTube channel. The new video features the first episode of a new talk series for the band. The first episode of "CLØWD Zukan" features vocalist KOU and bassist Ryouhei.

CLØWD video on YouTube here