Tuesday, January 31, 2012

YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz New Releases

YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz will be releasing new items in the next couple of months. On March 14, the band will be releasing their first full-length album called "YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz I" in three types. On March 21, the band will also be releasing two different live DVDs--one for the band's Japan Tour Final at Makuhari Messe and one for the band's European Tour Final on August 3, 2011 in Berlin, Germany.

YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz OHP here
View all YFC items at CD Japan here

Diaura New Releases

Diaura will be releasing two new items in the next couple of months. On February 29, the band will be releasing a special DVD called "EPK Diaura (V-Rock Artist Hen)," which promises to be an "electric press kit" that features member profiles and pictures, interviews, and live video recordings. On March 21, the band will be releasing a full-length album called "Genesis."

The band's OHP also features a New Year's comment from the vocalist, Yo-ka.

Diaura OHP here
"EPK Diaura" DVD pre-order at CD Japan here
"Genesis" CD+DVD pre-order at CD Japan here

Monday, January 30, 2012

Rock and Read Reveals Lineup for Vol. 040

Music magazine Rock and Read is revealing the artists to be featured in volume 040 in a series of posts on its Ameba blog. Cover artist for the issue will be Ryutaro Arimura of Plastic Tree. Revealed musicians so far include: Aiji (LM.C), IV (ViViD), Nii (girugamesh),  Ryohei (Megamasso), TSUKASA (THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S), Darvish Kenji (Golden Bomber), Taizo (Kra), Yuh (vistlip), Kosuke (heidi.), Yui (Unite), Ao Sakurai (cali≠gari), and HAKUEI (PENICILLIN). Rock and Read 040 will go on sale February 29, 2012.

Angelo OHP Features "Calvary" Clip

Angelo's OHP features a sample PV clip of their upcoming single, "Calavary." "Calvary" will be the band's 8th single, and it will be released on February, 22.

Angelo OHP here
"Calvary" (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Calvary" pre-order at CD Japan here

Aicle to Release Compilation Album

Aicle announced recently that they would be disbanding on February 22, 2012. On the day of their disbandment, they have announced that they will be releasing a compilation album titled "Aicle 2006-2012." The album will be released in two types. Tracklistings and member comments regarding the disbandment can be found on the bands OHP news page.

Aicle OHP news here
"Aicle 2006-2012" Type A (2 CD w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Aicle 2006-2012" Type B (3 CD) pre-order at CD Japan here

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Viju☆Love☆Cafe #7 Digest Now Available

The digest version of Viju☆Love☆Cafe #7 is now available online. Guests for that episode included: DaizyStripper; BORN; Chirolyn, Hayato, Yuya & Baru of DuelJewel; Sizna & Soan of Moran; HERO; FIXER; Kairu; and I&Crow.

Viju☆Love☆Cafe #7 digest here

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Alice Nine Update

Alice Nine vocalist Shou announced in his blog that he will be adding the role of band leader to his current band duties. The decision was made and endorsed by the entire band, and the announcement assures fans that this does not pose any significant change in band member lineup or activities. The formal announcement was made after a published comment about the role change caused confusion among fans. The position was previously held by drummer Nao, who remains in his position as drummer.

Shou January 28, 2012 blog update here

Friday, January 27, 2012

MUCC Nico Nico Live Broadcast 2/3

MUCC's Tatsuro and Miya will be appearing in a Nico Nico live broadcast in February. The show titled "Tatsu x Miya Secret Service" will be broadcast on Friday, February 3 at 20:00 JST (convert time here). Time shifting is available for Nico Nico registred members.

"Tatsu x Miya Secret Service" airs here

Cheer-UP with Kra TV Airs 2/13

MusicJAPANplus will be hosting the second volume of "Cheer-UP with Kra TV!" on Monday, February 13 at 20:00 JST (convert time here).

MusicJAPANplus announcement here
"Cheer-UP with Kra TV!" will air here

Screw TV Airs 2/22

Screw TV Vol. 17 will air on USTREAM on Wednesday, February 22 at 21:00 JST (convert time here). The show airs via the musicJAPANplus USTREAM channel, and they are accepting questions for the band to answer during the show.

Screw TV airs here
musicJAPANplus announcement here

Thursday, January 26, 2012

BORN TV Airs 1/27

The second episode of BORN TV, hosted by musicJAPANplus, will be Friday, January 27 at 20:00 JST (convert time here).

BORN TV airs here

Next Nightmare Nico Nico Show 2/21

Nightmare’s next appearance on their Nico Nico web show, “Bakuretsu! Nightmare,” will be Tuesday, February 21. The show airs at 23:00 JST (convert time here). Nico Nico registered members may time shift if they cannot watch the live show.

"Bakuretsu! Nightmare" airs here

SuG Nico Nico Show #3 Airs 1/30

SuG will be appearing in their 3rd Nico Nico Live show on Monday, January 30 at 21:00 JST (convert time here). The title of the show is 『生でSuGでShow』. Time shifting is available for Nico Nico members who are not able to watch the show live.

SuG Show to air here

the GazettE Venomous Cell Tour DVD

the GazettE will be releasing a live DVD featuring the final performance from their recent tour at Yokohama Arena on January 14, 2012. The DVD titled "TOUR11-12 VENOMOUS CELL -FINALE- OMEGA" will be issued as a Limited Edition and a Regular Edition on Wednesday, May 9.

Tour DVD Limited Edition pre-order at CD Japan here
Tour DVD Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

vistlip to Release 8th Single

vistlip will be releasing their 8th single on Wednesday, April 11. The new single will be called "Recipe" and will be released in three types.

vistlip OHP news here
"Recipe" -vister- (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Recipe" -lipper- pre-order at CD Japan here
"Recipe" Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Alice Nine Guest Appearance on Music Bomber

Alice Nine's Shou and Nao will be making a special guest appearance on the Nico Nico airing of "Music Bomber #26." The program airs on Wednesday, February 1 at 17:00 JST (convert time here). The other special guest will be Nogizaka 46.

Music Bomber #26 gate here

LM.C New Single, Album & World Tour

LM.C will be busy this spring with an upcoming new single, album and world tour. The new single, called "Ah Hah!" will be released on Wednesday, February 22 in three types. They will also be releasing a new album on Wednesday, April 4 called "Strong Pop," details to be announced later. In addition, LM.C will be starting a "Strong Pop" World Tour in May. They have announced appearances in Russia, Finland, Germany, Poland, Hungary, France, and England, with more appearances to be announced as they are arranged. All information can be found on the OHP.

LM.C OHP here
"Ah Hah!" Type A (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Ah Hah!" Type B (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Ah Hah!" Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Monday, January 23, 2012

Alice Nine Channel Airs 2/22

The next air date for Alice Nine's Nico Nico program, Alice Nine Channel, is Wednesday, February 22, 2012. The program airs at 23:00 JST (convert time zones). Registered Nico Nico members may timeshift for later viewing.

Alice Nine Channel gate here

Esprit D'Air Web Feature & New Single

London-based visual kei band Esprit D'Air was featured in a post on the MCM Buzz website. The post discusses the official debut of their new single, "The Hunter," at a live in London on Friday, March 16, as well as a video comment from the band.

MCM Buzz article here
Official YouTube preview of "The Hunter" here

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Shoxx Vol. 229 is Out Now!

Music magazine Shoxx Vol. 229 (March 2012) was released on January 21. The new issue features cover artist SuG with a special 18-page feature article and poster. Other artists appearing in the magazine will be the GazettE, Yomi (Nightmare), Plastic Tree, ViViD, Kra, D=Out, Lc5, Sadie, R-Shitei, and Lolita23q.

Shoxx 229 at CD Japan here
Shoxx 229 at JPtoU here
Shoxx 229 at YesAsia here

SuG to Release Live DVD

SuG will be releasing a live DVD on Wednesday, March 21. The "VIP Pop Show." DVD will feature footage from the band's first one man live show at NHK Hall in 2011 and will be released in two types.

SuG release news here
"VIP Pop Show." Limited Edition pre-order at CD Japan here
"VIP Pop Show." Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Versailles "Holy Grail" Score Book

Versailles is now offering the band scores for their recent "Holy Grail" album as a score book. The book features sheet music for all 13 songs included on the album, as well as a bonus CD track of "MASQUERADE (minus one version)." The 344 page book also promises to have 16 pages of photos from Versailles' July 2011 C.C. Lemon Hall concert. The book will go on sale January 25.

"Holy Grail" score book pre-order at CD Japan here
Versailles OHP here

Auroroa Sannin Musume Challenge Videos

Worldnettv has just made two short video clips from Aurora Sannin Musume's Viju☆Love☆Night antics available on their official YouTube channel. The short video clips feature the guys trying to stand on a newspaper that keeps getting smaller and smaller, and one of them guessing what toy gadgets can do.

Worldnettv Video #1 here
Worldnettv Video #2 here

Friday, January 20, 2012

SCREW to Tour Europe in 2012

SCREW will be doing a tour of Europe in May and June 2012. The band will be making stops in the UK, France, Spain, Hungary, Austria, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Check the band's OHP for dates and locations.

SCREW OHP here
Tour details here

Aoi & Ryouhei to Release New Album

Aoi & Ryouhei will be releasing their first full album on Wednesday, February 15. The new album will be called "Jyokei Narabi ni Nodo, Yubisaki," and it will be released in two types.

Aoi & Ryouhei OHP here
"Jyoukei Narabi ni Nodo, Yubisaki" Limited Edition (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Jyoukei Narabi ni Nodo, Yubisaki" Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Viju☆Love☆Cafe Guest Update

Visualand.tv recently updated their Viju☆Love☆Cafe #8 schedule to include the guest listing for the show that will air on Sunday, February 12. The guests will include THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S, Aoi & Ryouhei. DJ Guests will include Yasuno & Keiyuu from Kra, SARSHI from HERO, and 勇 from ZUCK. Comments will be available from Alice Nine, heidi, Moran, and D=OUT. The Finnish band Karmia will also be featured.

Viju☆Love☆Cafe airs here

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Viju☆Love☆Cafe Will Air 2/12

Viju☆Love☆Cafe, hosted by Akemi Oshima and Biju the cat, will air episode number eight on Sunday, February 12, 2012. The program airs online at Visu-a-land.TV and starts at 14:00 JST (convert time here). The episode will also be rebroadcast at 24:00 JST on the same day, and an on-demand digest version will be available on Saturday, February 18 at 21:00 JST. Guests have not yet been announced.

Viju☆Love☆Cafe will air here

LUNA SEA to Release DVD for Charity

LUNA SEA also announced on their OHP that they will be releasing a new DVD for charity on Wednesday, March 28. "LUNA SEA for JAPAN A Promise to The Brave" will feature the charity live held at Saitama Super Arena in October 2011 to raise proceeds to aid victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The DVD will also include exclusive interviews. Sale proceeds from this release will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.

LUNA SEA DVD news release here
DVD pre-order at CD Japan here
Blu-ray pre-order at CD Japan here

LUNA SEA Announces New Single

LUNA SEA announced on their OHP that they will be releasing a new single on Wednesday, March 21. The band's first new single in 12 years was announced to be a 20 minute-long song collaboration between all members. The album will be released in four types. Further details are not yet available.

LUNA SEA OHP here

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

MEJIBRAY to Release Second Single & 1st Album

MEJIBRAY will release their second single on Wednesday, March 7. The new single will be called 「サバト」(Sabato), and it will be released in three types. The band has also announced that they will be releasing their first full album on Wednesday, May 2. The album will be called 「Emotional【KARMA】」, and it will be released in two types.

MEJIBRAY OHP here
"Sabato" Limited Edition Type A (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Sabato" Limited Edition Type B (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Sabato" Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here
"Emotional [KARMA]" Limited Edition (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"Emotional [KARMA]" Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Alice Nine Releases PV Short

Alice Nine and Tokuma Japan have released a short PV sample for the band's new song 「すべてへ」(Subete he). The song appears as a track on their upcoming "9" album, released February 22.

"Subete he" PV preview here

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Kra's Yasuno Starts Twitter

Kra's drummer Yasuno started a Twitter account on January 11. Follow @kra_yasuno to keep up with him.

Yasuno's Twitter here

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Yoshiki Talks About Creating Golden Globe Theme

X Japan's Yoshiki has been doing interviews and comments about the theme music he composed for the 2012 awards show. The Golden Globe award show airs on Sunday, January 15. Check local schedules for award show air times.

Yoshiki Official YouTube comment here
Yoskikimusic1120 YouTube interview here
Golden Globes Official YouTube comment here
Artisan News Service YouTube comment here
Yoshiki on Bloomberg TV Russia here
Yoshiki on Japanese TV here
ET Online interview here

Darvish Kenji Book Available February 2012

Golden Bomber's "drummer" Darvish Kenji will have a book available for purchase in February. The book, titled "Best of Obama Blog." will feature articles published in his blog, as well as photographs. The book is written in Japanese.

"Best of Obama Blog" at CD Japan here
Darvish Kenji's blog here

Friday, January 13, 2012

Band Feature: UNRAVE

UNRAVE is a 3-member band from Osaka that formed in April 2010. The band released one 2-track single called "Lost Color" on June 15, 2011, available from Amazon.co.jp. UNRAVE held their first oneman live in the fall of 2011, and they are scheduled to hold their second on April 4. There's not much information available yet about the band, but they continue to participate in live events that are sure to get their name out there.

Members:

Vocalist:  MARY
Guitar:  REN
Bass:  K

UNRAVE OHP here
Official YouTube channel here

Blogs:

Mary's blog here
REN's blog here
K's blog here

Twitter:

K's Twitter here

"Lost Color" single CD on Amazon.co.jp here

Alice Nine New Look & New Album Page

Alice Nine added a page to their OHP which displays their new look for their upcoming "9" album. The new page also offers a tracklist for the album--the band's fifth--and a list of "Court of '9'" tour dates.

Alice Nine OHP here
"9" page here

Thursday, January 12, 2012

D Updates Overseas Tour Dates

D has announced tour dates and locations for both a European and a South American tour. The band will be making 13 stops during their European tour in April and early May before continuing on to the South American leg of their tour in mid-May for an additional three appearances. Specific tour locations and dates can be found on the bands OHP newsfeed.

D tour news here

MUCC Updates "Nirvana" Release Information

MUCC has announced a tracklist and release date for their upcoming "Nirvana" single. "Nirvana" will be released Wednesday, March 7 in three types. The title track is the opening theme for the new "Inuboku Secret Service" anime.

MUCC OHP discography details here
"Nirvana" Limited Edition (w/DVD) at CD Japan here
"Nirvana" Limited Pressing (anime cover) at CD Japan here
"Nirvana" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

HERO Released New Single & OHP News

HERO just released their new single 「色合せの法則」(Iroawase no Hosoku) on Wednesday, January 11, and the band announced on their OHP that the song has already reached number one on the dwango.jp daily rankings for ringtone downloads. The OHP also features a 1:27 minute PV preview clip of the song. HERO will begin a one man live tour in March--check the band's website for tour dates and details.

HERO OHP here
"Iroawase no Hosoku" Type A (w/DVD) at CD Japan here
"Iroawase no Hosoku" Type B at CD Japan here
"Iroawase no Hosoku" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

UNiTE One Man Live & PV

UNiTE will be holding their first anniversary one man live [U&U's -ANSWER-] on Thursday, March 29 at Akasaka BLITZ. The band is also offering a full version PV of their song "starting over" on their OHP. UNiTE also has an official YouTube channel with comments and clips.

UNiTE OHP here
Official YouTube here

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Nightmare to Release New Single 2/29

Nightmare will be releasing a new single on Wednesday, February 29. The new single will be titled "mimic," and it will be released in three types. The news was announced today on the band's OHP, with CD cover art displayed on the band's discography.

Nightmare OHP here
Discography page here
"mimic" Type A (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"mimic" Type B (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"mimic" Type C (CD only) pre-order at CD Japan here

Monday, January 9, 2012

lynch. to Release Live DVD

lynch. will be releasing a new live DVD on Wednesday, Feburary 8. The DVD will be called "TOUR'11 "THE BELIEF IN MYSELF" TOUR FINAL〜il infelno〜 2011.09.04 at AKASAKA BLITZ."

lynch. OHP here
DVD pre-order at CD Japan here

UNRAVE 2nd Oneman

UNRAVE will hold their second oneman live show on Wednesday, April 4. Details have not yet been announced, but the band will perform at 西九条BRAND NEW in Osaka.

UNRAVE OHP here

Sunday, January 8, 2012

ZORO to Release New Single

ZORO will be releasing a new single on Wednesday, February 29 called 『薔薇肉』 (Bara Niku). More details about the new single will be released at a later date. Check out the band's OHP for more information, as well as new band goods and tour dates.

ZORO OHP here

Next Nightmare Nico Nico Show 1/17

Nightmare’s next appearance on their Nico Nico web show, “Bakuretsu! Nightmare,” will be Tuesday, January 17. The show airs at 23:00 JST (convert time here). Nico Nico registered members may timeshift if they cannot watch the live show.

"Bakuretsu! Nightmare" here

Saturday, January 7, 2012

musicJAPANplus Gig Vol. 3 on 3/16

musicJAPANplus will be holding their musicJAPANplus Gig Vol. 3 at SHIBUYA O-EAST on Friday, March 16. The event will begin at 18:00 JST (convert time here) and will feature the bands Anli Pollicino, AND, SuG, and PENICILLIN. Other guests are expected to be announced at a later date. The event is again sponsored by JOYSOUND x UGA. The event may be broadcast on the musicJAPANplus USTREAM channel.

Gig Vol. 3 announcement here
musicJAPANplus Gig USTREAM here

Screw TV Airs 1/26

Screw TV Vol. 16 will air on USTREAM on Thursday, January 26 at 21:00 JST (convert time here). The show airs via the musicJAPANplus USTREAM channel, and they are accepting questions for the band to answer during the show.

Screw TV airs here

Friday, January 6, 2012

Alice Nine Channel Airs 1/16

The next air date for Alice Nine's Nico Nico program (Alice Nine Channel) is Monday, January 16, 2012. The program airs at 23:00 JST (convert time zones). Registered Nico Nico members may timeshift for later viewing.

Alice Nine Channel gate here

Alice Nine 5th Album Available to Pre-order

Alice Nine's fifth album, "9," is now available to pre-order. The album will come in two types: Limited edition with DVD, and Regular edition.

Alice Nine "9" OHP here
"9" Limited edition (w/DVD) CD Japan pre-order here
"9" Regular edition CD Japan pre-order here

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Yoshiki to Compose 2012 Golden Globe Theme

Yoshiki of X Japan was awarded the honor of composing the musical theme for the 2012 Golden Globe®  Awards program. The announcement came today from Hollywood Foreign Press Association  president, Dr. Aida Takla-O'Reilly, and dick clark productions executive, Barry Adelman. This 2012 awards program, the show's 69th, will air Sunday, January 15. The main telecast begins live at 5:00-8:00 PST (convert time here) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Yoshiki Offical YouTube clip here
Hollywood Foreign Press Blog Announcement here

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

THE KIDDIE New Album & Appearances

THE KIDDIE will be releasing a new album on March 28, 2012. The new album called "MA☆PIECE" (read as "Masterpiece") will be released in two types. The band will also be making several media appearances, including an appearance as the recommended artist on the TV program "Break Out" on January 5,  and an appearance in the magazine Arena 37C (out January 10). Check out the band's OHP for Spring Tour dates.

THE KIDDIE OHP here
"MA☆PIECE" Limited Edition (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"MA☆PIECE" Regular Edition pre-order at CD Japan here

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

ViViD 4th Single & Other Activities

ViViD will be releasing their forth single on Wednesday, January 11. The new single, called "message," will be released in three types. The band's OHP includes a new look to accompany the single and a title-song PV video preview. ViViD will also be making several magazine appearances in January: Fool's Mate I.S. 007 (1/6), PATi PATi (1/7), Arena 37C (1/10), WHAT's IN? vol. 10 (1/14), and CD&DL Data (1/14). In addition to other band activities, ViViD is collaborating with Malulani Hawaii to make a line of bracelet jewelry.

ViViD OHP here
"message" Type A (w/DVD) pre-order at CD Japan here
"message" Type B (w/DVD)  pre-order at CD Japan here
"message" Regular (w/bonus track)  pre-order at CD Japan here
Malulani Hawaii collaboration here

Monday, January 2, 2012

Golden Bomber 4th Appearance on V-Rock Station

Golden Bomber was the featured artist for the V-Rock Station radio program in December. Each member of Golden Bomber participated in a show by himself. The fourth program to air featured Kiryuiin Sho. His radio program is now available on Nico Nico for listening.

V-Rock Station Website here
Kiryuiin Sho program here

baroque January Featured Artist on V-Rock Station

January's featured artist on the V-Rock Station website will be baroque. The band will be releasing a series of new singles called "Rinzen Identity," "Teeny-tiny Star," and "Mono Drama" on January 4. Each single will contain one song only, or fans can purchase the box set of all three. 

V-Rock Station website here
baroque OHP here
baroque items on CD Japan here

MUCC Updates OHP

MUCC has updated their OHP with a new look to accompany their upcoming "Nirvana" release and a video comment clip from December 20. The band has also updated their live tour information.

MUCC OHP here

SuG's Takeru Writes Novel

SuG's vocalist Takeru has written a short novel called TRiP, based on the theme from the band's "Thrill Ride Pirates" CD. The 240-page novel includes 32 pictures, and will be released on January 19. The vocalist has also created a Twitter account for the novel.

Editor's Note (1/2/12):  There currently seems to be a problem with the CoolJAPANStore site, where they are charging over 477,000 yen for shipping. We say *ouch*. The book is also available from other Japanese shippers, including CD Japan, for much more reasonable shipping fees. Use caution if purchasing this item when calculating shipping costs!

Novel announcement on SuG's OHP here
Novel at CoolJAPANStore here
Novel on Twitter here

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Golden Bomber New PV

Golden Bomber has just released a new full-sized PV clip for 「成龙很酷」(Jackie Chan is Cool), a song in Chinese from their upcoming "Golden Album," to be released January 4. Fans can view the clip from Nico Nico Douga's website.

"Jackie Chan is Cool" clip here

Versailles Updates OHP & Adds Live Dates

Versailles has recently renewed and updated their OHP to add several news links for upcoming live appearances. The band has also included informtion about their new DVD release, "CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES-JUBILEE-", their 2012 calendar, and upcoming radio appearances.

Versailles OHP here

Golden Bomber Appearance on Nack5 Beat Shuffle

Golden Bomber was the guest band on a December 30, 2011 Nack5 Beat Shuffle show. All band members were present for the 57:16 minute show, which can be found on the Nico Nico Douga website.

Golden Bomber on Nack5 Beat Shuffle here