Alice Nine Guitarist's Illness & Statement

It was recently announced that Alice Nine's guitarist Hiroto would not be attending the band's first appearances for press and meetings in Singapore on November 30 due to a sudden illness. Today, Hiroto released his own statement in English via the band's Official Facebook page. The guitarist apologized for making fans worry, stating that thanks to proper medical treatment and support from staff, he is making a recovery. He also notes that his fractured ribcage has healed fully, and he plans to appear in the band's live show on December 1. Check out the band's Official Facebook fan page for the full statement.

Alice Nine Official Facebook here

vistlip New Mini Album Confirmed

vistlip has confirmed via their OHP that they will be releasing a new mini album on January 1, 2013. The new release will be titled "GLOSTER," and it will be released in three types. Release details and track listings are included on the band's OHP News page. Pre-ordering is already available in some web shops.

vistlip OHP here
"GLOSTER" Limited Edition CD+DVD at CD Japan here
"GLOSTER" vister Edition CD+DVD at CD Japan here
"GLOSTER" lipper Edition CD at CD Japan here

Viju☆Love☆Cafe #18 Airs 12/16

Viju☆Love☆Cafe #18 will have its next webcast on Sunday, December 16 at 14:00 JST (convert time here). This month, Akemi Oshima and Biju-tan will host interviews and comments from:  BugLug, KISAKI, ANDROID_RYO:SUKE_WING (WING WORKS & Lolita 23-q), Awoi, RYO & MASATO (defspiral), DaizyStripper, GOTCHAROCKA, RedruM, Kaya, Overworld (of Sweden), and OROCHI. The program's ending theme will be "Fly away" by NINJAMAN JAPAN.

Viju☆Love☆Cafe airs here

Nightmare Comment on Vif YouTube

The Vif Rock Music Navigation Site has uploaded a new comment from Nightmare on their official YouTube channel. The band appears in a 2:40 minute video featuring their comments about the recent "Deus ex machina" single release, in stores November 28, and upcoming tour dates.

Nightmare comment at Vif YouTube here

Plastic Tree Comment on Vif Music

The Vif Rock Music Navigation Site has uploaded a new comment from Plastic Tree on their official YouTube channel. The band appears in a 2:51 minute video featuring their comments about the upcoming "Ink" album, set to hit stores on December 12, and their upcoming tour dates.

Plastic Tree comment at Vif YouTube here

Velbet New Releases

Velbet has announced via their OHP that they will soon be offering two new releases. On December 19, the band plans to release a new single titled "Mahoroba" in three types. For the new year, the band also plans to release another single called "Medicine." That single will be released in three types on January 30, 2013.

Velbet OHP here
"Mahoroba" Type A at CD Japan here
"Mahoroba" Type B at CD Japan here
"Mahoroba" Type C at CD Japan here
"Medicine" Type A at CD Japan here
"Medicine" Type B at CD Japan here
"Medicine" Type C at CD Japan here

Poltergeist New Single Release 12/5

Poltergeist will be releasing a new single on December 5. The new single will be called "Glider," and it will include two songs. It is the band's sixth maxi single.

Poltergeist OHP here
"Glider" at CD Japan here

Misaruka New Single Release 12/19

Misaruka will be releasing a new single on December 19. The limited release will be called "Epilogue-Mellow," and it will be released in special "tall" packaging.

Misaruka OHP here
"Epilogue-Mellow" CD at CD Japan here

Matenrou Opera New Album Release 3/6/13

Matenrou Opera announced plans to release their second album on March 6, 2013. The new album, titled "Kassai to Gekijou no Gloria," will feature the new songs "GLORIA" and "Innovational Symphonia" among others for a total of 12 tracks.

Matenrou Opera OHP here
"Kassai to Gekijou no Gloria" CD at CD Japan here

Nightmare Nico Special Airs 12/3

On December 3, Nightmare will be airing a special program on the Nico Nico Live website to commemorate the release of their new "Deus ex machina" single. This program will include a special airing of the band's "NIGHTMARE TOUR 2011-2012 Nightmarish reality TOUR FINAL at Nippon Budokan" live show. Time shifting is available for those who cannot watch the show as it airs.

Nightmare special airs here

Alice9 Channel Airs 12/7

The next air date for Alice Nine's Nico Nico program, "Alice9 Channel," is December 7, 2012. The program airs at 23:00 JST (convert time zones). Registered Nico Nico members may time shift for later viewing if they are not able to watch the live show.

Alice Nine Channel airs here

Anli Pollicino on Nico Live TODAY

Anli Pollicino will be appearing shortly on the Nico Nico Live website. The "[Anli] November's Nico Live [Pollicino]" program will air TODAY at 23:00 JST (convert time here).

Anli Pollicino show airs here

YOHIO merchandise Online

Official YOHIO merchandise is now available from the Ninetone Records online shop. Fans of the Swedish artist can now buy a T-shirt, hat, or phone covers from the web shop. Seremedy merchandise is also available. Check the Terms & Conditions page for details on shipping outside of Sweden.

YOHIO merchandise here

[Updated] SCREW New Single Release 2/6/13

SCREW will be releasing their second major single on February 6, 2013. The band will release the single titled "Teardrop" in three types. Title tracks and bonus features are available from the band's OHP. Check your favorite online retailer for sales information.

SCREW OHP here
"Teardrop" Limited Type A at CD Japan here
"Teardrop" Limited Type B at CD Japan here
"Teardrop" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

Editor's Note:  Updated post now included links to CD Japan listings.

Raphael New DVD Release 12/26

Raphael has announced plans to release a new DVD on December 26. "Tenshi no Hinoki Butai Dai Ichi Ya 'Hakuchumu'" will feature performances from their two-day concert held at Hakuchumu on October 31 and November 1, 2012.

Raphael OHP here
"Tenshi no Hinoki Butai Dai Ichi Ya 'Hakuchumu'" DVD at CD Japan here

SuG SHOXX FiLE Now Available

On November 21, SuG released a commemorative SHOXX FiLE. The collectors book will chronicle the band's activities and articles in the popular music magazine through the years 2009 to 2012.

SuG OHP here
SuG FiLE details here

[Updated] MUCC Nico Nico Airs 11/27

MUCC has announced via their OHP that they will be appearing in a Nico Nico Live web special on November 27. The show will be broadcast live from the Harajuku Astro Hall between 19:00-20:00 JST (convert time here). Time shifting is available for Nico Nico registered users who cannot watch the live show.

MUCC OHP here
MUCC airs here

Annie's Black Joins Facebook

Annie's Black updated their OHP to announce that they have opened an official Facebook page. To follow band news and updates via the popular social networking site, be sure to "like" the fan page and add them to your notifications and interests lists.

Annie's Black OHP here
Annie's Black Facebook here

[Updated] Kra New Album Title Released

Kra has updated their OHP to include the title of their upcoming album release scheduled for February 27, 2013. The new album will be titled "Joker's KINGDOM," and it will be released in two types. Details about the types and their contents can be found on the band's OHP.

Kra OHP here
"Joker's KINGDOM" page here
"Joker's KINGDOM" Limited Edition at CD Japan here
"Joker's KINGDOM" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

Editor's Note: Updated post now includes links to CD Japan listings.

Nightmare Members to Appear on Nico Nico 11/22

Nightmare members YOMI and Hitsugi will appear as special guests on the next airing of "Takanori Nishikawa's Ienomi!!" The show will air via the Nico Nico Live website on November 22 at 23:00 JST (convert time here). Time shifting is available for Nico Nico registered users who cannot watch the show as it airs live.

"Takanori Nishikawa's Ienomi!!" airs here

THE KIDDIE Airs on Nico Nico 11/28

THE KIDDIE will appear in a special program titled "THE KIDDIE NEW ALBUM Release Commemoration Special" on the Nico Nico website on November 28. The program airs in conjunction with the release of their new album, "THE 5 -FIVE-." The show begins at 20:00 JST (convert time here), and time shifting is available for Nico Nico registered users who cannot watch the show as it airs live.

THE KIDDIE show airs here

THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S Members Create Facebook Accounts

Two members of THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S have created Facebook accounts. On October 30, guitarist Kazuya created his own personal fan page where he has posted photos and updates. On November 18, guitarist SHUN. created his own personal Facebook friends account including photos, videos, and updates. These personal pages appear in addition to the band's official fan page.

Kazuya Facebook here
SHUN. Facebook here
THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S Facebook here

ViSULOG.TV Airs 12/19

The next episode of ViSULOG.TV will air on December 19 at 21:00 JST (convert time here). The December show will feature guest appearances by YUKI (Mix Speakers, Inc.), Danchou (NoGoD), Kiryu, and BORN. Special appearances are expected from Pockoon (former editor-in-chief of SHOXX and currently with ROCKSTAR) and Takaya (drummer from Romance for~).

ViSULOG.TV airs here

exist†trace U.S. Appearance in 2013

exist†trace will be making a live show appearance in the United States in 2013. The band has been signed as a guest artist to the 24th A-Kon convention, held between May 31 and June 2 in Dallas, Texas. The event is scheduled to take place at The Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, where the band plans to hold meet and greet events as well as a live performance. Plans for the band's appearance at the convention are detailed in an article for the Kawaii girl Japan website, conveniently featured in both English and Japanese.

Guitarist miko spent two years living in Dallas during her childhood.

exist†trace OHP here
A-Kon website here
Kawaii girl Japan article here

GLAY Upcoming Releases

GLAY has big plans for releases at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013 including multiple CD and DVD releases. All release information is currently included in a rotating banner on the band's OHP.

First up in December are the band's 46th and 47th single releases. "Justice [from] Guilty" and "Unmeiron" will both be released on December 5 in two types each. On the same day, GLAY will also release their "GLAY STADIUM LIVE 2012 THE SUITE ROOM ON OSAKA NAGAI STADIUM" from the band's performances on July 28 and 29.

On January 23, the band will also be releasing two new albums. "Justice" and "Guilty" will be their 11th and 12th album releases, and they will both be issued in two types.

The band plans to begin a new arena tour in February 2013.

GLAY OHP here
"Justice [from] Guilty" CD+DVD at CD Japan here
"Justice [from] Guilty" CD at CD Japan here
"Unmeiron" CD+DVD at CD Japan here
"Unmeiron" CD at CD Japan here
"GLAY STADIUM LIVE 2012" from GLAY Official G Direct here
"Justice" CD+DVD at CD Japan here
"Justice" CD at CD Japan here
"Guilty" CD+DVD at CD Japan here
"Guilty" CD at CD Japan here

Kiryu New DVD Release 1/16/2013

Kiryu will be releasing a new live DVD set on January 16, 2013. The "47 Todofuken Tandoku Jungyo" DVD set will be released in two types, both featuring the band's September 17, 2012 concert at Zepp DiverCity.

Kiryu OHP here

"47 Todofuken Tandoku Jungyo -Senshuraku - 'Shuka Ensen' 2012.9.17 Zepp DiverCity" DVD at CD Japan here

"47 Todofuken Tandoku Jungyo 'Shuka Ensen' Document Ban" DVD at CD Japan here

BREAKERZ New Single Release 1/16/13

BREAKERZ announced on their OHP that they will be releasing their 14th single on January 16, 2013. The new single will be titled "RUSTY HEARTS" and it will be the opening theme of the SEGA online game of the same name. Check out the animated PV for the song on the band's OHP.

BREAKERZ OHP here

Sendai Kamotsu New DVD Release 12/19

Sendai Kamotsu will be releasing a new live DVD on December 19. The "Sendai Kamotsu Tour 2011 'HERO' -Kaettekita Iyashi no Takuhaibin-" DVD will feature the concert held at Shibuya C.C. Lemon Hall on the final day of their 2011 tour.

Sendai Kamotsu OHP here

"Sendai Kamotsu Tour 2011" DVD at CD Japan here

vistlip & Moran on dwangya Live 11/20

vistlip and Moran will be appearing as featured guest artists on the next "dwangya Live" show on the Nico Nico Live website. The program will air on November 20 at 20:00 JST (convert time here). MC Takuya Hoshino will host the show. Time shifting is available for Nico Nico registered users who cannot watch the program as it airs live.

vistlip & Moran show airs here

Golden Bomber New Single Release 1/1/13

Golden Bomber has announced plans to release a new single on January 1, 2013. The new single, titled "Dance My Generation," will be released in three types.

Also check out the band's Zany Zap Official YouTube channel for a new furitsuke video featuring Utahiroba Jun and "Kon'ya wa Tonight."

Golden Bomber OHP news here
"Dance My Generation" Type A at CD Japan here
"Dance My Generation" Type B at CD Japan here
"Dance My Generation" Regular Edition at CD Japan here
"Kon'ya wa Tonight" furitsuke on YouTube here

"Crazy Pumpkins" Show Airs 12/6

Visual bands Crack6, GOTCHAROCKA, and v[NEU] have announced plans to gather again to air a new "The Crazy Pumpkins!! Big Gathering!!" live show via the musicJAPANplus TV channel. The bands originally convened for a live talk on the Nico Nico Live website on September 6 to promote their October 28 Halloween show. On December 6, the members will gather together again for a new show that will begin airing at 20:00 JST (convert time here).

musicJAPANplus airing announcement here

D=OUT Radio Airs 11/27

D=OUT will appear on their Nico Nico web show titled "PS Company presents D=OUT's 'Noraneko Broadcast'" on November 27. This internet radio program will air at 23:00 JST (convert time here) on the Nico Nico Live website. Time shifting is available for Nico Nico registered users who cannot listen to the show as it airs.

D=OUT radio airs here

baroque New Single Release 12/12

baroque will release a new single on December 12. The new single, titled "Kizuna," will be released in three types.

baroque OHP here
"Kizuna" Limited Edition Type A at CD Japan here
"Kizuna" Limited Edition Type B at CD Japan here
"Kizuna" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

Royz New DVD Release 1/23/2013

Royz will release a new live DVD on January 23, 2013. The new DVD, "Royz 2012 SUMMER Oneman TOUR FINAL 'The Space of '6' HEAVENS' ~Royz 3rd Anniversary in Nanba Hatch~," will showcase the band's September 28, 2012 performance at the venue.

Royz OHP here
Live DVD at CD Japan here

Ash'D soul New Album Release 12/5

Ash'D soul will release their second mini album on December 5. The new album will be titled "RARExSTRAIGHT," and it will include seven song tracks.

Ash'D soul OHP here
"RARExSTRAIGHT" CD at CD Japan here

Bakuretsu Nightmare! Airs 12/18

Nightmare’s next appearance on their Nico Nico web show, “Bakuretsu! Nightmare,” will be December 18. The show now airs at 21:00 JST (convert time here). Nico Nico registered members may time shift if they cannot watch the live show as it airs.

"Bakuretsu! Nightmare" airs here

"The ViViD Style" Airs 11/13

ViViD will appear in their Nico Nico show, "The ViViD Style," on November 13. The show will air at 21:00 JST (convert time here). Registered Nico Nico members may use the time shift function if they are not able to watch the live show.

The ViViD Style to air here

Kra's "Meruhen Radio" Airs 11/14

Kra's next "Meruhen Radio" broadcast will air on November 14. The show will air on the Nico Nico Live website at 19:00 JST (convert time here). Time shifting will be available for Nico Nico registered users who cannot listen to the show as it airs live.

Kra radio show airs here

Golden Bomber Nico Show Airs 11/30

Golden Bomber members will appear in their monthly Nico Nico show on November 30. The show begins at 24:00 JST (convert time here). Registered Nico Nico members may time shift for later viewing if they are not able to watch the show as it airs.

Golden Bomber Show airs here

SID New Album Release 1/16/2013

SID will be releasing a "best of" album on January 13, 2013 for their 10th anniversary year. The new compilation album will be titled "SID 10th Anniversary BEST," and it will be released in two types. The band began activities in 2003.

SID OHP here
"SID 10th Anniversary BEST" Limited Edition at CD Japan here
"SID 10th Anniversary BEST" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

D.I.D. 1st Album Release 11/14

D.I.D. will be releasing their first full album on November 14. The new album will be called "Providentia,
 and it will be released in two types. Check out the band's OHP to see a full PV version of the title track, "Providentia."

D.I.D. OHP here
"Providentia" Limited Edition at CD Japan here
"Providentia" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

Lin New Mini Album Release 11/21

Lin will be releasing their first mini album on November 21. The new release, titled "The Psalms and Lamentations," will be issued in two types. Each type will include five song tracks, plus different bonus tracks for each. Check out the band's news page for a short video PV spot including the title track and upcoming release and related tour information.

Lin OHP here
"The Psalms..." Type A at CD Japan here
"The Psalms..." Type B at CD Japan here

Sel'm New Single Release 11/14

Sel'm will be releasing a new single on November 14. The new single, titled "brave," will include four song tracks. The band's OHP currently features a full video clip for the song "brave."

Sel'm OHP here
"brave" single at CD Japan here

emmuree New Album Release 11/14

emmuree will be releasing their third full album on November 14. The new album will be called "EMMUREE," and it will feature 10 song tracks.

emmuree OHP here
"EMMUREE" album at CD Japan here

Blu-BiLLioN New Single Release 11/14

Blu-BiLLioN will be releasing a new single on November 14. The new single will be titled "MoSaic," and it will be released in two types. This latest single is part of the band's plans to have two consecutive months of releases--the first single, "WILL," was released on October 10.

Blu-BiLLioN OHP here
"MoSaic" Limited Edition at CD Japan here
"MoSaic" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

EVE New Album Release 11/14

EVE will be releasing their first album on November 14. The new album, titled "Novus," will be released in two types. The band's OHP currently features a short video and audio clip from the album.

EVE OHP here
"Novus" Type A at CD Japan here
"Novus" Type B at CD Japan here

R-Shitei New Release 11/21

R-Shitei will be releasing a new single on November 21. The new single, titled "Aikoku Revolution," will be released in two types. The band's OHP currently features an audio sample clip on the main page.

R-Shitei OHP here
"Aikoku Revolution" Limited Editon at CD Japan here
"Aikoku Revolution" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

aki Re-issued Release 11/21

aki will be releasing a second pressing of his first mini album on November 21. That album, titled "INSPIRE," will feature seven song tracks--including two live bonus tracks.

aki OHP here
"INSPIRE" second-pressing at CD Japan here

GOTCHAROCKA New Release 12/19

GOTCHAROCKA will be releasing their first mini album on December 19. The new album will be called "Virginity," and it will be released in two types. The band just released their first single, "Hydrag," on September 29.

GOTCHAROCKA OHP here
"Virginity" Limited Edition CD at CD Japan here
"Virginity" Regular Edition CD at CD Japan here

vistlip Single on iTunes

vistlip announced on their official Facebook page that they released their newest single for download on iTunes on October 31. The double-A "Shinkaigyo no Yume wa Shosen / Artist" was released in 37 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and Oceania via the popular music site. No listing is available in North or South America at this time. Check local listings to see if the release is available in your country.

vistlip Facebook here

Kra & DuelJewel on MJP 11/28

musicJAPANplus will host a special program featuring both Kra and DuelJewel on November 28. Each band will have their own special feature before they appear together. The program will begin airing at 20:00 JST (convert time here) via the MJP USTREAM channel.

musicJAPANplus airing announcement here

Angelo Short Movie on YouTube

Angelo will be releasing a new album called "RETINA" on November 14, and to introduce the new release, they have uploaded a short movie to their official YouTube page. The 3:52 minute movie short introduces the story behind the album. Don't miss the short PV clip for the new song "Synapse," also featured on the band's YouTube channel.

Angelo OHP here
Angelo YouTube Channel here

Nightmare Shows Air on Nico Nico

Nightmare now has their own Nico Nico Live channel. This channel will serve as a gathering place for all the band's upcoming web shows, appearances, and special comments.

The band's next web appearance will be in the November 7 episode of "Nico Raji," where YOMI and Hitsugi will be featured guests. That show will air at 22:00 JST (convert time here).

The next episode of the band's regular monthly "Bakuretsu! Nightmare" show will air on November 13 at 21:00 JST. Nico Nico registered users may time shift all shows if they are not able to watch the programs as they air live.

Nightmare Channel here
Nico Raji November 7 show airs here
Bakuretsu! Nightmare November 13 show airs here

Alice9 Channel Airs 11/23

The next air date for Alice Nine's Nico Nico program, "Alice9 Channel," is November 23, 2012. The program airs at 23:00 JST (convert time zones). Registered Nico Nico members may time shift for later viewing if they are not able to watch the live show.

Alice Nine Channel airs here

Black Gene for the Next Scene New Maxi Single 3/20/13

Black Gene for the Next Scene has announced plans to release a new maxi single on March 20, 2013. The new single, titled "Sakuran Trance destiny," will be released in three types. That maxi single will be the band's third.

Black Gene for the Next Scene news here

Band Feature: RUVISH

RUVISH is a 5-member band that formed on May 5, 2012 from former member of bands like Doremidan, Himeichigo, Virgil, and Wizard. They opened their official website on September 15, 2012, and quickly announced that they would be participating in their first sponsored live on November 19 at the "Garakuta Rock Festival Vol. 1" show held at Shibuya O-WEST. They will be performing with other popular bands Megamasso, GlamGrammar, DaizyStripper, HERO, and DuelJewel. They have since announced another live show to be held on January 19, 2013 at Takadanobaba AREA for the "BRAND NEW WAVE 2013" event, where bands like v[NEU], Black Gene for the Next Scene, DIV, LANDZ, and BlitZ will also perform.


RUVISH will be releasing their first single, called "Kasanari," on November 21, 2012. Audio samples for the single are currently featured on the band's homepage, as well as on the band's official YouTube channel.

Members:

Vocalist: Reon
Guitar: HIRO
Guitar: Haruki
Bass: YUHSUKE
Drums: Ruka

RUVISH OHP here
RUVISH Official YouTube Channel here

Blogs:

Reon Official Blog here
HIRO Official Blog here
Haruki Official Blog here
YUHSUKE Official Blog here
Ruka Official Blog here

Twitter:

Reon Twitter here
HIRO Twitter here
Haruki Twitter here
YUHSUKE Twitter here
Ruka Twitter here

Versailles New Compilation Album 1/30/13

Versailles has announced plans to release a final compilation album on January 30, 2013. The album will be titled "Anthologie," and it will include a selection of songs produced during the band's time with Warner Music Japan. The Limited and Regular Editions will both include 14 song tracks, and the Limited Edition will also include a bonus audio CD of five live music recordings from various concerts. Track listings and details are included on the band's OHP news release.

Versailles OHP news here
"Anthologie" Limited Edition at CD Japan here
"Anthologie" Regular Edition at CD Japan here

An Cafe Interview on MJP YouTube

musicJAPANplus has added an interview with An Cafe to its official YouTube channel. The 14:36 minute interview is conveniently subtitled in English and discusses the band's current "NYAPPY GO AROUND THE WORLD III" tour. There is also a Q&A video session with individual band members.

An Cafe interview on YouTube here

SUGIZO English Interview on Facebook

SUGIZO has posted an English language interview on his official Facebook page. The interview features a photo of the artist, as well as a discussion of his recent tour and releases. The interview is also available in Japanese.

SUGIZO Facebook Interview here

SHOXX vol. 239 on Sale 11/21

Popular music magazine SHOXX will release volume 239 on November 21. This January issue will feature SuG's vocalist Takeru as the cover artist and interview. According to the magazine's Facebook updates, the vocalist spoke frankly to the interviewer about recent events, and the photo spread will feature clothing styles he arranged himself. Volume 239 will also include R-Shitei, LM.C, D, Kiryu, and MUCC, all discussing new CD releases.

SHOXX website here
SHOXX Facebook here

SCREW New Single Release 2/6

SCREW has announced that they will be releasing a new single on February 6, 2013. The title of the single will be "Teardrop," but no other details have been released. This will be the second single released since the band went major with their current single, "XANADU."

SCREW OHP news here

vistlip New Mini Album Release

vistlip announced on their web show and via their OHP that they will be releasing a new mini album. The as-yet-untitled album will be released some time in early 2013. Pre-ordering is already available in some web shops.

vistlip OHP here
Mini Album Limited Edition CD+DVD at CD Japan here
Mini Album vister Edition CD+DVD at CD Japan here
Mini Album lipper Edition CD at CD Japan here