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* This review was done on October 14 2000 * Slightly edited on 3rd November 2000
Before I begin, here's Dir's band members: KYO(vo), KAORU(g), DIE(g), TOSHIYA(b) and SHINYA(dr). A truly young talented bunch I have to say. The oldest would be Kaoru and youngest Shinya. The long awaited MACABRE, Dir's second album has been spinning in my Discman since it's release. First, there's the impression of the packing (ooh..I really love Japanese packings XD). The cover itself is unique. Transparent black with pretty designs on it. The booklet is thick, resembles GAUZE, Dir's first album, but there are 2 pictures of each band member! I really like the design! First press release had lil beads at the side. It may sound like nothing much but it's really kawaii ^o^ Like GAUZE, MACABRE has 13 tracks, all lyrics written by yours truly, Kyo, 5 songs (Track 5,8,9,12,13) written by Kaoru, 2 songs (Track 3,10) by Die, 1 song (Track 4) by Toshiya, 1 song by Shinya (Track 6) and 4 songs (1,2,7,11) by Dir en grey. Three of the songs were previously released as singles (Myaku, [KR]cube and taiyou no ao) but are slightly different in the album. Starting off with Deity, Kyo really surprised me, he's singing Russian(?). The song is Indian-ish at the beginning. And Kyo chanting in one of Brahms (Spelling correct?) tunes. He used it as a motive. It's really cool! The third track, Riyuu (as kanji is read) is another ear catching one. Of course, I cannot leave out Toshiya's song, 'egnirys cimredopyh +) injection' out. He just brings the bass to life here and Kyo raps!! He raps!!! Kakkoii!! Kawaii!! (deranged Kyo fangirl) Hydra is a song which I need to BLAST in order to enjoy. Hehe, the guitar with Kyo's scream is armor shattering but that's the idea right? And oh, it's in English..Kyo wants to be an anarchist?? Berry, is definitely the light of this album. I fell in love with it that very instant but the conversations were disturbing..Child Abuse. But still, it's different. The verses are dark but the chorus is light. Definitely different. And Kyo sounds so cute screaming "RaspBerry Jam". Myaku is different at the beginning and the end. It comes after Deity which I find very appropriate XD [KR]cube definitely sounds better here. And it still reminds of Sephiroth and Jenova at one point. [Mother and you and my new relation] Without thinking, I put my hand on your neck. You say nothing and you do nothing. I'm gonna sing the last lullaby for you while you smile at me. I wonder why I fell in love with you. Impossible love. Sephiroth-mitai yo! But then the actual meaning of the song is different *sweatdrops* Taiyou no ao sounds better hear too than in the single. It's not exactly fan's favourite but it's definitely a beautiful song with full expression. I just love the way the instruments are played here and Kyo's voice. Everytime I hear this song, I feel a pain in my heart. Nazeka kokoro ga itakute..? Macabre is another good track, if not, has the best lyrics. It took me a while to understand that a sanagi was a pupa. Now it makes more sense. Kyo's word play gives me a hard time. Is beautifully described and has a lot of emotion. It's one of the tracks which inspired an artwork of mine. Besides that, the strong and sad track, Zakuro, has also inspired an artwork. It's another one of Dir's songs which moves my heart with pain and sadness. I need to express myself, so this is where Dir en grey comes in. Hotarubi isn't one of my favourites but it's good too. The lyrics is about the end of World War 2 when the Japanese fell. Audrey is relatively a good track and has a catchy tune. Whereas rasetsu koku is just plain hard core, but cool! Dir experiments a lot here. There are different tunes and styles, all fresh. And for those who worry about them without YOSHIKI, don't. They can do very well by themselves. It's good album. HIGHLY recommended! Well done Dir en grey! Will love you forever! You really deserve it XDXD
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M A C A B R E (SFCD-0001, 3059 yen, release on 20.09.2000)