L~Lotus~ is a five-piece band comprising of three ex. as milk members – 蓮華 (Renka) on vocals, saki and Takayuki on guitars, masato on bass, and YUJI on drums. They officially began their activities on March 6th and have released three digital singles to date: 「worry」 on May 19th, 「snow」 on May 26th, and 「tree」 on June 2nd. The members of L~Lotus~ sat down with us to answer a couple of questions, so give it a read to get to know them better! We’d like to thank JapanFiles... Read→
-LEON- is a five-piece band from Gunma comprising of Yuji on vocals, Shin and Koya on guitars, Yamato on bass, and Masashi on drums. Mixing Asian cultural influences with visual rock, -LEON- has a heavy, modern sound with a distinct, ethereal flavor. On December 13th, the band released their first three track mini-album, 「REGULUS」 along with a PV for their song, 「Kokou ni Tou Tsuioku no Kagen no Tsuki」. The members of -LEON- took time to answer a few of our questions, so take a read through... Read→
GLACIER is a five-member group from Okinawa, comprising of Makoto on vocals, Nao on lead guitar, Koujirou on rhythm guitar, Aki on bass, and Yuuki on drums. The band formed in July 2007 and made their major debut a year later on July 23rd. They have released a full album and six singles to date with their seventh single, 「愛の降る街」 (Ai no Furu Machi) which is the third installment of a 7-month digital release project, coming out on June 30th through JapanFiles and on iTunes. The members... Read→
O-PARTS is a two-man unit that started in June of 2009, formed by vocalist sho-ka (ex. Vogus Image) and bassist Jun (GaGaaalinG, ex. WAIVE). On August 20th, they released their first maxi-single entitled 「向日葵」 (Himawari) which included four tracks, all of which made it into the top ten of the Oricon Indies ranking. On May 26th, their second maxi-single, 「煌[kou]」 was released and will be available through JapanFiles from June 6th. Both sho-ka and Jun took time out of their busy schedules... Read→
In 2002, Kaya made his vocal debut in the Mana produced two-man unit, Schwarz Stein. In 2004, Schwarz Stein disbanded, and departing from the label the band was signed to, Kaya became a free singer. Using “aesthetics” as his main theme, Kaya conducts his activities with the goals of “the revolution of the aesthetic senses” and the “liberation of sexuality” in mind, and manages his own lyrics, CD jacket designs, make-up and costume designs as well as the organization... Read→
born is a five member band that began together under RENNY AMY, which was active from August 2005, until December 31st, 2006. Shortly after, the same five members created D&L, and eventually changed their name to ‘born’ on April 9th, 2008 with the sponsored event at Takadanobaba AREA called “born presents 「bug scremo vol.01」”. About a week later, they released their first demonstration single, entitled 「Dust pain」, which was followed by the tour, 「Abnormal skin’s」. Since... Read→
砂月-Satsuki- began his solo career on February 14th, 2009, after spending seven years as the vocalist for RENTRER EN SOI. His first solo release, 「AWAKE」 came out via his online shop on May 9th, and that month he also started his 「AWAKENING TO MOONLIGHT」 tour, which even made a stop in Los Angeles, California. His next release, 「CRYSTAL」 was out on August 21st, which was followed by his 「PEER INTO YOUR CRYSTAL HEART」 tour, where he preformed in both Tokyo and Las Vegas, Nevada. ... Read→
Its the most wonderful time of the day. Its the time you get to spend with Big Ern. Today I’m bringing you a random fact involving sweets and Kanata from MiMiQ. It seems he has an issue with sweets. What is that issue exactly? Kanata says he can’t stop eating them in the middle of the night.
Its okay Kanata, I have issues with junk food. I think I could sleep walk my way to a bag of cheese puffs.
If you remember back at the beginning of August, we posted about Javelin’s announcement to change their name.
Well, the name change went into affect today and they’ve announced that their activities from hereon in will be under the name “Excia”.
The members have all changed their blog addresses.
Taki’s blog can now be found at: http://ameblo.jp/excia-4444/
Youichi’s is at: http://ameblo.jp/youichi1211/
Shouka’s isn’t linked from his old livedoor blog like the other two, so if you happen across it let us know!
To commemorate the name change, they’ll be releasing their first full album! It has both songs from their time as Javelin plus new tracks. The title is “Excia” and it will be released on November 26th for 3150 yen. They’re planning to have 13 ~ 15 songs and the first press edition comes with a full colour twenty page booklet.
The tracklist so far is listed as follows:
＊桜 (Sakura) (Remastered)
＊残酷姫 (Zankoku Hime) (Remastered)
＊｢～道標～｣ (～Michishirube) (Remastered)
＊逃避回路 (Touhi Kairo) (Remastered)
＊星屑花火 (Hoshikuzu Hanabi) (Remastered)
＊舞姫 (Maihime) (Bass Re-recorded)
＊時の夢宴 (Toki no Yume Utage) (Bass and Vocals Re-recorded)
＊桜舞い散るあの場所で… (Sakura Mai Chiru ano basho de…) (Bass Re-recorded)
＊Season (Bass Re-recorded)
The following are the new titles they have planned:
＊N.S.R
＊御伽一夜 (Otogi Ichiya)
＊燈涼 (Touryou)
＊tragedian
Plus two more new songs.
The band is also having their very first FREE oneman show on December 16th at Ikebukuro CYBER called 「極彩色の夢物語」 (Gokusaishiki no Yumemonogatari). That day they’ll be selling a single with the same title plus a live DVD that contains footage from their oneman show on July 29th! These two items will ONLY be sold at the free oneman, so if you’re a fan and you know someone who’s going, make sure they can pick you up a copy!
Source: Youichi’s Old blog which lead to his new blog
Kisnate will be celebrating their one year anniversary this December by holding a oneman live at Takadanobaba AREA on December 15th called 「夢物語」 (Yumemonogatari). All those who attend will receive a free copy of their PV for 「願い星」 (Negai Hoshi).
They’ve also decided that on December 3rd they’ll be releasing an album called 「~Sold out Single Collection’s～夢の国」 (Yume no Kuni). As the title says, it’s a collection of all their sold out music. That’s definitely an awesome collection for any fans! While they haven’t posted the track titles yet, the album will include four singles which equals eight tracks plus three bonus tracks for a total of an eleven track album all for the low low price of 2600 yen!
Okay, so it’s not a low low price but I felt like one of those TV commercials that displays the song titles on the screen, and plays like fifteen seconds of each song…
Source: OHP
This is another post pointed out by the person with the awesome name, Kyotaro. Thank you.
SCREW will be releasing a new single on 11/19! There are no further details on the release but we will inform you as soon as we find out more.
Source: OHP
メガマッソ (Megamasso) has created something pretty cool!
On August 29th the band performed their 「Megamasso Summer Tour “STARZm6″」 tour final at SHIBUYA-AX. On that day, they opened up a special blog where they’ve uploaded photos and comments fully covering the performance!
It’s pretty cool and there are tons of behind the scenes photos! If you’re a fan, make sure you check it out: http://monmega.exblog.jp/
Source: BMA
All SCISSOR fans will be glad to know that former guitarist シノ (Shino) is starting up a new band!
The members won’t be announced until they begin activities in the fall, however, the band’s name is MiU and you can keep tabs on them by checking out their OHP which is located at http://w01.tp1.jp/~a080252339/miu/index.html.
Source: BMA
Okay, this was sent in by someone with the most awesome name ever. Thank you Kyotaro for sending this in and thank you for using the name Kyotaro. In my own delusional state I’d like to pretend you are this Kyotaro. It really is that simple to please me. Someone should mail in news using the name Tomozo and watch how happy I get. Anyways…
alice nine. is releasing a new TOUR DVD on 10/29 titled Discotheque play like “A” Rainbows -enter & exit. The price of the release will be 5,775yen. Its also for preorder on CDjapan, click here to be taken to the product page.
Secondly they will be releasing a new maxi single on 12/10 titled CROSS GAME. There will be two types for the release, the first press including a DVD. I don’t see a price listed for this yet (possibly I’m blind), we will keep you informed on it.
Source: OHP
Sugar will be releasing a request album entitled “【Re:261156】addere” on November 5th. The price and tracklist have not been decided yet though so hopefully they will put up more details soon.
Also they have updated their site with a new look/new pictures as well as new goods in the site’s shop!
Source: OHP
電影グラマァ (Video Glamour) will be releasing their 1st single on November 11th! There are no other details given besides that it will cost 1150 yen. No title or tracklist is available as of yet, but we will be on the look out.
Source: OHP
exist†trace’s already has new lives lined up before they head out to Europe. They have a live on 09.14 with Black:List called “Black Riot”. Band line up includes: Black:List, gaudie, Megaromania, Schmelz Cure, DELUHI and more… live tickets are about 2800-3300 yen. They live will be held at Takadanobaba AREA.
09.26 they have a live called “Deer Call War #05″ with Black:List, Venus, LSD, Juliette and more… tickets are the same price as mentioned above but the live is going to be at (Shizuoka) Sunash.
The last live they have listed before they go out on tour is “Deer Call War #06″ at Holiday Nagoya. This live is on 09.28, and features: Black:List, Venus, Domain, EAT YOU ALIVE, Danger Gang and more… same ticket price.
They also changed their pictures on their site. What do you guys think of the new look? (click for bigger pic)
Sources: exist†trace lj, HP
メリー (Merry) has announced that this Christmas, they’ll be holding their very first Christmas live! It will take place at Shibuya C.C Lemon Hall on Christmas Eve and is titled “MERRY X’MAS”.
Source: BMA
That’s good for the Merry boys! But I do have to say, I absolutely hate the abbreviation ‘Xmas’ for some reason.
Its that time again, time for the random fact of the day. Today it comes from the band Berry Bell and involves how they see one another. Here is what the members had to say:
Yuuto
Jyura： Berry Bell’s student council leader
Yue: A sparkling princess
yukkey： A cool older brotherJyura
yuuto： A little prince
Yue： A maiden who dreams☆ Someone who will always be 17 years old
yukkey： Someone who honestly tries their hardest!Yue
yuuto： He looks like the sun, shines brightly and loveable
Jyura: The goddddddd that saved Yue!!!
yukkey： He’s funny, manly and loveableyukkey
yuuto： Cute boy
Jyura: Gentle older brother
Yue: The kind, healing type
I should do this with the staff members of ST! I view Mija as the one that I want to spank me.
exist†trace will be releasing a digest album called “Recreation ” which contains their works from 2006 – 2008 on November 11th! The cost will be 3150 yen and it will contain a new track, plus two ‘retakes’.
The order of the tracks has not yet been decided, but the songs will be as follows:
・reprologue （New Song）
・JUDEA （retake)
・Venom （retake)
・liquid
・リリム (Ririmu)
・眩しい程の暗闇の中で (Mabushii hodo no Kurayami no naka de)
・灰ノ雪 (Hai no Yuki)
・water
・SACRIFICE BABY
・Under mind
・end-less
Source: Brand-x
Kisnate and Zip.er are teaming up for a two man live on September 22nd at Ikebukuro CYBER called “「Z」 Pack & Yume no Kuni”.
Tickets went on sale starting August 23rd and cost 2500 yen.
All those attending receieve a special free distribution item.
Source: Visunavi
Back in June, SIX-R lost their vocalist, Jun. They’ve been pretty quiet for a while, but today they have not only renewed their OHP, but announced their newest line-up which includes not only a new vocalist, but a new drummer as well! I’ve been waiting a while for this, haha.
They haven’t posted any new photos of the band but the members now are as follows:
Vocals - 青漣 (Seiren)
Guitar - 裕 (Yuu)
Guitar - カイネ (Kaine)
Bass - 皇子 (O-ji)
Drums - 実 (Minoru)
Seiren has already posted in the official blog, just saying that he’s the new member and he hopes that everyone can support him in the band.
The new site looks hot (I like it a lot better than their old one) so hopefully they’ll have some awesome new photos to match their site’s new style!
They also mention that there’s a new release coming soon! Details on that when we have them!
Source: OHP
THE SKULL FUCK REVOLVERS have announced that on October 18th after their event at Ikebukuro Cyber, they will be disbanding.
They say that with the sudden departure of one of their members, (THOMAS CURLY HAIR) triggered a discussion about the direction of the band. From that, they decided to choose the option to disband.
They do apologize to the fans for the abrupt announcement, and hope that everyone will support and watch over them until the end.
The members have also posted comments regarding the decision on the OHP. So check it out if you’re interested.
Source: OHP
v (Neu), who are going on an activity pause, have announced that on September 2nd at Shibuya O-WEST they will be holding a costume auction!
I always think costume auctions are cool, but I’d have no idea what to do with someone else’s costume. I mean, I definitely wouldn’t wear it… it would actually make me feel a little creepy to pay for a band member’s old clothing. But I guess if you’re a fan, it’s one interesting collectible!
Along with the auction, they have another project planned but have not yet released details about it.
Source: OHP
Jishuban Club is turning ten years old this year so to celebrate they’re holding an event called “~NEVER MIND~ 10th Anniversary”. They’re holding three performances all at Shibuya O-WEST.
Dates and participating artists are as follows:
November 4th
Kaya, Sugar, 9GOATS BLACK OUT, chariots, THE KIDDIE, And, and more…
November 5th
Sugimoto Yoshinori, DaizyStripper, rice, 176BIZ, Hi:BRiD, boogieman, LOGiQ
November 6th
heidi., Girugamesh, the Underneath, RENTRER EN SOI, Doremidan, Matenrou Opera, E’m~grief~
Source: Jishuban Club, BMA
Time for another Ask Ernie! Our next question: What is the difference between first and regular press? How can I find out if something I have is first or regular press?
There are several differences between a first press release and a regular press!
A first press release generally has a limited amount of copies. Because it’s the first edition of a particular release, there are often extras included. For example, a first press copy might have an extra song, come with a postcard, sticker or a DVD containing live footage or a PV. Also, some retailers that sell the release also receive extras such as photo sets, posters, comment papers or Cd’s, the list could go on. Sometimes even the cover art or packaging can be different.
A regular press edition of a release usually is just the songs, however this can vary between artists. For example, the recent release from D’espairsRay, Kamikaze, has a first press limited edition and a regular pressing. With the first press you receive a random photo card of one member, a DVD containing live footage and a poster. The regular edition still comes with the random photo card and poster, but does not contain the DVD – but includes a live audio recording of the song Brilliant. Again, this is just one of the many examples that could be given.
The best advice for finding if what you have is first or regular press is to look at the discography of the artist from that release. Generally, a first press edition will be identified with the kanji “初回盤” and regular press with “通常盤.” Another way is to consult online retailers like Cd Japan who will often list the first and regular press as well as the differences between the two.
Bought to you by the letter…M! M always has an odd collection of pics on his blog but these two caught my eye! Very bad ass and hardcore no? XD
Source: M blog
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