Mayohk sakaba 2

 I missed the last Mayohk bar event in January since I was in Sweden at the time and I mourned it bad (getting a 2shot with Közi is a bit of dream since I’ve listened to him since my high school days and it’s so rare for him to do that). I was very happy they shortly after announced yet another event though and I made sure to be free on that day so I could go. Honestly, these kinds of ”talk events” are usually not worth the price IMO but again, cheki opportunity with Közi made it worth it (don’t get me wrong I want pictures with Hora too but Schwarz Stein always offer that so not as rare). Also maybe I’m too old but sometimes they feel very money grabbing XD I’m a fan because I love their music, so going to an event without music feels kind of strange…

My original plan was to wear a suit to match them but it’s too hot, I bailed out the day before my departure to Tokyo and just went with something airy and comfortable.

They said from the start that they didn’t have anything planned for the talk so it was free styled. I felt like most who came were Közi’s fans. The talk started with Közi explaining the event and said they’d be bartending later, like Tom Cruise and then he imitated throwing bottles around. He asked if anyone had seen the movie (Cocktail) and it was dead silent XD I’m surprised, it’s a classic XD he also noticed Hora was sweating and he said he wanted to remove his jacket but it would feel weird, someone from the back yelled ”take it off” and he gesticulated to a lady at the front row and said ”we’ll start from you” and everyone laughed. They, for some reason also began talking about blood pressure, Közi asked Hora about his but Hora doesn’t know so again he went ”we’ll start from you” and gestured to a lady at the front. Hora had glasses one which is a bit rare and he said he can’t see very well without them, bow he could see the old lady all the way in the back (ババ). 

The talk was very short, around 30 minutes and then they started making the drinks. Since they were a bit expensive (2000yen) I decided to only get one drink from Hora. When they announced this event I immediately remembered the Madness Hora cocktail from a 2-man live Schwarz Stein did around the release of Sleeping Madness and decided I’d gather the courage to ask for it. I found an old picture I took of the sign (and recipe) and showed it to him and he went ”What’s that?”, read the recipe and Közi then said they don’t have milk… so I did an omakase, left it up to him. He made me a beautiful green cocktail instead. 

Other points I remembered from the talk:

•Hora’s leg/foot still hurts from an injury 2 months ago. Közi joked that he was cursed.

•Közi doesn’t go to the gym but enjoys going for walks.

•When he goes on said walks he doesn’t listen to music but just listens to the surroundings. He even said he doesn’t play music when he’s driving but listens to the radio and he can discover new songs.

•Közi pointed out that Hora mainly listens to metal.

When there were no more orders for drinks they came back to stage to say a final goodbye and then it was time for chekis. The chekis were also a bit more expensive than normal, 3000yen each, but since it’s so rare for Közi to do these kind of things I wanted one chekis solo with each of them and then one with all three of us.  

I never know what to say and again it felt a bit rushed so I didn’t say anything special to either of them. What made me a bit happy was that Közi had his arm around my shoulders for the 2shot :3 sounds silly but I’ve followed him for so long but I’ve never spoken to him or taken pictures with him, to him I’m just another random fan but we go way back xD so I’m glad it wasn’t stiff and awkward.

I’m a bit sad they didn’t mention any new release, there are still two songs that haven’t been released that they play live and both are great. Maybe for their October gig?

After the event I went to an Hawaiian restaurant with my fellow Hora friends in his honor. 

華麗なる追憶劇 ~Encore une fois~ Moi Dix Mois ZIZ Umeda Bangboo

 I totally f-up the lottery for this Moi Dix Mois tour. I thought I had entered the lottery for tickets for Fukuoka and Osaka and then I didn't ??(still don´t know what I did). Fortunately I managed to get tickets for the Osaka regular sale, I don't think I really reflected on that this might be a bit of a Malice Mizer reunion thing so when I saw that I had a B ticket number 33 I didn't think it was that bad (how wrong I was, the A tickets went up to 250 something).

Again I ended up behind a rock, this time it kind of pissed me off because the staff kept yelling for everyone to move forward, it was packed, I ended up next to the toilet... people kept squeezing by and the guy in front of me had quite some space in front of him but he refused to move so I kind of got shoved into his back every time someone went to the toilet and I could feel the breath of the person behind me on my neck XD it was HOT as well so not very nice, I honestly felt so grossed out and tired (I came straight from work) between the ZIZ and Moi Dix Mois sessions I just felt like "get this over with!" for context, there was a 30 minute break with TONS of people going to the toilet and I just kept getting pushed around.

ZIZ opened the night, I haven't seen them in over 1 year! So I was hyped but unfortunately I thought the setlist was kind of lukewarm, didn't get to hear any of my favorite songs. During one of the talks Közi mentioned how they had brought some merch so he encourage people to buy something and he pointed out that most people probably came for Moi Dix Mois. This makes me so sad, I think when they do these coupling gigs they sell out because people want to see Malice Mizer, even if it's only 2 members they were the main songwriters and IMO the spine of the band and so many people seem to think Malice Mizer=Mana and that makes me sad for Közi. When he talked about the merch he said something like many might not be familiar with us (ZIZ) and one girl shouted "I KNOW (you)!" and he said jokingly that then the merch was for her XD Közi also talked about that Mana suggested they do this event in Osaka this year (the previous one was in 2024 in Tokyo with Schwarz Stein) and here I've seen people say when Közi did Mana's voice he imitated a death voice and I'm going to be honest, I thought he sounded like he imitated an old man's voice XD 

The awful 30 minute wait was worth it when the curtain was pulled to reveal the Moi Dix Mois members all wearing masks to the tones of Uruwashiki Kamen no shoutaijou and all my frustrations was blown away. During the song Mana kept throwing out glitter from cups and also plastic flowers. For the next song Mana had one of those whip things he has in Illuminati so even though I heard it was Neo Pessimist coming on my Malice Mizer fan heart went "Illuminati?" XD

During Immortal Madness Seth wanted us to call the regular Dix Love and then also Mana sama Közi meccha Suki. Again in the back it was pretty silent, I really hate being in the back at Moi Dix Mois concerts... Seth talked about how it's nice to get together like this from time to time, how maybe people who are Malice Mizer fans also get to see what kind of music Mana does now and also to see "the red and blue guy together". Then Közi joined them on stage, wearing a red blazer and his ruffles from the last big Malice Mizer reunion in 2018, and they played Tsuioku no Kakera! It's one of my favorite Malice Mizer songs and Seth's voice was really good for the song. I might be mistaken but came across some tweets being angry because they said people were mean to Seth about singing Malice Mizer songs...I didn't see that, what I did see was Seth tweeting something like sorry for singing the songs (my impression was it was just a very humble Japanese thing where he apologized for taking the part of the singer in this legendary band but not seriously apologizing) and then he tweeted again saying he apologized for the misunderstanding that it was mainly people from overseas. Not sure if this was what people were talking about but in general it's best not to over engage in tweets with bands if you're not fluent in Japanese and there might be misunderstandings due to cultural or language differences (I still don't  engage in tweets or posts in general if I feel unsure of the tone or the language and I've been following my favorites for 20 years and know some Japanese.)

For the last song they did N.P.S.N.G.S and like magic everyone squeezed to the stage and I actually got as close as maybe 2 meters from the stage! which means it was plenty of space to begin with... Not saying everyone should've stood squeezed for 2 hours but I think everyone probably could've taken 1 step forward to make it a bit more comfortable for us in the back. The ZIZ members came back on stage, Chargeee started playing with Seth's hair and also stood with Mana for a while. Everyone left except for Mana and Közi, Mana had some paper and a marker in which he wrote let's do it again and Au Revoir and then Au Revoir started playing and they left stage. Fans kept singing along as the curtain was closed and the venue was lit up again. I felt a bit drunk from the experience, or my gin and tonic but was sobering up as I walked to the station. 

MAYOHK - Let's Teck!!

 I'm so happy and at the same time so sad because I came home from the Mayohk Osaka gig. Happy because they're awesome and sad because I don't know when I'll be able to see them again.

I can say it a million times but Közi and Hora together is a match made in heaven. The more I listen to them the more I love it. Seriously, ドゥエンデ and PLANETA they're so good! I usually complain about the Hora remixes but I really feel like they've used Hora's original songs well and really changed them instead of just adding vocals like they usually do when Schwarz Stein uses Hora solo songs.

I haven't been to a mixed live in ages, I completely missed that they posted their time slot on twitter so I went to the club when they opened the doors just to be sure I'd get a good spot. Someone tried to sneak a bag to the front of the stage infront of Hora but I stood there for 2 hours, I consider myself a musiclover and I listen to many different genres but I suffered through those 2 hours to be at the front XD 

Because of the weather I don't really feel like dressing up since I will be drowning in my own sweat by the end of the day so I went with the Hora sexy lips t-shirt today and Hora noticed :)

They haven't shared an official setlist yet but I feel like they played all songs from the album, unless I mix it up with the Tokyo live, + the 2 new songs  MODO and ウドゥドゥラポォフト. We also didn't get the "device time", Transcend -the death- and Twilight.

The Mc's were very short, Közi mentioned they'd sell chekis and that all purchases would come with a bonus (it was a small sticker). They were supposed to have those in Tokyo as well but Közi forgot to bring them. Közi also mentioned he really likes Osaka (why doesn't that surprise me?) and then the normal ばばじじ talk XD When they mentioned the chekis, I think Hora said something like buy chekis "even if he's an old man" XD  Hora's tooth still hurts but the swelling has gone down. 

That was about it. 

They're awesome and I hope more people appreciate them so they can have more one-man gigs and continue to release more music.

About the songs, don't know if it's because they played so few songs in South America, but I don't get the Sexy Music hype. It's a cute song but it can't compare with ドゥエンデ and PLANETA, or Donut! XD 

I have my driving exam tomorrow so I hope tonight will aid me tomorrow (please make me pass)

MAYOHK Showcase #4

My second MAYOHK live. A unit with Közi and Hora really is a dream come true. They are my favorite artists and kind of made to collaborate in my opinion xD since their album release I’ve been very eager to see them live again. I was running late today, all the way from Osaka. I got stuck in traffic and ended up on the 13:00 train. Then in Tokyo i took the wrong train to my hotel making me even later but i managed to come right when they were about to call my number! There were no new merch however there was a new song! (Or 2 I wasn’t aware of but I think they only said one new). According to the set list ウドゥラドゥウポォフト was their new song, Hora did death vocals , I really liked it. A song called MODO was also new to me. It sounded a bit more synth, a bit Depeche Mode feel to it. Really like it too so I hope they'll release them. Hopefully they’ll release them soon, I want to hear them again. Hora had shared on Twitter the day before that one of his teeth was cracked and that it hurt. The minute he stepped on stage tonight you could tell he was really swollen. He had done his black make up a bit higher on his right side, probably to cover the swelling a bit. Közi joked about Hora complaining about the pain before the gig and that he was popping pills (he said he was like a junky xD). He seemed to be in a lot of pain and he mentioned Közi’s accident earlier this year and Közi revealed he still feels something (違和感) in his elbow. 

As Közi unfortunately said by the end that they don’t have any one-man gigs planned for the moment and that they probably will perform at different events instead. 

Hora and Közi is a really good combo, not just musically but I think they complement each other so well on stage. Közi is so playful and I think he can bring out the best in most people (he really is one of those artists I think are hilarious to be around). 

Also I finally realized which Hora song セフィボン is! I’ve been scratching my head since I heard it and it’s Spine from Icebound!

I usually don’t like when Schwarz Stein takes Hora’s solo songs and just adds lyrics, mostly because I think it undermines Hora’s solo, like it’s just an empty library and I see his work as HIS. However, I have to give it to Közi I guess because I think they’ve really rearranged the Hora songs they’ve used well. Both セフィボン and Planeta are favorites of mine. 

For the encore they played Sexy music again xD seems to be a fanfavorite (it’s catchy but not in my top 5).

I’ll see them again tomorrow in Osaka but after that i don’t know when the next time will be so I’m a bit sad. 

After the live a friend took me to Seth's bar/cafe. 

Mayohk Showcase#1

I think a lot of people are curious about this project. As a Hora and Közi fan this was such good news when they announced it! I went to the venue very excited about what they would end up playing and if there would be any cd for sale. 

Unfortunately no cd but Közi hinted that it will be coming in the future. 

It was my first time at this venue, it was really nice and they had s good selection of drinks. The drink ticket was a bit expensive though, 700yen…

Hora stood on the right side of the stage like always. He came in first to the intro song and Közi came after. They had a projector showing the logo and their names as they entered the stage. Their suits were really cool too, I noticed some of the paint glowed in the dark! The first songs were originals and then all of a sudden Synthetic Anthem starts playing! As soon as I heard it my arms flew up xD It was awesome to finally hear Hora songs played at a live house!!! They had added lyrics to it though so Közi sang over it.

In the middle Hora had his own time where he just played music by and Közi wasn’t even on stage. It really was a dream come true. I’ve told him before that I’d love to see a Hora solo live, and he smiled a lot so maybe this showed him that there are many of us who’d love to hear his solo songs live. 

The whole live was about 90 minutes, it felt really short, after they left stage we kept calling for them to come back. The light were turned on but no one left, then finally the staff announced that it was the end. 

Overall, the new songs sounded like Hora's lighter songs, the ones that are more pop (like Anima) but there were some heavier songs too. In the middle, efter Közi's break, when he came back they did a kind of instrumental guitar-noise piece but most songs were pretty danceable. Hora both did death vocals and sang though! This is a first time, on his solo he's always used a filter over his voice so it was nice to hear what he actually sounds like. I was impressed! He should definetely sing more. I've always felt the closest we've got to him singing is Ignition, in the verses you can somewhat hear what he sounds like. However in general Közi is the vocalist and Hora is more of a support vocalist.

I’m really sad I can’t go to their next gig, hopefully they’ll come to Osaka or have the live after on a Sunday.

For the merch, this time I actually didn’t get the t-shirt but I got 3 acrylic stands and stickers. i managed to get all the ones I wanted (I traded a double Közi for a Hora with my friend and a sticker as well <3)

Now I’m really sad about having to go back to Osaka. I haven’t left Tokyo yet and I already miss it. Until next time. 

EDIT

Közi updated his Twitter saying the day before the gig, during rehearsals, he had fallen off stage and hurt his arm. Thinking it was probably ok he just took some painkillers but the day after the gig went to the doctor and it was confirmed he had broken his elbow/arm! I didn't notice anything weird during the performance, either he took some pretty strong painkillers or he's super strong to pain. 

Schwarz Stein -15th Anniversary-

Schwarz Stein celebrated their 15th anniversary in November 2017 by presenting a two versions greatest hits, three live performances and a pamphlet. The greatest hits was devided into two different cd's; Dunkelheit, focusing on their darker songs, and Licht, with their more lighter reportoire. The first press bonuses which was offered was the Rudolf Steiner demo tapes, Queen of Decadence and Perfect Garden, as cd's when buying the cd's from Hora's or Kaya's webshops (Perfect Garden was given when buying Licht and Queen of Decadence when buying Dunkelheit). This offer is not offerend anymore however. Zeal Link also had a bonus item as in two different photo sets for each cd, and on the back of the images was Kaya's and Hora's thoughts on the featured songs. Zeal Link also offered instore events, at each place they had a live performance (Tokyo guested by Mana, Osaka guested by Közi and Nagoya guested by Maco).

Dunkelheit, as well as Licht, included one new song each, and Közi contributed with a remake/remix of two songs from their mini album Reccurence of Hallucination (2011).

Unfortunately I could not attend since I just got back from Japan at that time, but I was lucky enough to have a friend buy me some chekis from the live's as well as an extra copy to get photos from Zeal Link! I will in later entries post translations of the photos from Zeal Link, as well as (hopefully if I get the time to start) a translation of the interview in the pamphlet! Please wait for it~

Dalle TOKYO DEATH DISCO #8

On the 7th of May Dalle held a twoman live at Shibuya Vuenos with the band vez. It seems like the coupling band don't really have that much incommon with Dalle, this was like a "normal" rockband, but they had quite the crowd.
Just like before the previous twoman, Atsushi was DJ:ing prior to the gig, playing some of the songs we got to hear earlier. I kind of like it, and I think he has a very interesting taste in music!
The floor on Vuenos is kind of small, so when it's packed, it's packed. I was standing close to the toilet this time, right behind Atsushi's table.
I didn't really enjoy the first band, so I acctually sat down studying on the floor, hehe. When it was finally time for Dalle I tried my best to get as close to the stage as possible infront of Közi, but as I've previously said, Közi's fans are brutal... I ended up closer than last time so I was pleased. While waiting for the gig to start, some guys passed me by to go the mens toilet, I turned around and notice one of them was Ryux from Moi Dix Mois! He seems to be good buddies with Közi.

The gig started and this time I was surprised to see how little make up Ryo was wearing! He's one of those people who I think looks kind of western when wearing make up, so it was nice seeing more of his Japanese features. Since it was such a long time ago, I can't really remember what Közi was wearing, but I have a feeling he had about the same clothes as he did at the previous live, and his hairstyle and make up was the same.
They usually play the same set list, but the last time I realised they played songs which aren't theirs, so I was eager to find out which songs it was, and to my surprise one of those was Crystal Castles Not in Love. I never was a fan of the original song but Dalle's version was awesome! I which they'd release that somehow.

At these twoman they never play an encore unfortunately. Before leaving stage Közi throw out picks, one ended up behind Atsushi's DJ table and I have to admit I first thought of heading there, but then it felt weird going behind that... I bet some other fan rushed there though, there's no rules in fandom it seems.

As always the live was really good, ICU is probably my favorite song with Dalle and it's amazing live! If you like Közi, or just wants to experience something new while in Tokyo, I highly recomend you to check them out!

Keep track of their schedule from their webpage: http://dalle.tokyo/index.html

ZIZ Salon De'tester

This is so bad, I'm so behind I'm writing a report of a gig which took place 2 months ago! Very sorry about that but I've been busy.

This was my first time attending a ZIZ oneman, and the first time I saw them live this time around in Tokyo! This live was a bit special since it was their 5th anniversary! And they also released a new mini album; Detsuromotsuro No. 5.

The gig took place at Zirco Tokyo, in Shinjuku, a kind of hidden club. It's on the basement floor of a building with sportsbars etc. My ticket number wasn't the best, so when I got into the club I just wanted to get a good spot on the floor. So unfortunately I missed my chance of getting one of their new t-shirts since they were sold out after the gig. ZIZ seems to have a lot of random items for sale, for example I saw this one girl who bought a clock! An acctual clock to put on your wall. The background was the cover of their new cd. It looked really cool, but obviosly that was gone too once I got to their sales stand.

To be honest I'm not sure I have that much to say about the gig itself. Nothing special happened, we got to hear all of their new songs from the album. Like always I really enjoy watching Közi live, he's really good despite what people might think. He doesn't "connect" that much with the audience, but it doesn't really bother me because seeing him you can tell he enjoys what he's doing and that's the most important thing to me.

 I got to hear all my favorite songs, Kosmostill, Sanityman, JEEZ, CHAOSMOS, ECHOFALLS and L'AMIE L'AMIE. I haven't seen ZIZ since 2015 so I had not heard any of the songs from JEEZSO8DOVEDOPE yet, obviously I was very excited to hear JEEZ because it's one of their best songs. I really love it. I noticed Közi had some difficulties taking the high notes during the chorus, and once he didn't even sing that. I can see that it's difficult though, for a recording you can paus and cut, but at a live gig he's been singing for like an hour and I bet his vocal chords was a bit tired.
 

For the encore the band came out with the new t-shirts on. Közi had his long, lumberjack shirt which he's worn at Deep Sanctuary. When he entered stage he had it tightly closed and then suddenly he'd open it to flash the t-shirt, like a flasher. During on of the MC's Közi also mentioned how tired he was, and how he felt old. During this MC he also happened to mention how many songs there was left on the setlist, to the fans disapointment but he defended it with that it was a pretty long setlist, and it truly was. The gig in total was very long, I didn't time it but it felt like close to 3 hours.
As the last song they played Super naked disco. I think I mentioned that before but hearing that on the cd for the first time I just felt like "WTF was that I just listened to". I really hated it, and I still don't like the cd version, but live it's pretty nice acctually.

 

When the gig was over, I picked up my bag as fast as I could and headed to the merch. But like I already said, all of the new stuff was sold out, but to excitment I found that they still sold the DVD which was released at the same time as JEEZSO8DOVEDOPE! So I picked up a copy with a very strange item they sold. A Közi tattoo seal. Yes, you can now either use it on your hand for an evening or use it and get a tattoo artist to fill it in for you! It's one of the most random items I've seen being sold at a live, and obviously I had to have it.
As can be seen above, they had a very special flower bouquet, this is something you only see in relation to something with Közi I'm sure. Amazingly creative...

So, the special thing about this live was that we'd receive a demo cd as a gift. Unfortunately I haven't been able to listen to it yet since my computer doesn't have a cdrom. I'll update once I've heard it!

Like always, if you get the chance to see Közi in any of his bands live, do it!

EDIT: When I was about to exit the club I saw Ryux from Moi Dix Mois, AGAIN (he was at the twoman Dalle live in May too). He keeps popping up at Közi's gigs...

Night Low Be 2017 at Club Zion, Nagoya

Where Schwarz Stein goes, I will follow. Sort of. (2 years ago I was about to go to Sapporo to attend their oneman and instore, but decided not to because it would cost too much)

So when they announced they'd do a coupling live with Közi in Nagoya again I couldn't stop myself from going. Being a fan of both Közi and Schwarz Stein I just had to see this, especially since I missed the last live they did together in 2015.

 So, right after a concert in Tokyo on Saturday night I went to Osaki station and got on my bus to Nagoya! Since I went just for the gig (I also did some sightseeing that I will post about in a seperate entry) I only stayed for one night and therefor decided to try a dorm for the first time in my life. When I arrived I passed by the bathroom/powder room, seeing that someone was applying some heavy make up. I didn't pay much attention to it, but then I went back to have a shower and realise that the make up this girl is applying is Hora's! I've always wanted to make his magic circle for a live but I know I wouldn't be able to pull it off (too much details!) and she'd done his make up so perfectly, I was so impressed. We talked a bit and since we were headed the same way we went together! Most of the time (basically always) I go to live gigs alone because I don't know anyone who likes the same bands as me so it was really nice and fun having someone to share the experience with for once. But talk about coincidence, I meet someone from Tokyo who's come to Nagoya just like to see Schwarz Stein and we're staying at the same dorm!

Anyway, I was kind of split about who'd start the evening and who'd end it. I acctually thought Schwarz Stein might be the opening and Közi the ending but it showed to be the opposit. So Közi started, and like the other times I've seen the E//+Z project he had projections being shown of different images, and he had his red suit on. I really like his hairstyling, instead of teasing it up it's combed down. I think with the red suit it makes him look sort of stylish salaryman á la visual kei.
Közi acctually didn't have his guitar for this live, just some sort of machine to change and do effects on his vocals (I'm not into music equipment so I have no idea what it was and how it works...). Like I've said before, Közi is really great live, I feel like he just goes up there and does his thing and it feels very natural and like he's enjoying it. Közi isn't just a very good musician but also very amusing to watch. For example, when the intro for Cacophony began playing he grabbed his bottle of tea to drink, and he just stood there with one arm in his side and the bottle in his other hand and the remix version of the song has a kind quiet opening and then all of a sudden the guitar will just break out sort of. And in that moment he quickly took a sip of his tea. It looked very amusing and everyone began laughing and I even think I could see a smile on Közi's face too. One interesting thing is that he make small changes to the songs live, so it doesn't really feel repetitve to watch E//+Z despite it just being one CD with songs, and you know what he'll be playing (I love the CD so I wouldn't mind just listening to the songs as they are but it's nice to see he puts some effort to change the setlist as much as he can while still using the same songs). He greeted everyone, Közi isn't much of a talker really (unless he's talking to the other members), so he kept quiet but it seemed like one of his members didn't know if he should start the next song or not so they quickly exchanged a look and Közi nodded but it got kind of awkwardly silent for a while so Közi just shouted out Nagoya again and then the song started. I don't have a setlist but I'm pretty sure he played all the songs off the remix album. I do however remember that the last song he played was ISM, and I couldn't help but to wonder if Hora would join him for it, but it didn't happen. Közi thanked everyone and left stage.

We in the crowd were left to listen to some Sopor Aeternus. I felt like the paus was kind of long, and then all of a sudden Testament began playing. I was so happy they opened with that, I love it and they didn't use that for their oneman in Tokyo. Everytime I hear Testament I just get this adrenalin rush, probably because I get so hyped knowing I'm at a Schwarz Stein live! Hora entered first as always, followed by Kaya. I don't take notes on the setlist because I just want to enjoy the gig, I do remember the songs though (in the wrong order), but as soon as a setlist is announced I'll put it on here!
Both Kaya and Hora wore their Sleeping Madness costumes, and of course they played their most recent release Fleeting Beauty, the live started off a bit slow, but then they did the classics and eventhough people always are a bit stiff to begin with they began loosen up during Perfect Garden and Release me. I was really hoping to hear Release me because it's awesome on CD and even more awesome live. During their onwman in Tokyo the sound was a but off, the bass was too loud but this time around you could acctually hear the melody as well. Hora and Kaya both gestured to people to raise their hands and dance to the music but people seem to stop when they stop their instructions which I find kind of funny...
I found it kind of funny that both Közi and Schwarz Stein mentioned that it was fun being back in Nagoya, because I recognized most of the people there. This means that either the people all came from Tokyo to see this gig, or these people come from other cities to Tokyo everytime to see them. I bet most came from Tokyo though, and if that's really the case....did they have to make a live in Nagoya making us travel across the country? :P During the MC Kaya and Hora talked quite a bit, and people shouted kawaii and Kaya said "I know", quoting Hora from the previous live, hehe. Kaya seemed to have some trouble pronouncing the title of the event, and then he mentioned, like always, that Schwarz Stein is a "my pace" project and for now they don't have any plans. Hora will however be a guest at Kaya's anniversary live later this month. The plan is for them to do some Rudolf Steiner and some Schwarz Stein songs (making me wonder what the difference will be concidering the Rudolf Steiner songs has all been released as Schwarz Stein, or Another Cell. Or will they acctually perform them as they sound on the demos?). 
Then came the biggest suprise. Kaya mentioned that in Tokyo they do the after events, and then they will say goodbye to everyone, but they've never had that in Nagoya so for this evening they decided to offer a 3shot cheki for 1000yen after the gig. I barely couldn't believe my ears, I've been so jealous of the people who attended their gig in the US who got to take a picture with them, and I was hoping they'd do some instore for Fleeting Beauty offering a 3shot cheki. I was so happy I did go to Nagoya for this gig after all. 
Like always they ended with all their heavier songs, Creeper, Syphilis and Disorder, Sleeping Beauty and Succubus. One thing I've noticed is that over the years the crowd has gotten more violent. The first gig I attended in 2012 everyone was sort of leaning towards the stage for these songs, this time one girl acctually fell to the ground (and I was about to fall too once). I noticed that the girls standing closest to the stage was basically lying with their upper body on the stage by now, and at one point Hora even gesticulated to everyone to back a bit. The club was also extremly hot. There must've been something wrong with the airconditioner because it was so warm I could see how Hora was dripping of sweat after just one song (and I felt it running down my back after just a short while). Kaya mentioned during their first MC that it was very warm, asking if everyone was ok. I was very happy we'd get to take pictures with them, but did it have to be the day I was sweating like there was no tomorrow? Like always, despite it being a bit aggressive, I really like the end bit of Schwarz Stein's lives because those songs are just awesome live and Hora and Kaya really gives it their all. Kaya as always went to kiss and lick people's hands (hehe).
They left stage but of course came out for an encore. I was kind of excited since I remember they did Succubus with Közi last time, I really wanted to hear that. Kaya mentioned that he thinks Közi is really cool at one point, hehe. Közi entered stage with his fellow support members (all with a drink in their hands of course) and then they talked a bit. Közi said he liked the hand movement Kaya does in Creeper, so they wanted to do that together. He also asked Hora what it is he says during Creeper, and then they decided it would be changed to "nairobi" (ナイロビ), a shorter version of Night Low Be (probably easier for Kaya to pronounce as well, hehe). So they started Creeper, just like it always sounds but when it was time for the chorus Hora changed "crave your wings" to "nairobi" and then Közi would get in with a "nairobi" right after like an echo. Both Kaya and Hora had a hard time keeping a straight face, Kaya began laughing and couldn't do the arm gesture and Hora had problems keeping up his death vocals. Közi however kept going without problems, and his support members did the arm gesture with us in the crowd. I felt a bit like Közi and his "gang" was a bit too amused (perhaps had one too many), and when they then did Succubus (changing "nightmare" to nairobi" of course) Közi went accross the stage to do something with one of the speakers (adjust volume maybe?) he acctually fell on his behind! No harm done though, he just got up again, I've just never seen him fall, I thought that was a Mana thing (fufufu). For those who follow Közi on Twitter might have noticed that Közi wrote that he lost his phone in Nagoya...(just saying...).

Közi said it was nice to do the Night Low Be, and that they'll do a Night Low Be 2018 (something for everyone in Japan to look forward to). Then they left stage and I sort of rushed out to get some air (it really was like a sauna in there) and to buy that 3shot cheki! I noticed the tickets didn't sell out, and also that most people only bought one, I got two (I don't want closed eyes again like with Hizaki...). I was waiting by the end of the stairs, outside of the actual stage area to be able to breath, when all of a sudden I see Kaya, followed by Hora coming down the stairs! I always feel so weird because I don't know what to say, so I said good evening, haha. I also hate taking these kinds of photos having all the people watching me so I waited until last. I also wanted to see how others did it who bought several tickets (like if you could request a pose etc). One thing I noticed which I haven't seen before was that one girl requested a cheki of Hora and Kaya together, without her. Then it was my turn and I got one regular and one pose, hehe (not posting my photos, I look to awkward). Then before Kaya and Hora left Hora said thanks and take care. I went out of the club feeling like I was on drugs or something. 
Schwarz Stein's gigs are always so intense it's crazy. And getting the chance to take a cheki with them was just overwhelming for my fangirl heart. The day after I had to look at the photos again, assuring myself it really happened, haha. It was totally worth traveling to see this. Schwarz Stein is always worth it.

2017.6.8 Set List

SE(testament)

１：Lilith
２：Release me
３：Perfect Garden
MC
４：Fleeting Beauty
５：方舟
６：Current
MC
７：Sleeping Madness
８：CREEPER
９：Syphilis and Disorder
10：Succubus

encore

11：CREEPER(“Night Low Be”ver)
12：Succubus“Night Low Be”ver)

Vamquet

I'm not a bit behind anymore with all the live reports, I'm a million years behind. I personally don't like to read livereports concerning a concert that was weeks, or even a month ago, it feels outdated. But unfortunately it just has to be that way for now!

So on march 25th the event HAUNTED XDAY #3 took place at Shibuya Glad, featuring the bands Vaniru, Speed-iD, Vamquet, Der Zibet and Madame Edwarda. It was a sort of goth evening and I went to see Vamquet! I also like Madame Edwarda so I was really looking forward to seeing them for the first time.

The club wasn't hard to find at all as it was part of the Vuenos "chain" of clubs in Shibuya. If there's anything I dislike about clubs in Tokyo is that most allow smoking. Knowing that there would probably be a chainsmoker attending like at most clubs, I felt like I could arrive a bit later so I didn't see Vaniru at all, I just heard them play their last song as I entered Glad. I also found out Glad don't allow smoking on the actual floor, but they have a smoking area on the first floor, in which I found Sadie at the minute I walked in.
For this live Vamquet sold a new sticker and a t-shirt. As the t-shirt was really big (like they always are :P) I didn't get that, only their CD which I hadn't bought yet.

I came to see Vamquet obviously, but I found myself enjoying the other bands as well, especially Madame Edwarda. I've been listening to them for a couple of years now and I like their sound, so it was really fun seeing them live. Most people there seemed to be Madame Edwarda fans which surprised me, infront of me a group of "older" fans (when I say older I mean perhaps between 30-40) arrived. The funniest part was that two women stood there, and they did the funny thing where they sort of book the spot. One of them went for drinks and then the other stands with an arm out or something to mark the spot as taken. I find this behaviour to be kind of odd at clubs and concerts, since I think in most other genres (not bands related to VK in any sense) and countries the floor is for people to dance and move around at. Only in Japan does people stand, with extra space too, looking at their favorite band. So when these slightly drunk and older fans arrived they basically just marched into that womans empty space, and I couldn't help but to find her face extremly funny X) It was so obvious she was offended but she didn't dare say anything so she just grabbed her bag and left. These people were a bit annoying but I just hate people who mark their spot. It's not a line, it's a gig, without seats! Madame Edwarda had a lot of energy and the vocalist, Zin was really into the performance entering with a cain and a cape, dancing around the stage. They ended their setlist with Orpheus, and it was awesome!

Madame Edwarda acctually was the last performance, so let's skip back to the main event, Vamquet!
Vamquet was in the middle of the evening, and since I'm used to Közi being the guitarist I got myself a spot on the right side of the stage, then when the members came out on stage to put their stuff togheter I just remembered that Közi plays bass in Vamquet :P Yeah, bad fan. Anyway, the club was tiny and the stage too obviously so it wasn't as if I couldn't see him. And like always, his group of fangirls filled up the space infront of him (I wish Közi could get a group of drunk fans who could destroy the fangirl-pit...). I had not heard anything besides the trailer for Vamhaus before going to this live, but I really liked what I heard on that trailer so I was excited to hear the full songs. And I wasn't disapointed! I've never been a fan of Art Marju Duchain, but Kai was really good live. I wasn't expecting him to be so dramatic as he was, dancing along to the music, he wore a long black dress really completing his goth look. Közi wore one of his black poncho looking garments if I remember correctly. Since the live I've listened to the album, and eventhough I really like it the songs acctually became better live. It felt like their setlist was over in no time and I wish they had more material/longer playtime. Both on the cd and live my favorite songs are Wonders and Vam Marsch.  Despite Közi not having written any of the music, I feel like it's very Közi:ism. Like a mix of XA-VAT (because of Sadie maybe) and ZIZ, going dark.
Of course as always Közi just did his thing and left the stage, badass :P
I know this project isn't so serious (concidering they've had like two gigs this year) but I'd love to see them release and perform more! Hopefully they'll get some more acknowledgment and keep going.

Next gigs: D on Wednesday and Dalle on Sunday!

(On my to-do-list, I still need to write livereports for D, Kaya and Kamijo :P Slowly progressing)

Tokyo Death Disco #7

As a huge Közi fan I obviously follow all of his projects, including Dalle. I know many just listen just because it's Közi but I genuinl think they're great! And was I suprised, they were fucking awesome live.
I saw Hollowgram, Ryo's band, two years ago and I wasn't very impressed so when I found out he'd be the new vocalist of Dalle I wasn't overjoyed. Honestly though I've been completely turned and I think he's doing a great job as Dalle's vocalist!
This was my first time seeing them live, since they became active when I had left Japan last time. Fortunately this was a two man live so each band got quite some playtime!
The gig was held at Vuenos in Shibuya, I've been there once before to see a Közi solo gig, and I have to say it's a really nice venue with a great cocktail menu! Anyway, my ticket number was B 18, I thought about getting a ticket from Dorothy, the onlineshop selling Dalle items but I wasn't sure about my address yet and I did not want a ticket to get lost in the mail! I was one of the last to get in, not that it mattered because people usually tend to show up for their favorite band and then leave, I still haven't figuered out how they do it though! It's almost never announced and yet people know exactly when they should show up... I saw the whole first act and thought it was worth it since I'd be able to get closer to stage, BUT NO! I don't know what it is with some people, and I have to say that I think I've only seen this specific behaviour when seeing Közi and I think it's very rude. His fans show up just before the gig starts and just walks past everyone or squeeze in to get the best spot. This time, a girl even stoped me from coming closer! I was just about to step forward when she sneaks up on the side and puts out her arm so that her friend could stand infront of me! I don't want to cause any trouble, especially when not in my native language but that's just fucking rude! I've been waiting for an hour to be stopped by another guest, when the tickets are numered, we don't have a specific spot at the venue, it's first comes first. I'm so sick of it...and I think it's really nasty of them.
Like last time at Vuenos, seeing Közi :P, I got myself drunk. Normally I never order any alcohol if I'm alone but like I said Venuos has a pretty nice cocktail menu so I thought I'd try "blue moon". I usually just order whatever has a nice name, so without knowing this drink only included alcohol :P I get drunk pretty quick so just from sipping this I began feeling all tired and relaxed and before I knew it I was swinging along to the music (thinking about it now I feel embarrassed but I doubt it looked weird at the time, it's just I normally don't do that alone XD) Before any band set foot on stage, a pleasant suprise was that Atsushi, bassist from Dalle, was the DJ! He had a pretty nice playlist including Soft Ballet's songs Believe in a blue world and Flow. The band before Dalle Justy Nasty, I had never heard of but they played sort of traditional rock and they seemed pretty old so I'm guessing they've been around for a while. After about one hour it was time for Dalle! They used projections in the background and they came in one by one on stage, Közi wore the same outfit I think as from the hide memorial gig, the long black shirt and his rocking horse shoes. Ryo looked amazing! He was so pale and wore all black, smoked eyes with a little glitter. The setlist included all the singles, I was especially looking forward to ICU since it's my favorite song by Dalle and I have to say, it was fucking amazing live! The single version doesn't really sound like you can hear any electric guitar, but at the live it really noticed and it added something extra to the song. When the band took tinytiny breaks to drink (and probably to wipe themselves off) shorter songs were played and at one of those breaks they acctually played the opening songs from the horror classic Rosemary's Baby (the opening in which Mia Farrow just sings lalala). I get a sort of horror vibe from Dalle, in a classic way and not funny like The Candy Spooky Theater, and I really enjoy that! The time flew by, they were awesome and before I knew it the gig was over. People tried to call for an encore without success though. Beforehand they had announced that everyone who'd show up would receive some gifts, as you can see in the photo it was a signed postcard and a sticker. I also obviously bought the single Metaphor but since I can't rip while in Japan I haven't got the chance to listen to it (it came with cathair, no kidding XD). I also got myself the last white t-shirt in size M! On the merch table I noticed they sold signed pictures from their album released in December, ambivalence to violenta. It said it was the booklet but when the woman showed me what was incldued it was loose papers (maybe that is the booklet?) I acctually still haven't bought the album, and that is also why I can't comment on which other songs they played.
Közi was as usual kind of in his own world, meaning he doesn't really look at the audience or respond when people call him (well he responded with his guitar once). I'm really happy he's staying active and I think his solo, Dalle and ZIZ are great so please go see them if you happen to be in town (or Hong Kong I guess).

Nekochiru & Nekochiru y

My overall impression is that Közi doesn't have that strong fanbase overseas, as let's say Mana :P However I assume some people saw his tweet about going to an exhibition some time ago? I didn't have anything to do this weekend so I thought, why not walk in Közi's footstep and go see this exhibition! The last day was on Saturday so it was now or never.

The gallery holding the event was Ginkeisaron & gallery, a tiny gallery in Ginza. I have to be honest, I haven't spent that much time in the Ginza area, mostly because it's not that much fun there :p For those who haven't been to Tokyo Ginza is famous for being the "fancy" part of Tokyo. There you will find all expensive brands, and I feel in general like it's very different from the rest of Tokyo.
Anyway, because of this I obviously got lost and spent like 1 hour to find this gallery, and of course it had to be warm as hell that day. I finally found it and it had to be on the third floor (gonna stop complaining now). It was very tiny, just a small room and the room itself was very hot, perhaps because there was so many people there. They sold some t-shirts and other smaller items along side with paintings, such as the one of the poster below. I had never heard of this manga or the artist, but I did think the picture Közi posted looked very cute, and that is how I ended up there. However it was kind of cool seeing original sketches for a manga, and the other paintings was very cute. When I saw the manga drawings the puzzle became complete. I mean there's cats and Közi loves cats so I could see why he likes this mangaka, but the comic itself mixed a sort of brutal and macabre feeling to it and it just made me feel like it was very "Közi:ism". I was about to pass out from the heat so I left after having a look at all the drawings, but it was really fun so thank you Közi for giving me some Saturday culture.

If anyone wants to read more about it here's a link to the gallery page.

DALLE - asphalt

This is a bit late, I know, but just this friday I picked up my copy of DALLE's single asphalt! It was released at their live gig on the 25th of february and contains 2 songs, asphalt and a remix of asphalt.

The single was released in 2 different editions, with or without a DVD with the PV for the song. And this time I acctually got a sticker with my order!
The song is already out on youtube (see link below), at least almost all of it, so I'm guessing most have already heard it. I really like DALLE, I'm very suprised in a good way how they've created their own sound and I look forward to hearing what kind of turns they might take later.

I have to say though that I prefer their first single, fences, but asphalt is also really good. It's a bit slower but the chorus is great! What suprised me when I heard this for the first time was the mix of rougher and slower/softer parts, it blends really well though and acctually makes the song more interesting. The remix was ok, better than the remix of fences, but I still always prefer the original songs.
I've written down the lyrics as they are presented in the single below, and please get your won copy of the single and support the band! -> http://dorothy.buyshop.jp/

What do I missing in myself. Ghost of lost memories.

僅かに感情を誘う  Ruddy glow

What do I missing in yourself. Ghost of past memories.

仄かな熱情を濯う Be lazy in your head.

空き刺さりそう　尊厳装申貧相　愛も申斐もない

一切合切感じない　甘美な遊びから今　[絶望遊戯]

語らない　床を抱いて灰になれ　WHO!

構わない　床を抱いてハイになれ　WHO!

I’m, still alive. Don’t think so

Dead or alive. Don’t let go

いずれ暮れ行き明ける空覗く太陽　嘘のような蒼

また灼け付き更ける空落ちる西陽　怖さは要らない

What do I missing in myself. Ghost of lost memories.

僅かに感情を誘う  Ruddy glow

仄かな熱情を濯う Be lazy in your head.

Under fragile. Your selected

Answer is limited in your head

そのまま突き刺さりそう　尊厳装申貧相手　バッドカードゲーム

ヘッドライトレスドライブ　怜悧なフリをした未来[仮想遊戯]

飾らない　床を抱いて灰になる　WHO!

適わない　床を抱いてハイになる　WHO!

I’m, still alive. Don’t think so

Dead or alive. Don’t let go

Let go let go let go

アスファルトに柏手　和染みになる　遠い日の君に

僕らの愛で　黒く塗られる　埋めてゆく

罪で

Be lazy in your head