Visual X Jrock Gallery

HearJapan Starts Pushing Meth

Tokio — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:02:38 +0000

Yokohama, Japan - October 14, 2009 - Ever try Meth.? Worried about
the side effects? Worry no more. HearJapan is encouraging all users to
try Meth., at least once. HearJapan is now slinging hits of Meth.,
globally, at only 200 Yen a hit. Worried about your Meth. getting
intercepted at the border? Forget about it. HearJapan is all-digital,
no customs to deal with.

As of today, HearJapan is proud to boast 19 varieties of Meth., which
include the debut of 3 new hits: Street name “at WILL”. Fresh-cooked
from the super-lab, today! Meth. is mixture composed of many
ingredients; however, this batch of 19 features an exceptionally high
level of metal. HearJapan guarantees customer satisfaction. After one
rail of Meth. you’ll be thrown into a euphoric frenzy. Warning! Meth.
is highly addictive.

In addition to the 3 new doses of Meth., HearJapan is simultaneously
releasing older hits from 4 different batches. Full releases come with
bonus artwork, lyrics and liner notes. Don’t be shy, you know you want
to try it. Slam Meth. sonically into your bloodstream.

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Links:

Meth. - at WILL
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/at_WILL
meth.
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/meth

Inugami Circus Dan is Resurrected on HearJapan

Tokio — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:48:17 +0000

Yokohama, Japan - October 6, 2009 - Inugami Circus Dan is possibly one
of the most unique vis-kei (visual chaos) bands playing today. Made up
of four members claiming to be the resurrected spirits of an ancient
sorcerer family, they blend hard rock and a dark brand of blues into a
very Japanese brand of music. Fronted by a woman often seen wearing a
traditional kimono (Inugami Kyouko) and backed by three men in
slightly more modern Japanese military uniforms (Inugami Jouji II on
guitar, Inugami Zin on bass, and Inugami Akira on drums) the group
certainly brings a bit of chaos along with their swaggering, gothic
rock and roll.

The group is lead by singer Inugami Kyouko. Wearing over-the-top
Kabuki styled make-up, she often stops singing and instead entrances
the listener by telling stories over the music. Her singing style
often has a traditional, almost nostalgic longing deep down, even
though it might all be a trick to lull you into a false sense of
security.

“Kago no Tori Tenkuu o Shirazu” is the band’s grand grimoire. It is
two discs, 33 subversive tracks that span the band’s 15 year career.
Many of the songs are no longer easy to find, some are fan favorites
and one, the title track “Kago no Tori,” is brand new. For two and a
half hours you’ll hear rock, blues, sweet tongue-in-cheek ballads,
lots of traditional flavor, even a bit of classic metal, all served up
with the band’s signature dark humor and deadly seriousness.

“Kago no Tori Tenkuu o Shirazu” goes on sale at midnight on Wednesday
October 7th through HearJapan. Preorder the album and get an
additional 5% off the already discounted price of ¥3,600 | $39.56 |
€27.13

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Links:
“Kago no Tori Tenkuu o Shirazu”
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kago_no_Tori_Tenkuu_o_Shirazu

Inugami Circus-dan
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/Inugami_Circus_Dan

Sgt. will pull you in with Capital of Gravity

Tokio — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:05:39 +0000

Yokohama, Japan - October 5, 2009 - sgt., one of the most dynamic post
rock bands in the Japanese scene are set to release their newest
mini-album, “capital of gravity” on October 7, 2009 through
HearJapan’s worldwide digital music store. The album will be
available for download in mp3 format the second it turns Wednesday in
Japan, giving fans worldwide the first chance to listen to the full
album in its entirety.
sgt. are veterans of the post rock scene in Japan having played
together for over 10 years. Their captivating sound has led them to
play with some of the greats in the Japanese music scene including
ROVO, Boredoms, and 54-71. They set themselves apart from other bands
with their violinist, Mikiko Narui who clutches onto the band’s sound
and takes it in new directions. ”capital of gravity” features a newly
added member to the band, the guitarist, Hironori Taoka. This brings
the band back to their four member lineup which later became a three
person lineup for their previous album Stylus Fantasticus. Stylus
Fantasticus was in the top 50 albums’ list of 2008 in foreign media
like The Silent Ballet and ZB’s A-Z of J-Music as well as Japanese
media outlets.
The addition of the extra guitarist gives their music a feeling
of completion. The violinist still carries the music but the
guitarist adds frills and fillers making this one of their best albums
to date. It will surely be in 2009’s best albums’ list as well. In
fact, the album has already become this months music recommendation on
Japanator.
Not only will HearJapan be selling the release this Wednesday,
but they also posted an English interview with the band that delves
into their music, new lineup changes and special upcoming live
performances. ”capital of gravity” features 5 new tracks and a remix
from their first release by Tyme.. It retails for 855 yen (9.80 |
€6.70).

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Links:
sgt. - capital of gravity -
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/capital_of_gravity
The galactic sgt. interview -
http://www.hearjapan.com/news/interview/The_Galactic_sgt_Interview

New DEATHGAZE album, “THE CONTINUATION” on 09/09

Tokio — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:57:03 +0000

Yokohama, Japan - September 9, 2009 - HearJapan released the new
DEATHGAZE album today at midnight in Japan. The digital download
includes a photo shot of the band, lyrics and additional artwork as
well as DRM-free mp3s of the entire album. All for only 1500 yen (15
dollars).

DEATHGAZE reworked a lot of their earlier material. Although
Deathgaze has gone through a few lineup changes recently, this release
signifies self-reflection and forward motion for the band. “The
Continuation” compiles tracks from out-of-print releases, re-recorded
with a new lineup, including a new singer: their former bassist, Ai.

With violent guitar riffs and shouts, crushing drums, and bold, low
bass, Deathgaze refuses to let their colors fade. In fact, everything
is darker than ever before, filled with added nuances not present in
the original versions.

HearJapan also released another visual kei release today by
Madbeavers, who are known for their work with X-Japan’s Hide (as Hide
with Spread Beaver). The three song single also goes on sale today
for 570 yen.

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Links:
DEATHGAZE - THE CONTINUATION:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/THE_CONTINUATION
Madbeavers - CULT DRIVER: http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/CULT_DIVER

Serial Number’s Alter Ego Gothic Number Release First Single

Tokio — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:16:15 +0000

Yokohama, Japan - September 2, 2009 - After successfully adding 80
visual kei releases, HearJapan, the digital music store for Japanese
music, added the visual kei band Serial Number in March of this year.
The band is known for having a light sound, colorful costumes and
being an all-around fun band, dubbed ‘oshare kei’ by their fans.

Today, the band showed that there is more to them than just ‘oshare
kei’. Serial Number unveiled an alter ego band consisting of the same
members called “Gothic Number”. If Serial Number represents the light
side of visual kei, Gothic Number represents the dark force. Filled
with heavy guitar riffs and screaming, Gothic Number marks a dirty
departure for the band, although the lyrics still retain Serial
Number’s playful side. Their first single, ‘Wa Ra,’ is a digital-only
download available internationally exclusively via HearJapan. The
single costs 150 yen and can be downloaded from any country in
high-quality mp3 format.

HearJapan has also made available today three other visual kei
releases. These include re-releases of Kisaki Project feat. Jyui
(Vidoll), Birushana, Shiru de Rais & Iron, and Piass with Ra’s
Testars. HearJapan promises a steady stream of visual kei releases in
the future, including more digital-only releases to meet the demand
from fans around the globe.

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Links:
Gothic Number - Wara: http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/2089
Piass with Ra’s Testars - Kaikoroku Dai 5 Shou:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kaikoroku_Dai_5_Shou
Kisaki Project feat. Jyui - Kaikoroku Dai 1 Shou:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kaikoroku_Dai_1_Shou_Kanzen_Ban
Birushana, Shiru de Rais & Iron - Kaikoroku Dai 2 Shou:
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Kaikoroku_Dai_2_Shou_2

HearJapan Brings Hatsune Miku Worldwide

Tokio — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:24:49 +0000

Tokyo, JP July 15, 2009- There is a musical revolution taking Japan by storm. It’s not happening in any clubs or live houses, but on the computers of thousands of amateur track creators. This revolution utilizes vocaloid software which can be programmed to have characters sing the way they are programmed, sounding exactly like a human. While artists worldwide use this software, Japan has created a unique subculture for it by revolving this world around vocaloid based characters.
These characters each have their own unique voice and are visualized in an anime style. Such imaginary characters as Hatsune Miku and Kagamine Rin have started to rival some of the biggest names in the music industry. These characters aren’t only fictional, but can also be based on real people. The visual kei/pop star, Gackt has his own character called Gackpoid. Gackt allowed his voice to be used for the character and as a result when track makers use Gackpoid their songs sound as if Gackt himself is singing them.
HearJapan president, Nathan Reaven became aware of the Vocaloid scene brewing in Japan in 2008 but decided to finally check it out for himself in 2009. “There was a lot of chatter about it but I had no idea how popular it was until I went to a convention of vocaloid track makers and doujin manga artists. The convention hall was so packed that I had to wait in line for three hours just to get in to a completely packed hall. Once in, I saw the creativity and depth that has attracted throngs of fans in Japan. I knew immediately that this was something that had to be shared with the world.”
As a result, HearJapan is now bringing this music worldwide through their mp3 store for the first time. Starting with the label KarenT, which owns the licenses to all of the big name characters including Vocaloid’s Hatsune Miku and Gackpoid’s Kammui Gakupo. HearJapan released their entire catalog online today. All tracks are in mp3 format, and can be purchased and downloaded regardless of a users’ country. Full albums are heavily discounted at 900 yen ($9.50, €7) and come with the anime styled artwork.

HearJapan’s June Visual Kei Boom

Tokio — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:06:56 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HearJapan’s June Visual Kei Boom

Tokyo, JP June 16, 2009- HearJapan (www.hearjapan.com), the largest worldwide store for Japanese music has been busy increasing it’s visual kei catalog. In May, HearJapan signed with DEATHGAZE, DOLLY, GHOST, Otokage, Angelique, etc. June offers more surprises bringing the total number of Visual Kei artists on the site to over 40.

HearJapan started out the month with the release of D=Out’s newest single, Hanasaka Beauty. Hanasaka means ‘flowers blooming’ in English and is a metaphor for a new beginning. D=Out play a great mix of visual kei infused with traditional Japanese music.

The next week brought in the solo work of HIZAKI (currently in Versailles). HIZAKI’s label kapparecords rereleased his older work due to lack of availability. HearJapan was there to bring fans worldwide his metal brand of VK. Not only were his two solo mini albums released, but also his work with Schwardix Marvally. Kapparecords also released other bands in their catalog including Jill’s Project and Galactica Phantom.

Tomorrow brings a very special release for visual kei fans, the new album of DER ZIBET. DER ZIBET are considered one of the founding groups of vsual kei. Having started back in 1984. While they came before the early boom of visual kei in the 90s, the band is intricately linked with the likes of X Japan and BUCK TICK. Their new album PRIMITIVE, is their newest release in over 13 years and symbolizes the return of the classic visual kei that has mostly been forgotten. See where it all began with PRIMITIVE.

In a slightly related release, Japan’s furious hardcore band, Suns Owl are also releasing their new album tomorrow. The drummer GO played with Kuroyume for their reunion and the guitarist SAB played with FUTURISTIC WAGDUG UNITY before recording Over Drive. It is said that these two experiences influenced the band to create a new brand of hardcore music.

Stay tuned for more and more visual kei on HearJapan.

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HearJapan is the largest and fastest growing place on the web to
purchase Japanese music of all genres. Adding 50 albums + per week,
it is a great place to find the hard to find, and explore the
unexplored of Japanese music. It features over 1500 artists profiles
all with original translations and 40 second samples of over 15,000
songs.

Links:
http://www.hearjapan.com
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Hanasaka_Beauty
http://www.hearjapan.com/store/member_info/HIZAKI

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/Jills_Project_

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/Galactica_Phantom

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/PRIMITIVE

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Over_Drive_2

VAMPS AMERICA TOUR 2009

Tokio — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:43:27 +0000

HYDExK.A.Z unit VAMPS will be coming to America (USA) this summer. There are no details yet, but they are coming soon.

In the mean time, here are banners you can use and share to help promote the tour:

Source: VAMPS MySpace

MONORAL TOUR 2009

Tokio — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 01:18:24 +0000

This spring MONORAL will be hitting a few places overseas again.

April, 17 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Vivero
, MALAGA, - 15 Euro

April, 18 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Industrial Copera
, GRANADA, - 15 Euro

April, 19 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Q
, SEVILLA, - 15 Euro

April, 21 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Caracol
, MADRID, - 15 Euro

April, 23 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Mondo
, VIGO, - 15 Euro

April, 24 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Acapulco
, GIJON, - 15 Euro

April, 26 2009 08:00 PM - Sala Salamandra
, BARCELONA, - 15 Euro

May, 1 2009 08:00 PM - Secret Place
, MONTPELLIER, - 12 Euro + com

May, 5 2009 08:00 PM - Mecanique Ondulatoire
, PARIS, - 12 Euro + com

Source: MONORAL MySpace

MONORAL new album “Via” and new tour

Tokio — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:38:43 +0000

MONORAL will be releasing a new album called “Via” on October 29th.

And instead of paying an arm and a leg to import the album, you can buy the album from CDBaby for $20.

For those of you who don’t know CDBaby, when you buy direct from them, like CDJapan and YesAsia, they can ship anywhere in the world. But wait, I mean keep reading… it gets even better. Due to the generous agreement we have with CDBaby, we are able to sell MONORAL’s new album “Via”, in its complete/physical form for only $20.00!!! That is about 25% cheaper than the other online sites operating from Japan, and shipping may be faster depending where you live because the CDs are coming from the U.S.!

Yes! You can buy their new album without going bankrupted!

And for those of you who don’t want to wait until the 29th..well.. there will be advanced sales of the album at their HALLOWEEN LIVE 2008 show at Shibuya O’EAST on October 26.

Advance Sales: It’s official, we will start selling MONORAL’s new album “Via” on October 26th (3 days before the release date), during their HALLOWEEN LIVE 2008 show at Shibuya O’EAST. For those of you not familiar with MONORAL’s annual Halloween show, it is a fun-filled, costumed spectacle, also packed with great performances… sure to include at least one new song from the new album! It is not to be missed, so get your tickets now if you have not already… then get your “Via” before everyone else! Just think how envious everyone will be reading your reviews of “Via” on the internet before they can buy their copy! Making others jealous… good times…

MONORAL
Via

Everybody’s Way
You
Costa Rica
Safira
Via
Guards of Mice
Everest
Sun Shadow
Casbah
I don’t mind
Sometimes

And that’s not all, MONORAL will be embarking on a Latin America tour from late November until Christmas.

Tour: Yes, official today, MONORAL is embarking another tour… outside Japan!!! Starting late November, and going all the way until Christmas, MONORAL will be in Latin America rockin-out! The tour will include stops in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, and was chosen for the irony that no one in the band can speak Spanish or Portuguese. Dios Mio! Dios Mio I say!

And for a bit of fun, for every review about MONORAL that J-san sees he will upload 2 photos from their current tour.

So please, if you feel like sharing the love, write some reviews about MONORAL’s music wherever you can find it on the internet. When you do, please send me the link. For every review I see, I will post 2 new photos of MONORAL on this site from our current tour… my promise to you.

Source: Official MONORAL Myspace