Kra to Release New Single

Kra announced the release of a new single!
It's called „honne“ and is set to be released on June 30th!

There will be two editions: A limited one that includes 3 songs, the PV for “honne”, a PV off-shot and a special booklet with 40 pages for 2100 Yen, and the regular one that includes only the CD with 3 songs for 1260 Yen.

CD
1. honne
2. Escape
3. Samayoedo yoru

Sc: JA

Versailles Releases New Singles From Tour

Visual Kei rock band Versailles announced the release of two new songs from their 7 month tour that ended last month on the 12th. The singles are to be released on April 25th. Their last album Holy Grail which was released last June will make it about 10 months since a release of something new.

"Rhapsody of the Darkness" which the lyrics were written by vocalistKAMIJO and the song was written by guitarist HIZAKI is one of the to be released singles. KAMIJO also wrote the other single "Illusion". When these songs were played on the tour, fans demanded the release of a new single and to meet that demand they decided to release these two songs.

It has also been announced that in June, the band will celebrate their 5th year anniversary since forming and will release a 5 year collection.

Sc: JA

New Album and Preview for DEATHGAZE

Some time ago DEATHGAZE announced that they will be releasing their new album “CREATURE” on April 4th. Now they revealed new details on this album. It contains 13 tracks and comes in two editions: One type includes the CD, a DVD with the PV and making of footage of “RING THE DEATH KNELL” and a booklet with 28 pages and the other type includes the CD and a booklet with 20 pages.

Here is the tracklist:
1. BRAND NEW KISS
2. RING THE DEATH KNELL
3. USELESS SUN
4. VICE
5. NEWBORN-wrongful life
6. SILENCE
7. MALICE
8. SUICIDE DANCE
9. DISGUSTING EYE
10. SLEEP IN THE RAIN
11. THE END
12. CREATURE
13. GLORY SKY

And they uploaded the preview for the album. Check it out!

DEATHGAZE「CREATURE」SPOT

【発売日】4月4日(水)【タイトル】CREATURESILENCE / THE END / USELESS SUNを含む全13曲収録!!■初回限定盤：EBCA-2015S / 13songs CD＋28Pagesブッ...

Furthermore, to commemorate the album DEATHGAZE will go on a live tour starting on April 24th. The tour includes lives in 21 cities and the band will be performing at Daikanyama Unit in Tokyo as their last stop on June 30th.

Sc: JA

NEGA Announced Release of Their New Album

Visual Kei band NEGA will release their 2nd full album “VANITAS” on May 30th. It comes in two types: Type A includes 13 tracks and the PV for their song “Munashiki “Sei” no Guui ≒ “Shi” no Shinni”. Typ B is CD-only but comes with the bonus track “REASONANCE”. The track list isn’t available yet but it was announced that the album includes the songs “FABLE IN THE COLD BED”, “DELUGE” and the postponed song “tamerau kotonaku ” ” wo kizutsuketa yubisaki wa, michi madou kotonaku kegareta ” ” wo kazaru”.

If you order the album from the Undercode Production Web Shop you’ll also get a special DVD including a message from the band and the making of for their PV “Sei” no Guui ≒ “Shi” no Shinni”.

And there are more additional items for those who buy the album and go to their 7th anniversary concert on July 26th! You'll receive a CD with the song “MMFP” which is not included in the album and the special booklet “OMNIA VANITAS”.

Sc: JA

New Mini Album and Free Samples for Called≠Plan

We didn’t talk about this band earlier so here is a small introduction:
Called≠Plan is a Visual Kei band formed in 2009. The members are Yuuto (Vocal), Otoha (Guitar), Rei (Guitar) and Syu (Bass). They don’t have a drummer and it seems like they have no intention to add one to their line-up.

Until today they released 6 singles but it doesn't end here! Called≠Plan announced the release of a new mini album titled “NO yancha!! NO life!!” for March 7th. The album comes in two types:

Type A
[CD]
1. Kimi PIECE
2. Dance→Wing
3. Mistake
4. ALL
5. Haru, usubeniiro
6. Immortal
[DVD]
1. Kimi PIECE PV

Type B
[CD]
1. Kimi PIECE
2. Dance→Wing
3. Mistake
4. ALL
5. Anata no seishun washizukami
6. Immortal

"NO yancha!! NO life" is a good way to describe Called≠Plan's music. "Yancha" can be translated as "naughty, mischievous". But the best way to get an idea of their music is to listen to their songs, isn't it? So here is the PV preview for "kimi PIECE":

Called≠Plan 「君PIECE」 PVスポット

2012年3月7日 2TYPE発売!!First Mini Album『NOやんちゃ!!NOらいふ!!』収録

And if you’re in Japan right now you can get a free sample of their new album! There are only a few samples in some special shops so be sure to hurry and get one! The following stores will receive some copies on February 29th:

Sendai little HEARTS.
Like an Edison Tokyo
Like an Edison.com La Foret Harajuku
Like an Edison Nagoya
Like an Edison Osaka
Fukuoka SKULL ROSE

Awesome news! Don’t you think?

LUNA SEA Gives Details on New Single

Previously JpopAsia reported that rock band LUNA SEA would be releasing their first maxi single in over eleven years. Now, the details on this highly anticipated release have been revealed.

LUNA SEA’s new single is titled “THE ONE -crash to create-“ and is set to be released March 21st.

From planning the composition, to the final arrangement, all five members of LUNA SEA took part in developing this single. One track is even said to be over 22 minutes long. The single will be available in 4 types: Analog Deluxe Edition, SACD-Hybrid Edition (5.1ch Surround), HQCD Edition, and Regular Edition.

To commemorate the release, on March 8th LUNA SEA will be hold a listening event titled FULL MOON CONTACT ‘THE ONE’ at United Cinema Toyosu. Thirty lucky fans will have the chance to get a first listen of the single. More details are available on LUNA SEA’s official website.

Furthermore, the listening event will broadcast live on Ustream and Nico Nico Douga.

Check out the single covers below!

Analog

HQCD

SACD-Hybrid

Regular

Sc: JA

Exist Trace to Release Their First Major Album

Seems like 2012 will be a busy year for the female Visual Kei band exist†trace!
First they announced their US East Coast Tour starting on March 15th and now the band will release a brand new album titled “Virgin”. After making their major debut in June last year it’s their first full album as a major band. It’s still some time ahead and there are no details available yet on the track list but we know that they have set the release date for May 23rd.
The album will include 12 tracks and it comes in two different types: Type A contains CD and DVD and Type B contains only the CD.

Furthermore they announced their next one man live in Japan. It's on June 23rd at Shibuya O-WEST.

Sc: JA

SuG Announces 1st Asian Tour

Visual kei band SuG has announced that they will be embarking on their first Asia tour this summer!

After wrapping up their 5-stop “Lollipop Kingdom Show” in Japan, SuG will take the tour across Asia for four more performances.

The mini-tour across will kick off with a two-day performance in Korea on May 26 and 27, followed by a performance in Taiwan on June 10. SuG will then head over to Hong Kong for a concert, however the date for this show not been scheduled. Venues are expected to be released as the dates approach.

SuG's third album, Lollipop Kingdom, drops April 25.

Sc: JA

LM.C to Release DVD of Their Budokan Performance

LM.C have started 2012 with an exciting performance at Nippon Budokan on January 8th and now everyone can witness this event!

The band will release a DVD of this performance on May 16th. It’s titled “★Rock the PARTY★2012 at NIPPON BUDOKAN” and costs 5000 Yen.
All in all the DVD will contain 26 songs, including tracks like “Punky Heart”, “The LOVE SONG” and “Hoshi no Arika”. The whole track list can be found on theirhomepage.

Are you planning to buy it?

Sc: JA

Megamasso’s Vocalist INZARGI to Release Cover Album

Megamasso’s vocalist INZARGI announced the release of a cover album titled “Visualist ~Precious Hits of V-Rock Cover Song~”. Of course INZARGI will sing the songs but there are more interesting artists participating in this album:

Kiyoshi from MADBEAVERS
Onda Yoshihito from JUDY AND MARY
Igarashi Kouta from JUDY AND MARY
Syu from GALNERYUS / SPINALCORD
You from Matenrou Opera
Gou from Megamasso
Yuchi from kannivalism
GO from SADS / SUNS OWL / Zigoku Quartet
KEN’ICHI from SEX MACHINEGUNS

The release date is set for March 21st and the CD will include 12 songs. Some of these songs are quite popular! Here is the tracklist:

Winter, again - GLAY
Yuuwaku – GLAY
HOWEVER – GLAY
Romance – PENECILLIN
B BLUE – BOOWY
1by3 no junjou na kanjou – SIAM SHADE
X – X JAPAN
Forever love – X JAPAN
SPARK – THE YELLOW MONKEY
ANOTHER WORLD – Gackt
HIGH PRESSURE – T.M.Revolution
I for You – LUNA SEA

What do you think about the album and the tracks?

Sc: JA

ViViD Releases DVD + Artbook + Jewelry!

The Visual Kei band, ViViD, announced recently that they will be releasing three big items for their fans in the coming months; a DVD of their concert at Budokan, an artist book, and their own collaborative jewelry from the brand MALULANI HAWAII.

On January 7th this year, ViViD performed at Budokan and a recording of their performance will be sold on DVD for their fans to enjoy. The DVD consists of a two disk pack and is currently untitled, but will be sold on April 18th for 4,935 yen. No other information about the DVD has been released at this time.

The second item that was announced is the band's first artist book that will release on March 15th . The book includes a limited edition DVD and 144 colored pages with photos and cartoons. The pages also feature interviews with the members about how they became famous, and other information about their past performances. The book alone will cost 2,980 yen and will be found in CD Shops. The limited edition DVD and book set will cost 8,400 yen, and can only be ordered by mail.

Finally ViViD revealed their line of bracelets that the band members designed with the help of the jewelry brand MALULANI HAWAII. Each member's bracelet design looks unique and each has a different meaning. Fans are also given the option to create their own bracelets with their birthstones. All designs cost 5,250 yen and will be on sale until March 6th. To buy the bracelets go toMALULANI HAWAII's website.

Sc: JA

MIYAVI to Perform at Main Square Festival in France

MIYAVI is returning to France in June, this time performing at the Main Square Festival in Arras.

At Main Square Festival, one of the largest French music festival of the summer, MIYAVI will be performing alongside other well-known acts like Florence + The Machine, Blink-182, and The All-American Rejects. Main Square marks MIYAVI's first time performing in France since his "WHAT'S MY NAME" tour last March.

The festival will take place over the weekend of June 29th to July 1st, with Miyavi performing on June 30th. Visit Main Square Festival’s website for tickets and more information.

Sc: JA

v[NEU] Reveals Cover & Tracklist for "Restless"

After announcing their first major album Restless last month, v[NEU] has finally presented fans with the album’s tracklist and cover art.

Restless will feature 11 tracks including their major debut single, “RED EMOTION ~Kibou~“, as well as their second single, “Kaleidoscope/cube“. The album drops March 14th in three types.

The band also has a new look which is apparently sakura-iro themed, or “cherry blossom colored” in English. Check that out below as well!
.

01. YES≒NO
02. RED EMOTION ~Kibou~
03. Kaleidoscope
04. Restless Love
05. Jumping Lady!
06. Koi Moyou
07. Saiai to Katsubou no Hibi
08.NEU.track002
09. Burnin' X'mas
10. cube
11. Hold My Hand
12. LAB (Bonus Track – Regular Edition Only)
DVD
01. "Restless Love" MUSIC VIDEO (Limited Edition A)
02. "Restless Love" MUSIC VIDEO MAKING (Limited Edition A)
"Restless" MEMORIAL INTERVIEW (Limited Edition B)

Sc: JA

DIR EN GREY’s Kyo Having Vocal Cord Trouble

It has been announced that DIR EN GREY vocalist Kyo has recently been diagnosed with vocal cord nodules.

According to his DIR EN GREY’s agency, Kyo needs surgery for vocal cords polyps that have worsened and will consult a doctor for further examination. Vocal nodules can be caused by voice exhaustion and are usually healed with proper rest and sometimes surgery.

DIR EN GREY was scheduled to be one of the supporting groups for English band Asking Alexandria’s “The Still Reckless” North American tour, with DIR EN GREY headlining shows in Seattle and Florida. DIRU has since pulled out of the line up.

It is unknown if DIR EN GREY will be able to participate in the tour.

Sc: JA

The fool Announces Russia and Belarus 2012 Tour

Rock band the fool have announced that they will tour Russia and Belarus before returning to Japan.

The Russian leg of the fool WORLD CIRCUIT 2012 will kick off on March 4th in Moscow, Russia and end in Minsk, Belarus on March 11th for a total of 6 shows.
.
In anticipation of the tour, vocalist Gunji tweeted the following message:

Hi How are you doing?Dear Russian & Belarussian Crazy’s crew? How cold are there^^? Can’t wait to meet you guys^^Keep on Rockin’ !!!!

.
The fool also uploaded a video message to their official YouTube channel asking fans to keep them warm during the tour. Check it out below!

the fool comment for Russia&Belarus tour2012

the fool WORLD CIRCUIT 2012「Japanese Jet Boyz Override to Russia&Belarus2012」3/4 - Moscow, Russia. Relax club モスクワ(ロシア)3/6 - Tula, Russia. Molot club ��...

.

the fool WORLD CIRCUIT 2012
[Japanese Jet Boyz Override to Russia]

March 4th - Moscow, Russia @ Relax club
March 6th – Tula, Russia @ Molot club
March 7th – Voronezh, Russia @ Tarantul club
March 9th – Yaroslavl, Russia @ Atmosphere club
March 10th – Saint – Petersburg, Russia @ Barcode Bar
March 11th – Minsk, Belarus @ Westworld club
March 13th – Tokyo, Japan @ Meguro THE LIVESTATION
March 18th – Tokyo, Japan @ Takadanobaba AREA

SCREW Announces the Venues for their European Tour

A couple weeks ago the band SCREW announced on an airing SCREW TV SHOW that they will be touring across Europe starting May 30th in Londonand finishing on June 17th in Russia.

The band revealed the venues for each stop on the tour and have announced that members of the GLOBAL PS COMPANY FAN CLUB will have an opportunity to meet the band.

Check out the full tour schedule below:

SCREW 2012 European Tour
05/30 TheUnderworld, London, UK
06/02 Japanimes , Nimes, France
06/03 Music city Hall, Barcelona, Spain
06/05 Dürer Kert, Budapest, Hungary
06/06 Szene Negra, Wien, Austria
06/08 Melkweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
06/09 Divan, Paris, France
06/10 Werkstatt, Cologne, Germany
06/12 Knust, Hamburg, Germany
06/13 Feierwerk, Munich, Germany
06/15 Uppcon, Uppsala, Sweden
06/16 Gloria, Helsinki, Finland
06/17 Milk, Moscow, Russia

Sc: JA

LM.C Confirms Dates for 2012 World Tour!

Hold on fanboys and fangirls! LM.C has just confirmed the final schedule for their -STRONG POP- 2012 world tour and announced Chicago’s Anime Central(ACen) as their first stop!

ACen has announced electrock band LM.C as the guests of honor at its 15th anniversary celebration. Aside from a concert performance, maya and Aiji will be available for Q&A and autograph sessions with fans over the course of the convention. ACen is the largest anime and Japanese pop culture convention in the Midwest, and will take place on April 27th-29th at Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois.

Moreover, LM.C has finalized the schedule for their 2012 -STRONG POP- world tour. Check it out below!

.

LM.C LIVE TOUR 2012 -STRONG POP- world tour
APR30 (Mon) Mexico City / MEXICO
MAY03 (Thu) Santiago / CHILE
MAY05 (Sat) Sao Paulo / BRAZIL
MAY07 (Mon) Bogota / COLOMBIA
MAY08 (Tue) Caracas / VENEZUELA

MAY11 (Fri) Moscow / RUSSIA
MAY13 (Sun) Helsinki / FINLAND
MAY15 (Tue) Berlin / GERMANY
MAY16 (Wed) Warsaw / POLAND
MAY17 (Thu) Budapest / HUNGARY
MAY19 (Sat) Munich / GERMANY
MAY20 (Sun) Lyon / FRANCE
MAY21 (Mon) Paris / FRANCE
MAY23 (Wed) London / UK
MAY24 (Thu) Bochum / GERMANY

JUN01 (Fri) Taipei / TAIWAN
JUN02 (Sat) Taipei / TAIWAN
JUN03 (Sun) Hong Kong / HONG KONG

Sc: JA

DIR EN GREY Cancels North American Tour

Last month DIR EN GREY announced that they would be supporting Asking Alexandria's “The Still Reckless” tour, along with a headlining shows in Florida and the Showbox in Seattle. However, according to the Showbox's Twitter, the entire DIR EN GREY March tour has been cancelled.

The tweet read:

@DIRENGREY_web has regretfully cancelled their tour, including the 3/7 date @showboxsea. A formal statement will be released shortly.

.

"The Still Reckless" tour is still planned and it appears as if DIR EN GREY backed out last minute.The band's official Twitter and Facebook page have yet to make an announcement.

Sc: JA

Mini-Album and Live DVD from Lin

Visual kei band Lin -the end of corruption world- will release a new mini-album and live DVD on March 1st.

First of all, the mini-album will be titled VALUE-EXCLAIM and will be a limited release. It will feature eight tracks, including the new song Deep Labyrinth.

Also set for release on March 1st is the live DVD Independent "MAZE" FILM, which will again be a limited release. The DVD will feature the full footage from Lin's one-man concert Independent "MAZE" held at HARAJUKU ASTRO HALL on October 8th for a total running time of around 150 minutes.






Sc: JMW

New Single and Album from Megaromania

Visual kei band Megaromania have announced the release of a new single and album for the upcoming months.

First of all, the band will release a Valentine's Day single on February 14th. Titled Cynthia, the single will feature just one track. It will also include an application card for a special hand-written message from the band members. This is, however, only available to those with a Japanese address.

Megaromania will then release a new album on April 25th. Titled Artistical Glint, the album will feature ten tracks and will be available in two editions. The Type A will come with a DVD featuring the music video for the single Cynthia, while the Type B will instead come with the bonus track with Sympathizer.








Sc: JMW

Digital Release of Kaya's Vampire Requiem

Gothic solo artist Kaya's latest single is to be made available digitally through European label Bishi-Bishi

Titled Vampire Requiem, the single contains the title track and the B-side Curse of Rose. It will be available through Bishi-Bishi's online store soon.

Kaya is also set to embark on a European coupling tour with former RENTRER EN SOI's vocalist Satsukilater this month. Details of this tour are available in the schedule below, or through Torpedo Productions.

Vistlip Announces New Single, “Recipe”

Rock band vistlip will be releasing their 8th single this spring, titled “Recipe”.

“Recipe” will drop on April 11th in three types. The First Press “vaster” Edition will come with two new songs, plus a DVD containing the PV for “Recipe” and its making-of footage. The First Press “lipper” Edition will come with two new songs, a self cover track, and a deluxe booklet. The regular edition will include three new track and two instrumentals.

On another note, on February 15th vistlip’s guitarist Umi will be modeling in IBI’s new “Sixh. OPERA SHOW & LIVE” at Harajuku ASTRO HALL. The show will also feature You from Matenrou Opera, Sasaki Jin from Serial NUMBER,Intentsu from AYABIE, and miko from exist†trace. A similar American tour is currently being planned.

Sc: JA

BORN Announces 1st Single of 2012

You’ve gone a whole month into 2012 without any news from BORN. Well wait no longer! BORN has announced that they will be releasing a new single titledRADICAL HYSTERIA on March 21st.

BORN's first single of 2012 is being called a "Must Listen Edition". It will feature the new track "IN CREATURE”, along with a remastered version of the songs "RADICAL HYSTERIA" and “COBRA” from their 2010 single RED HOT COBRA.

Also, don’t forget that BORN’s new full length album “VIGOUR” goes on sale today!

Sc: JA

Matenrou Opera to Release 1st Major Album in March + Preview

It’s official! Visual metal band Matenrou Opera have set the release date of their first major album, Justice, for March 7th!

“Justice” will be Matenrou Opera’s first album with King Records. The album will feature 13 tracks including the singles “Helios” and “Otoshi no Soko…”, their first and second major singles.

Check out a preview of the album's title song “Justice”, its track list, and the band’s new look below!

.

摩天楼オペラ　Major 1st Full Album「Justice」CM Edit

摩天楼オペラ　Major 1st Full Album 「Justice」 2012.03.07 Release！

Justice 2012.3.07
01. Justice
02. Nurashita Kuchibiru de Kiss wo Shite
03. Otoshiana no Soko wa Konna Sekai
04. Helios
05. IMPERIAL RIOT
06. Mermaid
07. 21mg
08. AGE
09. Just By Myself
10. Apoptosis
11. New Cinema Paradise
12. Kizuna -full chorus-
13. Designer Baby

Sc: JA