DIVIDED we conquer
So. It happened: the glorious audio previews of DIVISION have been released HOORAY!
Last year, I was determined not to spoil myself with TOXIC - I even went as far as blocking “the gazette” tag on tumblr to avoid temptation. I know, drastic measures... And I can honestly say that when I first listened to that album, the only song that truly made ( Read more... )
Last year, I was determined not to spoil myself with TOXIC - I even went as far as blocking “the gazette” tag on tumblr to avoid temptation. I know, drastic measures... And I can honestly say that when I first listened to that album, the only song that truly made ( Read more... )
Fucking beyond excited. And I agree with what you said about the album: It's definitely more cohesive and dense. I think that's what makes it easier to listen to. With TOXIC you had new songs mixed in with already-heard singles that served as "breaks" or "transitions" in between. In this case, the atmosphere is broken up and packed into "parts" that can throw off listeners and make it harder to understand the overall concept that’s incorporated into the CDs. For DIVISION however, you can hear pieces of the concept leaked into every song, the mixing or separation of black-on-white. (Similar to DIM but with full songs, not interludes.)
Onto the songs! XI is definitely my favorite intro out of all the GazettE's albums. Fast-paced, gets the adrenaline pumping and mind racing. I'm a huge fan of electro and for them to use it as an atmospheric method (not accentuating the beats, moving in and out, leading you on a journey of sorts) is fantastic. It makes me think twice about not purchasing the album.
GABRIEL ON THE GALLOWS and DERANGEMENT lead perfectly into each other with heavy guitars and altered vocals. DRIPPING INSANITY totally threw me for a loop, though--I was expecting it to be ominous and filled with screams, but Ruki's vocals are surprisingly soft in contrast to the hard chords/drums. Interesting dynamics.
Yoin is for sure one of my favorites. I think some will compare it to CHIJOU but the atmosphere is much darker and deeper and hints at more than what the other song was able to achieve. I find it interesting that Aoi composed this, since he said that he usually creates "party" songs (i.e. A MOTH UNDER THE SKIN). It reminds me of a "ballroom" melody, with a more ominous tone.
Kagefumi has a nice relaxing vibe to it-great after hearing all of those hard/dark tunes. And oh man, Kage no Sanagi just proves even more that Kai needs to compose more songs (Ganges Akai ni Bara is one of my favorites, haha). I love how the drums are accentuated and provide the backing, but then you have all these nuances in the guitars that make it more interesting. That seems to be the case with most of DIVISION, it seems.
LOL HETERO. LOL ATTITUDE. The first one is incredibly catchy and snappish (kind of like Sludgy Cult). I love the dynamics of the guitars, how they transition from soft and in-the-background to hard and in-your-face. And the second one, unf. Soo good. REQUIRED MALFUNCTION as a title sounds awkward to my ears, but I love the electro vocals/rapping and hard guitars together. It’s catchy but still bites.
Overall, I’m ecstatic about this album. It has everything I love about the GazettE from slow, almost sinister songs, to snarling guitars and rumbling roars, to songs that make you feel like you can run for miles. Definitely looking forward to it. ♥
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Basically, I agree to every point that you’ve so eloquently made. I didn’t even think of the fact that TOXIC had all those singles included on it and therefore made it a rather ‘stop-and-go’ listening experience. To have zero breaks - besides Ibitsu; have you listened to the full song, by any chance? - will definitely be a welcomed and refreshing change of pace.
Like I said before, I’m not really one for intros - I have shamefully skipped past them in the past - but I really do like where XI is headed and I’ll definitely be listening to it whilst jittering in my seat in anticipation for the first song xD It’s an opener that does grab you, much more so than INFUSE INTO’s slow progression. This album will probably sway my opinion over electro - perhaps I will finally hear electro done right, yes? :D
I thought the same for DRIPPING INSANITY, but I like how it’s a curveball - how it slides right into place after the growls and snaps of GALLOWS and DERANGEMENT. I also think it’s a perfect lead-in to Yoin - and same here; I can tell it’s going to be a song I replay the shit out of, haha. Ohh, I didn’t even make the connection with CHIJOU (adored that song), but now that you mention it, it definitely has some similar elements. It’s like they kept in what worked in that song and then added more layers, more depth. Aoi (and Kai as well) definitely needs to take more of stand in the song meetings…
I am gnawing at the bit for REQUIRED MALFUNCTION - awkward, cumbersome title and all *A*
I’m seeing that there are more people in agreement over the fact that this album is going to be holy-shit than there was when TOXIC previews leaked. GazettE seems to be incorporating their tried-and-true style of sinister tones and wailing melodies with the electro-style of TOXIC, and SWEET JEEZUS only a couple more days until we get our grubby little hands on that 1kg album xDDD ♥
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