TOP 10 ALBUMS of 2011 [JROCK/VISUAL KEI]
It's been tough, but I've just about made it. In such a huge year for great releases, here's my top ten albums of 2011. They're listed alphabetically below, but if you want to see which made the top and my opinions on each, skip below the cut.
D - VAMPIRE SAGA
DELUHI - VANDALISM
defspiral - PROGRESS
DIR EN GREY - DUM SPIRO SPERO
the GazettE - TOXIC
ONE OK ROCK - 残響リファレンス
Sadie - COLD BLOOD
Sujk - ARKHELISM
Versailles - Holy Grail
快進のICHIGEKI - 快進のICHIGEKI
10. Sujk - ARKHELISM
A last minute shoe-in, Sujk (ex-DELUHI)'s first solo album only came out last week, but already it's earned its place in my top ten. While it's certainly not up to the standard of DELUHI as a single unit, Sujk has brought his composition skills and sheer drumming talent together to create a wonderful album. Depending on how you view it, this either softens the blow of DELUHI's disbandment or makes it even harder to bear, since all of the other members (and some other guest artists) appear on one track or another. The only fault in my view is the amount of instrumentals: yes, he's a drummer, but a little more vocals never hurt anybody, especially now Sujk is showcasing his own secretly awesome death voice on most of the songs.
Top Tracks: Doll, One's weakness, Try too Hard
09. 快進のICHIGEKI - 快進のICHIGEKI
Self-titled first release from new band 快進のICHIGEKI (Kaishin no ICHIGEKI) is a real blast. It opens as it means to go on, with strong vocals and a heavy but catchy beat. Not only is this album floating around on the ether and in various online stores, but you can even find it on iTunes, so there's no excuse not to pick it up. You won't be disappointed with the 12 solid tracks incorporating a slightly oriental feel on some tracks and a more western influence on others.
Top Tracks: 音座芸夢, 絶体絶命の愛の結晶, 乳母車
08. defspiral - PROGRESS
Another recent release, this is the first full-length album from defspiral, the new band comprising (most of) the ex-members of the Underneath, previously TRANSTIC NERVE. It's drawn my attention to their inherently well trained talent, and the unique voice of Taka, who you can imagine as a kind of surreal blend of D'espairsRay's Hizumi, L'Arc~en~Ciel's Hyde and T.M.Revolution. The album's pumped full of catchy rock tracks that introduce you to the guys' new style. A very worthwile listen.
Top Tracks: DIVE INTO THE MIRROR, REVOLVER, 月とヴィーナス
07. Sadie - COLD BLOOD
Quickly becoming one of my favourite bands, Sadie gave us another fantastic album in COLD BLOOD. Furthermore, their latest live DVD is out this week and I look forward to buying it in the not too distant future. For those not in the know, Sadie carry a heavy sound with an often melodious chorus. This release sees a darker tone with more of vocalist Mao's growls and grunts, as well as some softer ballads. Single Juggernaut really leads the album and sets the tone for this brilliant earful.
Top Tracks: Juggernaut, Graceful Angel, 棘 -toge-
06. the GazettE - TOXIC
In a departure from the style of old, the GazettE's daring new album shocked many fans across the world with a dip into electronic effects. Happily though, this doesn't affect too many of the tracks and usually adds to those it features in. Gazerock is not dead, for the heavy riffs, catchy beats and varied vocals are still there. While it may seem from a lot of their recent singles that they're taking on a more pop/dance style, listen to the album in its entirety and you'll discover that this most definitely is not the case. This is still the GazettE, and it's still another great album.
Top Tracks: VORTEX, THE SUICIDE CIRCUS, PSYCHOPATH
05. DIR EN GREY - DUM SPIRO SPERO
What more is there to say than that this is yet another incredible album from the truly global phenomenon that is DIR EN GREY. The tortured state of Japan after the Tsunami is blended into the veterans' lyrical content along with the usual unspeakable topics. The album as a whole is a masterpiece with varied tracks showcasing the unmatchable vocal skills of Kyo, from soft harmonious singing to powerful screams and some bloodcurdling inhuman noises that should not ever come from a man's throat. The dark tracks are held up by the stellar singles it features, along with the ten-minute epic that is DIABOLOS. It's also definitely worth getting the deluxe edition, as the bonus tracks are also awesome.
Top Tracks: LOTUS, AMON, 激しさと、この胸の中で絡み付いた灼熱の闇
04. D - VAMPIRE SAGA
This one came a lot earlier in the year than most of the releases on this list, and I almost forgot it's a 2011 album. Luckily I didn't though, because it's my number four and accompanied one of my most memorable live experiences to date. To the uninitiated, one of D's biggest features is unique singer Asagi who was trained in opera for quite some time before deciding to enter the VK scene. His powerful, vibrato-filled, falsetto-defying voice draws you into a veritable vampiric feast to the ears. Relentless beats in single In the name of justice lead the album into a display of varied tracks with D's stamp all over them. Also check out their recent mini-album, Huang Di.
Top Tracks: In the name of justice, Quartet ～真夜中の四重奏～, DAY WALKER
03. Versailles - Holy Grail
You might be surprised that this isn't higher on my list, and believe me, so am I. It's another album from Versailles, which means a truly epic hour plus listen-athon. While the style very much seems to be toned down somewhat, it's worth remembering that Versailles have gone for a very different feel compared to their previous releases. It's not the renaissance of Noble or the hard rock-out that JUBILEE presented to us, but a more majestic album. Don't misunderstand, the rock is still there, but there's notably more softer harmonic ballads and the token ridicuously long track, Faith & Decision, is a little less listenable than previous efforts. Despite these differences to what's come before, this is another amazing album that needs to be in your collection.
Top Tracks: Thanatos, Vampire, MASQUERADE
02. ONE OK ROCK - 残響リファレンス
This album was one of my most highly anticipated this year, and it didn't disappoint. With a run-up of extremely consistent singles, I had high hopes for ONE OK ROCK's new release. Not only did it deliver on these songs, but also every single other track. That consistency is what puts this in at number two. From the addictive NO SCARED and beautiful C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h to the strangely catchy 世間知らずの宇宙飛行士 and incredibly powerful Mr. 現代Speaker, this is one of few albums that I could happily listen to in its entirety without skipping a track. I'm not joking, this one really is almost faultless.
Top Tracks: NO SCARED, Mr. 現代Speaker, C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h
01. DELUHI - VANDALISM
This is what made it to number one this year, despite being almost entirely comprised of old material. But DELUHI's wonderful best-of, sendoff, and only full-length album is something special. It's not just a catalogue of almost faultless music, it's a tribute to the incredible force that was DELUHI. The composition and guitar skills of Leda, brilliant vocals of Juri, solid bass lines from Aggy and amazing drumming by Sujk (whose own solo project made it into this list too), combined with the sheer energy each track oozes, makes this my favourite album of 2011 by a considerable amount. Most of the songs are either partly or completely re-recorded, and the few that aren't are at the very least remastered. There's also a single brand new track to end the album, which in a way encapsulates what DELUHI are all about in its own four and a half minute boundaries. Farewell guys, and best of luck in the future.
Top Tracks: Vivid Place, LORELEI, 砂の泉
So that's my best of 2011. What do you think? Do you agree or have I missed something that should be on there? I'd love to hear your comments. Have an awesome Christmas and let's look forward to the next year of Japanese Rock.
D - VAMPIRE SAGA
DELUHI - VANDALISM
defspiral - PROGRESS
DIR EN GREY - DUM SPIRO SPERO
the GazettE - TOXIC
ONE OK ROCK - 残響リファレンス
Sadie - COLD BLOOD
Sujk - ARKHELISM
Versailles - Holy Grail
快進のICHIGEKI - 快進のICHIGEKI
10. Sujk - ARKHELISM
A last minute shoe-in, Sujk (ex-DELUHI)'s first solo album only came out last week, but already it's earned its place in my top ten. While it's certainly not up to the standard of DELUHI as a single unit, Sujk has brought his composition skills and sheer drumming talent together to create a wonderful album. Depending on how you view it, this either softens the blow of DELUHI's disbandment or makes it even harder to bear, since all of the other members (and some other guest artists) appear on one track or another. The only fault in my view is the amount of instrumentals: yes, he's a drummer, but a little more vocals never hurt anybody, especially now Sujk is showcasing his own secretly awesome death voice on most of the songs.
Top Tracks: Doll, One's weakness, Try too Hard
09. 快進のICHIGEKI - 快進のICHIGEKI
Self-titled first release from new band 快進のICHIGEKI (Kaishin no ICHIGEKI) is a real blast. It opens as it means to go on, with strong vocals and a heavy but catchy beat. Not only is this album floating around on the ether and in various online stores, but you can even find it on iTunes, so there's no excuse not to pick it up. You won't be disappointed with the 12 solid tracks incorporating a slightly oriental feel on some tracks and a more western influence on others.
Top Tracks: 音座芸夢, 絶体絶命の愛の結晶, 乳母車
08. defspiral - PROGRESS
Another recent release, this is the first full-length album from defspiral, the new band comprising (most of) the ex-members of the Underneath, previously TRANSTIC NERVE. It's drawn my attention to their inherently well trained talent, and the unique voice of Taka, who you can imagine as a kind of surreal blend of D'espairsRay's Hizumi, L'Arc~en~Ciel's Hyde and T.M.Revolution. The album's pumped full of catchy rock tracks that introduce you to the guys' new style. A very worthwile listen.
Top Tracks: DIVE INTO THE MIRROR, REVOLVER, 月とヴィーナス
07. Sadie - COLD BLOOD
Quickly becoming one of my favourite bands, Sadie gave us another fantastic album in COLD BLOOD. Furthermore, their latest live DVD is out this week and I look forward to buying it in the not too distant future. For those not in the know, Sadie carry a heavy sound with an often melodious chorus. This release sees a darker tone with more of vocalist Mao's growls and grunts, as well as some softer ballads. Single Juggernaut really leads the album and sets the tone for this brilliant earful.
Top Tracks: Juggernaut, Graceful Angel, 棘 -toge-
06. the GazettE - TOXIC
In a departure from the style of old, the GazettE's daring new album shocked many fans across the world with a dip into electronic effects. Happily though, this doesn't affect too many of the tracks and usually adds to those it features in. Gazerock is not dead, for the heavy riffs, catchy beats and varied vocals are still there. While it may seem from a lot of their recent singles that they're taking on a more pop/dance style, listen to the album in its entirety and you'll discover that this most definitely is not the case. This is still the GazettE, and it's still another great album.
Top Tracks: VORTEX, THE SUICIDE CIRCUS, PSYCHOPATH
05. DIR EN GREY - DUM SPIRO SPERO
What more is there to say than that this is yet another incredible album from the truly global phenomenon that is DIR EN GREY. The tortured state of Japan after the Tsunami is blended into the veterans' lyrical content along with the usual unspeakable topics. The album as a whole is a masterpiece with varied tracks showcasing the unmatchable vocal skills of Kyo, from soft harmonious singing to powerful screams and some bloodcurdling inhuman noises that should not ever come from a man's throat. The dark tracks are held up by the stellar singles it features, along with the ten-minute epic that is DIABOLOS. It's also definitely worth getting the deluxe edition, as the bonus tracks are also awesome.
Top Tracks: LOTUS, AMON, 激しさと、この胸の中で絡み付いた灼熱の闇
04. D - VAMPIRE SAGA
This one came a lot earlier in the year than most of the releases on this list, and I almost forgot it's a 2011 album. Luckily I didn't though, because it's my number four and accompanied one of my most memorable live experiences to date. To the uninitiated, one of D's biggest features is unique singer Asagi who was trained in opera for quite some time before deciding to enter the VK scene. His powerful, vibrato-filled, falsetto-defying voice draws you into a veritable vampiric feast to the ears. Relentless beats in single In the name of justice lead the album into a display of varied tracks with D's stamp all over them. Also check out their recent mini-album, Huang Di.
Top Tracks: In the name of justice, Quartet ～真夜中の四重奏～, DAY WALKER
03. Versailles - Holy Grail
You might be surprised that this isn't higher on my list, and believe me, so am I. It's another album from Versailles, which means a truly epic hour plus listen-athon. While the style very much seems to be toned down somewhat, it's worth remembering that Versailles have gone for a very different feel compared to their previous releases. It's not the renaissance of Noble or the hard rock-out that JUBILEE presented to us, but a more majestic album. Don't misunderstand, the rock is still there, but there's notably more softer harmonic ballads and the token ridicuously long track, Faith & Decision, is a little less listenable than previous efforts. Despite these differences to what's come before, this is another amazing album that needs to be in your collection.
Top Tracks: Thanatos, Vampire, MASQUERADE
02. ONE OK ROCK - 残響リファレンス
This album was one of my most highly anticipated this year, and it didn't disappoint. With a run-up of extremely consistent singles, I had high hopes for ONE OK ROCK's new release. Not only did it deliver on these songs, but also every single other track. That consistency is what puts this in at number two. From the addictive NO SCARED and beautiful C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h to the strangely catchy 世間知らずの宇宙飛行士 and incredibly powerful Mr. 現代Speaker, this is one of few albums that I could happily listen to in its entirety without skipping a track. I'm not joking, this one really is almost faultless.
Top Tracks: NO SCARED, Mr. 現代Speaker, C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h
01. DELUHI - VANDALISM
This is what made it to number one this year, despite being almost entirely comprised of old material. But DELUHI's wonderful best-of, sendoff, and only full-length album is something special. It's not just a catalogue of almost faultless music, it's a tribute to the incredible force that was DELUHI. The composition and guitar skills of Leda, brilliant vocals of Juri, solid bass lines from Aggy and amazing drumming by Sujk (whose own solo project made it into this list too), combined with the sheer energy each track oozes, makes this my favourite album of 2011 by a considerable amount. Most of the songs are either partly or completely re-recorded, and the few that aren't are at the very least remastered. There's also a single brand new track to end the album, which in a way encapsulates what DELUHI are all about in its own four and a half minute boundaries. Farewell guys, and best of luck in the future.
Top Tracks: Vivid Place, LORELEI, 砂の泉
So that's my best of 2011. What do you think? Do you agree or have I missed something that should be on there? I'd love to hear your comments. Have an awesome Christmas and let's look forward to the next year of Japanese Rock.