～Cinema[S'trip]～ - Virgin Hurt

～Cinema[S'trip]～ - Hurt
Zenit Music Factory AZMF-3039
2009.04.04

Zenit Music Factory is one of those labels that i'll try to get every release they've put out. Primarily due to my obsessive love with beaU. The guys in this group seem to be fairly isolated. i don't know much about them, but it seems like they weren't in other groups, which we all know is unusual for visual kei bands. But they stuck around for a few years and made some damn good songs. This one starts with a riff-heavy tune that has some good hook, but then they kinda fall flat for the next two songs in my opinion. They try to get some of that Merry groove going on in the third track but it feels somewhat uninspired. They get a little heavier for the last three tracks with track 5 definitely being the most aggressive and catchy, with thick guitar riffs and one of the more interesting vocal efforts on the album. Tracks 1, 5 & 6 could definitely be welcome additions to a rock the shit out playlist with groups like girugamesh.

Buy It.

Basilisk Glance - At A Glance

Basilisk Glance - At A Glance
1998.03.11
BGL01-1

When you dig around in the pits of the 100 Yen bins (figuratively speaking) long enough you start turning up groups like Basilisk Glance. Definitely worthy members of the early wave vk movement. If you dig oldschool vk these guys have some bait on their hook. The group didn't contain anyone of any particular consequence that i am aware of. they didn't go on to be in 24 other groups, like many members of the vk scene do. But they did release a decent portfolio in a few years. Production is a little suspect on this release, with the vocals up front and a bit muddy or overpowering at times, like during the more aggressive "神聖化サレタ凌辱", and the drums sit way in the back, obviously digitally sequenced. guitar is a little fuzzy. but this is all charm of the sort of lo-fi diy low budget rock stars, you know? i can dig it. There are not many songs that jump out as stand-out singles here, but the overall vibe of the album as a whole is very satisfying, with lots of ups and downs and momentum and atmosphere.

Buy It.