Withering to death. has been a big subject of controversy among
Dir en grey fans ever since its release in 2005, due to a drastic shift in style compared to previous releases (such as
GAUZE released in 1999, and
Kisou released in 2002). When it hit shelves, many fans were divided by the heavier, darker music that now depicted the route the band was newly embarking on. I've encountered many fellow fans opinions and I noticed a lot of them felt extreme nostalgia for
Dir en grey's musical past (such as the
GAUZE era, when their music was much more visual). I admit, I was not a big fan of this CD in the beginning. It struck me as overwhelming and a little too loud.
Though, my opinion eventually began to change.
Withering to death. is a hidden treat that takes a second,
third and fourth time to fully listen to for the music to grow on you. The rougher tracks on the album, such as
GARBAGE, -saku-, Merciless Cult and
Beautiful Dirt are fast-paced, complete with heavy guitars and drums while vocalist
Kyo incorporates singing, growling, and screaming into the mix. These songs will definitely get you up on your feet, be it to screech along with him or head bang until you cannot hold your head up any more. (One of my favorite songs to head bang to is actually
Spilled Milk, which is extremely catchy.)
You also are treated to the mournful
dead tree (which has outstanding guitar work and tormented vocals that will move any one),
Kodou (
Kyo's whispering vocals are haunting, but lovely to listen to intently), the more beautiful ballads such as
Higeki ha mabuta wo oroshita yasashiku utsu and
Itoshisa ha fuhai nitsuki, which have moved me to tears much more than once. Catchy songs that stick in your head like glue are
C, Machiavellism, Jesus Christ R'nR, and finally, what has to be one of my more favorite tracks:
THE FINAL. It lives up to its name, giving you a strong sense of an 'ending' every time you listen to it.
Fans, do not be disappointed. Although not the best
Dir en grey album to ever hit the shelves, it wields its own style and its own enjoyment in each one of its tracks. Fans are asked to be careful with this album and to give it a fair chance. Do not cast it aside, dismissing it as "noise", for no music is noise. Noise does not exist in any type of good music.
Dir en grey is always trying to wrap a message around each song/album they release;
Withering to death. is no different. The messages are broadcasted with much more intensity than before and it isn't going to hurt to keep an open ear.
Keep going strong,
Dir en grey. We're listening.
Overall rating: 9/10. This album ranks high with me, because it's a change of pace for the band and also can begin to appeal to a much broader audience. Fans of the 'hard rock' scene should definitely find this album good to listen to, I know I did. It's a great CD to add to a collection.
FREELANCE REVIEW BY:
Ryou-- MacabreOpera@aol.com
