Dir en grey - Ryoujoku no ame

Ah, seems we finally get some new Dir en grey. Of course, this release is done in good ol’ DEG fashion: one new track and three live tracks of songs we all know and love.

01-Ryojoku no Ame
This one continues the new Dir en grey style we’ve grown accustomed to over the last few releases; chock full of guitar and slight electronic effects. This one sports a strong melody that doesn’t stray away from itself, as opposed to being disjointed like other tracks we’ve been offered in the past. However, it doesn’t really feel like there’s a chorus, even though it is easily identified. I can’t really find another way of putting it. It just feels like the chorus is a bridge that doesn’t lead to anything. On a more positive note, though, Kyo gives us a nice mix of growls and Jesus Christ RNR-type choir vocals.

Nice, dark song that sounds like it could’ve been on Withering to Death. Could’ve actually replaced a few of its songs to make that release even better.

02-The Final (LIVE)
A great live performance of one of their most popular songs. I was surprised at how good it was, seeing as I have personally been less than impressed with a lot of their live material in the past. However, the one thing that is constant in all their live performances is the energy they emit and this one is no exception: you can tell that their presence is overpowering, especially from fan reactions in the crowd. The audience is so captivated and enthralled that you can hear them singing along to the entire song.

Great track, although an actual b-side recording (a.k.a. a new song) would’ve been even better.

03-Higeki ha Mabuta wo Oro (LIVE)
Another track from the Withering to Death album, this one also performed very well. I enjoyed how clearly the acoustic guitar mixed in with the electric, as well as how clear the audience was. The only “problem” with the track is that Kyo’s performance sometimes wavers between good and bad, but that hardly matters in the end as you can’t help but stay flabbergasted at how overpowering the band’s energy is, even during a ballad.

The overall recording is very well mixed and comes off as a nice treat for the fans.

04-Mr. Newsman (LIVE)
A classic off the Six Ugly EP, this one is always a favourite at live shows. The guitar picking effects always get to me and this version is no exception. They even seem slightly re-verbed, which is awesome to say the least. Everyone’s favourite part kicks in around 2:10 and the rest is history.

Another great live performance.

This one is easy to break down: the new track is very cool if you enjoy the later Dir en grey material. It doesn’t overpower but still has spunk where it’s important. The live tracks are actually very good, which is a surprise because some of the live b-sides we were treated to on previous singles were sub-par.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10 for a strong new track and some good live b-sides that are worth listening to.