Review The Cynical Store EP
University can be an incredibly competitive place. While most are trying to set blood-alcohol records, some maniacs compete for the best marks. Along with that, there is the urban legend that sometimes floats a...
Tricot evolve and mature: A review of their upcoming album, “3”
Tricot is a band that has captured the hearts of many not just in Japan, but around the world. Having toured Asia, Europe, and North America within the past two years, they have been able to have their music he...
Report on R-Shitei’s final show of their “R-Shitei oneman Tour-SHAMBARA-” at Zepp Tokyo
When the band started their R-Shitei oneman Tour -SHAMBARA- on December 20 of last year, they released their single -SHAMBARA- a day later. To promote this release, R-Shitei (R指定) went on a one-man tour, which...
ALBUM REVIEW: mouse on the keys – Out of Body
The human body is, comparatively speaking, very fragile. It can take many beatings on the surface, yet it takes very little deep within to bring us very close to death; it is a pain few of us ever come back fro...
CHARAN-PO-RANTAN takes us on a multi-colored trip through music genres
When I think of the accordion, I tend to think of Italy or sometimes Polka music. CHARAN-PO-RANTAN changed that for me with their latest album, Toritome Nashi (トリトメナシ). As with many Japanese bands, I find that ...
JROCK NEWS’ favorite releases of 2016
Like with every year, 2016 had its fair share of ups and downs. But, as for many of us, good music has been there to help see us through both the good times and the bad times. So, before we say "sayonara" to 20...
Report: HIZAKI performs short but exciting set, prepares Versailles fans for next year
After releasing his first solo album, Rosario, in just over a decade on August 3 and with Versailles Philharmonic Quintet reuniting as well as touring Europe early next year, the announcement that guitarist and...
Review: Crystal Lake’s album “True North” surprises us in many different ways
Almost exactly a year ago we reviewed Crystal Lake's album THE SIGN, without a doubt one of our favorite albums of the year. Ever since then, we've been craving for more heavy music from this band. Now, the lon...
Report on the GazettE’s “HERESY LIMITED SPOOKY BOX” in Tokyo – October 28, 2016
Back in August, the GazettE announced their first Halloween live on drummer Kai's birthday. The tickets for "HERESY LIMITED THE DARK HALLOWEEN NIGHT " were available for HERESY members only and the gig took pla...
Shock and awe with Vamps’ performance at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre
Right after their annual Halloween Party, the duo of Hyde and KAZ hit state side with a bit of shock and awe from Vamps' performance at Los Angeles' El Rey Theatre. Your friendly neighborhood Mazo was there. No...
Report: BAND-MAID serve the ladies and gentlemen with an electrifying show at The Underworld
This year has been especially kind to BAND-MAID. Ever since their first overseas performance and North American debut at Sakura-Con back in March, the band has gone on to play at MCM London Comic Con in the UK ...
Report: SCANDAL brings their energetic attitude to the O2 Academy Islington
Not only are SCANDAL celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, but they also released a new album titled YELLOW back in March (available in Europe courtesy of JPU Records), followed by an announcement that ...
Purge all your pure thoughts and surrender to your carnal desires with a review of PURGE, Deviloof’s first mini-album!
The self-proclaimed most violent and brutal visual kei band, Deviloof, just recently released their first mini-album for your listening pleasure. Although PURGE released August 31, it took its sweet time findin...
WagakkiBand “Shougeki -DEEP IMPACT-” 2016 live report
Join us on a musical rock adventure with some pit stops in Japan - this is the invitation that WagakkiBand extended to the fans gathered at Club Bahia in Los Angeles, California, the first stop on their first U...