🎄Album Selection of 2017 | January🎄
Happy Holidays, readers! As happened for the past two years, even this year there will be our album selection on Darkest Reviews! This year has been relevant, composed of great returns and new explosions, especially from bands come out last year. The variety of genres here featured has been widened, as our picks include even more peculiar genres, defining this time as a balanced preparation for the next year, apparently interesting in its first months; of course, if you don’t agree with the picks, you can comment here and we can discuss about it. And now... let’s start!
Plasticzooms - Plasticzooms (11.01.2017) [★★★★★]
The first month of the year has seen one of the most awaited works by a greatly acclaimed band of the Japanese scene. The darkwave act Plasticzooms has reached a relevant phase of their career, marked by their first European tour and the release of their fourth album, result of the great influence made by Western music. In fact the sound here featured incorporates a lot of pumping electronic notes, with aggressive compositions and beating melodies, sign that the band is widening their horizons and in the right direction.
Lament. - Souzou Zentangle (Manicure zentangle) (11.01.2017) [★★★★★]
After several years, the obscure visual kei duo Lament. released their second mini-album, anticipated by a consistent series of notable singles. The release is driven by fascinating and dark rock melodies, alternating melancholic vibes and complex structures, accompained by compelling vocals and an unique technique, which surely raises the quality of this band.
Mr.Phantom to parade to shounen (Mr.Phantom, parade and boys)
Mucc - Myakuhaku (Pulse) (27.01.2017) [★★★★★]
This year has been important for a band in particular, as it marked the 20th anniversary of their career. Mucc introduced this chapter of their path with the thirteenth album, a great musical work, result of all the improvements made by the band in the previous months. The sound is variegated and shaped in many ways, from aggressive and chilling themes to nostalgical melodies, synonym of a mythical band which didn’t fall against the weight of time.
Zettai zatsumei (Desperate)
Billyx2 -Entwines ROCK STARS-
Yue ni matenrou (Therefore, the skyscraper) (Album mix)
Wasurenagusa (Don’t forget)
ƵMØRA - Ubugoe (First Cry) (04.01.2017) [★★★★★]
One of the new acts come out in this year has been the enigmatic rock band ƵMØRA, led by $ali, known for being the bassist of another fascinating band, IX -Nine-. Composed by Japanese and Polish musicians, this band kicked off their debut album, a really big surprise. The charismatic female vocals perfectly intertwine in the mysterious and energetic rock sound delivered by this band, which might become a sure winner for true amateurs and not only.
Podróż Do śmierci (Journey to death)
Soan Project with Akuta - Doukoku wo kodou to shite michi to suru oto (Sound to make roads beating as weeping) (18.01.2017) [★★★★]
After Moran has disbanded two years ago, the drummer Soan decided to start a project of his own, accompaining himself with relevant vocalists. The debut mini-album sees the emerging talent of Akuta, famous as singer of the band Chanty, who drives melancholic and intense themes with a convincing performance, giving up a brilliant beginning for this new project.
Futashikana hakoniwa (Uncertain miniature garden)
Hedatsu kyokou tsumugu shinjitsu to doukei (Spinning fictitious truth and longing)
Toukamaku (Permeable membrane)
Aoki Yutaka - Lost in Forest (18.01.2017)
The first mention of this month goes to the solo project created by Aoki Yutaka, known for being the guitarist of Downy. His debut work is quite hard to decipher at all, but when you start to go through its own vibe, you will be attracted to this dark album. The peculiar sound surrounding each track creates a distinctive atmosphere during the listening and accompained by artists like Morrie, Sugizo or Kaoru from Dir en Grey, the final result becomes even better than expected.
Open the Gate (ft. Morrie)
Shape of Death (ft. Sugizo)
Zonbi - Bokura wa minna shinderu (We are all dead) (04.01.2017)
The second mention is for the young visual kei band Zonbi, who released several singles and EPs in the past years. Finally they got out their first album, gathering all their single-tracks (even the live-limited ones) and building up their image around them. The band shows off its personal approach to the genre, with freaking and electronic melodies, fresh vocals and a good instrumental balance, making them more promising than what seen in the early days.
Yamiyo e no serenade (Dark night serenade)
Kusarihime (Rotting princess)
Koukyoku daikuban “Mayonaka no dai ni ongakushitsu” (Symphony no.9 “Second Music Room at Midnight”)
Hakaba de love song (Love song graveyard)
Yonchoume apart satsugaijiken (Yonchome apartment murder)
21seiki no seishinjousha (Psychotic disorder in 21st century)
Yuuyami koushinkyoku (Dusk march)
Madame Florence no jintai chouri kouza (Madam Florence’s human cooking course)
Shineba ii noni. (I wish I could die.)
Band-Maid - Just Bring It (11.01.2017)
The final mention is for one of the most acclaimed Japanese rock acts of recent times, thanks to a fascinating concept mixed to an unique energy. In their fourth album, the first major release for them, they unleashed their style, with engaging themes, with a bit of virtuosism, and a passionate vocal interpretation, bringing them to a meaningful fame; in fact they had their first world tour for promoting the release of this album and we can hope that they will become even better.
