333. foreign cab rides, letlive.

January 11th/12th, 2017

I decided to go back home to Melbourne to catch one of my favourite bands, letlive.

I bought the tickets to the show just a month before while I was still in Tokyo, I just felt like I needed to go to this show for a change of scenery and going back home helped me in so many ways. I'm thankful I made that decision.

letlive. isn't that famous in Asia, so I figured if I really wanted to see them, I would have to travel. It's such a shame that they aren't that known over here. I only started listening to them last year when If I'm The Devil... was released. There was something in Jason's voice that moved me. It's hard for me to feel like that about bands, so when I do, I tend to fall in love completely with the band.

Since then, their music has been on loop. I love that whenever I find a band on a later album, I'd always try to listen to their previous albums and fall in love with them even more. letlive. did that for me.

I arrived back in Melbourne on January 11th and was dead tired because I just got back to Singapore for less than 24 hours, rushed errands in the day and was off to the airport by night. I didn't get a wink of sleep on the flight, so I took a nap before heading out to the show.

Underoath tour in February ;__;

The show was at 170 Russell, formerly known as Billboard. It's my favourite live venue in Melbourne. It was pretty packed when I arrived. I got there in time to catch Counterparts. I bought some merch and tried to find a good spot somewhere in the crowd and I didn't even stand still for 5 minutes when Counterparts took the stage.

I listened to them for just a little bit before the show so I wasn't too familiar with their music. They put on a pretty good 30 minutes set.

It didn't take too long for letlive. to take the stage. I was probably too excited to see them because I could feel my heart race and get goosebumps when they were on stage. I miss that feeling. They opened to Renegade 86' and they BLEW. MY. FUCKING. MIND.

Their energy on stage was amazing, I would say most of the credit is given to their vocalist, Jason. The way he loses himself in the music is just something. Unpredictable. letlive. has definitely stolen the top spot for best bands I have seen live.

Their setlist was sooooooo good as well. All of my favourites were played and I think my favourite performance of the night was The Fear Fever. Jason totally lost himself to the music, especially on that song and was throwing the microphone stand and shit everywhere. I live for moments like this. Their setlist had a good mix of old and new songs and some slower songs. Foreign Cab Rides was another song that was really good live.

He jumped into the crowd during one of the songs as well, I can't remember anymore because I was just in awe of how good they were live. I really love the message Jason left about respecting women before performing Muther which was also spectacular to watch the crowd singing the entire first verse of the song back to Jason. I realised how much I have missed going to shows in Melbourne. The enthusiasm of the crowd and just flat out - the band talking in between songs without worrying if people were going to understand them. It's the language barrier in Japan sometimes that makes shows less fun for international bands.

They closed to Good Mourning, America off their latest album. Jason jumped onto the drum set while finishing off the show and everything got dismantled. The crowd went "WOAH", which I thought was pretty funny. They played for exactly an hour. I was so happy I chose to fly back home to see them. I thought I love their music already but now I love them even more.

Their setlist (not in order) :

Renegade 86'
Another Offensive Song
A Weak Ago
Younger
The Dope Beat
27 Club
Le Prologue
The Sick, Sick, 6.8 Billion
Foreign Cab Rides
The Fear Fever
Reluctantly Dead
Banshee (Ghost Fame)
Muther
Good Mourning, America

Next up was Every Time I Die and they opened to Glitches. I wasn't feeling their set too much because even though I have been listening to them since I was 17, I was never a big fan. Though - I do admit, they did put on a solid set and killed it. My happy, higher mood from letlive., died off because I had to endure another hour in the crowd for a band I didn't really care about.

I was just glad I got to see letlive. again next day, I decided to skip Every Time I Die at the next show.

January 12th was my last day in Melbourne. I literally only came back for these shows. I made my way to Arrow on Swanston really close to the show time again, it was a 20-minute walk from the Airbnb apartment I was staying in. The venue was much smaller than 170 Russell, maybe just a quarter of it and had a really small stage. No barriers, though. That can only mean that it'll be an intimate show.

It was almost like a floor show, I got used to going to small shows ever since living in Japan so I didn't mind at all. The only thing I minded was being the only Asian there because I just stood out and whenever I walked past people at the venue, they would just stare at me. It did bother me at the beginning but once letlive. took the stage, I just didn't care and squeezed my way to the front.

It's been a long time since I've stood in front for a show. I only do that for bands I really love. Today's show had the same lineup, Counterparts, letlive. and Every Time I Die. I watched Counterparts's set again and just waited around for letlive. to take the stage.

They played exactly at 8:20pm and had the same set list. I really liked that they decided to perform the chorus of Linkin Park's Crawling during 27 Club because they kinda have a long interlude in that song. I was glad to be in the front since I don't know when I can ever see letlive. again, I just wanted to enjoy their performance and lose myself in their music.

When they closed to Good Mourning, America, Jason ran into the crowd and did a backflip while the fans attacked him, in less than a minute, you couldn't see Jason but just people running towards his direction and jumping on him. Don't worry, he didn't get hurt. I just miss seeing things like that because that doesn't happen in Japan.

They put on a good show again but honestly, the night before was better. I think it's just because the stage was bigger and they could utilise the area. I also personally think a band like letlive. just does better on a bigger stage. Also the fact that the show for the day before was Above 18, makes it better because kids are annoying. The second show was an All Ages one. They played for an hour as well.

I didn't bother staying for Every Time I Die and just grabbed dinner on the way back to the apartment. I felt really happy when I got back to the apartment, even though I came on my own to see a band I really like, I felt really accomplished. I wanted to prove to myself that travelling alone is not that bad, because of things that happened years ago, I always get paranoid and anxious when I'm in Australia. I'm glad that now, I have overcome that fear and better yet, got to see one of my favourite bands. This trip was definitely worth it.

Nothing beats seeing your favourite band for the first time. I haven't felt this way about a band in a long long time. The last time I felt this way, this excited for a show was for lynch. almost 4 years ago, and AFI which was 7 years ago. It's really rare that a band can amaze and move me this much.

letlive. also reminded me of how much I love music. I feel like I have been losing my way with music because of living in Japan and getting "too close" to the scene that I started losing interest in music. It has been really hard for me to listen to music in the recent months but I can't not listen to music so whenever I listened, there would be an emptiness that would fill me, which made me feel really uncomfortable. Thanks to letlive., I am reminded that I love music for bands like this. So really, thank you.

To top it off, it's always Melbourne that helps me get on my feet again. What a way to kickoff 2017, I'm just so thankful I decided to follow my gut and flew back home to catch this band. They were really the push I needed after the crazy rollercoaster of emotions I felt in the last 3 months of 2016.

Thank you, letlive. I hope to see you somewhere else in the world again.

321. the pros of con

I was in Osaka during the last week of November for a photo shoot. I have been to Osaka so many times this year that I've lost count and honestly, I'm bored of the city. I didn't bother taking photos but I did explore on my own for a bit.

November 20th

I took the shinkansen down to Osaka, dumped my stuff in my Airbnb apartment and made my way to Hokage. PALM was playing that night alongside some other bands. I actually didn't care much about other bands except for Runner (Kenta's side band) and PALM. Even though I don't listen to PALM, they never fail to put on a good live show. Their energy on stage is just something else and I feel like even young bands today can't achieve that level of "raw power".

20 NOV 2016 at OSAKA HOKAGE #PALMJAPAN #PALMJP

A video posted by PALM (@palmjapan) on Nov 22, 2016 at 3:35am PST

I met up with Kyoko who Laura introduced through text. I was alone most of the time but it was okay. I think I got so used to being on my own now, it doesn't bother me that much when I travel. My photoshoot ended up being really late, thankfully Toshi owns Hokage so I could take photos without having to worry that I'll be chased out of the venue, haha.

After taking a couple of photos of Kyoko, we went to the afterparty at the Hokage's bar. Most of the bands were already eating and it was only us girls left feeling hungry. It's always fun meeting new people even though I am such an introvert.

PALM's photoshoot dragged on till about 2-ish am. Toshi was half drunk doing the shoot, haha. Still had fun with them, though. No matter how old men get, they still act like little boys.

a very drunk Toshi. 

and a very tired Kenta.

*I'm still in the process of editing photos but some of them are already on @sanatoriiiium! 

I only got back to the apartment at 3 in the morning. It was a fun but tiring day for me. I passed out immediately after taking a long shower. 

Even though I do enjoy doing my photo shoots and meeting up with friends, I'm a very private person so I don't really like to post photos of people I know on my social media and even on this blog. I guess my clothing line is going to "show" everyone who my friends are. I still have mixed feelings about it. 

Other than that, my life right now is pretty messed up and complicated. I can't wait for next month cos I'll be back in Melbourne just for two days to watch letlive. and Every Time I Die. I'm more excited about letlive., I have been listening to them a lot lately and it's been a while since I really liked any other band so much.

I have quite a number of things planned out until the year ends. I'm going to get yet another tattoo, hopefully have a nice Christmas and travel some more. In some way, I don't really want 2016 to end just yet but everyone gets like that every year right?

320. the nites of avantgarde, lynch.

I have been dreading to write this post because so much has happened since this show. lynch. is on a hiatus now because something happened to one of the members and it makes me sad to think that this might be the last time I got to see them as a five member band. But let's save the sad stuff for later.

November 15th, 2016.

This was lynch.'s semi-final for THE NITES OF AVANTGARDE tour to promote their latest release. Like I already mentioned, I am not a big fan of this album but I won't miss their shows for no good reason. Their setlist today was pretty good, especially the encore. The encore was perfect actually, it was all my favorite headbanging songs.

They looked so happy on stage that day too. As usual, their MC went on forever because Hazuki is just too talkative. I like how he talked about the stupid pillar at Club Quattro. It really blocks the view of the stage. I could hardly see Yusuke throughout the show, I don't really care for Yusuke but it's nice to see the whole band right?

Today's setlist :

I was really happy they played INVINCIBLE. I thought they stopped playing it judging from the setlists from this tour. It's my absolute favorite song to see them play live because of how different it sounds from the record. Also, AK and Hazuki always look so happy playing this song since it's their favorite to play live. I always, always enjoy this song. 

I still remember how happy I was after this show because everyone's always so nice. I'll post videos from this show (stolen from Hazuki's instagram) because I forgot to save the live photos...

11.15 渋谷 CLUB QUATTRO BEAST

A video posted by lynch. 葉月 (@lynch_hazuki) on Nov 15, 2016 at 5:45am PST

11.15 渋谷 CLUB QUATTRO VANISH

A video posted by lynch. 葉月 (@lynch_hazuki) on Nov 15, 2016 at 5:47am PST

So, onto the sad stuff. It's been hard for me to accept that lynch. might not be a 5 member band anymore. Their future is pretty uncertain but I'm sure they will get through this. lynch. has been a big part of my life for the last couple of years, they are one of the reasons why I keep returning to Japan (because fuckers don't travel out). Going to their shows has always made me happy, even though I am always alone. They're the only band that can make me completely lose myself in their music . You will never see me singing or headbanging or dancing or swaying to any other band.

Their Fukuoka show I went to earlier this year is still my favorite memory. I still remember H holding my hand as I watched my favorite band kill it on stage. Also, I remember H being so shocked when I started headbanging to INVINCIBLE, but he headbanged along with me, haha. ( H is not a fan of lynch. by the way, he just knows I love them so fucking much.)

It's just too difficult to explain how something is so important to you. Music has always been a huge part of my life. So naturally, my favorite band will be too. lynch.'s music has just been by my side all this time, when I "broke up" with someone, when my mom was in the hospital, when I was feeling empty and also when I'm happy.

I have repeated countless of times but no matter what, I will always love this band. I hope that they will return as a 5 member band but even if they don't, I will still continue to support them.

I still remember seeing them for the first time 3 years ago. How happy I was, how complete I felt, how I lost myself in their music.

I hope to see them again, soon.

somewhere, someday,
I want for us to happen again...

317. killing cult, lynch.

Last Friday I made my way down to Yokohama Bay Hall for lynch. I haven't seen them in half a year but I wasn't too excited for the show since I'm not totally in love with their new album. Also, the fact that Bay Hall is in an inconvenient location didn't really help either.

They started exactly at 7pm and I was right about AVANT GARDE making me feel excited. Their setlist wasn't that impressive since they can't play a lot of old songs now but I'm so happy they played EXODUS and AMBIVALENT IDEAL. I was most excited to see EVIDENCE and PRAYER live, both songs didn't disappoint. EVIDENCE is yet another fun song I would definitely look forward to at all their shows from now on.

I'm not a big fan of their new slow songs, PHANTOM and FAREWELL. I didn't feel anything when they played them. I was secretly hoping they play an illusion, which I know is impossible, haha. For me, going to lynch. shows now have gotten a little mundane, I look forward to the after show more which I don't know if it's a good thing.

SETLIST : Yokohama Bay Hall, 4th November 2016

SE. AVANT GARDE
1. THE OUTRAGE SEXUALITY
2. DAMNED
3. GREED (yay!)
4. F.A.K.E.
5. EXODUS (yayyyy!!!)
6. ASHES
7. PRAYER
8. KILLING CULT
9. UNELMA
10. PHANTOM
11. FAREWELL
12. Ambivalent Ideal (yay!)
13. ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU (clap clap clap)
14. VANISH
15. NEEDLEZ
16. EVIDENCE
17. LIGHTNING (argh I really hate this song)
18. pulse_
19. PLEDGE

-encore 1-
20. MOON
21. MAD
22. INVADER (yayy!)
23. GALLOWS ( happy headbanging!)

-encore 2-
24. EVOKE

Photos are not mine, I received them in my email. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed myself. There are still so many reasons why lynch. is still my favorite band after all these years. I'm just really happy I'm their fan and not any other visual bands'. I'm still not a fan of visual music,  I have repeated over and over again, only lynch.

I'm going to see them next Tuesday again and this time in a much more convenient location, Shibuya. Can't wait!

11.04 横浜Bay Hall EVIDENCE

A video posted by lynch. 葉月 (@lynch_hazuki) on Nov 4, 2016 at 6:06am PDT

296. my name is evil iii, lynch.

On Sunday was lynch.'s Dark. Darker. Darkness 2 -My Name Is Evil - tour final. I slowly made my way down to Studio Coast and was pretty excited for this show because of a ton of things but mostly happy I get to see my favorite band again. 

I wasn't too crazy this time around with squeezing my way to the front, so I stood somewhere in the middle with a pretty good view of the stage. There were way more guys at this show. It always amuses me when guys scream for Hazuki. I still get that hair-raising feeling every time the lights go out, it's always only for them. To my surprise, they opened to MOON. 

This show was pretty alright, I enjoyed myself while headbanging to some of my favorite songs. I was really glad they decided to play ENVY! I haven't seen them play that in a long time,  maybe 2 years? Also, melt. The setlist today was good except I still wish they would play an illusion. I wasn't that annoyed with MIRRORS or THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME. I'm glad they decided to change the sequence of their songs because it has become rather predictable. Only songs I didn't like for the day were JUDGEMENT and LIGHTNING.

The most fun were GREED, INVINCIBLE, GHOST, GALLOWS, INVADER, ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU, pulse_ (duh), EVILLY and TIAMAT.

Their mc was really long again but I enjoyed it this time because I could understand most of it. Hazuki and Reo were making fun of AK which I thought was pretty funny. I left to get my drink while LIGHTNING was playing. They closed to TIAMAT and amazingly, there was a mosh pit infront of me. Hazuki was happy seeing the mosh pit as well. I really wish their fans are more ~brutal~ so it would be more fun, but oh well. 

SETLIST : 

1.  MOON
2.  ANTARES
3.  GREED
4.  INVINCIBLE
5.  MIRRORS
6.  THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME 
7. GHOST
8.  ILLUMINATI
9.  melt
10.  ENVY
11.  MELANCHOLIC
12.  D.A.R.K.
13.  GALLOWS
14.  BEAST
15.  INVADER
16.  COSMOS
17.  59.
18.  I BELIEVE IN ME
19.  ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU
20.  pulse_
21.  EVOKE

ENCORE 1 :

1.  JUDGEMENT
2.  EVILLY
3.  DAZZLE
4.  LIGHTNING

ENCORE 2 : 

1.  TIAMAT

 photos from gekirock.com

Encore songs were picked by AK. They also announced a new album scheduled to release sometime in Autumn, a new tour, and some other events. I don't know why but I'm not that excited for their new album, maybe just not yet because it's still a long time from now. The only problem with releasing a new album is that the more albums they have, the lesser chance I will get to see them play old songs. Which, their old songs mean more to me obviously.

Maybe that's why I'm starting to lose interest because I mostly go for the old songs nowadays.

They have some shows in July with SUG and vistlip but I'm not going to any because I don't like any of them. Hazuki was mostly talking about 闇 , and how lynch. fans will look cooler than SUG and vistlip fans, lol. That actually made me laugh. 

It's been 3 years since I first saw them and after maybe 20? of their shows, I won't lie and say that I still feel the same way I did all those years ago. I still love them but things are very different now. 

I probably won't see them till they release their  new album, so... till then.

291. breathing sequence

golden hour.

The last photo of Spring. Cherry blossoms are so short-lived. This Spring has been good to me so far, it feels like what the season is about. Starting anew. 

Last weekend was really crazy for me, starting from Friday. I went to Unionway's mini festival with Survive Said The Prophet, Hawthrone Heights, Monoeyes and MEST playing at Kichijoji's Club Seata. The only reason I went was because of Hawthrone Heights, I've been listening to them since I was 16 and haven't seen them live before, so I figured, why not just go and check them out.

I arrived at the venue at 6pm and didn't wait for even 5 minutes before Survive Said The Prophet took the stage. They were pretty good live that day, with a lot of energy coming from the entire band. I actually enjoyed their set more than Hawthrone Height's because of how energetic these guys were. 

I've talked to the memebers a couple of times before but at other shows. So, it was nice seeing them play. They played for a good half hour, and had an interval before Hawthrone Heights got on stage. 

I was pretty bummed out that they played If Only You Were Lonely, their second album in its entirety. It's not a bad album but I actually wanted to see them play their first album. They also played a new song and thankfully Ohio is For Lovers. I was singing along and felt really nostalgic... and old. 

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was excited for Ohio because so many people were shouting at the back of the crowd "fuck yeah!" haha.

They didn't move around much but their vocals were spot on without missing a note. I would say they sound almost like their albums.

Next up was Monoeyes, and even though they are a big band because of their vocalist (Ellegarden, The Hiatus), I wasn't that impressed. Probably because their sound is just not my style. I only watched one song before deciding to leave the live hall and just chilled at the bar. 

The funny thing I realize about myself is now that I'm older, I don't really bother to talk to my favorite bands as I did when I was younger. Sometimes, even if my favorite band is right infront of me, I don't bother going up to them and say " Hey, I like your music." 

But as I was talking to Yosh (SSTP vocals), he actually told me to say hi to Hawthrone Heights. So, I did because the singer was just standing next to us. 

We were all waiting for Monoeyes to be over since Mest was the last act for the night. They didn't take too long to take the stage. I guess their songs are really fun to sing along to if I actually listened to them. 

The crowd was good for Mest with friendly stage dives and circle pits. There was a guy in the crowd who had the same shade of blue hair as the singer. I left after about half an hour and just hung out at the bar again, talking to friends before deciding to head home.

Friday was a good day, it's always nice to socialize once in a while.

-----------------------------------------

On Saturday, I cleaned up my apartment and left for Hachioji Rips in the evening for Hawaiian6's Too Late Tour Final "Tokyo 5 Days" with Monoeyes and PALM opening for them. I've never listened to Hawaiian6 before, so I was pretty curious to watch them. Actually, the only reason why I went to this show was to give PALM some souvenirs my sister bought.

My house is full of souvenirs sometimes it's really annoying because it all goes to waste. I can't finish them on my own, so I always give them to my friends. A lot of friends. It's never ending.

PALM was up first and they put on a good show as usual. Their energy on stage is just amazing, I'm sure anyone who likes chaotic music would love them. Hachioji RIPS is always so fucking humid, it makes it hard to breathe in the venue. I left after PALM was done, and just watched Monoeyes and Hawaiian6 from outside.

Hawaiian6 was alright live, I would give credit to their fans. Their fans are very enthusiastic about their music, it's always nice to see the audience singing back to the band. Also, another band with friendly stage dives and circle pits.  I didn't bother staying for the whole set because it got uncomfortably hot even from standing outside. It didn't help that it was sold out, so all the body heat was unbearable. Their music is also not my cup of tea, melodic punk.

I just hung around the merch table talking to Toshi and Kenta before deciding to head home since the next day was going to be a long day as well.

It's nice to go to shows so often but they're so tiring. Just standing there and watching the band makes you tired as well. I'm going to see Bullet For My Valentine this Friday and I'm excited to see them. Finally a full set after so long. I've listened to them since I was 16 and knew all the words to their songs, so I think I will have fun singing along. I've only seen half of their set at 2013's Summersonic. For them, it doesn't really matter what they play since they have so many hits. I just hope they don't play too much of their new album.

楽しみにしてます。

282. my name is evil, lynch.

Last Tuesday, March 8th, was my very first lynch. SHADOWS only show.

I went for breakfast/lunch with little sis at Midori Sushi at Shibuya Mark City before going for my graduation ceremony. I met up with little sis again to grab some coffee before heading to Ebisu Liquidroom for the show.

We didn't wait too long for lynch. to start, my ticket number today was 666. I was so happy. Lame, I know. We also didn't bother getting to the front today because I was in formal attire, also, we were going to see them in Osaka again anyways so we were saving the best for last.

lynch. opened to ADORE, which made me soooo relieved. I haven't seen them play ADORE for a while now. Today's setlist was refreshing because there were no songs from the latest album (except ANTARES) and also, they played songs that I haven't seen them played live ever, despite seeing them so many times.

 Little sis and I had a lot of fun during EVILLY. I haven't seen lynch. with her for almost two years, so it was fun headbanging with her. I was really happy to finally see DEVI live. It's one of my favorite songs from them. VARIANT was also a first, I like that song because it's more experimental but it sounded kind of messy live. All the songs played that night were the ones they haven't played in a long time, so I had fun watching them. Also, NO. FUCKING. MIRRORS!!!!

SETLIST :

1. ADORE
2. MOMENT
3. vernie
4. EVILLY
5. UNTIL I DIE
6. STARZ
7. roaring in the dark
8. DEVI
9. BALLAD
10. CRYSTALIZE
11. VARIANT
12. PHOENIX
13. SCARLET
14. alien tune
15. enemy
16. a grateful shit
17. DAZZLE
18. LIGHTNING
19. from the end

ENCORE 1 :

1. GREED
2. ANTARES
3. pulse_
4. GALLOWS

ENCORE 2 : 

1. THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME

Even though it was refreshing seeing all these songs, I wish they played an allusion or THIS COMA instead of BALLAD. I haven't seen an allusion in such a long time, I really want to see them play it again. an allusion is my all time favorite lynch. song. Also, I wished they added ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU and INVINCIBLE, I was pretty bummed out they didn't play it because those two are my favorite headbanging songs. 

I had the most fun during GALLOWS though. GALLOWS is such a fun song to headbang to. I felt a little different seeing them this time since I have already seen them in February. I still love them the same. Again, AK's hair was really pretty today. Hazuki was really funny during MC "promoting" his orange juice. Little sis was telling me "Yup, this old guy is still so attractive. Fuck him." lol. I agree. 

I gave the most =___= face when they closed to THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME. Seriously. Little sis and I went straight home after that. I cooked dinner for the both of us once we got home. She bullies me to cook a lot at home because she likes my cooking. 

This show was a really refreshing one. It made me feel more "alive" as you would say, though February's show made me really feel a lot and I mean a lot, it was really different at the same time. Enjoying them with someone I care about is definitely different, I still remember H holding my hand while watching them because he could tell how happy I was. 

278. burning our lives

Little sis arrived in Tokyo on Friday evening, we didn't do much but had dinner and went straight home because she was really tired from her flight.

The next day, we still didn't do anything much but go around Tachikawa because there was a show in the evening at Tachikawa Babel. It was nice to just chill and not worry about the live venue for once, honestly. 

We had a light dinner and went to Babel close to 6 pm for Crystal Lake's Championship Tour. Northern 19 was opening for them. They're a pop-punk band so I wasn't really into them. They sounded pretty good live but pop-punk is just not my thing. 

Crystal Lake took the stage close to 7 pm opening to Mercury. I was surprised with the next song because they played The cover of Beastie Boys' Body Movin'. I have been (kinda) bugging Ryo since last year to play that song, although he said it was difficult to play it live, I think they nailed it on Saturday. I was happy. 

Their setlist on Saturday was refreshing because they didn't play the usual Rollin' and the sequence of songs was different. Also, I thought it was cute they had a stage diving "championship" with judges holding scoreboards. Loyal To The Grave's vocalist was the judge for that night. It was funny because no matter who stage dived, he would hold out a "no" sign. Shinya (guitarist) "opened" the stage diving contest and fans followed. 

I was glad they decided to play Open Water, Burning Our Lives, Endeavor, Ups and Downs, Overcome. The usuals - Beloved, Matrix, Promethetheus, Hades and The Fire Inside were played as well. They closed to Dreamcatcher before the first encore. 

All in all, their fans were the usual - giving back the same energy as the band did. I was glad to see little sis smiling the whole way while the band was playing. It was nice to introduce her to the people I know now. Everyone was in a good mood that day, even me.

I spent some time hanging around the venue as usual before deciding to get supper. It was a great night, I hope Crystal Lake continues to play more old songs for upcoming shows. It's really a breath of fresh air for the band and fans.

266. divine ii

December 18th, Friday was Crystal Lake's The Sign tour final. I took my time to head to the venue since I already knew the schedule for that day. I bumped into Yuu at Ebisu Liquidroom and we went into the venue to check out MEANING for a little bit before I decided to head out, they're pretty decent live, just that I wasn't really feeling the music.

As expected, the drinks area was full of people. It was the same last year at Crystal Lake's Cubes final. I bumped into Hayato again and he introduced me to a girl and SikTh, a progressive metal band from England. The band was nice and I was mostly talking to one of the members about Australia. They invited me to their show the next day in Ikebukuro and I said I'll check them out. After the band left, I ended up talking to Yuuri and we exchanged contact information. Little that I know, she's also a singer who performs with bands sometimes.

I headed back inside the stage area to get a good spot for In Hearts Wake. They opened to Earthwalker again and it was almost the same setlist as Tuesday's show. Today's show was much better because of the special effects and crowd moshing. It was fun to watch Survival's moshpit. I was kind of sad when their set ended because I wasn't really that excited to see Crystal Lake that day since I already knew that they won't be playing my favorite songs.

soul-grabbing cleans on Wildflower

friendly circle pits on Survival

Crystal Lake didn't take too long to get on stage and they opened to Prometheus. I was bored with their set because they didn't play my favorites - Mahakala, Body Movin', not even Twisted fucking Fate. The only thing that made up for this lack of good songs was probably the special effects. I really liked Dreamcatcher's backdrop. Most of the songs had special guests, like Rollin', Matrix, Hades and on Sleep Awake, Jake (vocals for In Hearts Wake) and Yosh (vocals for Survive Said The Prophet), came out to perform. Everyone was in high spirits and the crowd was really good that day. Can't beat Osaka or 2014's Cubes final though.

still my favorite song off their new record, The Sign.

They were their usual, good - but not the best I've seen them. They shared some good news with the crowd, a new tour and touring in the States in 2016. I'm glad and proud of these guys, they've come a long way. I walked out when they were playing their last song, A Fire Inside. 

Ended up talking to some friends again before heading to the second floor. The drinks area was even more packed than it was before which made it even harder to breathe with everyone smoking. I bumped into Ivan before heading upstairs and we caught up for a bit. Upstairs, fate again brought me back to a person I once cared about but before I even realized it, a big accomplishment was made that day, a chapter of my life has come to a close, as a new one unfolds. I hung around the second floor talking to the band and some friends before deciding to head home.

Crystal Lake's tour finals for the past two years have been emotional for me. Sometimes, I really believe that everything is always linked to one another in a strange way. Life is strange.

It was an emotional day for me. I couldn't get to bed until 8am in the morning, too much going on in my mind.  There are a lot of things I've learned this year, and one of them is to learn how to let go. Only by letting go, you can only move forward in peace.

265. divine i

So much have happened over last week that my brain still can't process everything. A chapter of my life has come to a close, while another one is just beginning. Last week was made up of going to shows and friends and it was bittersweet. To think about it all and to sum it all in one post wouldn't be enough.

The beginning of last week was nothing but tiring, I had my final exams and I was so tired every day since I stay up late to study. It was my last paper on Tuesday thankfully, because In Hearts Wake's first headliner in Japan was happening that night. I celebrated with my friends that our semester was finally over for a little while before heading to the show in Shinjuku.

I walked in as FOAD was playing and met up with Laura and talked to the band for a little bit. Sailing Before The Wind was next and I enjoyed their set. I always see Bitoku around at all the shows so it nice to finally see his band play. I didn't bother much about the next band so I walked out to take a smoke. Bumped into Hayato, whom I haven't seen since August, on the way out, and he introduced me to his friend that just came back from Melbourne. Also was talking to Ryo while waiting for Victim of Deception to play. This guy is too popular, there was a small line of people waiting to take photos with him. =_=

I didn't really like Victim of Deception's set because they're a deathcore band, so I chilled outside again before heading back in. Once back in, I was just talking to Laura and Goodsound while waiting for In Hearts Wake to start. They opened to Earthwalker and immediately got me pumped. I have been listening to them for a while now (thanks to Laura), and really like their music so I was pretty excited to see them. I was really glad they played Healer and Survival, those are my favorites by them.

They're good live and have great energy on stage. Jake's vocals are stronger live than on the album, I really like Kyle's cleans. It's just the right about of whiny for me and I think his voice has this "soul grabbing" feel to it. Wildflower and Departures were probably the best of the night. Ryo (Crystal Lake vocalist), came out to perform Skydancer with In Hearts Wake. Ryo was right about In Hearts Wake, they are やばいすぎ.

After the show ended, I hung around to talk to the band and some friends before heading home. It was a nice way to end my finals, I choose to go to a show anytime over drinking. It always so nice and refreshing to watch a foreign band. Like I already said, as much as I love the local music scene here, in Japan, sometimes, I get sick of it too. It's a good thing there are many foreign acts always flying into Japan, so there will be breaks in between.

I thought I liked In Hearts Wake but after seeing them live, I like them way more. I was so glad this was not my only time seeing them, I still had Crystal Lake's tour final to watch them again which will be in the next post.

264. march on the darkness, lynch.

December 8th, 2015 was a Tuesday. Last Tuesday. I couldn't concentrate in class again because I was anxiously waiting for it to be over so I can go see, yeah you've guessed it, lynch. again.

So, once class ended, I slowly made my way to Kawasaki's Club Citta. It was my second time there, the first time I went was last year, to see Crossfaith. Tuesday's show was a two-man with MUCC. I've been wanting to go to this show for a while now. When they announced there was only Osaka and Fukuoka shows around August, I was pretty bummed out.

I'm not a big big fan of MUCC but I do enjoy their music sometimes and I know that they're really good live. I arrived at the venue at 6:30pm and they were still calling out numbers.

This was my first time in a long time going to see lynch. alone. It was nice actually, I kind of miss going to see them alone. Once I got into the venue, I went to look at the merch and to my surprise, lynch.'s manager and staff started talking to me. Their manager told me that they've seen me a couple of times at lynch.'s shows (duh) and they were asking me what music I listen to. We ended up talking about Ozzfest and Loudpark. 

Since it was a sold out show, it was pretty packed when I got into the arena. I squeezed my way to the front because I thought lynch. was playing first but MUCC played first. I didn't know what to do because I don't know MUCC songs well, but their fans are so energetic and fun, I decided to just stay in front. Plus, MUCC really put on a good show that day. I enjoyed their entire setlist, despite being pushed around in the crowd and not knowing any of their songs.

I was pretty impressed with so many of their fans crowd surfing. I got kicked in the face. According to my friend who is a big fan of MUCC, their setlist that day was really good. I enjoyed Media No Juusei the best because I liked how the bass sounds on that song.

Also, I really enjoyed MUCC's cover of MIRRORS with Hazuki. It's the first time in years that I was happy to see MIRRORS live. MUCC played for a little over an hour. 

MUCC setlist :

1. 我、有るベキ場所
2. 茫然自失
3. D.f.D. (Dreamer from Darkness)
4. 悲観的主義者
5. 商業
6. 死して塊
7. ２５時
8. メデイアの銃声
9. MIRRORS (lynch. cover) <3 feat. Hazuki 
10. Mr. Liar
11. 蘭ちゅ
12. ９月３日の刻印

lynch. didn't take too long to get on stage. Their setlist was pretty much the same as the last few times I saw them so... I was a little bored. Hey lynch, please change your setlist already!!!!! The only highlight of their set was playing from the end. I haven't seen them play that in a while. 

yay! the banner reappears!

lynch. fans for some reason were really dead again. This was pretty obvious because I could compare them with MUCC fans. Not many people were headbanging or moving around. I seriously don't know what happened to lynch. fans. Just last year, they were really a fun crowd but this year it seems like they have all their energy sucked out of them. It's either that or lynch. fans are just older (or gotten old like the band), I don't know. I hope to go to a lynch. show where the crowd is more fun again. 

It's safe to say that MUCC stole this show.

Much better than the one with sads back in September. lynch. covered MUCC's 大嫌い . I like how AK's bass sounded for the opening of the song. I don't know if I'm biased but oh well... This was the most fun part of lynch.'s set (no kidding). Tatsurou brought out a birthday cake for Hazuki since it was his birthday the next day.

lynch. played for a little over an hour as well and closed to EVOKE. 

lynch. Setlist :

1. D.A.R.K.
2. ATARES
3. GREED
4. I'm sick, b'cuz luv u.
5. GHOST
6. ILLUMINATI
7. from the end
8. COSMOS
9. INVINCIBLE
10. BEAST
11. 大嫌い (MUCC cover) feat. Tatsurou
12. INVADER
13. ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU
14. pulse_
15. EVOKE

All photos from barks.jp

There was an encore and both bands came on stage again, with both bands playing MUCC's Ender Ender and lynch.'s GALLOWS. That was the best version of GALLOWS honestly. I really enjoyed this show, not because of lynch., but because of MUCC. It was refreshing to see a different band again. It's been two years since I last saw MUCC. I always tell myself I should listen to them more, but I find myself falling back into my metalcore music.

I wanted to go home straight away but stayed on a little longer talking to lynch.'s staff again. The journery home took forever, I was dying because the train was so crowded and my legs were dying. This was definitely one of the better lynch. shows I've gone to this year. Thank god, I got my ticket at lynch.'s tour final. It was sold out just a few days after.

I was supposed to go to Club Citta again the next day to watch Crossfaith but I decided not to because of the distance and how tired I actually am. I wanted to see Unveil Raze but that can wait since they are having a two man with lynch. next year.

It seems like I'll still be seeing a lot of lynch. next year. I'm glad it's mostly two man shows. Crossfaith x lynch. and lynch. x Unveil Raze. Also!!! I'm excited I'm finally going to see lynch. with my little sister again. She wants to go to both their Tokyo and Osaka shows in March. I can't wait for that.

Again, I love my favourite band but...

please change your setlist.

261. darkness, lynch.

On Sunday, November 22nd, was lynch.'s Dark. Darker. Darkness tour final at Tokyo Dome City Hall. It was really cold that day while we were waiting outside to get into the venue. Nicole and I didn't really bother about getting in the arena so early, so we both got our drinks and chilled for a little bit before squeezing our way to the front.

The show started exactly at 6pm, and to my surprise, with a live orchestra playing their introduction of their latest album. They opened to D.A.R.K. and it was almost the same setlist as their whole tour. I was a little bummed out because I really wanted to enjoy old songs again but they were good live that day. But... I feel like I'm dying to see all the old songs.

Setlist :

1. INTRODUCTION (D.A.R.K. live orchestra)
2. D.A.R.K. 
3. ANTARES
4. GREED
5. BEAST
6. NIGHT
7. DEVIL
8. GHOST
9. ILLUMINATI
10. GUILTY
11. FALLEN
12. MELANCHOLIC
13. the whirl
14. INVINCIBLE
15. VANISH
16. INVADER
17. COSMOS
18. MIRRORS
19. THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME
20. ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU
21. pulse_
22. MOON

ENCORE 1

1. ETERNITY
2. I'm sick b'cuz luv u. (RE ver)
3. GALLOWS
4. TIAMAT
5. EVOKE

ENCORE 2

1. ADORE

photos from gekirock.com

The concert hall that day was really packed, a lot of people bought tickets on the day itself. The crowd was really good today too, I finally felt like it was a lynch. show and could enjoy it but somehow, I think I enjoyed myself more in Yokohama because it was my first time seeing them play new songs. I was really happy they finally played Guilty! It's one of my new favourites. Vocals are way better live. MELANCHOLIC's lead guitar was a little soft this time round, I would have love to hear Reo's playing more clearly.

The lasers for this shows were really spectacular. Normally, they don't use much lasers at their shows but I really liked the lasers for MELANCHOLIC. I'm glad they decided to use fire again, especially on D.A.R.K. though I think fire is best used for MAZE. I expected them to put their band logo as the backdrop but they didn't this time. I really like it when they do actually.

I was surprised they played INVADER twice back to back. INVADER is one of the more fun songs and I think it'll become part of their permanent setlist. Again with fucking MIRRORS...

The last time in Saitama, a funny incident happened when MIRRORS was played because everybody was headbanging infront, and just one section at the back didn't headbang (the section where Nicole and I were standing lol), Hazuki pointed to the bunch of us and signalled to headbang but no one budged hahaha. 

This time though, I didn't realise AK was infront of me when MIRRORS was playing because now when they play MIRRORS, my face automatically go... =__= So, the whole bunch of people infront of me were headbanging and AK was right in my face. He was looking at my direction and I felt a little awkward and just smiled at him and he fucking smiled back. I was just like JESUS that is the most awkward thing I have ever experienced at a lynch. show. Nicole starting hitting me cos she saw what happened. Oh well, he is still cute. 

During MC, Hazuki announced new tour dates and it seems like they are not going to tour a lot until March and he asked 寂しいか？and I don't know why, I really felt a little sad I won't be seeing them for a while. I know, I have seen them so many times already but going to their shows have become such a big part of my life and happiness, it feels strange when I can't see them for a while. 

Hazuki changed into a white collar shirt for Eternity, I know it's a song for his late grandfather who passed away this year but I can't seem to feel anything for this song. So many girls around me started crying, some even sobbing when he was singing but I was a little... bored. Sorry, Hazuki. It's one of my least favourite lynch. songs.

I really enjoyed myself during EVOKE and ADORE. After the show, Nicole and I went for dinner because we were starving, we had curry rice and talked for a few hours. I wanted to meet her before this show but I had plans so we had to cancel a couple of times.

Next time I will be seeing lynch. are all two-man shows, MUCC x lynch., Crossfaith x lynch. I'm more excited for Crossfaith x lynch. It has been my wish for a long time to see lynch. play with a non-visual band and I'm more than happy that it is finally happening. I'm excited because I want to see how lynch. will fair with a non-visual crowd, also what their setlist and stage clothes will be like. They are nothing near the visual-ish look, they are really good live, have great energy on stage and are very engaging with the crowd. That's one of the many reasons why I love them so much. So, I'm really looking to that show. I really hope they follow Girugamesh's path and play with both non-visual and visual bands if they want to, it will make going to shows easier for me also. 

If they start playing with all the other bands I like, I will be able to see them even more often as well. I hope them playing with Crossfaith will kind of open them up to more touring ideas. Anyways, thank you Crossfaith for making this happen. I'm excited to see how my favourite band will fair next year, till then...

I love them no less.

254. november rain

Yes, I stole the title of this post from a Guns N' Roses song and no, this post has nothing to do with them. Yesterday was the perfect day to go see THE NOVEMBERS, it is November and it was raining. I especially love to listen to them when it's raining, it adds a certain dreaminess that I'm always intoxicated by.

After class, I had dinner with Junmin and Jihyon before heading to Shinkiba Studio Coast. It was also the perfect day to have ramen. I'm not a big fan of ramen but the gigantic bowl of ramen I ordered made me really happy.

They were playing Erik Satie as their background music when I got into the venue and it made me so sleepy because Erik Satie is my lullaby. They started playing at about 7:15pm. They opened to their a new song, I can't ever for the life of me remember any of their song titles. I know which song it is when I listen to it but just not the titles.

They played their entire new ep, and I was really happy to hear 裸のミンク live. It has been on loop for a while now. That song has a nostalgia to it, it reminds of me of the 1980s. There's a line in the song I really love because it's so cute, I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream.

They didn't play much of my favourite songs, there was a couple of old songs here and there but when they played old songs, it really did bring back a lot of feelings for me. It's been a long time since I've started listening to them, actually around the same time when I discovered lynch. It is kind of amazing to see how the bands I love grow.

About 2 years ago, when I went to see THE NOVEMBERS, they were always playing in small venues though it was always sold out, I was so used to seeing them play to a smaller crowd. I won't deny that them getting more famous puts me off a bit. I'm one of those people that lose interest in something if they get more popular. The venue was about 3/4 full.

I really enjoyed them when they played fast songs, the visual effects were really pretty and their fast songs always put me in this trance state and I always lose myself in their music. It was definitely different seeing them play a big venue. I prefer their usual small shows actually.

They played for close to two hours and closed to a song which is my least favourite from them, 今日も生きたね. I know everybody claims this song is a masterpiece but I really don't care for it. While exiting the venue, we were given reprints of their very first demo. I was really happy to get it because that means my collection for their CDs is complete, until they release something new.

I didn't have the time to listen to their new mini-album until about a week ago because all my favourite bands decided to be assholes and release their albums on the same day, 7 October. lynch., Crystal Lake and THE NOVEMBERS and since I was going to see lynch. and CL first, I gave their music more attention. Also, as you already know, lynch. is always my number 1 priority.

Going to the show last night really was a nice break from all the noisy music though. As much as I love metalcore  and as I call it myうるさいmusic, I always need a break.

Also because lately, I have been losing interest in them quite a bit, their fans are really the worst. Not in a horrible bitchy way but their fans are so so so dead during their shows, it makes you feel bored which is such a shame because this band is amazing live. I decide to not care and just sway and dance to their music. Honestly, the fans do play such a big part of going to the band's shows. That's why I enjoy going to see my other bands more.

I don't know when will be the next time I will see THE NOVEMBERS but for now, I'll just listen to their music until I fall asleep.

250. dark. darker. , lynch.

Last Thursday, as I already mentioned in my previous entry, I rushed off to Yokohama after class to see my (still) favourite band, lynch.'s Dark. Darker. Darkness tour. They've recently released a new album and are on tour now promoting it. I was pretty excited about this show because I really love their new album.

The light turned off at exactly 7pm with their Introduction (D.A.R.K. -in the name of evil- LIVE ver), and followed by D.A.R.K. They played all songs on their new album except for Eternity. There were some old songs here and there and I was sooo happy they played melt and Ambivalent Ideal. I was just tweeting the day before this show hoping that they will play Ambivalent Ideal. They always have good timing.

Since it was my first show of this tour, it was kind of difficult to guess what to do, when to head bang and all that jazz to the new songs. It took a while to get the hang of it. They put on a pretty good show and INVADER was really fun live, but the crowd again was so-so. I lost myself during melt, it's one of my favourites and it always reminds me of little sis because it's her favourite and she'll get jealous whenever I get to see them play it.

AK looked really nice that day. A guy even shouted during their mc time "明徳さんは綺麗！" haha.

I was lucky to bump into him the week before and managed to talk to him for a bit. He was nice enough to ask for my name this time because everytime he sees me he'll say "Club Zion", it's the first place we met almost 2 years ago. I was glad to be able to talk to him since my Japanese has improved since that time, he said so too. ”日本語上手になる！”

It really makes me happy when people tell me that.

To prove AK's cuteness, yeah, I still think he is attractive.

Photos from : https://twitter.com/lynch_staff

Last night, I went to see them again in Saitama. I was pumped up for the show since I enjoyed their last show and also, since I have been going to shows for the past few days, it felt nice to be into the music again. It feels even better when I get lost in their music. The setlist for Saitama was pretty much the same as Yokohama's except, they played Oblivion, I'm sick, b'cuz luv u and The Whirl. I was really happy they played Oblivion because they hardly play it and the last time I saw them play it was more than a year ago.

I couldn't get as front as I wanted because it was really packed by the time I got in. Still, I managed to headbang to a couple of songs but I did way more in Yokohama since I could get to the front. I had such a bad sore neck the next day, it was such a pain during class.

They actually put on a better show in Saitama and the crowd was way better. Even without headbanging much, I still enjoyed myself.  I seriously thought I lost interest in them but it looks like I still love them and they make me happy so I take back my words.

Setlist :

S.E. INTRODUCTION (D.A.R.K. -in the name of evil- live ver)

1. D.A.R.K.
2. ANTARES
3. GREED
4. BEAST
5. NIGHT
6. DEVIL
7. GHOST
8. ILLUMINATI
9. melt (横浜) OBLIVION (埼玉)
10. FALLEN
11. MELANCHOLIC 
12. AMBIVALENT IDEAL (横浜) the whirl (埼玉)
13. INVINCIBLE
14. VANISH
15. INVADER
16. COSMOS
17. MIRRORS
18. THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME
19. ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU
20. pulse_
21. MOON
22. 59. (横浜) I'm sick, b'cuz luv u. (埼玉)
23. GALLOWS
24. TIAMAT
25. EVOKE

The next time I will see them will be at their tour final at Tokyo Dome City Hall. I know they will play more old songs so I'm looking forward to that. Please play New Psycho Paralyse and -273.15C! I wish they would just take MIRRORS and THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME off their setlist for a while. I'm so sick of watching those songs. My face has a fixed =__= when those songs come on. Even though I really love MIRRORS when it first came out and that song is special to me, live... not so much. 

Again, I don't know when I will get tired of them but for now,
 I love them no less.

249. to the stars

Last week was pretty hectic because I was trying to juggle school, friends and going to shows. On Thursday I ran off right after class to go to lynch.'s show in Yokohama (I will write that in another entry), Friday was Nan's birthday and we went to celebrate with her boyfriend and son after class. Also, I had a test on Friday so I had to study everything in advance and because my memory is so bad, I have to study multiple times. Saturday was my only free day but I had so many chores and study for my kanji test on Monday, it didn't feel like I could relax.

So on Sunday night, I made my way down to Hachioji for Crystal Lake's The Sign tour. Sunday's line up was pretty good with Backdate November, NUMB and Swanky Dank opening up for CL. I met a couple of people before getting into the venue and since it was sold out, it was so packed I couldn't get in. I was stuck at the entrance but lucky me, I bumped into some more people there.

I missed the first half of Backdate November's set because of that. I wanted to see them since I saw them in April and thought they were pretty good. NUMB's set was good and it was fun with people moshing and crowdsurfing. I really liked their last song, T.H.C. = Tokyo Hardcore.

I managed to talk to Senta (vocals) before the show, we were both stuck in the elevator, haha. People seem to be more understanding towards me now because I'm still studying Japanese but a lot people have told me that I've improved since the first time they've met me. I really appreciate when people correct me straight up when I make a mistake because that way I learn faster.

After NUMB was Swanky Dank, I'm not a fan of their music but their set was fun as well. If I liked pop-punk, I would have enjoyed their set I think. Their songs seem fun to mosh and sing along to. Their crowd was pretty good as well, probably because they attract a younger (more energetic) audience. Man, I'm old.

I always forget to take photos at shows. I got so used to not taking photos because normally at lynch. or any other show, you can't but for small shows like this you can. I wish I took more photos. The main act was up next, and they played about close to 9pm opening with Astra and then Prometheus. Their setlist tonight was mostly new songs with their hits from CUBES EP but I'm glad they played Overcome! As usual, they delivered but not the best I have seen of them. I hope their tour final will be better.

Highlight of their set for me was them playing Dreamcatcher, it's my favourite song off their new album. I was pretty bummed they didn't play their cover of Beastie Boys' Body Movin'. 

It was really hot in the venue, so hot to the point the band started giving out water to the crowd. For some reason, it was really humid and it felt as if summer is still here. =__= They closed to The Fire Inside. Ryo's english has improved a lot as well since the first time I met him. I hung around the venue after the show ended for a little while. As always, it was nice seeing familiar faces again. Obviously a very atmosphere compared to when I go to see lynch. 

I enjoyed their show and can't wait to see them play with In Hearts Wake in December, more excited about In Hearts Wake actually. I don't know if I'm being biased because they're Australian, haha. Australia's concert atmosphere is still the best to me. I'm still missing Australia, I really want to go back for a while but it seems kind of impossible. Doesn't help that there's a new student in my class is Australian as well, everytime I talk to him, it makes me miss Melbourne even more.

246. the versus, lynch.

September 30th, Wednesday was lynch.'s THE VERSUS show featuring sads. I was pretty excited about this show since I haven't seen lynch. in a long time. I met Nika in Shibuya to grab lunch and we made our way to Akasaka Blitz after.

It was my first time in Akasaka but there was nothing much to do so we just waited around the venue area till it was about time to go in. To our surprise, there weren't as many people as we expected at the show. Maybe the front part of the pit was only half filled with most people standing at the back.

sads was up first and the crowd went a little crazy. I've only listened to 7 Deadly Sins album, and they didn't play much from it except for Gothic Circus. I didn't really enjoy their set honestly, I was a little bored but Hazuki came out to sing the second last song with Kiyoharu and you could tell he was happy because he loves Kuroyume.

I was surprised there were people crowdsurfing for sads's set.

sads played for over an hour and lynch. took the stage at about 8.30pm, by now I thought they would have changed their SE music but it's still GALLOWS introduction music so I was a little... bored also. I've seen them on their GALLOWS album tour probably thrice. But they opened to EXODUS, and continued with all my favourite fast songs and also did a cover of sads' song HATE.

setlist

SE - GALLOWS Opening

1. EXODUS
2. GREED
3. DEVIL 
4. HATE (sads cover)
5. INVINCIBLE
6. GUILLOTINE
7. forgiven
8. the whirl
9. MIRRORS
10. THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME
11. THE BLASTED BACK BONE
12. ALL THIS I'LL GIVE YOU
13. pulse_ 
14. GALLOWS

encore

1. ADORE (feat. Kiyoharu)
2. EVOKE

photo : barks.jp

I only headbanged to a couple of songs, I didn't really feel that into the music. The crowd for lynch. was pretty bad actually. Normally at their shows, the crowd is pretty wild and you'll feel pumped up to headbang or mosh but this crowd was pretty dead for some reason. I was waiting for people to push me and get squeezed to the front but no one was moving. 

I wanted to see them play EVOKE but they played it last and by that time, the band was already tired and Hazuki was mostly out of breath. The only highlight of the show was probably AK looking better since he let his hair grow out. He's still cute but lately, I can't unsee that he really resembles someone. My mind was somewhere else throughout the later half of their set. 

Kiyoharu also came out to sing ADORE but honestly... brutally honest, he butchered the song and I didn't enjoy it at all. Hazuki seems to be happy though, so I'll just leave it at that. 

After the show, Nika and I went to get dinner in Shibuya again and we both agreed that dinner was more fun than the actual show. 

I don't know if I'm slowly losing interest in them or maybe this show just wasn't that good. I look forward to the next time I see them because by then, they will play new songs already. Hopefully the new album will be good, I have my own doubts though. 

I still love them, but I feel myself changing direction in my music taste. Again.