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.

327. maps, yeah yeah yeahs

Wait, they don't love you like I love you.

For H.

293. army of noise

April 15th was the last show of 2016's Monster Energy Outburn tour with Bullet For My Valentine headlining and coldrain and NOISEMAKER opening for them. I had so much time to kill before the show started, I just took my time wandering around Shibuya and Harajuku. I decided to arrive at Shinkiba Studio Coast a little late because I wasn't really interested in watching NOISEMAKER.

I only watched 3 songs by them and they were alright, nothing special honestly but good enough to kill some time with. coldrain took the stage not more than 20 minutes later and I was really hoping they don't disappoint me because the last two times I saw them, they didn't live up to my expectations.

I was glad that I didn't have high hopes because coldrain surpassed my expectations this time. They were playing like the very first time I saw them 3 years ago at Summersonic. The crowd was going wild, circle pits were formed, people were jumping around and singing along. They opened to No Escape and played mostly new songs. I only knew 3 songs, they ended with The War Is On and The Revelation.

I enjoyed their set a lot and I'm glad they didn't disappoint this time. Finally, the headlining band was up next and Bullet For My Valentine took the stage at 8pm. The crowd went even more wild with people pushing and shuffling their way to the front. I was surrounded by two circle pits and was trying to fit a good spot to see the stage.

They opened to No Way Out and played their new album, Venom in its entirety. Honestly, I was pretty bored throughout the first half of their set because I'm not a fan of their new album. I was only there for old songs. They played their latest album for about 40 minutes and left the stage, returning with their second part of the set starting with Your Betrayal.

People went wild again and there was a circle pit formed right in front of me. I was trying my best not to get caught in it, pushing people away. Next up was Waking The Demon and everyone went even more crazy. I haven't seen such an insane crowd in a long long time, it truly felt like I was at a concert. (Yeah, I want to get pushed around and get other people's sweat on me. Ew.)

Matt (BFMV vocals), invited Masato (coldrain vocals) to perform with them. Masato sang most of the song actually. After Waking The Demon, the whole band left the stage. There was a drum solo before an announcement was made.

Apparently, Matt's vocal cords got injured and they had to stop the show. Everyone was in disbelief, myself included. People were trying to decide if they were going to just leave or stay behind because the staff said we could stay but it would take a long time. I was not up for waiting so I went to get a drink before heading home.

Honestly, I am pretty bummed out they had to stop the show halfway. I waited so long to see them and for it to get cut off like that was really disappointing. It's not anyone's fault but I think most people would feel the same way as me - it was left hanging.

But, I had so much fun singing along and being in the crowd. It has been a long time since I felt that way at a show. Most shows bore me nowadays so it was nice to finally feel something for music again.

Hopefully, I'll get another chance to see them and with some company. I really wished my sister was with me because we always sing along to BFMV songs when we were younger. What a way to spend my Friday night, I would not say it was wasted but I'm definitely not satisfied.

Good thing is I have some more shows to look forward to. Probably Crystal Lake's Championship Tour Final happening this Sunday, and when I get back from Singapore, lynch.'s DARK Tour Final. I hope both of these bands have good setlists this time.

May will be a good month for music with Saosin and Architects releasing new albums. I can't wait!!!

286. follow and feel

On Friday, I met up with Laura at Roppongi to go to a hedgehog cafe (see next post) and as usual, we ended up talking about music until almost the last train home. A few bands that I listened to when I was a teenager have recently reunited or in Aaron Gilespie's words (Underoath's drummer / The Almost vocals) words, rebirthed.

useless fact : Aaron Gilespie has the same birthday as me, I just wiki-ed. O_O (kinda fangirled because he used to be my favorite drummer)

Most of the bands that I loved while finding myself have disbanded, that's why I moved onto listening to Japanese bands. But with bands like Underoath and Saosin reuniting, it made me track back to my roots and I started listening to these bands again. I didn't expect to feel so much while listening to my old music again.

I remember back then I used to question people who are much older than me "Why don't you listen to new bands?" I never understood why they preferred old bands, but now, at this age, I think I finally understand.

It's not that we're not open-minded, I still listen to new bands but the music I grew up with hold a much stronger sense of belonging and there's emotional attachment. When I listen to these bands, I remember all those nights I stayed up crying, laughing and finding myself. Being a teenager was probably the most difficult time of my life thus far.

Without music, I wouldn't have met a lot of important people in my life now. Music has given me a better life, I would say. Also, a boyfriend or two. I'm glad I found my music back then, even though I was outcasted in the last few years of high school. "She's weird, she's satanic," they said.

We also attach memories with the music we listen to, so I am sure that when I leave Japan (if I ever do), lynch. would be that band who will make me feel a lot. Also, now I finally understand why I always love lynch. alone. lynch. fans or should I say visual fans? are completely different from people who listened to post-hardcore, metalcore etc. Since I don't practice visual rituals, it's hard for me to make friends with someone else who likes lynch. Also, I tried but they don't understand what I'm talking about most of the time. If you know me well enough, I hate shallow conversations.

I'm actually happier loving lynch. alone. People still question why I love them, here's one of the many reasons : I respect them as a band for leaving their first record label and doing everything on their own because they wanted to have their own sound. In the 11+ years of them being a band, I think they have transitioned a lot and they, too, tried to "find themselves" as musicians.

I leave you with Saosin's latest, I hope I get the chance to see them live now.

...and I put together 10 songs that helped me pull through those days :

1. Tired & Uninspired - My American Heart
2. Collapse - Saosin
3. A Boy Brushed Red Living In Black and White - Underoath
4. The Words "Best Friend" Becomes Redefined - Chiodos
5.  Let's Get Fucked Up and Die - Motion City Soundtrack
6. Mailbox Arson - Alexisonfire
7. Say This Sooner - The Almost
8. Never Take Friendship Personal - Anberlin
9. Number Five With A Bullet - Taking Back Sunday
10. The Kids Are All Fucked Up - Cobra Starship

This post was a nice break from writing about my life honestly. It has been forever since I stayed up just to listen to music, I miss that feeling.

257. kiss my eyes

my lullaby for the last 6 months.

212. the fire inside

On Sunday, I went with Laura to see Crystal Lake x Country Yard play at Shinjuku ACB Hall. It was Country Yard's show with Crystal Lake opening for them. They started at almost 7 and opened to (my surprise) Matrix. The had a good set list that day, including (Laura's favorite) Light Up The Tunnel. I was kind of bummed they didn't play Mahakala but was happy they played Ovecome. They closed to The Fire Inside. The crowd on Sunday was more brutal than the last time I saw them at NERDS' Fest. Ryo (vocalist) got kicked in the face several times and me, standing away from the crowd also go hit. It's fun to watch how wild the crowd can get because it made me enjoy their set thoroughly. After starting classes for almost 2 weeks, I felt like I was "losing myself", but seeing them made me feel comfortable in my own skin again. It's strange, when you meet new people that don't really get you, you have to put on this front but when I go to shows I don't have to, and that's what I love about music so much. 

There was a short interval before Country Yard took the stage. To be perfectly honest, I really am not a fan of melodic pop punk, or melodic punk for that matter but Country Yard were really good live with great energy on stage and interacting with the crowd. I've never been to see any melodic punk shows but they had (good? will you call it that?) mosh and circle pits, which I never expected to see coming from a softer sounding band. They played for over an hour and it was really funny because even though I was dazing off after a while, I was actually standing next to Crystal Lake's merchandise table, Ryo (vocals) and Crystal Lake's staff was singing so loudly, it kinda kept me entertained.

Laura and I hung around after the show and talked to the bands for a bit before heading to supper. Since I hardly go to Shinjuku, I don't know where to go, so Laura asked one of her friends for recommendations and we had a nice supper. Unfortunately, we missed our last trains home so we took the train to Shibuya and went to our usual bar where we bumped into another group of Laura's friends and spent the entire night talking to them. It was an entertaining night I would say. We went for a small breakfast and headed home after that. I managed somehow to get up and still go for class the next day.

There's just something about music that I love so much that makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. Sometimes, it gets so hard to stay grounded and remember the reason I'm back for. I'm happy to be back in Japan and can't wait to go to more shows. I seriously can't wait to see lynch. again next month, even though it's a seated show, I feel like that would really make me the happiest.

200. matrix, crystal lake

Having a heavy heart today because it's my last day in my apartment. I've really grown to love this little space and it's neighbourhood, I'm definitely going to miss this place so much all over again and I can feel the sadness and loneliness already creeping in. At least, I have some plans for my final day in Tokyo. 

I can't believe how much I've grown by just living here in such a short time, all the people I got to meet, the person I fell in love with, all the places I've discovered, everything in between. All the fuck ups, all the best parts of the last 9 months cramped into a short summary and I can't remember most of it anymore but the good definitely did outweigh the bad. Going back is making me depressed but I have new plans to discuss with my family about the future and I hope things go well.

This video and song makes me feel a little better though, ironically. It's not lynch. anymore. I feel like this year would be a good year but things might spiral out of control somehow, in a good way. I have a feeling I will see lynch. a lot less this year also but more of Crystal Lake. With that saying, it feels strange because my life used to only revolve around one band so much but I'm glad I'm slowly changing.

Lately I can't pick up the pen again, I sit at my desk staring at the paper and no ideas are there. My mind used to be crowded of ideas and now I can't even draw a line. To take my mind off things, I've been reading Sputnik Sweetheart and I can't help but to relate so much to the main character, Sumire. 

I have this strange feeling that I'm not myself anymore. It's hard to put into words, but I guess it's like I was fast asleep, and someone came, disassembled me, and hurriedly put me back together again. That sort of feeling.

191. muzic fourteen

13 shows, 4 music festivals, 37 bands, that's 2014 in music for me.

This year was way more eventful for me because I didn't only stick to going to mostly lynch. shows, like in 2013. Also, because of the new people in my life I've been more open-minded about music once again which makes me happy. I haven't been looking for new bands to listen to in a long time because I was so satisfied with just 2 bands in my life. I wouldn't even be writing this entry if I didn't feel like it was an awesome year with music. Here's my top (personal) list of  bands I really loved this year.

5. Arctic Monkeys at Summersonic Tokyo

I've never really been a big fan of Arctic Monkeys, I stopped listening to them after Favourite Worst Nightmare. Little sis is the one who has always been in love with them but she even agreed that Humbug and Suck It and See were bad albums. Their 2013 release, AM saved them for me. It's not as good as their first two albums but I can listen to AM on repeat for nights. It's the kind of record you want to just chill out to late at night.

Their set at Summersonic was really long, I think it was over an hour and they played my favourites like - Knee Socks, Old Yellow Bricks and 505. I screamed when they played 505. Alex Turner has the smoothest voice I have ever had live and never missed a note, of course, they are not like my typical hardcore/heavy bands with lots of energy on stage or moshing but I enjoyed their set so much, singing along to most songs and just getting lost in music. If I can say that, they're that good. Plus, I was actually eating chicken rice watching them, lol. Eating my favorite thing ever and watching a band? Yes Please.

4. A Fire Inside at The Epsy, Melbourne

AFI has been my favorite band since I was sixteen and nothing can change that. The day I saw them for the first time in 2010, they blew my mind like no other band has ever had. With their release of Burials in 2013, I was excited to see them again after 4 long years. Their show at The Epsy was a good one, to be honest it was not as good as the first time I saw them but them opening to The Leaving Song Part II really did brought me back in time and I felt really nostalgic seeing them play. Their set at Soundwave in Melbourne was good but Davey had vocal problems that day and some of the songs were out of tune (I actually recorded it, lol.) I think it was just one of those off days for him.

3. Crossfaith at Summersonic/Across The Future at Club Citta

I am cringing a little writing this band's name down. Until this day, they have failed to make me fall in love with their music but they were successful enough to make me fall in love with watching them live. The first time I ever saw them was at (also) Summersonic in 2013. I wasn't a fan of them either was just in the crowd for such a stupid reason.

But... seeing them play at Summersonic with songs like Countdown To Hell and The Evolution (the only song I like from them), bought me over. Wall of Death, circle pits? Yes please. Even little sis till also this day, have no interest in them agreed with me that they are really good live and we could actually see why they're becoming bigger internationally. 

I got invited to their Across The Future (Tour Final) at Club Citta in Kawasaki later on, a month later. The lighting for this show was seriously impressive, the band was even better. I didn't know any songs but enjoyed their set... also maybe because I enjoyed staring at the bassist a little too much, haha.

2. Crystal Lake at Daikanyama UNIT (CUBES Tour Final)

This band unlike the last one has been very successful in making me go head over heels for their music and even more so for their live shows. If I wasn't biased at all, this show would have been my #1. Ironically, the reason why I started listening to Crystal Lake was because someone from the band above told me to listen to Beloved. Instantly fell in love.

This show though, it was insanity. I have never seen a crowd that wild for any band in such a long time. Everything about this show was A+, the band, the fans, the venue. Everything. Circle pit, mosh pit, crowd surfing, mic snatching, 2 step, stage dives, everything. As soon as they opened, everyone went crazy. I still have goosebumps thinking about how fucking good this show was. I didn't even know most songs and my mind was blown. It's not even AFI blown anymore, it's mind blown 2.0.

My love for this band has been growing rapidly and they are my second favorite band right now. I guess one of the reasons why I have fallen in love with Crystal Lake is because they kind of bring me back to the person I once was. Going to underground shows, in that scene. I used to be at a lot of shows like theirs (not the live performance but that scene) back when I was younger in Melbourne and Singapore but stopped ever since I was with my first boyfriend (he's too indie) and loving lynch. I still love lynch. so much and they are still my favorite band. But it's refreshing to go back to my roots (kinda) but in a new place where it's become my second home that I love so much. I will definitely be going to see this band a lot in 2015, I promise myself this.

1. lynch. at Shibuya AX ( TO THE GALLOWS -absolute xanadu-)

This was my actual view, lol.

Who else did you expect? Well, out of the 6 times this year I have seen this band, this one was the best one emotionally and live for me. TO THE GALLOWS #2 -SHOUT AT THE DEVIL- in Osaka comes at a close second, followed by The 10th BIRTHDAY.

lynch. never fails to make me happy. There's just something about their music that I connect with emotionally, they hit all the right spots for me musically, live, so many things. Also for this show, I was so excited to see them play their latest album GALLOWS. It's so much heavier than their previous stuff when it was already heavy to begin with. This setlist was the best for me, all my absolute favorites which they play sometimes and some not at all. Like EXODUS, GUILLOTINE, ENVY, an illusion and THIS COMA. 

Also after not seeing them for 4 months and coming back to see them play an illusion and THIS COMA made me all teary eyed because those are my absolute favorite songs from them and I have never seen them play it ever.

The crowd for this show was one of the best too, Osaka was the best followed closely by Nagoya then this. The energy for the band this day also was the highest I've seen them. Probably it's because it's the last at Shibuya AX (it closed down in May) and excited to play new songs. 

I loved their Osaka show because I had little sis with me and I just got another lynch. tattoo and they chose to play an illusion then. It was such a nice way to remember that crazy week and tattoo. The 10th Birthday was because they played another two songs I've been dying to see live, MAZE and LIE. I was so freakin' happy.

Hazuki still is my favorite vocalist. I'm just biased down to the core and will always side this stupid band. They've been holding the number 1 spot for me for the past three years and I don't think they will move away anytime soon. Like I always say, I love them no less. 

Also, other mentions - I finally got to see Bring Me The Horizon after so many times of missing them but they disappointed me. 

Panic! At The Disco did really bring me back to the days when I was still with my first boyfriend because he used to tour with them. Weirdly, Brendon Urie is doing way better without bandmates, their set was so fun~ singing with so much nostalgia honestly.

Lastly, Girugamesh. I've been wanting to see them for so long, and stopped listening to them for quite some time but their latest EP made me like them again. They are a pretty fun band live but not something I would want to go to all the time. 

I honestly don't think 2015 can get any better than this, but I hope at least I can see my two bands - lynch. and Crystal Lake a ton next year. My plans are all up in the air right now but I'm already thinking of ways to see all these bands (and new bands) again.

190. overcome, crystal lake

On Sunday, there was a small heavy music festival in Shibuya. I met up with Laura first for lunch at Silkream, then we made our way to Shibuya THE GAME for the show. When we walked in, Ryo from Crystal Lake was performing with INFECTION. We both agreed it was good timing, since I was there for only Crystal Lake anyways.

We stayed for the next band called Say Hello To Sunshine which was softer sounding and went off to get coffee because we didn't bother about the next couple of bands playing and there was about a little over two hours to kill. I was really sleepy, tired and sore from lynch.'s show the day before. So we chilled a bit and waited for Anzu to arrive and headed back to the venue.

We got back to the venue and watched Castaway for a little bit and continued with Blindside, the mosh for this show was really brutal because most of the bands were really heavy, metalcore, grindcore, hardcore etc. After Blindside was an acoustic set by Kensuke Yamamoto and we all walked out to the smoking area since I wanted smoke.

Some of the guys in the other bands playing later on were outside smoking as well, and Laura introduced Anzu and I to some of them. The acoustic set felt like forever, everyone was complaining about how long it was. We didn't bother going inside for it because we didn't wanted to get sleepy, it also fucked up the schedule for the rest of the night.

Next up was A Ghost of Flare, I only know about them because they're on my suggested list on Youtube. They were really good live and had a lot of energy on stage, I really enjoyed seeing them. The only downside was maybe all the weird interludes to their songs, like whispering, musical box playing, kids crying and some I don't even know what it is? I don't know if I'll listen to them but will definitely watch them again.

Numb was next and they aren't really the type of band I would listen to but they were pretty good live, mosh was brutal again. At this point I was already counting down to see Crystal Lake because my back was aching and I was getting tired and sleepy again.

Crystal Lake took the stage about almost 9-ishpm when they were slotted for 8.30pm (the acoustic set really messed up the schedule), they opened to Rollin', followed by to my surprise Mahakala, mine and Laura's favorite song from CUBES. She was busy moshing, I just stood somewhere in the front at the side headbanging away. Overcome was next and then Beloved, which I recorded the entire song because the crowd was crazy. Ryo got pulled into the crowd, so he was singing on the ground for a little bit. They closed to The Fire Inside and even if it was such a short set I enjoyed myself and was happy I went because I was pretty hesitant at first (wanted the last show of 2014 to be lynch. cos I'm just crazy).

The last band of the night was Loyal To The Grave, though they also played music I don't normally listen to, I thought they were really good live and had fun. The mosh for them was the most brutal I guess because it was the last band? I fell down a couple of times and I wasn't even in the moshpit. Some girls literally fell over and the guys were helping them up. Also, I almost got kicked in the face by someone who crowd surfed. Have never been to any show that brutal in a long time.

After the show ended, Senta (vocal of numb) was asking Laura and I if we were okay because he saw that the crowd was really violent, lol. We went to look at merch and actually A Ghost of Flare's merch was really nice. We stopped by Crystal Lake's table for quite some time before heading out.

I'm happy I went to this show, it was such a good way to end the last weekend of 2014. lynch. + Crystal Lake on the same weekend? For me, that's perfect. Especially since my love for Crystal Lake has been growing rapidly. I'm not sure what shows or which bands I'm going to see in 2015 but I hope it'll be even better than the ones I saw this year.

183. mahakala, crystal lake

14th December was Crystal Lake's CUBES Tour Final show at Daikanyama UNIT. I met up with Laura at a cafe near the station before we headed to the venue. It didn't take long at all to get in, we got our drinks and waited around before the opening band took the stage.

Crystal Lake took the stage at about 7.30pm and opened to Ups & Downs, followed by Mahakala. At that point I was kind of freaking out because they hardly play Mahakala and also because I wanted to record a video, haha. I'm kind of bummed that I didn't record the first verse because it's my favorite part of the song,  forever you will rest in peace.

Since I've only recently started listening to them, I've only listened to their latest EP, CUBES. They played quite a number of old songs like Openwater, Overcome and Endeavor next. I honestly enjoyed watching this band so much, their fans are insanely awesome as the band. So many stage dives, circle pits and crowd surfing. I especially enjoyed fans running onto the stage and doing backing vocals for The Fire Inside. "We are not the fucking dead!" Fans pulling the vocalist into the crowd, snatching his mic and screaming into it. I haven't seen anything like this in such a long time because I only kept going to see lynch., so it was such a nice change of crowd, scene and music.

I was actually really surprised the crowd was 90% male, I could actually count the number of girls there. That's a first. They played for a little over an hour, with 15 songs. They had a couple of special guests performing with them on certain songs also like Rollin', Matrix, Daylight and Into The Great Beyond which their former vocalist performed with them.

(okay I'm cheating, I only know all the song titles because I got the set list lol.)

But even without knowing any of their old songs, I really enjoyed them. I think this is one of the rare times that a band can buy me over so easily, but they are fucking amazing live and I think their fans also add up to why this show was so good. Both the energy of the band and fans are incredible. I was really surprised they played See This Through the non acoustic version. I love the acoustic version but hardcore version is wayyyyyyy better. The last few songs were Beloved and The Fire Inside. The encore songs were Cubes and Twisted Fate.

It's been a long time since I've written about a band like this, that is not lynch. , haha.  I think the only other band I did was AFI but they have been my favorite band since I was 16. I think Crystal Lake is slowly sliding into the number 3 spot of my top favorite bands. I'm really glad I chose to come to this show as well. I was pretty hesitant at first but decided I really wanted to after seeing them at knotfest. I'm also glad I had company with me at the show. Because honestly, going to shows alone all the time is kind of boring.

So many great bands I've seen this year. There's still one show left for this year and I'm so excited to see my ultimate favorite band at their 10th anniversary show.

178. maggots, knotfest

15th November was the first day of knotfest, I couldn't really get much sleep the night before so I was worried about how I was going to last the entire day. Slowly made my way to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, it took about 2 hours but still didn't manage to get any sleep on the train.

rare selfie, on top of it in the morning.

I was so excited for today because I finally got to have a girl to talk to! I was meeting up with Laura, who found me on blogspot and I've been following her tumblr for a while. I met up with her while waiting to get into Messe. We were talking so much right away about music, I guess because she's from Australia too, so it made it easier.

We went to look at the merch first because I wanted to get something but the line was insane, it looked like there were more than a hundred people in line. So we just passed up on that and went into the venue. The first band I got to see for the day was Crystal Lake. I was excited to see them since I've (finally) started listening to them. They only played stuff from their latest album, CUBES. They played Ups & Downs, Rollin', Beloved and The Fire Inside. They were really good live and I actually want to see them again because I had fun singing along to their songs (even if their songs aren't really singable?).

After Crystal Lake, we got to the other stage for coldrain, this time I didn't enjoy their set that much. They played No Escape, Six Feet Under, Aware and Awake, The War Is On, The Revelation and some other songs I can't really remember now. I wished they played Stuck again, like at summersonic because I really enjoyed that.  We went back to the other stage after coldrain ended. It was a continuous cycle of going back and forth stages because we both wanted to see almost the entire line up.

Next up was Miss May I, I was pretty impressed with how good they sound live because I don't really listen to them but had fun watching them. I only know they closed to Hey Mister and played Relentless Chaos since they announced it. The backing vocals were really good live, I wished he sang more. I was trying to take photos of the stages throughout the day but the stages were so smoky most the time that my photos all came out blur. (so much for wanting photos in this post.)

After they ended, we took a short break since we both don't listen to MEANING. The crowd was mostly made out of people decked out in black (surprise surprise) and I would say three quarter of the population today were male. Some were wearing Slipknot jumpsuits with the masks which honestly, sometimes when I'm walking too fast, freaked me out a bit because I was tired and would think I just walked pass a zombie, haha.

We both tried to get good spots for Bring Me The Horizon because I've been wanting to see them for so long and have missed them so many times already. They played mostly stuff from Sempiternal, opening to Shadow Moses it was fun singing " This is Sempiternal!",  the mosh for BMTH was pretty chaotic and I got almost pulled in a couple of times, also got pushed to the side which actually offered a better view of Oli Sykes, haha.

They continued with Go To Hell For Heaven's Sake, The House of Wolves, Sleepwalking, Alligator Blood, Chelsea Smile, Can You Feel My Heart and closed to Antivisit. I had fun singing along to all the songs and was happy they played Alligator Blood! Wished they played Fuck and Anthem though. After Bring Me The Horizon was Crossfaith.

I don't listen to Crossfaith at all and I only like Evolution but I know they are really good live, so I wanted to see them and because the bassist is really cute, haha. Laura also went to the mosh for them so I just stood at the left side of the stage to see them. I enjoyed their set but I don't really fancy their new single, Madness, that much. Too much of the DJ sounding thing. The mosh for Crossfaith was pretty chaotic too, I almost kept getting pulled in.

After they ended, the both of us met up at the side of the stage and went to see Lamb of God. They sounded good but I had a hard time enjoying them because I was texting away. I shouldn't be so interested on what's on my phone but I couldn't help it.  I texted throughout the entire set, bet people must be thinking I'm stupid to do that, lol.

It was SiM next. I listen to a couple of their songs but I'm not a big fan of them. The only reason why I wanted to see them is actually an inside joke, lol. They opened to Killing Me and continued with Who's Next. They were pretty good live and had good energy on stage but the singer's japrish was really hard to listen to. I couldn't make out what he was singing half the time, also I got annoyed when it went to the auto-tune bit. That was when both me and Laura decided to walkaway.

We went outside for a bit to get some air, and chilled outside while talking about a ton of stuff. We went over to the stage where One Ok Rock was going to perform while Papa Roach was still playing. They were playing Last Resort and I couldn't help but to laugh a little because people used to make fun of that song when it was just released years ago.

One Ok Rock took the stage at 6 and opened to Deeper Deeper and it was the only song I really enjoyed it. Taka's voice is really good live and never missed a note. After that I got bored because I've never been a fan of One Ok Rock, I only like Deeper Deeper and Liar. I was bummed that they didn't play Liar. One Ok Rock's crowd was pretty much a huge dancing/jumping party. They played a couple of songs which I obviously don't know any of them except Mighty Long Fall, Clock Strikes and  The Beginning.

Next up was Limp Bizit and I was never a fan of nu-metal, so the both of us just sat somewhere at the back, resting. I was so sleepy by this time. I tried to nap for a little bit but failed miserably. Luckily Limp Bizit played for about an hour so there was enough time to rest up for Slipknot.

The final act of the day and the main reason why everyone came to this festival anyway, Slipknot, took the stage at exactly 8pm and opened to their new song from The Gray Chapter, Sarcastrophe. The stage setup was so pretty, everyone kept saying やばい. I was also saying suppperr やばい lol There was a giant devil head in the middle of the stage which had blinking lights, as well as fire blowing out every now and then following to the beat of the songs. I wish I could have taken a photo but I took videos instead.

The second song was The Heretic Anthem and honestly even though it is my favorite song from them, I was pretty bored. I preferred the time that they performed in Australia for Soundwave 2 years ago. There was more anticipation to it because before the song would even begin, Corey would get the crowd excited by whispering "If you're 555, then I'm..." first before continuing to perform. Or maybe it was too early that they played that song?

I didn't really know most of the songs they played since I only listened to the new album once but The Devil in I and Psychosocial was fun to sing to~ The later part of their show was more fun since they played older stuff. Everyone went crazy when they played Duality. I had the most fun at Before I Forget, Duality and Spit It Out. Corey also was talking and thanking people for coming out and apparently there were 24,800 people at the festival. O___O

For their encore, I had fun singing to People = Shit! Didn't get the chance to see them play that the last time and they closed to Surfacing. I was pretty bummed they didn't play The Blister Exists. I had fun at the festival but can't help to feel that there was something missing. It wasn't the same feelings I got after Soundwave or Summersonic.

Laura and I decided to get supper in Shibuya since she got locked out of her place, so we went to Wired Cafe in Tsutaya and had Taco Rice! I haven't had it in forever. We were just talking about a ton of things and she actually reminded me of myself back when I was 20 and touring with my boyfriend's band at the time. The things I wanted back then. I was surprised she had the same piercings as me on the right ear, that was pretty funny. Since Wired Cafe closed at 2, we migrated to the bar and stayed there till the first train.

It was nice hanging out with her because we have a lot of things to talk about, Australia, being Southeast Asian, music and the like. I'm glad I got to meet her and can't wait to hang out with her again.

173. shout at the devil, lynch.

27th September 2014, Saturday

We got up early again since the check out time was 10am. We were dreading to wake up so early since we were really tired from the week. After checking out and getting onigiri at the konbini, we went to check in to another hotel.

Since it wasn't check in time, we left out luggage there and went to walk around. Thankfully, the hotel is only a 2 minute walk away from Osaka Big Cat. We had coffee at a nearby cafe and went around Shinsaibashi. We didn't do anything exciting since we really didn't want to tire ourselves out before the show.

We got some frozen yogurt at about 2 in the afternoon and got back to the hotel at about 3 and finally checked in. We left the hotel at coming to 5 since the doors opened around that time. We didn't get into the venue until about 5.30-ish.

I always hate the waiting time before any concert because that would be the longest 30 minutes ever. Little sis was trying her best to find ways to get to the front but we only got to the middle but when the lights went off, everyone went crazy and we got pushed to the third row. The show started at 6 and they opened to GALLOWS, followed by (to my surprise) alien tune. They were good as usual, I can't really expect anymore from them after seeing them for what seems to be a million times.

I loved all the songs they played in the earlier part of the concert, I'm glad they played EVILLY and melt, it's little sis's favourites since she hasn't seen them in a long time. I'll always love seeing them play INVINCIBLE.

When they got to the middle of the live, and started playing slow songs, I was really surprised that they played an illusion and forgiven. I was expecting them to play OBLIVION and RING again since they were still promoting their new album. As I've said so many times in previous entries already, I was more than happy they played an illusion. Little sis was laughing at how excited I was when the guitars started during that song. It was my first time seeing them play forgiven as well.

After forgiven was AMBIVALENT IDEAL, I haven't seen that live in a long time. I actually love the live version way more. I really enjoyed myself at this concert because I had little sis, and I haven't headbanged in a long long time, so it was really fun. I was just a little bummed out that they didn't play Adore since it has been stuck in my head lately. I wish they didn't play TIAMAT back to back. They have been doing that recently.

Photos from http://tour14.lynch.jp/

The live house was quite small, but Hazuki said there was actually 800 people there and he was happy it was sold out. Their MC time went on forever (again) since Hazuki always talks too much. At least he is nice to look at, haha. 

After the show ended, little sis and I were too tired and went to a cafe nearby and ended the day with Taco Rice and Sangria. "Any holiday or trip to Japan wouldn't be complete without lynch. " - as quoted by her.

They are and will be my favourite band for a long long time.

162. little monster, royal blood

One of those rare days I discover a new band and am totally in love.

PS. How can there be no guitarist? That bass ♡

158. countdown to hell, chiba

Yesterday was the first day of Summer Sonic, little sis and I got up really early because it takes almost 2 hours to get to Chiba. We both slept on the way there, she's actually a morning person but as you know, I really, really, really am not.

Once we arrived at Makuhari Messe, there was no time to waste because the first band we were going to see for the day was about to play at Mountain Stage. coldrain took the stage exactly at 12 noon and opened to Die tomorrow. They didn't disappoint and were as good as the last time I saw them. They also played No Escape, Six Feet Under, Stuck, Aware and Awake, The Revelation, The War Is On and Evolve. I actually wished they were playing later in the day because I couldn't really get into it, being that it was still so early.

The second band we saw was Fear, And Loathing in Las Vegas also at the Mountain Stage but after only 1 song, we walked away and went to meet up with my friend over at QVC Marine Filed. Compared to last year, the weather during Summer Sonic this time was really nice, it was cloudy and windy. I remember dying from the heat last year. It was a really nice walk to QVC, we met up with my friend at the smoking corner, he was with his friends as well. Yay for more Asian Australians!

We separated ways for a little bit because they were going to see different bands. Little sis and I went to the Beach Stage, it was getting even more cloudier when we got there and looked like there was going to be a thunderstorm. When we got to the stage, cinema staff was doing their soundcheck and they took the stage exactly at 2:25pm. I haven't listened to their music in such a long time so it was difficult to recognise the songs they were playing but I was happy they played 奇跡　and The Great Escape! I was actually getting かき氷  when they played The Great Escape.

They were pretty good live but I got a little bored halfway because I think I'm too used to going to see heavier sounding bands, lol. We met up with Gerald and his friends again and took the bus back to Makuhari Messe together. There was still more than 2 hours to kill before the next band we wanted to see take the stage, so he decided to meet up with some of the his other friends at the smoking corner.

He introduced me to the band he was talking to, and we were all smoking together and chilling. It was drizzling so there weren't many people at the smoking area, mostly guys. I was talking to the bassist of the band because I have been following him on Instagram for a while now and I always thought he was cute, actually for a couple of years now, so it was nice to finally talk to him. The band didn't stay around for too long because they needed to do their soundcheck as well and so we went back inside and we went to see a Swedish heavy metal band at the Mountain Stage since there was still some time to spare.

Ghost took the stage at 5pm and I immediately fell in love with their outfits. They were good live and the backdrop was really pretty. The guitars were really good, all of us don't listen to them but agreed they were good.

We didn't stay around for their entire set because Gerald wanted to get good spots for the next band at Rainbow Stage, he and his friends wanted to be in the circle pit, mosh and do the typical - Wall of Death. So we went over to Rainbow Stage while they disappeared into the crowd, little sis and I tried to find good spots to see the band as well. 

The band was still doing soundcheck when we arrived, little sis hates the DJ. She kept cursing him which I thought was super funny. It didn't take too long for them to get on stage, Crossfaith played at 5:50pm and the crowd went wild. They were good live, better than I saw them last year also at Summer Sonic. I don't listen to them but their energy on stage was really good. Yes, there were circle pits. At one point, the vocalist told the crowd to divide for the Wall of Death.  Chaos. Not really because Japanese crowds aren't that scary compared to western ones but both of us still didn't want to get pulled into the chaos. The Evolution was really good live, and so was Countdown to Hell. I didn't stay around for their whole set, even if I really wanted to but getting good seats for Arctic Monkeys was more important to me.

We left for the Marine Stage again after seeing them play about 5 songs, we took the bus this time instead of walking because it was still drizzling. When we got to QVC, we bought chicken rice (yes, Singaporean chicken rice!) at one of the food booths and went immediately into the stadium to get seats. Robert Plant was still on stage, we were lucky! We got to see him perform Led Zepplin's Whole Lotta Love while eating chicken rice. I can't begin to tell you how much I always miss chicken rice when I'm overseas for a long period of time. 

Arctic Monkeys opened to Do I Wanna Know at 7:20pm, followed by Arabella and Brianstorm. Alex Turner's voice is really smooth live, and he never missed a note. The slower songs were so much better live compared to the record. Little sis and I would do a little scream whenever they played our favorite songs. We were really enjoying ourselves.  We actually wanted to leave when they were playing Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High and decided to miss Avenged Sevenfold for a little bit since we just saw them earlier this year in Melbourne. Thankfully we didn't because right after they played our absolute favorites, Fluorescent Adolescent followed by 505! My favorites from them were Knee Socks, Old Yellow Bricks and 505. While little sis's was I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, Fluorescent Adolescent and Dancing Shoes. 

They mostly played stuff from their latest album, like Snap Out of It and R U Mine?, and I Wanna Be Yours. I didn't expect to enjoy their set so much and I'm glad I did.

We skipped their encore to get back to Makuhari Messe to see Avenged Sevenfold. Once we arrived back at Mountain Stage, they were already playing Bat Country. I was kinda bummed because I missed Bat Country earlier this year too, after that they played Hail To The King and Almost Easy. It was fun singing the chorus of Almost Easy "I'm not insane x 6" lol, A7X always brings me back to my teenage days. They played slower songs after that, so little sis and I decided to walk to Sonic Stage to see Phoenix for a bit since A7X's song are always really long, most of them are more than 5 minutes.

Phoenix's set didn't look interesting, so we went back to join Gerald and his friends. A7X played Afterlife when we got back, they didn't look like they put in much effort to be honest. They lacked energy, they played really well in Melbourne though. :/  I was bored until the end of their set. They had an encore and they played A Little Piece of Heaven which was fun to sing to as well, Gerald's friends were being funny because the song is about sex and murder. That song is about 10 minutes long... Gerald was laughing at me when A7X played their last song because when I heard the opening, I shouted so loud " Unholy Confessions!" He was telling me how he always find me funny when I get excited over things. I was happy they played that song, I haven't heard it in years.

We hung around for a little while after Avenged Sevenfold finished off, we were just smoking and talking. I felt bad for little sis because she doesn't smoke but she said she didn't mind. It was fun meeting new people once again. I've been pretty happy since little sis got here. We got to do a lot of stuff I've been wanting to for the longest time. We also didn't expect to be at Summer Sonic this year, it was fun once again and our company made it even more so. 

128. absolute xanadu, lynch.

So on Wednesday, I finally got to see lynch. again after 4 months of missing them. It was their last live at Shibuya AX since it's going to close down in May. I was having major butterflies before the show started, I always have butterflies on the day of their lives but this time it was really, really bad. Like the feeling you get when you can feel a lump in your throat and you just want to puke bad. Thankfully, my pocket wifi arrived just before I left home, so I was texting Yuri and baby sis the entire time, they made me feel so much better.

I kind of already knew that this live was going to be a long one since they are going to release it on DVD soon, so I was pretty excited and also, because they're playing new stuff. Weirdly, there were wayyyyy more people at this live. Half of them were guys. When I went into the hall, it was so packed. The most packed I've ever seen for lynch.

So... I decided to stand somewhere in the middle because I really just wanted to see them play, I wasn't intending of moshing or headbanging. But when the lights went off, the crowd became fucking violent, I got pushed all the way up to the second row, infront of Yusuke. Before even the live started, I was already pissed. -__-

They opened to their new Introduction from the new album, followed by GALLOWS, NIGHT, I'm sick,b'cuz luv u. and all the fast paced songs... I think I was the only one not headbanging. Yusuke already noticed me during the first song. It was right where we left it... I wasn't sure he would remember but when he saw me, he opened his eyes bigger and smiled at me. At that moment, I knew I was going to be awkward for the next 2 hours.

THIS WAS ACTUALLY MY VIEW. -__-

M0 OPENING SE (INTRODUCTION)

M1 GALLOWS

M2 NIGHT

M3 I’m sick, b’cuz luv u.

M4 DEVIL

M5 EXODUS

M6 GREED

M7 GUILLOTINE

M8 I BELIEVE IN ME

M9 -273.15

M10 ENVY

M11 an illusion

M12 THIS COMA

M13 BE STRONG

M14 PHOENIX

M15 AMBIVALENT IDEAL

M16 INVINCIBLE

M17 VANISH

M18 MIRRORS

M19 JUDGEMENT

M20 THE FATAL HOUR HAS COME

M21 Moment

M22 ALL THIS I’LL GIVE YOU

M23 unknown lost beauty

M24 pulse_

M25 DAZZLE

M26 LIGHTNING

-ENCORE 1-

EN1-1 UNTIL I DIE

EN-1-2 New Psycho Paralyze

EN1-3 discord number

EN1-4 Adore

EN1-5 TIAMAT

-ENCORE 2-

EN2-1 A GLEAM IN EYE

The backdrop for this live was really good. First it was the lynch. logo and it changed in between songs, can't wait to watch it on DVD. I was happy when they played GREED because it's my favorite from the new album, so I was singing along to it,　永遠に永遠に、 and like I said got awkward cos as I was singing, Yusuke was looking at me and everytime we had eye contact, I became nervous and I will forget the lyrics. -__- Reason why I don't want to stand in the front, especially infront of Yusuke. And when they were playing ENVY, he was singing it and straight on staring at me. Awkward.

But... after ENVY, I died on the inside because they played an illusion! It's my favorite favorite from them so I was soooo happy singing along to it. I've been dying to see them play this live. Yusuke wasn't looking now, so I looked at him, he looked so cute singing along to it as well. After that, when I heard the beat to THIS COMA I squealed and fangirled so hard. It's another of my favorite favorite from them. The entire crowd was so quiet that Yusuke noticed me squealing and he just smiled at me. I was so embarrassed but so fuckin' happy. For this song, I didn't care if he was looking, I was happily singing along to it and looking at Hazuki. My eyes would shift between Yusuke, AK and Hazuki. Sometimes I'll look at Asanao and Reo too. But during this song, Yusuke was looking still but I didn't bother anymore.

When they played BE STRONG, there was foam falling it was so pretty to see. I think they wanted to make it look like it was snowing. After that, they played PHOENIX which I didn't really care about. And the rest of the live was a blur to me because I got so awkward with Yusuke, all I can remember is people moshing and me being annoyed having to shift my eyes and turn my head to Hazuki so I could enjoy the concert. At one point it was even more awkward because AK noticed me also (we met before right?), and was staring, so I got even more awkward and shifted to Yusuke, who was also staring and I was so pissed, I just stared at Hazuki.

While waiting for them to get on stage again for the first encore, I was texting Yuri and telling her how pissed I was. Thank god for her and wifi. When they took the stage again, they changed out of their clothes into the merch except for Hazuki. So as usual, he will give some long speech... And during that time, things got awkward with AK. I was looking at Hazuki but I felt someone staring at me so I turned to look directly at AK, and when I caught AK staring at me, he immediately looked the other way. I was just... annoyed at this point. So I didn't care and continued texting Yuri. "I want to slap ak so bad, as I'm typing this he's looking at me." Yuri's reply  made me laugh so hard because she said "then smile :D, like ;D" I started laughing, so I covered my mouth because I didn't want people to think I was crazy? The moment I looked up, AK was still looking at me and laughing as well. It was pretty hilarious, that scenario.

After that it was a consent blur again, I can't concentrate on their songs because I couldn't stop feeling awkward. Their encore was the usual songs, UNTIL I DIE, Discord Number. They played ADORE twice back to back though, which kinda made me pissed because I got pushed around in the pit. After they ended their encore with TIAMAT, I decided to move out of the pit because 1. pissed with two assholes named Akinori and Yusuke 2. the crowd was just crazy and it was hard to breathe.

They closed to A GLEAM IN EYE. I was so happy about that too! They mixed it up with the album and single version. I was in peace singing along to it since I was far from the front. I've never wanted to be at the back of the crowd for them ever but things just got so bad I can't really enjoy myself with just their music.

sidenotes : Hazuki looks so good with this hair and he was wearing contact lenses. He looked so cute during this live :3 I actually really love AK's dreadlocks as well but without the bandana. He looks fine too with it, but cuter without. Yusuke took off his makeup for the encores. I wonder why too? But he looks much better without. Hazuki brought up the Daruma things again. -__- Also, one more reason why I don't ever like standing in the front because Hazuki spits water at the crowd... I don't want to be drenched in his spit but I had no freakin' choice. A little of his spit landed on my face. -___-

And... this was my 7th time seeing them.

I'm annoyed with two of them but happy nonetheless, end of the day I am happy. And even more so because they played my favorite songs. I hope they play OBLIVION and RING on the other dates.

I already have planned out some of their other lives I'm going to, Nagoya, Saitama and Sendai. I don't know if I'll add any more dates but we'll see.

125. rewind, melbourne

It's been a week since Soundwave and I'm here sitting in bed listening to AFI. I thought by now, I would have gone back to listening to all my Japanese bands but here I am still listening to all the bands I saw last week.

Last week was well spent going to cafes, eating way too much, going to concerts, letting time pass at parks and reminiscing all my teenage years with little sis. We were just talking about how nostalgic we feel when we see those bands. I spent most of my teenage years indulging in music, loving it, breathing it and falling asleep to it (yes, even metal). It was nice to see them all again, especially AFI. They have been my favorite band since I was 17.

124. this celluloid dream, melbourne

let's love, like 17

i'm in love with poisoning

only bring your pretty frightful gifts to me

let's love and kill like 17 now

123. bi†ches brew, †††

Latest obsession.

So over the moon I am going to see them next month with my favorite band since I was 16, A fucking Fire Inside in my hometown next month. Can't wait! <3

121. nagoya-kei weekend

Last Saturday, 4th January 2014, was Tokyo Mosh Pit Vol 2. There were a total of 5 bands playing at Shibuya AX that night, but I don't really care for the other bands because I was only there for lynch. This was quite an emotional live for me because it's my last time seeing them in a long time. I think I got used to seeing them so often (every month), that I've been spoilt by it and now when I can't get to see them anymore, I feel so hollow.

They opened to JUDGEMENT which was a pleasant surprise because it's been a loooonnnggg time since they played that song and a really long story how important that song is to the band. I was happy singing along to it because it was my first time seeing them play it. Yusuke was really cute that night ^^ I didn't bother much about headbanging because I just really wanted to watch them play. They played their typical short set list - The Fatal Hour Has Come, -273.15C, All This I'll Give You, VANISH, INVINCIBLE (glad they did, one of my favorite live songs), I'm sick b'cuz luv u, MIRRORS, pulse_, NIGHT.

Mid-way during their set, I couldn't see AK because the girl infront of me was so tall, I just tilted my head, and he was so funny. He saw me and stopped playing his bass for a little bit and just stared at me. Then after that, he continued while giggling to himself. He was so funny. I was actually giggling to myself as well. lol Then after that, we exchanged a couple of smiles. It's been like this lately at their lives after I met him.

Hazuki invited BORN's Ryoga (no care) out to sing pulse_ which actually kind of annoyed me, but oh well. I feel like he butchered the song :/ Like I already said so many times, I don't really like visual~ bands. I just can't take them seriously.

When they were playing NIGHT, I was already tearing up because it meant that their set was going to end. I was trying so hard to hold back the tears because Yusuke... thankfully, I did. I was happy Hazuki kept going to the left side of the stage because that was where I always stand. So that means I got to see him a little more for the last time.

When they ended their set, I just walked out of the hall and smoked a little and left Shibuya AX not long after that. I was actually tearing so much on the walk home. I can't believe how much I actually do love them. Makes me feel so pathetic. :/

On Sunday, 5th January 2014, there was a metal special going on at Shibuya O-West. "Metallic Beauties"if I remember correctly. DEATHGAZE was one of the three bands playing at that live, that's why I decided to go. They were the first band up, so it was nice (like lynch. the day before), I didn't have to wait too long. They played for about an hour and they were good but I think they were way better in Nagoya, the last time I saw them at Club Zion. They played half of their newer stuff and half of their older stuff. I can't be bothered to remember the setlist to be honest, haha. But I really enjoyed Disgusting Eye.

Ai didn't look like he was enjoying himself at the end of the live when all the other bands came out to perform together. He was just drinking hot chocolate while the other bands were talking, lol. Was cute though. I thought it was cool they covered each others' songs and that there were 3 guitars playing at the same time, and of course 3 singers taking turns to sing parts of the song... I couldn't see what was going on with the bass but I think only one bass and the other members of the bands were standing around the stage. I was still a little upset on that day, so I didn't enjoy myself that much. Still, was nice seeing DEATHGAZE again.

And while watching the other bands, I've come to the realisation that I only really like bands from Nagoya, well, except THE NOVEMBERS. I'm planning to come back to Japan in summer just so I can go to Nagoya again with Yuri one last time before she heads back to the U.S. and also, to see lynch. again. *fingers crossed* they have a tour in Japan during summer.