IA - Dead Metropolis

For me, when speaking about Vocaloid metalcore, lesxpaulx is a synonym for ‘perfection’. “Dead Metropolis” isn’t an exception. Head-slamming brutal, brisk, uncompromising and surgically precise. And IA, yes. “Aria on the Planetes”. Oh, how well it suits there ;))))  There might be only one drawback: the song ends too damn soon...


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22785756
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22785756

Koufuku ressha ni norou - cover by 108

A brilliant Utsu-P’s song, a fearsome bass guitar cover. Pure awesomeness!

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22781146

Hatsune Miku - Chronostasis

A fresh song from Monkey-san (lyrics by Asahi En), post-hardcore this time. What can I say about it? Well, it’s certainly better than his previous work (thanks, Captain Obvious). The music is rather balanced between heavier and lighter sides of the genre, and lies heavily upon its common features. The sound is crisp and neat. Only Miku seems a little odd. Like she’s just finished singing some “Dere-ka genshou”, and suddenly red lights started flashing, a drummer set on punching double bass drums, and it’s LOUD, and you should sing, and WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!! No, Captain, no need to point to the previous work for the second time. Actually, this even gives the song a certain charm… ;)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22778229
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22778229




Video’s art by Ruuya.

Kagamine Len - CROSSROAD

9th DAMAGE project has released re-mastered version of the song (along with the variant voiced by him). The song was out November last year originally. And now it sounds really delicious! It’s goode olde hard rock, back into the second half of 1970-s, vivid and spirited. Len is a good boy here, the job’s well done!


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22777112
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22777112


Len thinks he is so cool that he can tune the guitar by eye. Or by smell? C’mon, Len…

Video’s art by Fumizuki Yurano.

Megurine Luka - Nyoudou Riot

That’s exactly the kind of song you wish for a birthday present ;) Thank you, Yellow Squadron, you’ve made my day! ‘Nyoudou’ translates as ‘urethra’, just for your information, and I’d say nothing more, watch the video! So yes, we’ve got pretty interesting topics for power metal, much unlike those western retards :)  Yellow Squadron keeps its character, even when dealing with such delicate matters :) Fervent guitar shredding, speedy drum support and bright melodies are present, as always. Not to mention the superb guitar solo. Luka is just fantastic, especially given the circumstances ;)))


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22775044
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22775044


It could happen with everyone… Be strong, Luka! ;)
 
Video’s art by yugami.

Megurine Luka - Today Is Your Birthday

Today is her birthday.

I was born to sing in this world.
That day I gave a first cry aloud.
Inside of a light
That called
A binary number.


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22774317
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22774317




Video’s art by Hebi.

Megurine Luka - Utawa sete

Luka’s birthday’s coming… Technically, it’s already come in Japan while I’m typing this. But since I’m just a little over five thousand miles from there let’s keep some kind of astronomic accuracy ;) Tomorrow will be a busy day, Luka hints to me, and I can feel it now already… Well, “Utawa sete”, which I believe translates as “Let me sing”. Tomorrow will be your day, Luka, you’ll sing as much as you please… :)

Reon-san, the producer, has made this song as a sequel to his earlier work, “Motto utaitai”. But there is a clear difference between two works at least in terms of music style. When “Motto utaitai” is a classic HM/HR, with some ballad character, the new work is much closer to post-hardcore. Heavier, darker, with angry bursts of bass drums and sharp guitar riffs. The stark contrast is most evident in breakdowns. In both songs they are culminating moments. Yet in “Motto utaitai” it is classic bright and ‘soaring’ guitar solo, and in “Utawa sete” we listen to tense guitar patterns, first acoustic, then distorted, anxious and disquieting.

The only drawback here is Luka’s voice… But I believe there are people for whom the worse is actually the  better ;)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22774571


Megurine Luka, the master of cloaking :)

Video’s art by Nyakkun.

Baka wa anomaly ni akogareru - cover by Arukoa

Yet “Baka wa anomaly…” again. Well, the worthy song for covering, so I’m not complaining. Arukoa-san seems to agree with me, for it is his second version of “Baka…”. And I find the latest one more solid and neat than the first. Arukoa pleasures us with top-grade screaming as well as some synthetic-tweaked ‘natural’ vocals. Given Kagamine Rin is fully synthetic herself, I don’t see the latter as something inappropriate :)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22773490

IA - Akashic Record

Mokemoke has created a really aggressive cocktail! It’s not too easy to neither define its genre attribution nor even sort out what are the dominants here. I’d cautiously name j-rock as a base, then some industrial influence, then a dash of breakbeat, topped with rapcore, and finally a j-pop cherry just to make everything outright indigestible overwhelming. But don’t worry, the chimera stays steady on all its five feet. ;)

Even more astonishing is the fact that IA’s vocals manage to override all this turmoil. Her voice sounds unusually powerful, yet it might’ve lost some of its charming tones. She even could be confused for Ritsu. But not every song needs charming tones, and in “Akashic Record” IA does well impressive without ‘em.


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22760474
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22760474

Megurine Luka - Thanatos to Lucrezia

Heh, 'Witches-themed song.  Of course I couldn’t just pass by… :)  Kefie project’s material draws from quite a wide range of styles, this time it’s some industrial metal. Robust and able industrial, no shit! Luka’s Engrish is so Engrish, as ever, but otherwise she sounds pretty decent.


 Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22760065
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22760065


Irresistible, dammit!

Video’s art by Ui-jou.

GUMI - Soine

In case if you’ve missed the last work from 164 project – here it is. The guys venture deeply into rock ’n’ roll and the outcome is exceptional! Gumi is adorable, only in choruses she literally squeals. :) Oh my poor Gumi! Even when squealing you manage to remain perfectly awesome! :)))


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22757095
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22757095



Ecchi. Blood-stained knife. You say “cheap tricks”? What’d you say on a cage with birds bones and climbing flower? On a barcode tattoo on the middle finger? Why the plate with the room’s number is unscrewed? Somebody, please decipher this for me…
 
Video’s art by bounosatoshi-sama, may the Force guide him in his ventures.

Hatsune Miku - Hoshiyume

Nice j-rokku by Haruchin. Haruchin-san is better known for bass covers, and seems to have more fans on Youtube rather than on Nicovideo, which is a rare thing for Japanese ensoushitemita performers. As for Haruchin’s Vocaloid original releases, there wasn’t much.  Haruchin’s been active on this scene for a little short of three years yet “Hoshiyume” is only fourth work to come out. But the producer seems to be comfortable with this pace. I should admit this approach bears fruit, because the latest song will definitely outpace previous works in terms of popularity. Speaking of more ambiguous matters such as quality, I’d claim there is a remarkable progress. Everywhere – in the composition, in the creativity, in the density, in the arranging skills… At last (but not the least) in Miku’s vocals. Miku’s voice never was Haruchin’s advantage (indeed Hatsune differs from bassu slightly :) ), but in “Hoshiyume” the change is drastic. Maybe vocals are not top-tier lifelike here, but the emotional side is just awesome!

Hope with the momentum like that the next producer’s song will be the ultimate killer. We’ll see next year… ;)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22759088
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22759088



Video’s art by yun.

Namine Ritsu & Kasane Teto & Hakaine Maiko - Kagerou

I have been waiting quite long for a song like that. And I’ve been rewarded. Pounding sound of guitars, machine-gun-like bursts of bass drums, uncompromising, hulking bassu… Nu metal or metalcore, whatever you like, guided by *properly* crafted screaming of Hakaine Maiko... Switched theme in the chorus, completely different yet perfectly fit. Fine, Ritsu, Ritsu’s always been in place, but I never expected such a good support from Teto! Teto *sounds*, guys, she does this in duet, but she *does* nevertheless! An epochal accomplishment, a miracle, a dream come true!  ;)))


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22763789


In fact, Maiko does most of work here, so it’d be better to use her image. Or Teto’s, she well deserves it. But no, Namine Ritsu has reaped all the benefits. As always. For obvious reasons.


Video’s art by sin.

Lily - The MAN who never WAS

What are the differences between a song that tops Nicovideo daily ranking and a song that would never hope to reach even 1/100^th of such popularity? Well, there aren’t many differences actually, but I’ll try to figure a few.

First, the sound. Rich, full-bodied, aggressive guitar sound is the luxury that hardly any song from the Nico’s top could allow. Mixing synthetic break-ins from that point of view are not even luxury, they are simply detested.

Pauses. Not a single “top” song will try play this game for real. Because you cannot win in this game. But more modest songs engage in that territory without any fear. For if you do not seek for ‘winning’, you can’t lose.

 And what do these songs seek for? There isn’t a single answer. Each one is unique. But the fact that all of them are on a pursuit of some matters more important than everyone's approval unites them all. Makes them prone to failures. Makes them unattractive, and laughable, and weird. Makes them cunning, and witty, and seductive. Makes them different. Makes them alive.

A slight difference, hard to define.
But easy to feel.



Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22759840
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22759840
Lyrics: http://yukinonikuy.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-4.html



Video by amakura.

Lily - Close to you

Well, post-hardcore again. Speaking of where post-hardcore is heading, I should suggest it turns subtler and even subtler. A road to nowhere... This all is going to end badly, mind you. By “badly” I mean some cloying sickening sugar syrup, some poor cousin of Katy Perry or Justin Bieber with *guitars*. “Oh, *guitars* are so trendy!”  Sigh…

So here we are: the song tops the Nicovideo’s Vocaloid ranking.



VMW knew better days except for the fact that only a month has passed since its start... Actually, the song isn’t *that* close to Justin Bieber (or Miley Cyrus, if you like her more). The popularity is explained mostly by the producer’s figure. Niki-san doesn’t show clear preferences between rock and dance-pop genres, enjoying the recognition of fans from both sides. Not to mention the fact that he is the most popular producer working with Lily. As for the current song, there’s not much to say. I’ll notice only Niki’s usual efforts to make Lily sound bearable enough fair. Why, his achievements with Lily are hard-earned :)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22749154
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22749154

Megurine Luka - Awareness

This work by Daiki Ogawa is a good illustration of to where post-hardcore has drifted. Well, screamo, yes, with fancy electronic melodies framing… In “Awareness” Ogawa seems to give more attention to synths rather than guitar riffs. Luka is squeezed to sing flattering high (as usual. Why, we love it, don’t we?) It’d have helped if there had been more screaming, but Luka seems to have been unwilling to do us such a favor :) Why, Luka? ;)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22736003
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22736003


Video’s art by bibi.

Hatsune Miku - Imitation

An excellent debut work by roki-san. “Imitation” reminds me of the earlier post-hardcore style. Listening to this, you realize how far the genre evolved from its origins. And this song itself is rather distant from the origins, a decade maybe, and things change quickly…

Roki’s work with Miku definitely deserves a few words. He’s casually put to shame nearly every other producer boasting years of experience. The vocals are exceptional here, mellow and deep, vibrant, captivating. English parts surprise positively as well.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/nm22733382
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/nm22733382




 Video’s art by Nyakkun.

I am a superman - cover by Warosu-Taitei

And yet another cover, this time percussion. I have to say Yuyoyuppe’s “I am a superman” is a wonderful piece for drums covering, yet Warosu-Taitei was the first to try it. And it is a fuckin’ serious try! Loud and rushing and harsh… Why, the very definition of awesomeness :)

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22731798

Mukuro Attack!! - cover by Sorawo

After a prolonged period of Nico inactivity, Sorawo-san has decided to cheer us with Vocaloid song cover. We should be glad, guys, for Sorawo is one of the most prominent bassu players around. And he keeps his mark here too – I definitely recommend to check it out.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22731400

Hatsune Miku - Blue

The song is done by Kanata Labo, though the parallels with the same-titled piece by Yuyoyuppe are inevitable. It’s hardly possible not to invoke some, given the ‘Yuppe’s “Blue” is one of his most popular works, both songs are quite close in terms of genre, and similar instrumental design, not to mention the same vocalist. But I’ll try to refrain from the direct comparison.

The music seems to become more layered and more intense. I would even say ‘dirtier’, only in the usual screamo sense of the word (meaning there’s nothing wrong with it :) ) The sounding is definitely more aggressive. But at the same time the emotional side of the music isn’t hurt at all. Quite the opposite, the song sounds more lyrical than previous Kanata’s works. And it’s a notable achievement.

The Miku’s contribution to this might be not so large. The vocals are clearly subdued here, looking shy compared to the tide of sound generated by the guitars and synths. It isn’t astonishing by any means; many bands prefer to position the sound that way. But the Kanata’s work with Vocaloid is worthy enough to be given more attention.

Finally, the video. It’s the only point I allow myself to compare with Yuyoyuppe’s work. Well, the choice is obvious, and it’s not in ‘Yuppe’s favour :)  Ogami-san has created a stylish and remarkable PV. Though it doesn’t overcome previous work, which is, by the way, the most exceptional MMD video from the heavier side in a couple of months. And non-MMD as well. The perfect is the enemy of the good, you know ;)

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22730288

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22730288

Video’s art by hacne.

GUMI - Thrash Princess

Usually Vocapunk is best described as 'cute'. Sad but true. OK, OK, the word ‘sad’ is the last thing that comes into mind when you are listening to “Thrash Princess” :) Because it is kinda typical for Vocapunk sub-genre, so it is full of sheer, triple-B A brainwashing CUTENESS. Moreover, Gumi is leading all that impudence personally. What a shame…

Don’t you even try to say you don’t like it, it’s irresistible :)

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22696759

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22696759

Uwaaaah!

Video by Mutsu-go-rou-sama.

Hatsune Miku & Megurine Luka - D.U.I-no shirabe

Absolutely amazing, MIND-fuckin’-BLOWING song by 2-Jigen project! Screamo on steroids, that’s how I call this. The guys apply quite smoothly some kind of dark magic to the metalcore base and get ingenious, stunning and completely unique sound. It triggers fucking avalanche in your brains! I’m ready to fall in love with this just for the awesome switching from 4/4 time to ¾  :)

Vocal parts are no less impressive and no less distinctive. Well, the only obvious flaw is shouting quality, but there is little of it. And the inventive use of ‘clear’ voice makes this barely significant. Classy guitar solo by guest musician Zombie-kusari-neko (what a nickname! 8) ) deserves high praise too.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22687729

MP3 download & Lyrics: http://piapro.jp/t/ouI2

Can’t say why, but Luka’s hairstyle draws my attention most of all on this picture…

Video’s art by Rokuro.

Hakaine Maiko - Houkou

Some brutal heavy metal from Shiiba Eiji. The music itself is kinda ‘traditional’, Maiko’s screamo vocals sound even too aggressive compared to what we used to hear from the human-fronted bands of this genre. Well, the title translates roughly as 'growl', so perhaps nothing surprising... Don’t take it wrong though, I’m not complaining :) Quite the contrary, Maiko adds a nice spice to the song.


Nicovideo link:
 

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22690138
MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22690138

Hatsune Miku - #gazing_dream

A new work by “ito project” sole member, DIA. The music drifted away from the solid metalcore we’ve seen on “Hopeless” EP to more post-hardcore, diverse, rich sound. Miku doesn’t scream anymore, though she’d better do... Why? Because DIA still uses V2. Because polishing V2 is a hell of a job. Especially Miku’s voicebank. Because in comparison with V3 older version looks bleak and this is the case… But an exceptional DIA’s approach to the instrumental part of the song outweighs all the V2 flaws quite easily. Guitars are my favorites here, featuring an impressive blend of intricate moves with heavily laid riffs. So some minor technicalities, I believe, do not tarnish the overall impression of the song :)

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22682510

MP3 download: https://soundcloud.com/diadiadia1/gazing-dream

As with many artworks by Ruuya, this one is actually a test on perception. If you don’t see Miku here – congratulations, you’ve passed the test. If you DO see Miku – well, the consequences are dire. You’re on a Vocaloid overdose. At the very least you should ban yourself from the Internet for two weeks. Or maybe better for the month…

 

Video’s art by Ruuya.

Hatsune Miku & GUMI - Doomsday

First Vocaloid work by k1mu-san. It is somewhat symphonic/progressive metal. “Dream Theater”'s influence is evident here, but it’d be surprising if there wasn’t one given the mentioned style :) . So the question is, does “Doomsday” send a challenge to the American gurus of prog? Well, I suppose the attempt is solid. At least “DT” doesn’t use Vocaloids in its works, which is a grave, grave omission… :)

Why, guys, even without digital young sexy vocalists in miniskirts my sympathies will always be on the underground scene side rather than on the side of some posers metal gurus selling albums by millions… Damn, initially this post was intended to bring on some work from underground, and not to rattle on my loose preferences for the length of the Vocaloids’ skirts. So back to the business. k1mu made a great work on mixing, both ‘live’ and synthetic parts sound exceptional. In fact, I think the producer reached a nice balance between traditional metal sound and digital sequences. Only Miku and Gumi seem to be given less attention. There is not much room for the two of them, the duet composition itself hardly brings any additional gains. But it’s common for progressive to give low priority to vocals. And, as I’ve said already, this is the first k1mu’s experience with Vocaloids. So I hope next time the guy will outstrip “Dream Theater” as easily as you please :)

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22682290

Wait, and that’s all?! No young sexy female vocalists in miniskirts? Man, I’m wounded… Progressive metal, you say? Not a single miniskirt on the whole scene, Vocaloid or not? Fuck, guys, how do you live with that... ;)

 

Video’s art by k1mu himself.

Kanbanmusume no warufuzake - cover by Dan

Utsu-P seems to be a lucky guy, since he’s got two awesome covers in a single day. This one is made by Dan, and it is head and shoulders above the other “Warufuzake” covers ever posted before (hope I don’t offend anyone, I have a pushover for female vocals :) ). Well, can’t say Dan outperformed even original material, but it isn’t an easy task to outsing Miku, Rin and Gumi combined :) Especially when you deal with Utsu-P. So, by any means, this cover is outstanding.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22673002

Baka wa anomaly ni akogareru - cover by Michizane & Houshi

Another neat vocal cover. It seems like the “Baka wa…” attracts people… somehow… no-no-no, I’m not hinting at the title of the song, no, completely…  ;)  Screaming parts are done by Michizane and ‘classic’ ones by Houshi. I think both made a great work!

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22672704

Yuzuki Yukari & Kasane Teto - Plastic Marionette

An excellent post-hardcore work from Yokomin. The music is vibrant and heavy yet captivating. Mighty bass drums strokes, thrilling guitar riffs together with low Yukari’s voice make quite an impressive atmosphere. Teto sounds A WAY poorer than Yukari does. Bet you're not surprised, not to mention Yukari sounds exceptional here. Can’t say if the contrast was left intentionally…

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22674651

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22674651

 Video’s art by Ruuya. 

GUMI - Taro-san ga konya maajan butte uchi kuru no ga osoku naru uta

“Taro-san ga…” is a neat song by Mottsu Aomori. The style is closer to grunge. The music is mixed deliciously, everything sounds impressively solid. Well, there aren’t much fresh moves, and some parts look rough when fit together. Vocal parts are well-written, but Gumi performs it not so great (sigh…). Still the song makes good impression.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22666484

Aomori-san claims he did the drawing in 5 minutes. Hmm, are you sure? Maybe in two? ;)

 Video’s art by Mottsu Aomori himself.

GUMI - Gimme, Gimme!

An absolutely adorable piece by Eron-P. Together with the mind-blowing video, made by Toushitsu-0p, the song is a high, no, EPIC level trolling! I wish it was a little longer… The object (and subject as well) of trolling is Gumi, of course. Can’t say for the lyrics (this cries badly for translation) but her voice is really magnetic, grossly enhancing the overall crazy atmosphere of the song.

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22665052

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22665052

Well, yes. Hypno-pantsu-shots... Quite a literal reading of ‘hypnotising’…

 Video’s art by Toushitsu-0p as well.

Daiben - Project DIVA Edit PV

The edit is made by hisokeee-san. Miku performs in her “Pierretta” image…

‘And now, Miku, you’ll be singing “Daiben”.

‘D-d-daib…’ *cups her mouth in an utter embarrassment*

‘Don’t worry, it’s like ‘Cat Food’. Only it’s not about cats. And it is a little louder. Otherwise, it’s a piece of cake for you’.

 Well, hisokeee put horns on her neko-cap and added a devil’s tail, so we could presume all the formalities are observed. Or maybe we couldn’t ;)  Nevertheless, for good or for ill, Miku looks rather cute here. She hops around with a guitar on a flaming stage. And dance in flashes of red lights like it’s some fucking psychedelic glam rock. A piece of cake, indeed…

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22660628

Yes, the mike stand is broken. No, I don’t know why. Perhaps when Miku was hopping around with the guitar?..

Kagamine Rin - Horizon

An excellent, spirited and even touching song by Jan=Junkyard. For a debut work, it is amazing. “Horizon” is a light-hearted grunge, smooth and engaging. Jan-san has notable guitar skills. Drums parts are made with a great talent too. Still there is a little drawback: Rin sounds a bit muted, losing ground to the lead guitar. It seems that their frequency ranges overlap somehow, and lead guitar is loud here… Nevertheless, Rin tries to shock us with her outstanding abilities in Engrish. Fuck, Rin, c’mon… I mean I’m shocked, of course, but… ehh… just don’t… save our ears…

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22659282

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22659282

Rin’s legs. Just Rin’s legs, period. Fuck, why am I keeping staring at this?.. :/

Video’s art by Yuki Hata-san.

Hatsune Miku - Kyoushi to-raku shi

Wow, guys, a rare sight – Vocaloid black metal. Watch now, don’t miss you chance :) Well, “Kyoushi to-raku shi” is black metal indeed, sounding like something from the first half of 1990s. And yes, I mean mix quality as well. But who the fuck cares about sound quality when we have *true* Vocaloid black metal (and if I’ve braced ‘true’ with asterisks I should as well brace ‘Vocaloid’ with hearts, which I’m too timid to do yet. Thanks God ‘black metal’ doesn’t need bracing, for it speaks for itself). Thunderous guitars, forceful drums’ play – what more could we desire? Well, now I know one particular thing we could desire as well. The ‘thing’s name is Miku, and without her bright voice the song would definitely lose a great deal of its charm…

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22654988

The video features spinning Miku Hatsune. No, not 'rolling', but 'spinning'. Yes, there is a difference.

 Video by neko-tan.

Hatsune Miku - Deception

The first screamo work on VMW. Screaming parts are done by Kourimanjuu-P (the producer) himself, which might be for the good. Because – alas – Vocaloids are still uncapable of the screaming on a par with the one presented here by Kourimanjuu-P.

“Deception” is a quite intense piece of post-hardcore with a bit of untraditional, prog-like sound. Wild guitars, even wilder bassu, mad screaming vocalist – only Miku seems to be in a perfect serenity in the eye of the storm. Nice contrast…

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/nm22651198

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/nm22651198

 Video’s art by TSUKeI.

Satou Sasara - Ga

A neat song by Pocharo, sung by Sasara Satou. Sasara is technically an analogue of Vocaloid software, distributed in CeVIO Creative Studio package. Currently it’s not much popular in Japan and little known in the West. But, as you guys could clearly hear from the track, Sasara is by no means inferior to any of her more famous Vocaloid rivals. Well, if a producer knows his business.

And Pocharo knows his business well enough. “Ga” (which means ‘Moth’) is a softer approach to nu/alternative metal, with gentle verses parts and heightened choruses, driven by high-pitched, affecting Sasara’s singing. Mixing quality is robust, especially the yummy sound of distorted guitars and the bassu.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22644199

 Video’s art by maili.

IA - The requiem for everyone's soul

Lesxpaulx’ attempt on crossbreeding modern classical with metalcore. The outcome is a nifty symphonic metal (hoocoodanode? :) ) This is the cover again. The original theme is from the soundtrack of Persona 3 video game. Given the incoming material, I should say lesxpaulx’ alchemy works rather impressive. Well, I’ve expected nothing less from the guy, he is gross! As for IA, there is not much work for her there, but she manages it well.

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22652685

Hatsune Miku - Naraku no hana

“Naraku no hana” (“Hell Flower”) is a music piece originally produced by Nakazawa Tomoyuki as a theme for “Higurashi When They Cry” TV anime series. Back then “Naraku no hana”  was sung by Shima Miyaeiko (who was also the author of the lyrics). Back then “Naraku no hana” lacked distorted lead and rhythm guitars, bass, and proper drums arrangement. And, of course, it lacked Miku. All of which means the song basically… sucked. Might explain 1.8 million views on this Youtube posting along. You know, good stuff never reaches such popularity.

Matsuyo added all the missing parts to the song – and, surprise, surprise! – it became decent enough! The overhaul was made for Nico’s Anime Song Cover Festival. The intro is kinda the tribute to the original work, but then neat (if a little casual) post-hardcore starts. Miku sounds pretty natural, but rather feeble. Like all that blood in the video (and video features nothing but BLOOD, BLOOD, BLOOD!!!) was taken from the vocalist (hmm, do Vocaloids have blood?). At least, the video is truly mesmerizing.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22632217

Video making. Photo from Matsuyo’s Twitter.

GUMI - Kogoeru sora ga, gekijou ni somaru toki

“Kogoeru sora ga…” is a track from the same-titled album by Minazuki Jun. The CD was released at Comiket 85, some two weeks ago. The song seems to have the most alternative sounding of all the album’s tracks. It tears the listeners’ nerves with dissonant chords and odd melodies. Gumi’s singing adds to the overall depressed atmosphere. Speaking of bright spots (which is quite odd in this song’s case), I should mention the stunning sounding of lead guitar. It is tense, dramatic and passionate, binding the daunted mood of the music. The mixing quality is great too.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22641065

Hatsune Miku - Kara sugi warota www

Now some *true* punk! Because unfortunately, Vocapunk is too often, you know, so *rosy* and so *sweet* and so *sugoi*… No, “Kara sugi warota” is quite a different story. It doesn’t sound ‘mainstream’ punkish (which is good), but it certainly has punkish spirit (which is even better). Music doesn’t fit mainstream – well, the fuck with mainstream! Sound quality blows – the fuck with the sound quality! The producer can’t draw cutesy animu characters – the fuck with cutesy drawings, and the fuck with animu! Never such minor obstacles stopped a true punk song from reaching the hearts of the fellow audience…

The video, despite all the Turu’s efforts, came out rather cutesy btw :) In it’s own, punkish way ;)

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/nm22636709

From now on, let’s consider every drawing surpassing this one in quality ‘not true enough for *true* punk’.

Video’s art by Turu himself. Wait, have I called *this* an art?

Hatsune Miku - Nozomu sekai

“Nozomu sekai” is a new work by [red*fox]. So far the quality isn’t impaired by the pace of composing new music :) The current work keeps distinctive style of [red*fox], but few points should be mentioned. First, this time certain parts remind me of… oh my God, no!!! j-rokku. Not *that* explicitly, of course, just some hints, but still, still… Also, if my ears don’t fail me, only lead guitar was used in the recording. Generally, it hardly could be considered a drawback. But here the lone guitar sounds rather crude. And surely it doesn’t make the song heavier.

Well, on the other hand, it leaves more space for Miku. Luckily, Miku uses the opportunity quite well. Her singing, together with intense electronic sequences makes “Nozomu sekai” quite a worthy piece.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22633655

MP3 download: http://piapro.jp/t/B2BG (registration required)

Spotting an average Vocaloid on some images becomes more and more challenging task…

 

Video’s art by Shizuki Noma.

GUMI & Hatsune Miku - Recall

A song from the Light side of the Force again. If you crave for something heavier, I have to remind you of Master Yoda’s words: “Patience you must have, my young padawan”. Well, in fact, Master had a low opinion on the Dark side:

Speaking of expensive hustlers, not a long time ago I was hanging in a bar… Huh? The song? What song? “Recall”? Ahh, yes, of course, the song, almost forgot about it… ;)  Well, the track, made by Aki-san, is an easy, vibrant and adorable piece of music, closer to rock’n’roll, but with its own distinctive mark. Everything is done masterly, especially the drums part. But what struck me most is Hatsune’s singing. Guys, I hadn’t believed my ears first! The chorus might be impaired by overpitching vocals up, but the verses are splendid. Gumi’s nice too, but I somehow get used to her fine vocals in other works. Miku, though, is a real shocker here.

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22624188

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22624188

Never, NEVER EVER try to do this with your iPhone. Most likely you’ll end up with splintered pen. The fuck with the pen, you could easily injure your hand.

...At least put on safety gloves.

 

Video’s art by Aizawa Cobalt.

Erica - cover by E.L

“Erica” might be a way off general ‘loud’ VMW format, but… This cover is SO MERCILESSLY BEAUTIFUL! So much the worse for the format :p . 

Just 200+ views on Nico now, what a shame…

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22615388

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22615388

Yuzuki Yukari - Watashi, kusatte mo fujoshidesukara

Finally, some power metal. And not just 'some' power metal, but power metal from Hidaritsuu=cast-P. The main difference is that ‘some’ power metal is about glory, swords, dragons and other hopelessly boring things. Hidaritsuu’s lyrics are a great deal more engaging. A GREAT DEAL, no fucking bullshit! For instance, current song is devoted to fujoshi theme (fuck, an academic research on this crap… where the world is heading?) Of course, Yuzuki Yukari is portrayed as fujoshi in the video. Yukari’s fans should shit bricks, but it seems they even adore this interpretation. The explanation might be simple: a huge chunk of Yukari’s fandom could be fujoshi themselves…

Back to less ambiguous topics. The music itself is a solid power metal, with fervent guitar shredding backed by mighty bass, intense drums and atmospheric symphonic parts. Fujoshi or not, Yukari sings excellent here. Sound quality continues to improve gradually, thanks to CROW'SCLAW's and Kagome-P's efforts. The video, by taka33, is witty too.

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22614113

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22614113

My eyes hurt looking at this.

 Video’s art by Iroia.

Hatsune Miku - Day Goodbye Lady

Damn, VMW is turning rapidly into some kind of dusty old-fart club living of memories past and long ago forgotten… :) Blame my nostalgia, guys, and nothing more. So, if you are still here, let me present you a new work of Mei-Fu Kei Mukou. Hmm, the word ‘new’ doesn't seem proper here, because “Day Goodbye Lady” is so fucking 1970-ish that you hardly believe Miku could sing it. If you’d asked some hairy dude back then 'is it possible that a program will do nice hard rock', he’d have said ‘fuck you’ in your face. And then he’d have offered you beer. Well, forty years have passed, and we lack neither cute robotic singers nor beer. We may lack only the atmosphere of those 40-years-old days, the spirit which is hard to explain by words. But it hasn’t vanished completely; you find it accidentally in things where you never thought it could be. Like in this Vocaloid song. It’s closer than you think, and it’s still alive...

Fuck, I need to break off with these doodles right now. Damned nostalgia will eat my brains out eventually. And beer. But nostalgia will do it sooner.

Nicovideo link: 

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22602046

 Video’s art by fect-san.

Hatsune Miku - Synthesized Feelings

A fresh work from Okame-P, made in his traditional style. I would define it as ‘post-hardcore’, if it hadn’t been yearning so much for ‘softcore’ instead. So yes, synthetic sound for “Synthesized Feelings”, no one will be shocked I suppose :) . Anyway, these parts are made emotionally intense and appealing in a certain way... Vocaloid’s singing is… well, ‘traditional’ again for Okame-P. So Miku IS present, and let’s do Okame a favour and consider it as the only possible benefit ;)

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22600393

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22600393

Hatsune Miku - Akusei doguma suuhai

Nontrivial works continue to come into VMW’s view. This time the song disproves the rule that when you mix up uncommon ingredients you end up with some sort of chimera. Love and skill make miracles, guys, and “Akusei doguma suuhai” is a nice example of that. It is lightweight, dainty and smooth fusion paying little respect to genre definitions. The only certainty might be the general ‘oldie’ spirit of the song.

Virtually everything sounds perfect here. Miku’s doing her job well too. Her parts are quite tricky yet she makes it awesomely bright. Great work, Anyaho-san!

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22585309

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22585309

Some details make me believe that this is Hatsune Miku. For instance, the tag on Pixiv…

 Video’s art by Fuchi-Ta.

IA - Incarceration

Psycho Assemble Laboratory is keeping its mark. In “Incarceration” you’ll meet with their usual energetic cocktail of electronics and heavy riffs, this time with IA as a singer. In fact, the word ‘usual’ underestimates the efforts of the team. Each their work has a unique character, and this one isn’t an exception.

“Incarceration” turns from trance to post-hardcore and back again, without losing momentum even slightly.

The video deserves few warm words too. Created by Takemura Ai-ryuu, maybe it’s not exceptional, but still is captivating and pairs with the song nicely.

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22605531

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22605531

 

Video’s art by riA.          

Hatsune Miku & Hakaine Maiko - Psychedelic paranoia

Do you recall my ramblings on ‘experimental’ metal? Well, it turns out rather quickly that I wasn’t overstating things a single bit. Because here we are with “Psychedelic paranoia”, and the title of the song exactly matches its essence. Oh, my poor sanity…

Miku does the main job here, with a little help of Hakaine Maiko. You know, guys, in experimental metal you have to lean on contrasts. Especially when you are dealing with things like ‘psychedelics’ and ‘paranoia’. Well, bass guitar has a distinguished psy-dub cast here. And extremely harsh, twisting sound of electric guitars could drive some weaker souls into paranoia for sure. So at least we can say the song isn’t that lacking…

Nicovideo link: 

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22607215

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22607215

Judging by this picture, Miku’s mental health is fine enough. So why all this mess with ‘psycho’-theme? Because the song IS ACTUALLY ABOUT YOU, anon, and don’t you even try to deny this ;)))

Video’s art by mori.

Kagamine Len - Revenge

A new song by “9^th Damage” project. For a (welcomed) change, it’s nu metal. Maybe not that **true** broader scene nu metal, but still nu metal is nu metal, no one could argue with that :)

So what else should be mentioned? The tastiest component here is the bassu, which has that awesome evil ringing hue. The worst is… OK, OK, Banana boy, maybe not ‘the worst’, but definitely sub-par. Even you can’t deny it. Next time try to sound more brutal, Len-kun. And more natural. This is not some j-rokku caramel syrup, got it?

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22586157

Hatsune Miku - Rojiuranouta

Loud 2014 Year continues with absolutely amazing post-hardcore work by DASK team. Maybe ‘continues’ isn’t the correct word, because the song was posted on Nico at 00:00 exactly. So it could be counted as the beginning as well. If so, it’s a rather impressive beginning :)

The guys created smooth and rich sound without using any synthetics. In fact, it seems a lot more elaborated and fine than many works overlaid with numerous samples like a Christmas tree. Drums also deserve high praise here. And Miku-chan, of course. She is surely fantastic.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22572275

GUMI - Kokoro shoku termination

...And Gumi again. Somehow I'm not surprised.

“Kokoro shoku termination” is a mighty and enjoyable thrash metal/grunge with a kinda Japanese influence. It sounds a bit old-school for both scenes, but hardly should it be viewed as a drawback. Well, the only substantial drawback here is the indigestible drum machine. But the overall drive of the song, thanks in much to Gumi’s splendid work, conceals this quite easily.

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm22573356