Kagamine Rin - Onju crossfire

Kiesca-san (aka Yandere-P) knows his business. Specifically, he knows that the combination of gothic metal and Rin is highly explosive stuff :) Especially if you put nice amount of energy and some skill there. Well, an upgrade of sound processing equipment would’ve made it totally fatal, but… you know, we always yearn for more ;)

I really can’t imagine this song without Rin. Well, distorted vocals can be sung by anyone, but clear ones… There’s something beyond words in Rin’s singing here. Something that gives me goose bumps… And I like it.

‘Onju’ in the title can be translated as ‘cursing’.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23436364


Yeah, this girl gives me goose bumps… Is something wrong with me? ;)

GUMI - Tonin toshoku

Mighty heavy metal from Hell-P (lyrics by Kubi-nashi shikkusu). Gumi sounds lovely but we know she’s capable of more! :) Also, the chaos of voices in the middle of the song can easily drive you to insanity :) You’ve been warned.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23431424


“According to folklore, cats were(/are) monsters capable of transforming into more terrible monsters capable of terrorizing families for generations through deception and burning things (+/- zombies). Thusly, someone who "puts on a cat" (or wears a cat-mask, I suppose) is someone who is putting on an air of placidness that hides a terrible potential for going wild”.

Video’s art by Yoitsuki Hata.

Hatsune Miku - Nuclear Warfare

I grumbled at Kurihara Genki last time. I demanded more power. Well, in case of “Nuclear Warfare” there is nothing to complaint of in that sense :) In fact, the song is formidable metalcore with deep resonant bass and evil guitars. Also, if you remember, previous Genki’s song featured the most adorable breakdown I’ve ever heard :) So again, breakdowns in “Nuclear Warafare” come as exactly opposite. Well yeah, they’re pretty aggressive but also pretty standard which is hardly a benefit. Though the finishing one is rather nice.

There are digitally distorted growling vocals but a certain doubt is gnawing me that these aren’t Miku’s. Well, if they are that would be great, but still, still… Anyway, Miku’s lighter part in the middle of the song sounds excellent.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23430761


After wandering a couple of weeks in nuclear wastelands Black Rock Shooter would’ve looked something like this:

GUMI - Jishou shousha to soreigai

A beautiful song by ninigi project. The project’s works are rather diverse, this time it’s stylish and jaunty grunge. It’s smooth and fit, and made with such natural simplicity that can only be a sign of great mastery. Easy guitars and bass lines in verses are just made specially for bringing out Gumi’s vocals. And that’s for the good. Because Gumi is striking. Gumi is brilliant. Gumi is out-fuckin’-standing. Why, we need so little to be happy! :)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SZ7053Y3ik

Kawaii Hagane explosion

By 69Sammael.

｢S｣ - cover by tora

A great guitar cover of Yuyoyuppe's “S” by tora-san. Yummy aggressive sound and nifty skill! :) Also, this is basically a cover of a cover, but I failed to recognize who is singing… orz


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23415742

Lily - Rock Star revives

Second Lily's song in a row, I'm glad for her! :) And hard rock again! Hika Lilith has made it quite powerful, and Lily’s part has cool ‘rocky’ flavor that suits the music nicely.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23408002
MP3 download & Lyrics (JP): http://piapro.jp/t/_qwt


“Look at my lollipops… I said at LOLLIPOPS!..” :)

Video’s art by Masaki Gonta.

Lily - save

Nice grunge from gogotea-san. The sound quality is excellent. Lily sounds a bit sub-par compared to it, but she’s V3 at least, and that helps a lot ;)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23393398

Megurine Luka - Kyokugei joou-sama

I think without Metaluka this evening wouldn’t be perfect. Yeah, some metalcore would serve the best, but we live in a real world and not in some fairy tale, so power metal will pass as well :) So here it is: traditional shredding and percussion, some keyboards… and Luka-sama of course. Luka sounds pretty decent and handles higher notes excellently, much unlike in majority of her other songs.

The title translates as “Queen of acrobatics”.


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23387284


Mistress Luka-sama. She wants you to call her ‘Queen’. I’m wretched thing, I know ;)

Video’s art by Tonobito.

GUMI & Nekomura Iroha - Anomaly Gold

The guys from I DO Loud project cheer us with another awesome song! “Anomaly Gold” is a heavy/speed piece, vigorous, bright and energetic. The guitars are exceptional, thanks to aniroku-san who performs the lead part. And the girls are even better! Both Gumi and Iroha sound eager, passionate and just charming... The only obvious drawback: the song is too damn short… :(


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23382458



Video’s art by Amakura.

IA & Hatsune Miku - Mousou 〆 Question

Fantastic stuff from yairi-san. The man is gross, but this time it’s just something extraordinary! Wild, absolutely mind-blowing cocktail of djent, alternative metal, j-rock and unleashed electronics. And also picoreamo? Yeah, if you explain me what the fuck ‘picoreamo’ means :) The brew is perfectly dense and goes as smooth as vodka with Coca Cola ;) Add yairi’s top-notch sound with wicked and shrewd guitars and hard hits of bass drums. And finish this with two charming vocalists doing their best to match all this splendor! Oh, and I don’t know why, but IA’s and Miku’s voices sound suspiciously similar here :)

The song also features on the fresh yairi’s album “Daydream QuestioN ?” that will be released on Vocaloid M@ster 28 event. All the songs on the album are covers by utaites. “Mousou Question” is sung by Kaki-choco and Vivian.


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23383221

Palette - cover by Wish

Wish' version of Yuyoyuppe's “Palette” has got pretty interesting accents. The instrumental part was offloaded by muting the trebles, so the music sounds much softer. The vocals were edged with some effects. But the effects only bring out the real riches of the singer's voice. There is enchanting tenderness and deep passion, it is detached in a certain way yet at the same time undeniably sincere.
The English translation was made by Wish as well. Nice job!


Youtube:

SoundCloud link: https://soundcloud.com/small-repose/wish-palette-yuyoyuppe
Lyrics translation: http://cantabiledc.deviantart.com/art/Palette-Draw-the-Emotional-English-translyrics-385692598

Kagamine Len - Jibun justice

Old-school hard rock with banana boy :) The quality of Vocaloid hard rock is sub-par in most cases, but this work of Na-M (aka Hikitai-na-P; lyrics by Gyuuniku) is a welcomed exception. I find the drums really fetching. Len sounds expressive too. A pinch of punk, a bit of southern – and you’ve got pretty engaging piece!


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23365917


Video’s art by Kiriya.

GUMI - traveler

An excellent piece by Jiwataneho. The song will be released on “Honesty Will Never Break You” compilation, of the circle “I DO Loud’, and will be distributed on 28^th Vocaloid M@ster event.
The composition is slow-paced and lyrical. Solid Gumi’s voice and clever guitars’ line with a lot of contrast parts make this song a real masterpiece.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23364181



Video’s art by Kuensan.

Hatsune Miku - Bless my collapsar

An interesting post-hardcore song by SILIUS. The producer works in electronic genres as well, and this influence is rather noticeable here. The music has some meditational mood, despite having all the genre features. Maybe it’s the tuning of Miku’s vocal which literally blends into palette of higher electronic sequences. Maybe it’s just weak guitars. I must admit, I hate when guitars lack proper amplifying! >:(  But that’s the only drawback of the song I can mention.

One of the strongest points of the work is the video, made by Cada Saki. It is much closer to the broader scene's traditions (and class) than to the vast majority of clumsy Nico animu footage. Well, of course, it’s underground, so don’t expect any revelations, but still I think it’s quite fitting. Another handy thing is that video has English subtitles so we know what Miku is singing about.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23356005

Lily - Running Literary Boy

Yuu*-san is fast with another work! This time it’s a collaboration with Crimson Ishida, who’s written the music and recorded guitars while yuu*’s part was arranging and lyrics. I bet bassu was yuu*’s job too, because it is really notable here. The combined effort resulted in a nice and easy HM/HR song. Too bad I can’t get the lyrics meaning :)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23355167


No, yellow color of Lily’s eyes isn’t canonical...

Video’s art by july.

Sweet Sweet Cendrillon Drug - cover by Ooka Miko

Why, “Sweet Sweet Cendrilion Drug” again, and again a cover by UTAU. This time it’s an attempt by Ooka Miko – a Vipperloid, a werewolf and (SUDDENLY!) a singer. Miko-san isn’t much popular on UTAU scene. Perhaps that’s because of her vocals being extremely similar to that of her big brother – Ritsu. Well, you can hear for yourself. I find this cover very bright and energetic.

Youtube:


TheGrayKiwi: “also, why does Miko look like a bunny?”
Srsly, why???  ;)

Video by TheGrayKiwi.

IA & GUMI - Eye

Nice heavy metal piece from k1mu. I wished the producer to outstrip “Dream Theater” back in January, but he seems to move in another direction :) Wait, k1mu claims he made the first version of the song three years ago and this is a remake, but the first version wasn’t published probably. Damn, three years ago IA didn’t even exist! :) And this may explain ‘another direction’ ;)

A duet again, but IA is the only Vocaloid my ears can recognize here, Gumi must be used only in a chorus. Oh, and IA’s vocals sound pretty enough! The song features mighty guitars and is kinda overweight with electronics, considering the genre, but still the whole work is very robust.


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23347869

IA - Benioni

Folk rock can be cute. Vocaloid folk rock MUST be cute. Japanese folk rock sung by an angelic creature with the voice as mellow as summer wind is so cute that it fucking hurts :) Even if the angelic creature is flashing her katana and spattering red liquid all over the screen :) So enjoy this brilliant piece by mirei-san!


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23337663
MP3 download: http://piapro.jp/t/AGqe (registration required)
Song’s story and lyrics (JP): http://ch.nicovideo.jp/mirei30/blomaga/ar508389


Be very careful with angelic creatures. Especially with those having a katana and looking totally psycho :)

Video’s art by piyotaneko.

Lily - Shiroi-Haku

A perfect silence-breaker. The fresh piece from yuu* (Ishikifumei-P) shows its stature right from the first chord, long and brutal and implacable… And Lily sounding the most affecting on this background… The song is made in low-tempo, with the awesome bassu breathing rhythmically, with lingering vocal notes, with abrupt changes in intensity… The song is made with a mastery, basically, and maybe that’s the only point that matters!


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23329283



Video’s art by ameno.

Galaco - Kyouran renbu

The chance to meet Galaco in some metal song is extremely low, so we should consider ourselves lucky. And thank meganee aka Dotto-jP, of course. Yeah, the guitars’ tuning is horrible. And the drum machine is only slightly better. In fact Galaco’s offbeat vocal is the only part that seems to be enjoyable :) Why, that’s surely for contrast, you know, to stress the specialty of the case :)

The video, made by meganee too, features plenty of Galaco in underwear and even without :) So this Galaco song is remarkable in multiple senses :)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23295095


We do not know whether this amount of tattoos is a part of the official design, because the official design provides a little more clothing for the girl :)

Video’s art by DIN-sama.

Metsu zai shou xen - album review

Psycho Assemble Laboratory (猟奇アッセンブル研究所) project was formed in the middle of 2012. The main creative force behind it is two Japanese (bet you are not surprised :) ) musicians: shikka (失華) and 88IO. The guys claim there is a persistent enmity between them but I believe you shouldn’t take it seriously :) Although this may help to understand the album deeper :)

The album was released on 3^rd VOCALOID Paradise event in Kyoto on March, 2nd. “Metsu Zai Shou Xen” (滅罪生善) could be translated as “Atonement for good life”. It is the first full-size album of the project. About a year ago a demo was released, “Gozou Mashimaro”. The current album contains all songs from the demo, some of them remastered.

There are 14 tracks total (if we'd count 3 ‘instrumental’ intros), and 48 minutes of music. But that would be kinda inaccurate statement, because the music on the album is _different_ , and it could be divided into three parts. Two larger ones – let’s say 18 minutes and 24 minutes :) – and a smaller chunk. First, let’s talk about the two main parts. As you may have puzzled out already, the division is the result of the difference in two producers’ music style.

Yuzuki Yukari - Yume sakura

Yokomin is up with a new song too. Sakura theme again (‘yume’ translates as ‘dream’). I’m tired of it already, but soon it’ll be over :) The song features wild and dirty sound of distorted guitars, awesome bass drums line and intense thrashing of cymbals… Yukari’s voice, sober and clear, makes a nice contrast with all this brutality. The chorus where the producer drops the rush a bit seems to be a weaker part… But… But… DOES IT REALLY BEAR STRIKING RESEMBLANCE TO “BAD APPLE!!” CHORUS or it’s just my weird imagination? :)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23294404


For me Yukari in a short dress works far better than any blossoming tree :)
 
Video’s art by Gonmaru-sama.

Megurine Luka - Vocalo-holic

Only now I have realized it is very easy to surprise me. The video’s title doesn’t contain the name of Vocaloid singing it, so… My first thought when I’ve heard the clean vocals was: “Luka…” My second thought was “Fuck…” My third thought was: “Damn you Yuyoyuppe for five fucking years you DIDN’T GIVE A FUCK on quality of vocals now what? an enhancement? what have you been waiting for BASTARD I FUCKING LOVE IT” In this very moment my Caps Lock has died so I was forced to stop the hysteria. I mean euphoria… ;)

This song is lighter than average for Yuyoyuppe but keeps his style as well as quality. The shift somewhere into j-rock is rather substantial, especially in chorus. But many of post-hardcore elements are still present, including vicious-tuned guitars. The movie isn’t my thing actually, I’ve grown up on more mighty stuff ;)
For all I know, this can be the announce of a new circle. But the information on this topic has been pretty scarce so far…


Youtube:


Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23291416

Makimiya Fuuki - Disposed Virtue

A fresh song from Yuto. The producer continues to use Makimiya Fuuki’s voicebank – and continues to work in classic heavy style. “Disposed Virtue” is an interesting low-tempo grunge with pronounced, dense bassu line and some use of lighter-tuned guitar sound. The song has a nice atmosphere. Fuuki is good too, if only Yato hadn’t pitched his voice from time to time somewhere one and a half octaves higher than needed :) Poor UTAUs, a mere toy in hands of blood-thirsty producers :)


Youtube:

Soundcloud link: https://soundcloud.com/rampstudio/disposed-virtue

Yuishin-ron - cover by Hayaton

Can't say exactly why :) but so far Yuyoyuppe's covers posted here are percussion ones. “Yuishin-ron”, a recent piece from ‘yuppe, is a bit less prominent in that sense than “I am a superman”, but still allows a drummer to show his skill. And Hayaton does this very impressively! As I understand, this was his part (as well as piano) in the band cover of this song, together with Naha-no-daibutsu (guitar).


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23283306

Kasane Teto - in your dream

This is a track from the album “A World Of Impulse” which was released some three years ago. It is the only track there created by Yuuchan. The producer wasn’t much active on Vocaloid scene since 2011, and that’s sad, because Yuu clearly has a great potential…

“In your dream” is post-hardcore of excellent breed. It incorporates nearly every element of the genre. The guitars sound curt, they are tuned rather ‘dry’ for me. The guitars do the most of work here, the support from synths is not so pronounced.

There’s not much post-hardcore works with Teto, so her voice sounds rather fresh. Moreover, I must say the vocals fit rather nice the music. That would more than suffice for Teto, we can’t demand much of her ;)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23278390



Video’s art by Nijikan-han-okure.

GUMI - Ame sakura

I’m in a light mood today… If you are too, then try this little gem of a song by RUHIA (Wasabi-P). The sound is right from the late 1960-s :) Bright, engaging and just irresistible piece :) Gumi’s voice has some nice roughness here, which somehow makes me think that she has been boozing through all the night. :) I’m a spoiled man, I know ;)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23239669



Video’s art by Aka×Miyabi.

Hatsune Miku - Shigonosekai

An interesting piece by 417-san. The producer has been inactive for a loooooong time – the previous work was posted in 2011! So it is a comeback, and it is a damn great comeback!

The song has quite unusual sounding, with some roots in alternative rock. The bass line is no less but epic, especially the impressive bass guitar. The percussion is developed well enough too. With hollow echoing effects and supported only by bassu humming, Miku’s vocals are the leading part. Well, it hardly could be otherwise, because high pitching makes Miku a real challenge for those not accustomed to typical Vocaloid squealing :) Anyway, the melodies are splendid and are incorporated into the music with great skill.

But the music video deserves no less attention than the music itself. First, a few words on the character. 417 tells us it’s a sort of hybrid of Hatsune Miku and Kuuko, named (surprise, surprise!) Hatsune Mikuuko. If you don’t know who is Kuuko then you better stay unaware try to read this, understand everything from the first time and keep your sanity intact.

Actually, character’s background is hardly needed for watching, because the video is nothing else but SHAMELESS ONGOING FANSERVICE ONSLAUGHT. Yeah, I don’t remember anything even remotely as explicit as this ever been on VMW… Have never imagined VMW will turn into Miku’s tits content junkyard :)))


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23235634


Everyone knows nude Miku is better than Miku in some stupid native costume.

Video by 417.

Hatsune Miku - Inochi no hana

There wasn’t too much power metal of late… Wagamama-P tries to fix this with his new work. “Inochi na hana” translates as ‘Flower of life’ (a title more suitable for some emo song… OK, OK, I quit it :) ). It’s a sturdy if a bit simple speed/power metal with traditional guitar shredding and keyboard lines.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/nm23235300


This is Miku. A vocalist more suitable for some pop song… *shot*

Video’s art by Mameusagi.

IA - Insanity (remastered)

88IO of Psycho Assemble Laboratory project has released a remake of his early work. The original dates back to 2012. The new version is a stark contrast with the first one. The most notable point is upgraded electronic sound – because in the original it was rather immature. Upgrade means not only the soundscape became more immersive but also the guitars lost a good deal of their potency. The result is a smoother character, with synthetic parts playing a larger role. But there is also a shift into more characteristic, unique style of post-hardcore. Try it – you may as well like it!


Youtube:
Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23228738



Video’s art by rIA.

Kasane Teto - I know...maybe

Teto is continuing to gather birthday presents :) . The one from Zeki is a pretty heavy metal song. It features tasty guitars sound with fearsome bassu backup. The prominence of the guitars can only be surpassed by the awfulness of Teto’s eh… synthetic noises (I refuse to call it ‘singing’ ;) ). So yeah, guys, that is how unpolished, native Teto’s voice sounds. And this is the most popular UTAU. Dreadful, isn’t it? :)


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23227601

Kasane Teto - Goodbye

Yesterday was April’s Fools Day which is, of course, the birthday of Kasane Teto. I’m a bit late on it :( but still let me introduce a song that tahi_bassist has made on the occasion. This is an absolutely amazing hard rock, vigorous, potent and wicked as hell. Everything, from mix quality to guitar solo is just superb! Nice present, Teto, eh? :)


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23225868


To look infernal Teto doesn’t need wings nor tail anymore… :)

Video’s art by GBmah.

GUMI & Hatsune Miku - Have a Nice Day

You don’t expect anything worthy from the songs with titles like *that* usually, but the fresh piece from Coralmines is rather interesting. The producer claims it to be progressive rock, but for me it sounds more like grunge, with some prog features here and there. Let’s be just: this is the first producer’s metal song, so there’s nothing wrong in slight genre uncertainties. I must say for the first work in this style it is very impressive! The sound quality is solid, with marked guitars’ character and lavish bass drums. The tempo is a bit slower than most progressive works, which gives additional weight and authenticity to the song.

The less astounding part is vocals. Despite both girls are English variants, their Engrish is sub-prime to say the least. Sad, because the producer has made quite elaborate melodic lines for vocals, fitting the high prog standards. The fine lyrics deserve better treatment too… :(

Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23223867


Two thousand years ago nude statues were the most common thing. Today nudity hides somewhere in deep and dark Internet burrows. What, you call this ‘progress’?.. ;)

Video’s art by Sainker-sama. (btw, what is Chinese for ‘sama’? ;) )

Hatsune Miku - Shi noshinkou

Death metal is a rare thing when it comes to Vocaloid. The ultimate, extreme variety of death metal is even rarer. The flawless, perfect, sheer fucking tsunami of death metal is of particular deficit, but here it is – thanks to F_HotCake_20m. Enjoy. If you are tough enough.


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23215598

Kagamine Rin - Attack My Angel

…And the second work by Nexx. This one is certainly more evil. Rin slips to distorted vocals from time to time. The song has more contemporary sounding, though it isn’t the edge yet…


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23205506

Kagamine Rin - Ne kura shounen

Last time I was complaining there is too little Rin around. Well, it seems Nexx-san has heard my prayer, because he has released not one, but two mighty Rin’s songs at once. Here is the first one, “Ne kura shounen”, which translates as ‘boy with dark roots’. This is jaunty heavy metal with some punk-ish tinge. Nexx delivers pretty awesome distorted guitars sound!


Nicovideo link:

Nicoviewer link: http://nicoviewer.net/sm23204826