THE GAZETTE – ROCK N’ ROLL IS NOT DEAD

(the GazettE "15th ANNIVERSARY LIVE" TEASER)

When the GazettE first debuted, the band consisted of members Ruki (Vocals), Reita (Bass), Uruha (Guitar), Yune (Drums) and eventually Aoi (Guitar). The band officially debuted on 10th March 2002. Yune then left on January 2003, and was replaced by Kai who offered to be the band’s leader. They signed on to PS Company label and released their first EP, Cockayne Soup. Now, they’re currently signed to Sony Music Records. They’ve released 8 albums, 6 EPs and 24 singles thus far.

(From left to right: Aoi, Kai, Ruki, Uruha and Reita.)

I’ve listened to them since 2010, with "Shiver" being the first song I listened to. At first I didn’t quite like the song, probably because it was my first time listening to a new genre, but I was intrigued to listen to their other songs. Soon after, I got really hooked listening to "The Invisible Wall", "Zetsu" and "Vortex".

What I really like about them is that they had such a unique sounding style. Ruki’s vocals are amazing, and the songs he writes are really heartwarming, meaningful and some even devastating.

I've listened to all their albums, so I could see their visual and music style change throughout the years. Even though I enjoy listening to them, I felt that the era of 2004-2011 were their best. I really enjoyed their earliest years because I could feel their energy and get a sense of who they are. Once it came to Beautiful Deformity, their style, in my opinion, had completely changed. It was a good change in my opinion, because they provided their fans with a fresh take on their branding. Their style was getting darker both visually and auditory. However, I felt that with that new change, they went downhill for a moment. I admit that album wasn’t their best, but they had some good songs on it. Their next album, Dogma, was much better and with the new ‘dark element’ that had been implemented before, it felt more the GazettE.

I like the direction in which they’re heading in, with a heavy sound and style. No matter what happens, I will still support the GazettE in any way. I really do hope they would do an Asia tour soon (after all Aoi-san did say he wanted to visit Singapore).

Some of favourite quotes by them include:

1. Ruki – My motto is “Impossible Is Nothing.” It’s like “If you set your mind to it, you can do anything.” GazettE was something where impossible was nothing. (CD DATA July 2007 issue)

2. Kai – Dream: To become a person who can give people dreams. (Fools Mate, Dec 2010)

3. Aoi – There is but one end to life, so let’s enjoy it! If you sulk around, you lose! The ones who enjoy this short life are always happy~! (Official Twitter, 2011)

4. Reita – I’m always thinking I want to do the best I can. It’s better to try and fail rather than let a good chance go by. (Arena 37C Special Vol 50, 2008)

5. Uruha – I am what I am right now not because of myself alone, but because of what we all aimed at. (Neo Genesis Vol 15, 2007)

Of course, what's a review without some recommendations? Here are some of my top picks of the GazettE songs over the years (in no particular order of course because they are all amazing):

1. The Invisible Wall - 2009, Dim

2. Fadeless - 2013, Beautiful Deformity

3. Filth in the Beauty - 2007, Stacked Rubbish

4. LUCY - 2015, Dogma

5. Anata no tame no kono inochi - 2004, Madara EP

6. SxDxR - 2004, Disorder

7. Doro Darake no Seishun - 2003

8. Distress and Coma - 2009, Dim

9. Vortex - 2011, Toxic

10. Inside Beast - 2013, Beautiful Deformity

And to hear that their 15th anniversary will come on 10th March 2017 makes me a little bittersweet but happy. They’ve worked so hard and came a really long way and I hope they will continue on.

[Tags: #Japanese #jrock #rock #visualkei #theGazettE #GazettE #ruki #reita #uruha #kai #aoi]