UROBOROS - ZODIAC

For such a new band, UROBOROS has been making a splash in the Japanese music scene. This could have something to do with its lineup – each member has years of extensive musical experience and bring with them their own built-in followings. Chief among them are vocalist Aya Kamiki, a recognizable name in the world of mainstream rock, and composer Keisuke Kurose, who almost single-handedly defined an entire subgenre of gothic rock with his last band, Asriel. Add in former members of cune and Plastic Tree, as well as one of BABYMETAL’s most impressive shredders, and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to call UROBOROS a supergroup.

Many regard the second instalment of a superhero film series as the point at which it breaks free of the hero’s origin and is able to present a pure, unfettered story to the audience. As a similarly super entity, could the same be said of UROBOROS? Their first effort, ANOTHER ARK, was a promising album that showed just how well such a varied group of talents could work together. The band’s latest release, ZODIAC, mirrors the comic book movie trend, casting off the band’s disparate origins completely and forming a unique, cohesive sound all its own.

Chokmah introduces the world to the new, improved UROBOROS via the intensely spooky blend of classical and modern instrumentation that first brought Kurose to prominence. The blend carries over into the next track, FROM HELL, which also marks the point at which UROBOROS begins to show its true colors. The blend of metal and electronic instrumentation is superb, and overlaying Aya’s impressive vocals on top creates an uncommonly emotional song that showcases the band at the peak of its ability. Following this is LOST EDEN, a more familiar hard rock concoction that utilizes its comparatively minimal instrumentation to put Aya centerstage.

Next comes the centerpiece of the album, ZODIAC, and with it more of the magic that UROBOROS has achieved. Almost literally, in this case – the lyrics have an occult feel to them that’s sure to delight any self-respecting goth, and are delivered with such power that the track swiftly becomes unforgettable. Instrumentally, ZODIAC is the most recognizably “Kurose” work on the mini-album, but also shows that he is not beholden to his work with Asriel, being quite capable of using his trademark violin-heavy sound in any number of ways. Taizo’s bass and Hiroshi’s drums provide structure to the next song, Infection, a rather creepy, balladesque composition featuring hauntingly cryptic lyrics.

Track six, Zoetrope, is livelier thanks to its slightly heavier instrumentation, featuring another interesting juxtaposition of piano and Takayoshi’s guitar. Despite the invigorated pace, however, the tone is very concretely mournful. Continuing in this direction is the last track, Lunar Eclipse, an emotionally-charged metal ballad that once again brings Aya into focus and really sells just how suited she is to a more brooding, gothic sound than exhibited in her previous career.

ZODIAC is a mini-album that leaves a deep, indelible impression. Each song is composed so cohesively that fans of any members’ individual careers won’t feel alienated, and the sound is so oddly accessible despite a strong gothic bent that new listeners will be able to dive right in without fear. Kurose has cracked the secret to making approachably dark music with a visual spin in a way that hasn’t been heard since the 1990s with bands like MALICE MIZER. Every member’s experience shines through, and every song is a flawless gem that all rock and metal fans are advised to experience for themselves. ZODIAC is such a perfect sophomore release that there’s really only one bad thing that can be said about it: listeners will likely not want to hear anything else for a long time after it’s over.



ZODIAC is available for purchase worldwide via iTunes.