Malice Mizer - Merveilles

It has been said that Malice Mizer are pretty good at tricking people into expecting the wrong things from them. This is probably true for a lot of people who first venture into Merveilles, or what is usually described as, "probably the best" Malice Mizer album. The band's image is unquestionably gothic, yet their music, which whilst fitting perfectly well with this, still surprises many. Malice Mizer are no standard Visual Kei rock band. The opener, de merveilles introduces a delicate carnival theme which whilst hardly a new concept still sounds unlike any attempted by other bands. The French influence obvious from many of their song titles, and their 19th century aristocratic style of dress, is immediately noticeable through their complex classical instrumentation, complete with harpsichord and organ (in a rather Edith Piaf chanson sort of way...). There is a complexity and craftsmanship evident that sets this album apart from most of its peers in the genre it helped to define. The ever popular Gackt sings with an unfaultable voice throughout. His individual carefree singing style lends itself to the lyrics, with a confidence that makes him seem so at home with the songs, that he sounds like their sole author. The music never comes across malevolently despite the atmosphere and appearance of the band (and notwithstanding their name...) and there is a much celebrated quality to Gackt's voice that gives a pleasing feel to the whole set up; Brise for example, is an undeniably cute little gem.

The album's main highlights come with the lush later songs such as au revoir and Le ciel. The orchestration and sumptuous arrangements flow into one another, irresistibly conjuring images of deep starry skies that are punctuated only by the brittle S-conscious track. Like with many good albums it takes several listens before the detail in the melodies really stand out on Merveilles. Those looking for a darker, heavier and slightly more straightforward sound are perhaps better off with the Bara no Seidou album. With yet another new vocalist, this seems to aim a little straighter for the bands final effort. Though it’s probably not for everyone, Merveilles is an undeniably individual album in the crowded and vibrant Visual Kei world, and definitely worth every effort on the part of the listener.