D'espairsRay - Squall

D'espairsRay's new single, Squall, is a mixed bag in terms of style. It seems to mark a departure or a transition into a newer style, one which is slightly lighter and grander in its sound while continuing to hark back to classic and harsher days of D'espairsRay.

The title track, Squall, is definitely in the 'new' style with a fantastic, if slightly poppy, guitar-driven melody with layered synthesized strings to create a rather grandiose atmosphere. While they have experimented with such styles before, Squall is softer, less aggressive, and lighter in feel than previous D'espairsRay songs. As a result, Hizumi's voice shines. He leaves behind the anguished screaming for a smoother style that allows the listener to hear the Hizumi's rich vocals. Karyu's guitar is also particularly noticeable as the softer sound of Squall enables more complex and refined melodies than on their heavier songs. Squall is impeccably polished and a wonderful track, although it might initially feel a little alien to the ears.

Desert couldn't be more different. The thundering introduction leading into a volley of screams and growls takes one back into more familiar territory. It is a darker song heading back into the harsher gothic and metal sounds of Born. Zero is more noticeable, with a powerful bass that can be heard through the melee of sounds, and while the guitar is not as refined as in Squall, Karyu and Zero combine well with the drums for a song that is very classic D'espairsRay with a highly infectious melody. It sounds as polished as Squall though, and balances the harsh screaming with moments of Hizumi's smoother vocals. While it may end a little abruptly, Desert is a superbly heavy assault on the senses offering a thundering example of an older D'espairsRay for those a little confused by Squall.

Screen presents another enigma. It is like a strange ballad, with industrial roots and a slightly creepy melody firmly influenced by electronica. However, the band members, aside Hizumi, seem strangely absent. Yet, while the drumbeat and piano melody are a synthesized affair, they are a beautiful accompaniment to Hizumi's voice creating a melancholic and lonely atmosphere. While at times Hizumi's voice is quite beautiful, the noticeable lack of other members makes any little hiccup apparent and occasionally Hizumi seems to slide slightly off-key or over-stretch his vocals. Hizumi's voice is strong but perhaps not strong enough to carry off such a quieter song alone. Though with that said, Screen is mesmerizing; experimental but really beautiful.

Squall is a superb release. It contains three original tracks and all of a high quality. It's a little different, a fact that is slightly mitigated by the accompaniment of Desert on the release, but this also reveals a band that continues to be creative and continues to be one of the most polished bands in the visual kei scene.