Nightmare - Killer Show

Nightmare's fifth original album, Killer Show is a release that includes everything from jazz to heavy rock, and even a heartfelt ballad. As another example of the band's versatility, it's sure to surprise, but not disappoint.

Pandora is a sublime way to introduce listeners to Nightmare's latest album. Though the song features heavy guitars and pounding drums, the subtle thrumming of Ni~Ya's bass, along with Yomi's resplendent vocals, lends a somewhat dreamy atmosphere to it.

Previously released as a single, DIRTY is a quick-paced track featuring the band’s unique rock sounds along with just a sliver of hip-hop influence, also evident to those who have watched the PV for the song. The tune culminates with an impressive guitar piece mid-way and carries on to end in much the same way as it began.

The jazzy number the LAST SHOW features the rich sounds of horns along with the skillful playing of each of Nightmare's members. Yomi's voice is well-suited to this style, effortlessly transitioning between smooth verses and snappy choruses. This lively track also incorporates the most perfect of bass lines and drum beats to round out a sound that just makes you want to get up and dance. Mellow guitar strumming starts off Mebius no yuuutsu, which at first listen may not be as memorable as other Nightmare songs, but should it not grab you right away, give it a couple more listens and it is sure to grow on you. It too shows the band playing up its jazzy side, but in a more subdued way. It is crisp and catchy, blending rapid beats with vocals that are, at times, almost surreal, though the music itself is anything but.

Another song featuring quickly sung verses is TrickSTAR, and it doesn’t come close to measuring up to its predecessor. The filtered instrumental break in the middle doesn't do anything to redeem it. However, a short but fierce guitar solo and Yomi's ever enjoyable voice is just enough to make the song worth hearing at least once.

Konoha, another of Nightmare's more recent singles, brings a peaceful piano intro together with Yomi's soaring voice and beautiful guitar work from both Sakito and Hitsugi. cloudy dayz, the song that accompanied Konoha on its single release, encompasses a cool, almost wintry feel. Yomi's vocals reign as the most dominant facet, though it also includes an absolutely masterful guitar solo. Raison d'être, also released as a single, features a fantastic instrumental opening. Ni~Ya's bass work is highlighted, though exceptional guitar work and phenomenal vocals are also undeniably present.

Intense and showing off a bit of Nightmare's wild side, WORST opens with some straightforward guitar chords and panted breaths before Ruka's hard-hitting drum beats are worked into the mix. Yomi's even, unassuming vocals lend an air of secrecy to the verses while bursting with purpose during the chorus. Listeners can also hear Hitsugi's unmistakable whispery backing vocals and enjoy another superb guitar solo, accompanied by more panting, in this standout track.

Djaïnism batsu is a delicious melting pot of elements that creates another awesome addition to the band's "Djaïnism" series of songs. From almost rap-like vocals to animalistic growls, bluesy bass thrums to trembling, manipulated guitar riffs, it is rather incomparable and shows off Nightmare's versatility. Occasionally filtered vocals add new dimension to General, the main features of the song being the pulsing, sometimes warped bass line and the rough-edged guitar work, giving the song a slightly gritty feel despite Yomi's lustrous singing.

Mesmerizing guitar work and the gentle sound of piano playing, along with breathy vocals, is the start to White Room. At times soothing, at others swift, it is a melodic rock song that is, though not the star of the release, a fine example of dynamic vocals and musicianship.

Closing out the album is Yasoukyoku, a song that has Yomi taking a more delicate approach to his vocals and showing listeners a vulnerability, which makes it that much more moving. The chorus, in particular, is likely to arouse emotion from listeners. The sense of aching in his voice is something that everyone can relate to. Sakito's and Hitsugi's guitar work are simple but effective, not overpowering the fact that the song is a ballad, and Ni~Ya's bass line matches well with the yearning in Yomi's voice. Yasoukyoku is an impeccable way to wind down and a heavenly note to end on.

Listeners never know what to expect when checking out Nightmare's latest releases. Constantly improving and adding new elements to their signature sounds, the band has produced another stellar album. Though Killer Show includes some previously released singles and B-sides that some listeners may wish were replaced by more new material, the CD is a musical collage that exemplifies the band's growth and hard work over the past year. It's a jazzy rock exhibit that is sure to thrill.