the GazettE - MADARA

If MADARA were a movie - which, to a certain extent, it is, as a music video was created for each song - it would consist of a sequence of fairly unrelated scenes, rather than be a traditional feature with a straightforward storyline. On each track, the band adopts a distinct style and explores a different aesthetic. Though some of the tunes arguably remind of other bands’ efforts - Shiikureta haru, kawarenu haru sounds as if it were part two of Dir en grey's Yurameki - each one of them is blessed with quite an extraordinary catchiness. It's a kind of creative freshness which oftentimes, as the band gains popularity, ends up being replaced by impersonal professionalism. In other words, what we have here is visual kei at its best.

MADARA contains its fair share of youthfully cheeky songs, such as Sumire, Anata no tame kono inochi. The other tracks, including No.666 and MAD MARBLE HELL VISION, contain a sheer boldness that is simply beyond description. Calling this EP the quintessence of post-2000 visual kei wouldn't be too far from the truth. Indeed, MADARA can be described as a recapitulation of the finest elements of late 90's/early 2000s visual kei. Therefore, there is some nu metal, traditional visual kei-style rock showcased in Anata no tame kono inochi, jazzy rock with Sumire, as well as some kind of punk rock heard in Ruder.

Though the GazettE most certainly drew some measure of inspiration from other bands, it could be said that in most cases they not only did better than their peers, but they actually managed to nail down the true core of any given song. For instance, you'll be left wondering whether any further efforts in the domain of nu metal-inspired visual kei actually makes any sense once you've listened to the fascinating gem No.666.

Given the sheer number of visual kei bands out there, it is always risky to openly state a given CD is a masterpiece. The reason is that there is quite likely a number of fantastic records one will probably never have the opportunity listen to. Yet with MADARA the case is clear: this EP is unquestionably a work of superior quality.