Dir En Grey's Kaoru Breaks Down 'MORTAL DOWNER' in Rock and Read 124
Dir En Grey's guitarist and bandleader Kaoru is taking readers deeper into the vision behind the band's divisive new album *MORTAL DOWNER* in the latest issue of *Rock and Read* magazine.
The iconic Visual Kei legends released *MORTAL DOWNER* on April 8th — their first full-length album in nearly four years, following 2021's *PHALARIS*. The 14-track record has sparked considerable debate among fans since its arrival, but Kaoru's comprehensive track-by-track breakdown in *Rock and Read 124* (out April 15th) offers essential insight into the creative mindset behind each song.
Kaoru composed nine of the album's 14 tracks and handled arrangements across the entire record, making him the primary architect of the band's latest sonic direction. In this exclusive feature, the guitarist and creative force behind Dir En Grey discusses his songwriting process, thematic intentions, and the artistic choices that define this "controversial work" — offering Western fans a rare window into one of Visual Kei's most influential acts.
For those unfamiliar, Dir En Grey emerged from the Visual Kei underground in the late 1990s and have remained genre leaders for over two decades, pushing theatrical rock into increasingly experimental and heavy territories. *MORTAL DOWNER* appears to continue that trajectory, warranting Kaoru's detailed explanation.
*Rock and Read 124* also pays tribute to LUNA SEA's Shinya (真矢), the legendary drummer who passed away on February 17th. The magazine's back cover is dedicated "In memory of Shinya," featuring a rare 1997 drum history interview from *Band Yarouze* (the predecessor to *Rock and Read*), plus live report photography documenting the band's history in the magazine's pages.
The issue also includes live reports from major acts including LUNA SEA, Kuro Yume, and sukekiyo, alongside interviews with Lucy, D'ERLANGER's Kyo, vistlip, and more.
**Rock and Read 124** hits shelves April 15th, 2026, priced at ¥1,300 (+tax). If you've been wrestling with *MORTAL DOWNER*, this is your chance to understand Kaoru's vision firsthand.
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