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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 W...

KAMIJO, the theatrical mastermind behind the iconic symphonic metal act Versailles and a true pillar of the international Visual Kei scene, is inviting fans into his inner world through an exclusive new article series titled "LA VIE EN ROSE" (Life in Pink). For those unfamiliar with KAMIJO's legacy: he's the visionary frontman who helped define modern Visual Kei's operatic, classical-influenced sound. Versailles, his project that debuted in 2007, became one of the most celebrated symphonic rock acts to emerge from Japan, blending elaborate Gothic aesthetics with orchestral arrangements and virtuosic musicianship. Beyond Versailles, KAMIJO has remained a creative force, collaborating across multiple projects and consistently pushing the boundaries of what Visual Kei can express artistically. In this new series, KAMIJO steps into the role of personal storyteller, sharing candid reflections on the formative moments and influences that shaped his artistic iden...