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 W...