I FORBID IT | Band-Maid (Forbidden Tale)

[@davidcanty7903]

More than ten years with the same line up is a fantastic accomplishment for a band.

[@matthewkleist1580]

You just can't help but to smile whenever hearing them play. It's just so good.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Kanami is playing the Custom PRS 25-08 *she ordered* because *she* wanted it. Yellow Tiger stripes. Afterward, Paul Reed Smith flew out to Tokyo to present the new PRS Kanami Signature model to her. The new guitar is Trampas green burst, stunningly gorgeous, and Kanami was nearly in tears when Paul handed it to her.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

After more than a decade together BAND-MAID continue to provide us with awesome music for the future whist giving us memories from the past.🤗

[@80mtn]

Earstalgiagasms for everyone!!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@80mtn It's what our ears were invented for.😏

[@stimproid]

After more than a decade…. Chase posts another video.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Yeah, how do they do that anyway? And we haven't even talked about what they do for us in the present...🤔

[@curtisrrobles7885]

❤

[@adilsonfernando1754]

Band-Maid doing Band-Maid things, Carneson Chase. Kudos my friend.

[@falconsooner]

Thanks for the reaction! I love how the song ebbs and flows and strays from their normal formula. The song really takes one on a journey and captures the highs and lows of life.

[@80mtn]

"Witness us, as sweet and beautiful as to leave you in a daze"

[@GaryHolloway-810]

🥲

[@80mtn]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I just love that line. 🥰

[@glacieractivity]

Kanami casually wrote a prog-rock anthem for everyone with too short an attention span to be navel-gazing for 15 minutes of prog - crammed with enough musical ideas to fill an entire studio album of some pretty decent bands. Business as usual, in other words.

[@nussekuddenxxx6564]

Thank you! I missed your B-M reactions!

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Every time the Maids make a new presentation, you cannot fail to notice that they always up their game. Band-Maid sees themselves as a business and they've implemented a Continuous Improvement Program that works. Yes, the mix is busy. I see "Forbidden Tale" as a song the Maids wrote in order to include a multitude of messages/stories spanning their career together and it includes perhaps too many elements in a very tight space.

[@davids9445]

I like the mix on this song and the whole Epic Narratives album but hey we all have different ears 😅

[@ChaseCarneson]

Definitely. And mine are dodgy hahaha

[@curtisrrobles7885]

​@@ChaseCarnesonlol

[@Charles-ce7ev]

Always a better day when you react to my favorite band. You need to react to the new video Zen next. The production on that video is impeccable, the best I've ever heard from not just the Maids, but ever. No joke. Thanks for all you do for the band.

[@stevekane4922]

Gotta hear "Zen" Kanami's latest masterpiece. Guitar masterclass.

[@bobespirit2112]

We are living through the era of BAND-MAID.

[@toshimatyu6654]

From Japan BAND-MAID's songs have become more complex and diverse over the years. The five members try to pack as many ideas and techniques as possible into one song. When you first hear it, it may sound monotonous and flat. However, after listening to it a few times and getting used to it, you will start to see different things. It's the usual BAND-MAID that you never get tired of listening to, even if you listen to it many times, and the charm doesn't get across in one listen. And at a live performance, it becomes even more charming. I have experienced this song as the opening song at a live performance four times, and I was moved every time.

[@billb.5183]

I think fans are exaggerating a tad when they say Kanami's custom PRS sold out the same day., though I do think it became difficult to find one after only a few days. The guitar she's playing in this video is her PRS private stock guitar that she got before she was honored with her own signature model in November. She plays the new signature guitar in their new video "Zen" if I'm not mistaken. It's a real beauty.

[@philproffitt8363]

Oh Yeah, nice one Chase 👍😁 Indeed, Mincho has a nice dirty solo, on her beautiful new signature PRS, on the just released song 'Zen' . Lead guitar Maid doing lead guitar Maid things 💪👊🔥❤🤘🤘🤘

[@ichinov]

🤘🤘🤘

[@ChaseCarneson]

💪💪💪

[@peterwilliams6289]

To your comments on production - my observation is the production and balance is clearer on their live performance blu-ray/DVDs than their studio CDs.

[@michaelthain4488]

Nice reaction overall Chase. There will be differences of opinion on their sound, but I personally love heir sound on Unseen World, Unleash and Epic Narratives. Mind you love their sound as well on Conqueror.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

According to the playlist, this is 31, Po. 🕊️

[@BMfaninTN]

Only 110+ more to go

[@bandmaidfanATL]

@BMfaninTN plus the lives, plus the fancams, plus the acoustics, plus the instrumentals...more like 400+

[@technopsychobedlam]

I agree that the production on Akane's cymbals can be intrusive at times, not just in this song.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

The songs already released earlier last year are just Band-Maid awesomesauce! The six new songs are so tightly integrated and complex, it's going to take a Tokyo minute to assimilate. But I already love Forbidden Tale, and especially The One. 😉🤘 btw - We should all wish a "Good Luck" to Band-Maid's new self-run management company: Maidit, Co., LTD! Will they managing other bands, boost Cluppo and Maiko projects, or tour more internationally? Or maybe they will expand their business interest to other sectors of the music biz outside of Band-Maid. I believe Kanami wants to get more into composing, scoring and production. And as for Miku and Saiki, the sky's the limit for what they'll want to do in merch, fashion and art, etc.. Thx, Chase!

[@kla4600]

Bring us Zen soon, too! One of my favorite Kanami solos. Among other virtues, including a mix I think you'll like better. Thanks for another great reaction.

[@realdocloco]

Some will maybe (maybe not) be angry on you about the mix (and busy orchestration) comment but I tend to agree here (and on most of "Epic Narratives"): a slightly less charged mix would make those great songs even better. That's why I'm so happy with their new song "Zen" because IMO the mix is much better and efficient (and you'll see her Signature PRS in it!).

[@Metal_Auditor]

I feel like this has been a frequent problem since “Different,” but it’s gotten worse with “Unleash” and “Epic Narratives.”

[@joki5346]

@@Metal_Auditor When "Unseen World" came out, it occurred to me that during Covid she simply had too much time to work out the songs and because of her ambition and desire for perfection she packed more into it than was necessary.

[@Metal_Auditor]

@@joki5346 maybe so. Her tone has also seemed a lot brighter since 2020. I prefer her crunchier pre-2020 tone.

[@joki5346]

@ I don't particularly like her shrill octave tone. I didn't like that from Rory Gallagher many years ago either.

[@realdocloco]

@joki5346 I'm a HUGE Rory Gallagher fan ( I was 16 when I discovered him). Could be one of the reasons why Kanami's tone ring a bell now that I think about it. Above everything, I love that it is her tone and not the same tone we hear everywhere.

[@mikeholmes5308]

Sorry the mix was bad for you, Chase. Not hearing it myself, though as always, I'm sure that there'll be a live version of this that surpasses this one. So, very much looking forward to that!

[@ChaseCarneson]

Can’t wait for that. Looking forward to anything they put out.

[@Kevin6059]

Even though I love this band more than words can say and have for over 6 years, I've had one complaint on the sound. And one caveat - I don't really know much about sound quality so these comments come from others who have described what is causing this. BUT - To me, it sounds like as in so many other bands, they've cranked up the loudness to the point of excess clipping, making the highest frequencies sound like a bit of a mess. I mention this because dammit this is my favorite band and I want crystal clear high resolution highs - a la Steven Wilson quality. In recent years, Kanami has been using (I think) and Eventide Pitch Shifter which puts a lot of stuff she does up an octave. I personally wish she wouldn't do it as much, because I miss that fat guitar sound (which you still hear from Miku's guitar) out of Kanami's guitar. That said, I know why she does it, because she wants all five members to be heard clearly, and it opens up everything for MISA and Miku to be heard distinctly. I will say that the last two releases (Unleash!!!!! and Epic Narratives) are slightly better to my ear - I found Unseen World to be heartbreakingly bad "soundwise" - so when I went to crank Manners up really loud (cause I love that song) I had to back it off because it splattered all the highs. So - a rare criticism from me, about the best band that ever was. If anybody thinks I'm full of crap, that's fine - I am not slow to admit when I'm wrong. I'm wrong a lot.

[@falconsooner]

Your comment was made respectively. I'm not an audiophile and I'm glad I am not because things that bother many people don't bother me. You make an excellent point about Kanami's tone allows the Misa and Miku to be heard more easily. That often gets overlooked.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Kevin6059 Kevin i've always preferred Kanami's tone before she used her Eventide octave harmoniser. I could be wrong but remember, i'm never wrong.😁

[@Kevin6059]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I've noticed that😉

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Kevin6059 See, you're right.🙂 I just think the Eventide gives her PRS a whiny synth sound instead of that crunchy tone . Psst her Addictone sounded better :)

[@Kevin6059]

@GaryHolloway-810 Agree. Although the PRS sounds great to without the shifter.

[@jwoodjapan]

Thanks for the reaction, Chase. I don't know much about music recording but I agree with you on the sound quality of this song and feel that recent Maids albums have "too much" of something or the other, i.e. just too busy. I saw Alan of Dicodec mention that they sometimes have four guitars playing on one song (this was on their latest MV "Zen"), which seems like it might be a bit much (although I like that song a lot!). Ever since "Sense" came out, I've felt that their songs were a little too busy and preferred the simplicity of some of their early songs like "Freezer" and "Non-fiction Days," even though they weren't written by the Maids. I'd just like to see them tone the "white noise" (like the sound of the cymbals) back a bit.

[@TlanImass]

I keep thinking (benefit of the doubt regarding Kanami-san’s genius) that the overly busyness of the guitars is the reason there is no guitar solo. In other words, it was purposely there.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Definitely think it was purposeful. Not my kind of vibe for the mix but still a big fan.

[@JuanSan66]

Excellent analysis sir!. Thank you.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Thank you for watching!

[@holyomega3093]

It's being so long I've almost forgot you as part of the Band Maid reaction corp. Jokes aside, always glad to watch you react to them. They dropped Zen just a few days ago.

[@jeremydawkins8814]

From AFTERLIFE to ZEN BAND-MAID is the BESTIE.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@jeremydawkins8814 They have songs for every comment.🤗

[@curtisrrobles7885]

MISA!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! 🥃🥃🥃

[@bandmaidfanATL]

And I go agree. Gorilla could have pulled back on the cymbals a bit. But overall, a great composition, great playing, great vocals and great Ladies. 🕊️

[@Hogan-melb]

this ol guy with tired ears is with you Chase on the over cluttered/compressed recordings that i think detracts from the music on offer on band-maid cds... i think you missed a trick though with this song's structure as embodying the meanings of the narrative of 'forbidden tale' in the lyrics and visual presentation of the mv. other maidiacs can provide you with the full story - but 2 things here: kanami purposively didn't do a solo as such as she wanted to symbolise the stillness of a person's spirit in the midst of the everyday world of perpetual change - hence to the repeated motifs across the song. i particularly love saiki's (yes Saiki!) lyrics in the second last stanza - 'all that i want.. existence, proof... all that you want ... shine moment ...all that we have... life ,ethereal... all that we are..being guided...'

[@CESmith]

I want a white room of this song. It could be up there with No God. I feel you on the mix. Misa was too low in the mix on the first chorus got better each chorus after.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Also, Dawsonville in the house! 9! 🚗

[@lurkmerchant]

One thing I thought when I listened to this album from beginning to the end for the first time was that this album is mainly a vocal showcase (instruments aren't as forefront), and it sounds fine without headphone. All the albums I have so far seem to showcase bass and drums, which is fine by me and vocals sounds overcompressed. In my personal opinion, Epic Narratives sounds the best without headphone for casual listeners. Live version would be awesome. I'm not a big fan of their studio recording anyway. Thanks for your honest reaction.🎉

[@benkrov]

This is fine! But i would really like to hear your thoughts on Shimi by MTH!

[@BRO-HI808]

Always love your reviews and analysis. Kanami's Private Stock PRS MV debut! Rock on Master Chase! PO!🕊 🤘😆🤘

[@pitamaid]

🤘😛🤘

[@Greg-om2hb]

Fooled you. No guitar solo. But KAMAMI makes up for it in ZEN, with her longest solo on record yet.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Hahha they sure did. I mean there was a lead piece but no definitive solo.

[@jeffreykuska7877]

My hearing is not good either. I couldn’t hear what you talked about. But still good reaction.

[@crabuki1273]

Thumbs up for Chase... who got juked. :-) S'ok, most of us did. Love the jazzy bits in this song. Hey to Bea!

[@ChaseCarneson]

I got duke? 👀

[@crabuki1273]

@@ChaseCarneson Juked, like when a Springbok makes a move on an All Black and leaves him tackling air. You were all ready for the big solo, and it was not forthcoming. I certainly had that happen to me the first time I heard it. Love the tinkertoy nature of this song, just plugging disparate genres together and still making a banger out of them.

[@jonathanaraos9409]

Finally! :) what better way than to start my day. Great analysis. Even the "not so good mix"part. Spoken like a true madiac 😂

[@ChaseCarneson]

Still a massive fan, as always

[@topographic1973ify]

Not having a damn good day any more?

[@ChaseCarneson]

Of course I am.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@topographic1973ify I've got the sniffles but apart from that i'm having quite a good day too.🤧

[@hiawatha.g]

Interestingly, one of the reasons so many of the Japanese bands sound better live is that the studio versions are too busy. This is not the only Band_Maid song that felt a bit cluttered in the studio mix. Live, when there is less stuff going on, you really hear how good they are individually.

[@_JimS]

For 95% of people listening to this song, your "cluttering" claim is moot. Yeah, after 11 years they don't know what they're doing. Hope you're getting on well with the US.

[@ChaseCarneson]

I’ve seen a fairly large amount of people who agree. This is not about how long they’ve been doing this, it’s about who’s mixing the music and the choices they make.

[@paddyofurniture4681]

I don't have your ear, so I can't agree or disagree on the specifics you raised, but I can say it may be one of the many reasons we Maidiacs all love live vs MV/CD.

[@ChaseCarneson]

This is a very good point. When it comes to live, they don't miss a single thig. Production is remarkable.

[@joeg1709]

I have been saying the same thing for some time now. Audio/mixing has regressed the last couple of albums. I fear the "more is better" philosophy has crept into the mix and even Kanami's song writing. Compression is the killer of nuance and most everything "modern" is compressed out of this world and it sucks.

[@SuperWalla12]

New mv dropped recently of the ladies called zen Stormer of a song it's a opening song for a mappa anime 😊🤘🤘

[@BruceVeary-q3n]

Glad that you got your itch scratched. (Despite the very pregnant possibilities for innuendo here, I meant that literally). Band Maid forever!!!!!

[@MaartenT]

The production on their Epic Narratives album (as well as the EP before that to some extent) is way too overcompressed (especially the vocals) and has some overproduction in general. It's probably the reason why I was (and still am) pretty meh on it overall. It's produced closer like a J-Pop song/album than a rock album, but to be fair most Japanese bands produce their stuff like that nowadays and usually way more extreme than Band-Maid (I have complained about it way too much the last couple of years). A lot of people clearly like it though, for me it detracts from the music and the musicianship but to each their own obviously.

[@glenmartinez5158]

I do not like the mix on alot of their studio work. Love the live stuff but unfortunately, not much comes out of japan and they are not touring elsewhere. Starting to hear bits and pieces of other songs showing up on some of the more recent work. Did like the overall mix of zen better, like the solo, but not a big fan of mincho's tone/effect for awhile now. But, its the maids and they dont make bad songs. Always plently to like about the playing. Patiently waiting for something new.

[@MaartenT]

@@glenmartinez5158 Yes, I prefer the production on Zen as well. I have commented before that it sounds like it was recorded/mixed before this album came out, but I have seen other people say that it fits right in on Epic Naratives, so who knows. And to be fair, I haven't listened to Epic Naratives nearly enough to properly make that statement. I was a bit let down after the first listen and haven't gone through it that often after that. It certainly needs more listens from me. At the moment it's my second least favourite Band-Maid album (after their very first one), but Conqueror used to be in that place as well and that certainly has changed over time so who knows.

[@davids9445]

I actually like the mix on this song and the whole Epic Narratives album. But hey that’s me

[@MaartenT]

@@davids9445 I am sure there are more people in this commentsection who share your take, people seemed pretty hyped about the album as a whole. Like I said, to each their own, I know I am pretty sensitive to especially some ways vocals tend to be produced which most people don't notice or don't care about. My take was 100% a subjective take. It's honestly one of the reasons why I love music as much as I do, art (so music as well) is 100% subjective. I know for a fact that I love bands and albums that the majority in here will have a hard time listening to and that's okay. I will certainly give the album more shots in the future and honestly after I wrote my comment I checked out Paleneo's first full album and Band-Maids production is godlike compared to what they pulled off on that one, so there is that (and again, I know plenty of people will love it, but some tracks on that album sound like they are alt-idol tracks instead of rock/metal tracks). It is what it is. Edit: But honestly, I just ripped my new Acoustic Okyuji CD that arrived a day or two ago to properly listen to it and if it's anything like the previous one, this will probably be close to being my favourite Band-Maid CD.

[@glenmartinez5158]

@@MaartenT love their acoustic stuff, especially the vocals. A rare opportunity to hear mincho's lovely voice too.

[@BWinced]

I agree about the busyness in the production, and that's a very Japanese thing. Also, sometimes a bit too much emphasis on BPM.