FIRST REACTION to DIR EN GREY (Obscure) 👀🎤🎸

[@Rimatio]

Japanese crowd participation is INSANE, not just with this band. They are used to knowing the cues when to jump in, and when to be silent and just listen to the song. So, yeah, those crowd noises are real.

[@ChaseCarneson]

INSANE!!!

[@ScarletTsubasa]

It's an insanely big crowd too. I believe this was recorded at Saitama Super Arena, which is the fourth largest arena I the world Also, Japan has the second largest music industry after the United States. Combine that with superfans and the above mentioned crowd participation and you get near perfectly synched audiences at most shows

[@FractalRabbit]

I know I'm late to the video but I'll share anyway. I saw Dir en grey back in 2007 in Finnish rock festival and the crowd participation was the same. Us Finns we love pretty much all metal and even though japanese metal was a bit out of place in that festival, there was A LOT of their fans and the response was the same. Honestly they were not my cup of tea, but damn they put up a great show.

[@misake]

That's so true! 100% audience. It's such a different experience then concerts in the west. Going to one is such an amazing experience!

[@Mintyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

Its because japanese peeps are beyond loyal

[@timhutchinson8485]

"It is different.. and he is TERRIFYING." that's just about the perfect description of Dir En Grey.

[@ChaseCarneson]

I know right?

[@akamyaku]

From a number 1 Diru fan, this is very accurate yes. XD Edit: Also yes that's the noise from the crowd; And Kyo has a different vocal performance everytime he sings one of their songs, it maybe sounds pitchy but that is intended and sometimes another thing entirely (Kyo can sing to the fullest but he has a different form everytime performing these songs.) Also revisiting I love your analysis, you are very careful and honest. 🎧

[@skeletankmcgraw7343]

@@akamyaku I used to listen to DEG a ton back in the early to later mid 2000's. I remember when this song originally came out on the album Vulgar, so when I was hearing this live performance I was thinking "this sounds WAY different than I remember?". I am glad to read your message so I know I was not going crazy mis- remembering how it sounded.

[@soojincho2829]

Lmfao for real

[@Brunners90]

Kyo definitely can sing. He's got one of the widest vocal ranges I've ever seen, it's incredibly interesting. One of my favourite bands, one of my favourite songs.

[@yanbar3433]

Was gonna say this, but also gotta add, that he get's very eccentric and emotional, when performing live. That's why he sometimes is a bit off, when it comes to some of the singing in live performances.

[@Brunners90]

@@yanbar3433 I dont know if he does anymore but he used to cut himself on stage.

[@yanbar3433]

@@Brunners90 He definitely didn't do it, when i saw them live in january :D I think that's a thing of the past ;)

[@Gh0st8.6]

How i describe Kyo. Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do (Kyo hits a higher note after last Do)

[@Emil_Stoltz]

​@@yanbar3433 Yeah, "emotional" is pretty much Kyo's middle name, and I'm of course saying that in the best way possible. Man is amazing when it comes to delivery!

[@passio-735]

This was a REALLY good reaction and breaking down of the song. To answer a few of your questions: Kyo is a complete autodidact. He never had singing lessons and just pretty much tried out every singing style possible during the last 20 years - now he's inventing new ;) You are absolutely right about the wobbly sound here. The thing is, he CAN sing and hit every note when he is rested and actually wants to do it but for him the feeling of the moment is a lot more important and when he's on stage he likes to let his body take control especially during these faster songs. Lyrically they are all about human nature and society - especially the darker parts thereof. This song has an underlying theme of abortion. Instead of making perfect art that disconnects with reality they want to display pure emotion as art, at least that is what I get from reading countless interviews. So if Kyo doesn't give a damn about hitting those notes it's in favour of the emotion he wants to display. If you cry or scream it usually doesn't sound nice and clean so why should it sound like that when those emotions are sung? ^^' So if you look at them from a completely technical point of view like you did here, you will always kind of miss what they are all about - even though I really love hearing your insight on that! This song is originally from 2004 but this is a remake from 2013 - the chorus changed entirely, the lyrics are partially different and they only had 6 string guitars during the original. They filtered the sounds from the crowd here to make them more audible during the participation parts but believe me: The Crowd knows what to do and they would NEVER use a backing track for crowd noises. If you want to hear something a bit more technical and would be up for a completely clean sung ballad I would like to recommend Vanitas live kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6HHgJSbj6aEnK8 Otherwise check out Diabolos next kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIGpgaiDjLppsKM If you would like to see them at their most progressive try macabre live from Tabula Rasa. It's a 16 minute song though. Aaaaand last but not least: Kyo has a second band called sukekiyo. I would just love to hear what you would have to say to their song Elisabeth Addict kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXOpeoirr6yLrMU Thanks for your reaction and have a good day~ 😊

[@kira5563]

Oh God it is such a pleasure to read your comments every time. I agree with every word!

[@passio-735]

@@kira5563 You make me blush so hard ^^' Thank you for the nice words! 😊

[@Patuffson]

Well said! Spared me to explain the same thing! I was just talking about this (technique vs expression) on a Dir en grey group earlier today!

[@AdrianaSalter]

Ohh loved the music and loved reading your comment. Really really nice 🖤

[@BreakerOvTheBlackWinds]

This is such a well put way of describing kyo. I appreciate it.

[@TVQuimérico]

you should really try dir en grey - Vinushka live next time, that one is more technical and heavy, and Kyo's vocals shines even more, and you will be sold, dir en grey is my favorite metal band from japan and I'm really happy to see you react to them

[@SlipknotSnake23]

Yeah, this guy can definitely sing - he’s got an unconventional style to say the least but he’s one of the greatest singers in the wider rock scene. Check out the song Tousei - it’s more of a post-hardcore power ballad, some incredible range and dynamics, not to mention beautifully interweaving bass & guitar passages.

[@xravenx24fe]

Their ballads outshine their heavier tracks to be honest. They're not incredibly technical but god damn is their music very moody and Kyo really takes the art in a performance to the next level.

[@gina1569]

Tosei is up there as one of their most beautiful songs hands down.

[@SlipknotSnake23]

bootles I’d say their best heavy tracks are the more intricate ones which really Sound like each instrument is playing a distinct and interesting part of it’s own, independent of what the others are doing and yet they all fold together like pieces in a jigsaw- songs like Dokoku to Sarinu and Ochita Koto no Aru Sora come to mind as examples IMO. But you’re right, the ballads really allow their greatest strengths as a band to shine

[@omr4745]

@SchizoKira THANK YOU! Kukoku no Kyouon performance in this live is simply out of this world. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJqUh2tmYseio7M Really hope more people comes across this live

[@nitizgurung5841]

I found Dir En Grey through Band-Maid... When I first heard Dir En Grey I was blown away by Kyo's vocals and I cursed myself for not findin' them earlier... Kyo's vocals are insane...

[@LindasCorneroftheInternet]

This band is amazing to see life. I've seen them three times. Kyo is just on another level

[@jamesblazer9836]

Got to see them the first time in December 2019, Cleveland, Ohio. Amazing experience, even for a smaller, more intimate venue.

[@thecobrachickenofgeneva1554]

It feels like people recommend Obscure for the shock value of the music video. But song probably isn't be best introduction to the band. Like others have said Vinushka is a good starting point. Other good ones are Macabre, Diabolos, and Tousei. They are very much a live/performance art type experience. Dir En Grey is one of those bands that sometimes takes a few songs to click.

[@peterachten4353]

"Well, well, what have we here?” This is... ...quite intriguing. Your review made me curious about this band, now listening to Uroboros album on Spotify, great stuff (much less frightening, btw). Thanks for the introduction! [edit One hour later: hooked! 🤘]

[@direnfooch]

hell yeah brother

[@fghhfhhhf9323]

I hope ur still hooked!

[@ferrisconfines]

Oh boy here we go... PLEASE react to Vinushka, Dozing Green or Different Sense by these guys. Some of the most interesting stuff I've ever heard. Kyo's vocals are beautiful and everything else is incredible too! Such a great band!

[@everett880]

Kyo's got amazing range, kind of reminds me of Mike Patton.

[@pin-upmariposa412]

This song is brutal. It has a very complex structure but curious in that same time. Great reaction Chase.

[@totchi6]

I can't believe you got asked to do this song as your first exposure to the band..it's an old song, an eclectic live-specific remix of it, and...ok not a bad example of what one gets into with them but not for first exposure. Usually people recommend Vinushka from this same live ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIfLcol-mNpgqJI )and it gives a lot more sampling of what they're capable of. But you give an excellent breakdown of what you had to work with.

[@hiawatha.g]

When I first discovered the Japanese and Eastern European rock/metal/punk scenes, I was flabbergasted at how much we are missing in the U.S. Our music industry (labels, press, producers) seem to be deliberately keeping us ignorant--they adamantly refuse to touch anything outside the U.S. or outside the norm. Thank goodness for youtube. And thank you Chase for reacting to this!

[@saethone]

Obscure is such a hard place to start w/ DEG lol. Check out kodou, amber, or ryoujoku no ame next!

[@gacchan]

YAAAAASSSS someone finally reviewing the boys! If you want to hear a great song with Kyo's clear vocals check out Mushi.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Nice one. Thanks for this.

[@KenshinOsu]

I would not have recommended this as a first song but I'm glad they interested you! I hope you'll check out more soon :-)

[@logankerlee]

Happy to see you covering this band's music! I've listened to Dir En Grey over the past few years. Pretty big fan of them! :)

[@ari-etta]

Dir en Gray always give the feeling I need to put my ears on sticks, so I can follow it all. Always realizing again I missed something. So thanks for pointing out a lot of the details.

[@madjellyfish]

So happy to see you doing Dir en grey! One of my favourite bands of the past 20 years. Although the original 2003 version of OBSCURE is one of my favourites, this live version really doesn't do it any justice. I want to cast another vote for you to check out their song MACABRE. The 2013 Tabula Rasa live version is 16 minutes long, which you may decide is too long for a reaction video, but it's amazing so I'd encourage you to watch it either way. The original version from 2000 is 11 mins, but I don't think there's an HD video for that on KZbin.

[@Drpwninflames]

You're exactly where I was when I first listened to them. Kyo's vocals were just so interesting to me (although wasn't normally my thing) that I tried listening to more from them...and then I was hooked. They are an amazing band and in my mind Kyo is one of the top vocalists around. He can sing in about any style and do it well. The rest of the band get overshadowed sometimes, but they are very good musicians and will show some technical prowess. As other posters mentioned, try Vinushka (live) one of the later versions. I also recommend Different Sense, Diabolos, Macabre (Tabula Rasa), and Decayed Crow (one of their heaviest). If music is art then they are the Jackson Pollock of metal. Also give TanktheTech a recommendation to listen to them. I've asked him to a few times on his channel. :)

[@EIN91]

DIR EN GREY DIFFERENT SENSE IS BRUTAL

[@zetroz634]

Decayed crow brutal too

[@andyrios6064]

It's the crowd🤘you'll come to find out if you watch more of their shows how awesome and dedicated these fans are who come from all parts of the world just to see them and the vocalist really is a beast!!! I I've yet to to see any other front man top this guys vocals! Luv this band!🤘🎌

[@Chekuso]

I would recommend Vinushka from them, a little newer (2008) than this and really shows different sides of the band in one song

[@everett880]

I second this.

[@NotABigDil]

I third this

[@ultimatedodger4247]

I fourth this 🍻

[@Patuffson]

Actually, this is Obscure remake, so it is from 2011. Newer than Vinushka.

[@shinokugt]

Dir En Grey is so amazingly unique and incredibly diverse in terms of the sounds they explore - this is definitely a heavier one for them, but it would be great for you to react (or explore in your own time) some of their other songs to get an idea of what they can do. I would highly recommend "Toguro", "Dozing Green", "Glass Skin" or "Vinushka".

[@kingofnone8565]

Oh man Obscure is definitely one of the worst songs to introduce Diru to new people. Different Sense is a much better introduction, and of course, Vinushka, Bottom of the Dead Valley and Tousei are some of the more apt introductions into the latter Diru in my opinion.

[@gina1569]

Bottom of the death valley is a stunning song but is from like 2002 haha Ningen wo Kaburu and Ranunculus are great recent singles from them, I loved The World of Mercy was well. DSS has loads of great tracks as well.

[@Jo_youwhatmate]

False

[@Patuffson]

@@gina1569 I think he meant the remake version, which is from 2013.

[@alexdotluna]

Wow! Wasn't expecting some Dir en grey, try Vinushka (Live) to better understand the band and their musicianship!! This song is of the simpler they got.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Okay nice one. Will get it in the plan.

[@alexdotluna]

@@ChaseCarneson Vinushka is about the atomic bomb drop in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during WW2. Even without lyrics you can tell the vocalist emotion and anger. Heavy stuff.

[@_TIM1031]

been listening to Dir En Grey for nearly a decade, and they have some extremely technical and beautiful songs, Kyo can definitely sing, but this song may not be the best starting point

[@scruffynips13]

I can imagine the crowd noises are real. Japanese crowds are just like that. They're very organized in how they participate.

[@letliveandlearn]

Definitely check out recording versions of their music too. This is good but isn't the best sounding version of this song specifically. At least you got a feel of their live performance though.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Definitely will be looking at more.

[@Reece_Hart]

Dir En Grey are as much abstract art as they are music. Super weird in a way only the Japanese can be weird.

[@Maru669]

Aww Dir en Grey! Saw them on February, it was awesome :D edit. cool j-rock songs and bands: the gazette - dogma 12012 - the swan girugamesh - drain mucc - i am computer

[@Maru669]

+ I love them but still I think that Kyo can't sing at all! He doesn't sound good live!

[@ChaseCarneson]

Ah nice one. Must have been some show!!!

[@kira5563]

I'm soooo happy to see DeG on your channel! Thank you! I've been waiting for it. Wow, that's a real gift for me 😂 There are a lot of things to talk about when It comes to DeG. They are one of a kind although I fully understand that such style is not everyone's cup of tea. Hopefully my comment will be helpful and you'll watch some more! I'm not sure if Obscure is the best one to start with because they have so many interesting songs but it is obviously great and unique. Hope that you'll be interested in doing Vinushka (there is a subbed version from the live A View Of The Acro made by Kaya) as one of the most iconic masterpieces from them. Maybe with that one you'll enjoy Kyo's vocals more because Obscure is quite short and he can do much more than that, I promise. So, there are a lot of discussions about the lyrics and the message of Vinushka but I will try to give you my perspective because this song really deserves attention. I believe that Kyo chose the word "Vinushka" from Russian "Винушка" and it basically means "Guilt" in diminutive form. As a native speaker I can tell you that we don't use such form anymore and it sounds quite strange. I would typically see it in very old songs for example. The whole MV is focused on the theme of war and what it looks and feels like. They used the real footage of victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings both for MV (look for an uncensored version if you are interested) and for the screen at the concert. In fact, WWII is a great example that they present to us and that correlates with the poetry. The meaning of the song is for sure broader and deeper and for me it is a discussion about what or who can be called evil and is it evil in reality. Why do we think that something is right and something is wrong? How can we measure it? Appearances can be deceptive so what if it is vice versa? Can it be a justification for out actions and what will be afterwards? It is quite interesting because you'll hear two strong and aggressive parts in the song and the aftermath both times like after the bombing. For me that perfectly connects with the tragedy of Japan and adds another emotional layer. I've seen your reactions to Nightwish and loved them very much so I guess you prefer music to be a whole journey and that's totally the case. The whole performance is phenomenal. Kyo's voice is really different from what we are used to hear as well as the style of the band so very few people can truly enjoy their music from the first listen. I have never seen someone that can deliver so much emotion and pain with the voice. Kyo is not a super trained singer (he had some lessons after dealing with some serious vocal issues and for a decade of even more he was basically singing without studying) but he pours his heart and soul and it 100% pays off. He's one of the best. I hope that you will love them more with other songs! In case you are interested in Kyo's vocals I would recommend watching Tousei or better Ware, Yami Tote (from tour 16-17) live. These are ballads and you'll hear clean vocals and guitar melodies from both players. Thank you once again! That was great and I definitely got some new insight. Hope you'll have a great day and I'll be waiting to see you continuing your journey with Dir en Grey! ♥️

[@kat-xu8qp]

I loved the look of confusion on your face when listening to Kyo's vocals. They are amazing live. Please give us more DEG reactions 🙏

[@dubsfehr9574]

😶 WOW. I've heard of this group but for some reason decided to just listen when you have it on your channel... Maybe because you help make sense of it all. Thank you for a great video!

[@ChaseCarneson]

I appreciate you!!! Thanks for supporting.

[@ImberNoctis]

In terms of Japanese audience participation, Zou from Arlequin is one of my favorite clips ever. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqfXq36uositmLs Some people have remarked that it's not really a song-song though. I think the way the song is set up and executed live has a pattern and a purpose (hint: the song title's kanji character means 'image' and 'form'), but it seems like not everyone hears what I hear. If the non-standard stuff is not to your liking, Eclipse also shows some audience participation and has a more traditional verse-chorus structure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKHCiH6QhLGhg6M I'm mentioning Arlequin just because I like them so much and think they're worth checking out. Somewhat more in the vein of bands that sound a little like Dir En Grey is The Desperado who were formed last year and released their first single right before our days of COVID. Unfortunately, the only live stuff they've been able to do is the occasional Instagram stream. This is the official lyric video from their second single. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mYhmx8fJx3iac

[@barrygeistwhite3474]

4:42 One of my favorite things about the Japanese music scene is that they're not beholden to a lot of western preconceptions about genre. Granted, they have their own and some things hold true, but often it seems like they're more willing to blend genres and color outside the lines. Although I guess these days the lines are getting a little fuzzy too (and that's a good thing!).

[@PittDaddy]

Chase is one of the most diplomatic people I've ever seen.

[@Generic_Man]

The official video for this track is very NSFW, and it's more... structured, too... less disjointed. If I had only heard this live version of the song, I probably wouldn't be a fan.

[@Shiroar]

Yeah I’m not a big fan but I have heard Obscure a few times before and like it for the contrasts. This just felt kinda rough and messy. I kept missing the more melodic parts and clean singing to balance it all. Maybe it was just this specific live performance that was so different?

[@xravenx24fe]

@@Shiroar Honestly, a lot of their material from around this era was pretty messy and therefore kinda difficult to enjoy in studio records purely from the music. It benefits a lot more from listening to more of their music and getting some background and in a live setting where the raw energy makes the songs more powerful.

[@kaylahamilton6090]

@@Shiroar They redid it in 2011, so this is kind of how the performances of it have been since then.

[@dazelguzman3900]

Please react DIR EN GREY MACABRE LIVE. MASTERPIECE.

[@Caveras]

I find it hard to give this song in this live version to someone who isn't "trained" to the band. A lot of their live material absolutely builds on the crowd knowing the songs, as you can see with the outstanding crowd reactions and contributions, and you can also see it in their way that they often re-do old fan favorites in a completely different sound, or in the way Kyo often drifts off tone which might sound unprofessional to someone who doesn't get the motivation behind it. This song is tricky because its original studio version is way easier to get into and way more likely to make you invested in the band. But it's very interesting to see your reaction to the recording and performance, even though probably none of it really stuck with you after this somewhat chaotic live version =) I also agree with a lot you say. The singer has a side project called sukekiyo, by the way, who have released a new single a few weeks ago called "Candis", which is something entirely different and catchy as hell. If you find the guy intriguing (after "Vinushka" probably more so than after this), check it out!

[@PanPanPanit]

This is one of their earlier songs that got remastered so when you say that there’s nothing technically complicated, that’s why. Their newer stuff is amazingly complicated.

[@neexgames]

Macabre (tabula rasa live!) or Vinushka (Androgynos live!) would be awesome addition to this

[@letzgameon]

Thank you for reacting to Dir en Grey I love them! And I love your analysis! Very informative, I would recommend checking out their songs Vinushka to get a better sense of Kyo's range as a vocalist. Others songs to check out are Different Sense, Diabolos, and Tousei. And I would recommend live versions for all.

[@hungergamesspain]

As you mentioned at the end: There is way more we need to get to. I am very sad that you didn't continue yet after the first two 2 years ago. I have watched both your reactions about 8 times and they never get old. Especially the one for Vinushka. I don't know if there is a chance for you getting back to DIR EN GREY but if so, those are my recommendations: Diabolos (Live) and The World of Mercy (Live).

[@chromesthesia]

He should check out lotus. It Is like the gentle chorus of Vore by sleep Token

[@tamisanlatherow3103]

He can sing, the ballads are heartbreaking. Try Glass Skin to hear the difference. It's a weird concert though, he's freaking tiny! When I saw them in SF, he stood on a milk crate the whole show and I was floored when he stepped down at the end! LOL He also cut himself with a safety pin, which was massively disturbing. Still, good band.

[@ThisIsGers]

I fucking love this song, i discovered them a couple years ago.

[@thegeekysaga]

Yaassss! Kyo (singer) *can* definitely sing. It doesn't show as much in this particular track of this particular concert, but he can sing. The album version of the song showcases it more. :)

[@frankcob6103]

The reason why his live performance feels off is because he's deaf on one ear and had multiple vocal chord operations. Also he uses his own emotions while singing because the theme of the band is pain. This song has a different original but when they play live they change the songs sometimes.

[@carlosmena5689]

Awesome reaction even when that video was not the most accurate extraction of Dir en Grey's essence. I strongly recommend you the live versions of Rinkaku and Macabre. Please don't expect them to be as this one haha

[@Taizen001]

You should react to The Final. It's probably their most popular song and got a lot of people in the west into them in the mid-2000's Dir En Grey's live performances can vary pretty wildly in quality. Kyo is the kind of guy who prefers the emotions and artistry over technical prowess. Unfortunately, that also means he frequently overexerts himself and his voice out on tours, to the point that he's required multiple surgeries on his throat. It's not a band for everyone, but they're a personal favorite of mine. Songs like Vinushka or Ware Yami Tote are great if you want more singing, and Different Sense and Zan (the 2009 version) are great if you want that heavy metal aggression

[@MaxTargin0]

By the way, the studio version is very different and the official video was prohibited in a lot of countries if I’m not mistaken, I was a huge fan back in 2006, so I always get caught up in nostalgia when I see a reaction, I WANT MORE AAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@TheButterflyChaos]

Dude. I have seen Diru live. The fangirls were so friggin' loud 😂

[@himothy871]

"... The singing is using the drum beats as the back bone of urgency." I read in an interview by the band that the singer and the drummer work in sync during lives, and it is pre-meditated. The drummer and the singer have the longest history, in comparison, to the other band members. Kyo and Shinya were in previous bands together, before DEG. Kyo (and Toshiya, the bassist) have stated interviews (directly referencing Dir en grey BASS & DRUMS MOOK from 2009) that they rely on Shinya to be the 'benchmark' on cues during lives.

[@flightgravity7483]

The name “dir en grey” doesn’t really mean anything, it’s just a mash up of languages and was most likely taken from a song called “Dir en gray” by the band Lareine.

[@pinkowarumono]

People usually recommend Obscure or Vinushka in the beginning because they show quite a range of singing and screaming. But if you are more looking for beautiful singing I’d recommend Tousei, Vanitas, behind a vacant image or Aka

[@VIeshPilled]

I'm pretty late, but a little info. Dir En Grey is what is called a "Visual Kei" band, every song offers a different story and 'persona'. They do a lot of happy songs too, and a lot of darker songs. This song in particular is chaotic on purpose and the singer is purposefully wobbling going off key to emphasize 'chaos' or a 'psychotic' nature as the storyteller of the story. I don't suggest doing a react on it, but check out the actual official video sometime. Uncensored if you're feeling rebellious.

[@ttbwoi]

you should give their "Macabre Live - Situ Tabula Rasa" a listen

[@vileindividual]

People tend to recommend obscure but its a pretty rough first listen and is usually recommended for the shock value of the MV, which is something that makes Dir En Grey recommendations hard; most tend to be distracted by the MVs and ignore the music. I would recommend "禍夜想", "Revelation Of Mankind", "DIABOLOS", "RED SOIL", "Ugly" and "Macabre (live at tabula rasa)" to get a better idea on what the band is capable of.

[@vileindividual]

Oh and Kyos live vocals can be a bit shaky at times, understandable considering how much damage he has sustained on his vocal folds after pushing himself too hard. His cleaning is a lot cleaner with his side project SUKEKIYO which is a lot gentler on his voice

[@mrestuprabowo]

Because this is Dir En Grey so it's Different. I hope you can react more about them, I like how you opinion your thoughts. PS: Kyo (vocalist) in an interview said he doesn't know that he can sing or not, but in the meantime he has wide vocal range and know how to make a good performance at stage. (CMIIW)

[@njpponari]

Listen to Vinushka again without stopping the video every 10 seconds and you will realize that Kyo definitely can sing.

[@ChaseCarneson]

I’m good thanks.

[@kyotoai]

Yup this is a japanese audience, they are always perfectly on rhythm with vocalisation and body movements. It's a necessary part of the live experience. And i can promise you Kyo would be highly complimented at being compared to an angry gremlin!

[@benzskyeshxc96]

its really hard to find dir en grey music not even on spotify.

[@ByMonitorLight]

Personally I think that guy has a hell of a voice. But my missus and I often bump against each other in this regard: where she'd be listening to whether he's hitting the notes, producing a clean sound or properly utilising a technique, I don't have the ear for that, and I'm simply judging it on whether I think it sounds good, or at least interesting. And to my more casual ear, though I think he struggled with a couple of growl types he went for (probably a byproduct of trying to throw so many techniques into a single song), I applaud his dexterity, thought he covered both harsh and clean really well, and was especially impressed with some of the clean highs he hit after those lower, heavier growls.

[@NintyBros]

It's happened! Chase is reacting to Dir En Grey!!! You need to check out 'Vinushka' by them! And it has to be the live version!!🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@iDEATH]

I love these guys, so intense and interesting. FYI, for future re-listens, the channel "Kayaちゃんねる" posts up English subtitled versions of Dir En Grey videos. Maybe that's a bit sketchy, but I find it a welcome resource.

[@jamcam9]

Check out their video for Vinushka as it really displays their awesome avant-garde writing and Kyo's vocals are stellar, clear, and just so weird. That guy can really sing, he couldn't pull off the stuff he does if he didn't know his voice to a near-master level.

[@jamcam9]

He's basically the extreme metal version of Dimash Kudaibergen.

[@achmadfauzi3196]

The crowd is real.

[@marvinscampion5961]

Oh yes it's different. It's all over the place.. 🤪🤪🖤🖤🤣🤣🤣

[@damianstark5362]

The music is less of a backdrop for the vocals, and more of a trapdoor for them to fall through. I don't think I've ever enjoyed discord like this before.

[@Wag2]

Dir En Grey is one of my all time favourite bands but Vinushka is a much better song to react to first. Hopefully this is next!

[@mrferniehernandez]

Real crowd

[@hilmanadi706]

Love the video, u definitely should check the other song called vinushka.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Filmed and coming soon

[@TxMBiSH]

You need to react to Vinushka uncensored version from Dir En Grey

[@chaoskao8570]

I really liked your reaction and your analyse of this song. I'd like to see more reactions on this band :) For example Macabre live, Vinushka live or Diabolos live

[@androgynousmaggot9389]

Dir en Grey it's a full experience! You really need to listen more to understand where they are coming from! And about if Kyo can sing? I saw your other reactions and it's obvious you DO understand! Thanks for an actual honest reactions! 🤟 (sorry for the bad English)

[@velov270]

Almost all of dir en grey song when they perform..kyo ( vocalist ) like to sing it differently than original song .. Obscure is not hard like this live performance ... But the mv is terrified...scary ,gross .. but i love it .. They're my no. 1 favorite jrock band ..

[@C.M.M.23]

"I don't know if he can sing or not..." Hahaha... Kyo? He will teach you what "singing" is.

[@kaylahamilton6090]

I feel the greatness of this song is coming from a nostalgia perspective, but yes like with everybody else, Vinushka live especially from this same live, is incredible. I feel like Toshiya (bass player) is the real star of this song. Also that is legit crowd noises, Japanese audiences are absolutely on POINT. They are soooo insync so if you ever hear crowd noises on a Japanese live that is the crowd.

[@kaylahamilton6090]

Also like a few people have said, most people recommend Obscure purely for the music video as it's very NSFW.

[@xravenx24fe]

You gotta react to Vinushka or their newer version of Macabre live. Obscure is a very focused, aggressive song but trust me Dir en grey gets incredibly melodic and dark with or without being heavy. Kyo's vocals are out of this world good and I consider him to be the greatest screaming vocalist currently. The man has had multiple vocal cord injuries and he's 44 and he's still absolutely killing it, getting better and better by the year! Edit: A couple comments after viewing the whole video. The band instrumentally isn't very technical or usually very complex, they usually take a backseat to the vocals and establish more rhythm than they do lead melodies and focus on establishing a moody buildup. Obscure is kind of a juxtaposition to that, but it kind of exemplifies a trope they have of including some very short, pointed, in your face aggressive types of songs, especially during that period of the band's life in the album that song is from, Vulgar, and the following albums Withering to Death and The Marrow of a Bone. My second thought I had to share was the lead singer Kyo's approach to lives. He's really eccentric, after watching a few lives you realize his approach is to go almost into a trance and just go off. If you react to a more melodic track like the two I mentioned above you'll see a much more controlled, emotional performance from him. The man can sing for sure, his clean range is breathtaking and his emotional delivery really makes him stand out as a singer that brings something to a live concert that a lot of other performers either can't do or just aren't compelled to do. I'm sure everyone else commenting can give you a similar idea of what their live performances in other tracks are like and request some great videos to react to!

[@animalblundetto6510]

LEGIT CROWD NOISE

[@gilanggifari4895]

Man, for the next one live i suggest you to do Macabre and Decayed Crow. Both are insane in their own way.

[@marvinscampion5961]

Yo...man...another new one for me. 🤪🎤🎵🎶...looking forward to your analysis and break down on these... 👍🤟🤟🤟

[@pintsize6662]

As usual I have to suggest something primal :) You did a studio version 2 month ago. Now it's time for live. Heilung | LIFA - Krigsgaldr LIVE

[@crazydanger]

Vinushka is their masterpiece. Better check out the original uncensored video before anything else. The imagery is so important in that video, gives a whole 'nother meaning to Kyo' s extreme singing.

[@ChaseCarneson]

That's probably the next one

[@98cents]

Obscure is a great song, the official video is... interesting to say the least. "Hageshisa To, Kono Mune No Naka De Karamitsuita Shakunetsu No Yami" (yes, a very long song name...) showcases his range better if you're looking for more. Budokan is one of the better live shows, imo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpOWiKqEfq6tra8

[@caressofhyde]

Hell ya! Dir en Gray is amazing!

[@_RJ_Z]

If he can sing? He is only the most unique and brutal vocalist ever! His range is of the charts!

[@deathstar013]

I would like to see these guys do the soundtrack for some kind of horror anime. Something like Tokyo Ghoul, or Ergo Proxy

[@makokoro9073]

They played a track for saw III

[@deathstar013]

@@makokoro9073 Holy crap! Maybe that's why they sounded so familiar!

[@makokoro9073]

@@deathstar013 ohh, yeap. There are two versions of that music video, one with no clips of the movie and one with clips.

[@tomaac]

Studio version for this sounds almost completely different.

[@happycapy47]

Great reaction, I loved how much there was to the analysis compared to most of these channels! Regarding the singing, there's a large body of work where he sings with incredible technique in just about every style, but he's the "deathly serious" type of artist, very avant garde and improvisational. The goal is self-expression, which often leads to imperfections in technique being an instinctive but deliberate way of getting emotion across. He's spoken a fair amount on the topic and essentially said he finds it easier to "hold back" and just worry about hitting notes. A recent live version of Vinushka is a great place to go from here, with way more room to breath than Obscure. There's one here with a very solid translation of the lyrics as subtitles kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmmtoGWuaNGUjtE

[@MellonVegan]

Dir en grey translates to "to you in grey" or "for you in grey", sth like that. Dir is German, en is French and grey is English.

[@zannebrazeau]

kyo niimura( the vocalist) be a tenor and has a vocal range that goes from e1-f7 and he also be partially deaf in his left ear and has been since 2000 l love that he can go from a husky sultry purr to inhuman growl as well to a high pitched wail the lead guitarist also be the band leader his name be kaoru niikura then bass be toshiya hara rhythm guitar/accoustic guitar be diesuke(die) andou and shinya terachi on drums they also be amazin live l got to see them in 2008 in orlando florida and my ringtone be their song akuro no oka

[@celluz4156]

Wow, you finally got them :D They really are on another level, like X-Japan are a piece of History of Japanese Music and Visual Key bands :D

[@ChaseCarneson]

X-Japan coming soon.

[@silverseto1158]

Vinushka live by them is a must.

[@kabatsky]

You should check "Youkan", it's almost like different band basically. Dir en Grey is really something...

[@vvulpes]

cool! Nightwish and Dir En Grey are my two favorite bands, so this is an awesome treat coming from you. Yea, I would recommend either Macabre or Tousei next. I have a feeling you will enjoy Macabre the most though. Cheers

[@DEADication86]

When you talk about the background noise from the crowd being drummed up, isn't that just for the DVD recording? I haven't gone to many concerts where they need to feed back loop from the audience's cheer to make the song sound better. Dir en grey definitely does't do that, but in the DVD recordings you can hear the audience drummed up in volume in the way you descibe.

[@BabylonGames798]

Seriously do one for Vinushka, anything you said about him not being able to sing will be put to rest so quickly

[@makokoro9073]

I think Kyo wants to look scary and terrifying, bit actually 🤔 he fails miserably, or maybe cause I am used to his antics. Check out Saku original video When they do concerts in Japan, the crowd gets very pumped and get into a rythem when they play songs like that. But, when they play slow songs that require "silence" you wouldn't even hear a pin drop until the song ends