FIRST TIME REACTION! || Band-Maid - Domination (Official Video) || Metal Vocalist Reactions

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Welcome aboard, James. (You got to see the live version of Domination! ;-) Anyway, you are embarking on (along with many others - over 190 million YT views plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid: BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (130+ songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom. Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular! Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 70 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5XWaJppgpJnorM Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Shambles, Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on. But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits (AniMaid) like Sense, Glory and Unleash!!!!! (from their own Anime MV (series?)): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX2lkHiGiJlrfqc) And many songs are represented with over 50 well produced music videos. kzbin.info Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYU-JI concerts:  ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHLHiKF_h896l80  Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PcgnaAo5ulj8k  ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6K0n35_gbdoq5I  Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD.  “P and D⁴” Photo Collage videos at www.youtube.com/@PinDakaPanic810 And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent. Here’s two of what it’s like to see Band-Maid LIVE at an intimate venue:  Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epjbhmCDi8-nl5I  See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJu9nIGbpKygnsU If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, CD, DVD/BD & Merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid. For fun, check out an awesome, little known "Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009 Band-Maid Members: Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 29 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen! Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 32 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!! Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 32 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more! Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 33 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party! MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 31 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA! Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans. [BAND-MAID NEWS]  BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo  The Maids SOLD OUT 2023 US & Mexico tour wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!! In addition, their Japan tour finished up with 13 concerts, AND they’re writing and recording for their new album. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concluded at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023 and in Hong Kong Dec. 21! The Maids are one of the hardest working super groups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!

[@jameswolfblood]

Holy heckin wow, thank you for taking the time to type all this out! Its a master post! Love it. I have so much to look through! If they ever come through Canada, I may just be buying a ticket!

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@jameswolfblood Thx, James. I think a live Band-Maid experience will be among the best concerts you've ever seen. ;-)

[@bandmaidfanATL]

I'll be the first...Do the live. 🤣

[@Kevin6059]

You beat me! Oh well the music video isn't bad at all it's just that the live version is so damn awesome 😎

[@bandmaidfanATL]

@@Kevin6059 I think it is actually better to hear this and Freedom and Play and Real Existence studio first, then watch the lives. Problem with Freedom and Play is no OMVs.

[@Kevin6059]

@@bandmaidfanATL I agree if you're going to do both. If you're only going to do one I would definitely choose the live for Domination and real existence. I know I'm preaching to the choir though.

[@evilducks3710]

Obviously with this song and a few others, but I think we generally overdo the "you have to watch it live" thing.

[@chrisegbertky]

​@@Kevin6059💯 % correct

[@skrrytch]

It's always the same thing: the studio version has the sound that a band wants, but it's only live that shows real talent. The 'problem' with Band Maid is: Many songs (not all) sound even better live: Domination and Freedom and Play and Manners and many others too... even if Kanami's guitar is sometimes a bit too quiet... it just makes it more fun! ❤

[@armynurseboy]

I always said that the studio version was what the song was "supposed" to sound like, but sometimes the live version kicks it up a notch. To me Domination is in that category. While the studio version is "cleaner", the live version has more balls all around (particularly in the vocals).

[@jenssweden3621]

Best band in the world 🤘🎎🤘🎎

[@ChimPANTSz]

You mentioned the change up from the first to second verse. They do that a lot. They are not fans of copy and pasting their verses. It’s really incredible the amount of talent these women have. Especially Kanami, the guitarist, who composes all their songs.

[@Studio-Coast_Kid]

Welcome to Band-Maid! You're going to hear what I'm about to say next a lot which is, it doesn't matter which song you choose next or what direction you take, Band-Maid will not disappoint. Pick a song, any song, it doesn't matter they're going to surprise you and at least meet if not exceed your expectation. After a dozen reactions you'll think you know them, but the truth is you'll still have no idea. They can't be pinned down to a particular sound because they infuse elements of Metal, Punk, Power Pop, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Alt, Prog and Grunge into Hard Rock creating melodic sonic chaos that somehow still manages to be accessible and catchy. With 10 years and about 130+ song under their belt and their best still ahead of them, you've just stumbled across the Best Progressive Hard Rock Band of their Generation. Currently the Best in the World that will one day comfortably take their seat at the table with the best of All Time!

[@chrisegbertky]

Hear hear!

[@daveboehle6027]

You ain't seen nothing yet...BAND MAID 100%

[@threemonkeysk]

Gotta check them out live. Their studio sound is good to awesome, but........live, live, is, another level. Try "Dice/HATE" from the Lollapalooza fest 2023 where bass and lead..⚔.. well, spose you just gotta watch it to find out

[@skrrytch]

Well, the sound of the Lollapalooza video is not the best but the guitar/bass call-response-solo from Ka-na-mi and Misa is very special 🤟

[@jameswolfblood]

I'll have to check them out live! Love me some live performances, you really get a taste for the band, that you won't with a standard recorded version.

[@RahimRahmat]

So here I am, scrolling down the comments, trying to count how many people would tell Mr JamesWolfBlood here that he *MUST* check out the Official live version. They would all be correct, it's a MUST. 😉

[@freewheeler2go]

If hard rock is your bag - this is it! Does not get any better. You MUST explore further.

[@Eddie-qx7cx]

BAND MAID is awesome.

[@lopezbruno3074]

this MV is awesom !!!, the live version is beyond the wall of awesomeness !!!!!

[@TherealSeriousMoonlight]

"...so much variation..." "...especially in the drumming..." You may not like all of Band-Maid's songs but you'll never be bored. Thanks for the reaction! (I lied, you'll like them all.)

[@GaryHolloway-810]

BAND-MAID are the best thing to happen since someone posted an unknown bands song called "Thrill" on FB & the vid got 1+ Million views in 4 days.😌

[@glenkelley6799]

I just held down my left mouse button for four days

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@glenkelley6799 Don't lie Glen....You super glued your finger to it. Everyone knows that :)

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

@@GaryHolloway-810 yea sorry I was late to the party "Real Existence" was already out when I jumped on the Band (Maid)Wagon so no finger work from me.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@DavidMISAMISAMISACook One vid isn't late, Dave. B-M not doing dates in Oz or the UK this year....now that's LATE :(

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

@@GaryHolloway-810 so far we have Lovebites doing festivals and some to be announced dates in Europe plus we have "The Warning" in late April so it looks like I will be heading Your way

[@TlanImass]

I always recommend Band-Maid's Wonderland for a vocalist. So, please check it out. The LIVE version: Saiki-san is not perfect in a couple of notes but her vocal range is highlighted.

[@Maidiac88]

Thanks for reacting to the greatest hard rock band in the world. Band-Maid quickly became my favorite band of the last 30 years when I discovered them about 2 years ago. My only regret was I didn't know about them earlier. I've been privileged to see them live twice so far and will definitely see them again! As every Maidiac will tell you, check out their live performances. Looking forward to seeing you go down the pigeon-hole.

[@Kevin6059]

This band is the gift that keeps on giving. They are in my view, and many others', the flat out best hard rock band on the planet. They are genre-defying, they are FUN, they are awesome musicians, and you mentioned variation - oh boy do that do that!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Reinvigorating & reinventing the stale cookie cutter genre of Hard Rock music is what they're doing :)

[@Kevin6059]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I don't have the truth-o-meter with me right now, but it's not needed in this case. TRUE!!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

​@@Kevin6059 Lol. Kevin you can borrow my Awesomometer if you want. It measures awesomeness every time B-M drop a new song :)

[@brunobryant4846]

Spot on Gents 👍🍻

[@GaryHolloway-810]

​@@Kevin6059 Hey my reply saying you can borrow my Awesomometer has gone.😔

[@TheJerm]

Somewhere in Band-Maid's secret headquarters, a gong just rang out. "Ready The Pigeonhole. There's a new Maidiac headed our way!" Welcome James! It's cozy down here. 🕊

[@greylocke100]

Here is the first part of an information file about the Ladies of Band-Maid. There is more if you are interested. Band Maid Is; (In order of joining band) Name/Age: Nickname: Position: Miku Kobato Small Pigeon/ Band Founder, Secondary Lead Vocalist, Rhythm Guitarist, Main Lyricist, Age: 32 Koba/Kuruppo/ Backing Vocals, Backing Tracks, Arrangements 10/21/91 Cluppo Kanami Tono Princess/ Lead Guitarist, Primary Composer, Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Backing Tracks Age: 32 Kanamincho/ Backing Vocals on Backing Tracks, Arrangements 9/28/91 Mincho Akane Hirose Gorilla/ Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals on Backing Tracks, Backing Tracks, Age: 33 Ah-Chan Arrangements 12/14/90 MISA Barefoot Assassin/ 5 String Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals on Backing Tracks, Backing Tracks Age: 31 MISA-MISA-MISA Arrangements 10/15/92 Saiki Atsumi Ice Queen/ Primary Lead Vocalist, Backing Vocals, Lyricist, Backing Vocals on Backing Age: 29 Sai-Chan/ Tracks, Backing tracks, Arrangements 2/8/94 Sensei (Teacher) And I and many others will tell you, the Studio sound is good but LIVE is where the Ladies shine. They are probably the BEST Currently touring LIVE band on the planet. That is NOT hyperbole. Try watching the songs "Dice and Hate?" taken from their 2023 Lollapalooza performance to see/hear what we are saying. The video for that can be found on @realdocloco channel. The live performance of this song available on their KZbin Channel, is taken from their February 2020, 2019 World Domination Tour Finale concert. It has an extended bridge section with individual solos that makes it one of the BEST Live videos around. I have many more information files on the Ladies if you are interested. Covering various songs, the vocalist vocal talents, and other things.

[@Davey-Boyd]

Welcome to Band-Maid James! The best hard rock band I have heard in my 58 years on this planet. They don't stick to any one genre and often mix genres in songs. They are extremely diverse and have an extensive 10 year back catalogue featuring Punk, Pop-Punk, Hard-Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Prog, Blues, Jazz, Groove, Rap etc. From face melting 220 bpm punk-prog to ballads, instrumentals to acoustics they do it all. They are also five of the nicest people in music, without a shred of ego. They are funny and fun and bad-ass musicians to boot. They are currently celebrating their 10th anniversary with the original line up. Like others say, check out the live version, it's WAY better and has an extended bridge.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Amen to that, Kawaii Davey.😇🙏

[@Jonas_S_]

As the old saying goes: There are two kind of people. People who love Band-Maid and those who haven't heard them yet. There is actually a third kind, people who listen to Justin Bieber... but we won't talk about them, they have enough problems ;)

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Aarrgghh my ears.😫 I knew i heard that awful Bieber name coming from somewhere.😏

[@Jonas_S_]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Sorry Gary, I'll use my keyboard with the more silent letters next time! 😁

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Jonas_S_ You're so considerate.😁

[@topographic1973ify]

Watch them live. Look at DICE/HATE? from Lalapalooza 2023 to get a real taste. Best rock band on the planet.

[@_JimS]

Wait till you react to the official LIVE video, which you must do now because you'll LOVE it, you're welcome........

[@evilducks3710]

Band Maid bills themselves as a "hard rockin' maid band" and they definitely are at their core a hard rock band. They tend to branch out into a dozen other things, but there is always that core. While not always true, this is definitely a song you should check out the official live version of it, because they add even more to it. They have excellent crowd interaction and you can really see how they lean into the catchiness to interact with their audience. You picked up on another thing that they're kind of famous for. They change up their songs, especially in the second verse and post the breakdown section. And while you picked up the drums, I think on repeat listens you will notice it's the whole rhythm section adds a crazy amount of variety and depth. While they have over 100 songs that are all great, I would recommend revisiting this one with the live to get even more out of it. And don't worry, they cram so much awesome into each song that you can listen to it a dozen times in a row and hear something new each time.

[@jkkansasband7056]

Yo James, variation is a BAND-MAID trademark. Now see what they do with this song Live. It's 10x more FUN. OK, maybe not 10x. It's 100x more FUN. Then for a rock/metal/prog instrumental gem check out FROM NOW ON. Their 10 year 120+ song catalog is AWESOME. Peace. 3.79

[@GaryHolloway-810]

AWESOME is as AWESOME does & BAND-MAID are....um🤔....oh yeah, AWESOME!!!!!

[@jkkansasband7056]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Good job Gary. That's AWESOMELY how you get three AWESOMES in one AWESOME sentence. 🤷🏻‍♂🤘🏻🔥

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@jkkansasband7056 Haha. I put some on Kevin's comment too. We're killing it with the "Awesome's" this year already :)

[@jkkansasband7056]

@@GaryHolloway-810 YES! You know why that is? Because the Maidiacs are AWESOME. Just like the Maids. 🔥😎

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@rogerchance9074 Hey Roger, AWESOME. Oops i'll stop now.😁🍻

[@davidbourhenne8540]

I'll be the millionth person to tell you, watch the concert version. Live is always better with BAND-MAID. Also check out the live version of PUZZLE.

[@snowdog5895]

Congratulations on discovering the best band in the world today! Enjoy the ride!! 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂🕊

[@tonygriffin_]

THE best Hard Rock band on Earth. BUT....they are best served live. Really, their musical skills are a sight to behold live...imagine this MV turned up to 11...then double it!

[@daft73games]

Welcome to Band Maid! As cool as their MV's are, you *must* check them out live. This same song *Domination* has an official LIVE version on their KZbin channel... Other than that there is a duo of songs Dice/Hate? is a great pick, it's from there Lalapoloosa show this past Summer!! 🤘😀🤘

[@throwaway9389]

Band Maid is always catchy, never trivial.

[@johnquinn7794]

This band can be extremely entertaining for those who have an ear for music and complex arrangements. You won’t be disappointed by these girls.

[@skrrytch]

That's the point. Their music is very special for people that deep dive into music while listening!

[@DaElfer]

"you people" should have recommended the live version hehehehe. picking any video from there page is an experience

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Welcome to the fandom! Best rock band in the world right now! Seen them play live twice in the past few years They played for bout 2 hours each time! Best 2 concerts I've been to! I suggest these Band Maid songs: Thrill, Dice, Manners, Bubble, No God (live) & Puzzle (live)

[@gao1258]

definitely check out the official live for "Domination", "Play", "Onset", "Puzzle, etc....the band that opened the world of J-rock/metal for me, love Band-Maid! yes all superbly talented and the music videos are fun but live is where they shine!!! Kanami(lead guitarist and music composition)is a genius , very unique songs that they work up as a group and Miku(rhythm gtr, backing vocals and band leader) writes the lyrics. Akane is a special drummer I love the way she plays off both Misa-- the amazing bassist, and Kanami(reminds me of Keith Moon in some ways). Band Maid is a very very special band, as are Nemophila, I love that they have brought new rock music to us! Nemophila through there covers have also introduced me to other J-rock acts, check out X-Japan , Luna Sea and SHOW YA Nemo covers and then the originals anyone who wants to start down the J-rock/metal rabbit hole!

[@rjaywest378]

Every one of their songs have a LOT of changes, and every single one of their songs are worth listening to. They are definitely at their best live though, the version from the World Domination tour is a must-watch, especially with the extended middle section.

[@gerardcahill5823]

two words that should never be used in the same sentence "Akane" (the drummer) and "stale" great reaction mate - thanks for your insight.

[@jodaman1519]

Their live versions are beyond belief...MV's are great at 1st, then you'll listen to the live version and will be stunned how perfect they are. You have that same look all of us Maidiacs have had when listening to them for the first time...See ya when you get out of that Hole...Welcome Aboard...Maidiacs Unite!!!

[@sugaanessena3143]

Welcome to the Maidiacs, James

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Hasn't even noticed MISA yet. Maybe No God next? Or Influencer? Or Play OLV?

[@Jackgtd2]

I'd recommend the Manners/Black Hole two-fer taken from a Covid era livestream that really shows off their diversity. No audience in the room but, as you said, plenty of heart out to the fans who were watching the stream live. Manners is a great bluesy rock throwback and Black Hole... well, you'll see.

[@johnkrytonn3210]

Band Maid... best served Live.... the MV's are good... however the Maids really shine in the Live environment... There are very few bands that elevate the music experience live ... anyone can fake it in the studio ... Bringing it Live onstage is a whole different animal ... and Band Maid excels when its Showtime.... you could try the live Domination version .. or try any of these other suggestions live... Puzzle, No God, Manners / Black Hole.. the Dice / Hate performance from Loloapalossa .. take your pick and fasten your seat belt...

[@patrickdoyle1862]

yes listen to them live.

[@IAMisLove]

👍💯for BAND-MAID!! 🖖❤

[@dennisthemenace671]

James , Welcome to BAND-MAID Enjoy your journey down the Pigeon hole , MISA !!! MISA !!! MISA !!! the Barefoot Bass Assassin , you have to do the official live video , from BAND-MAIDs channel .

[@glenkelley6799]

Great reaction and thanks for giving Band-Maid a spin, you'll discover that this is just the beginning. New sub, enjoyed your analysis.

[@jameswolfblood]

Thank you for the kind words and thank you of the sub! Appreciate you :D

[@gordowg1wg145]

Their M/V are good, but the LIVE performances is where they really shine, because they feed off the audience so much 😂! A couple of exceptions are "Influencer", which has the bonus of an incredible location, and the "Manners" and "Black Sun" double, which was filmed "live", but due to covid didn't have an audience.

[@jsellitto]

Based on your thoughts about this song, you're going to LOVE Band-Maid. They tick off all the boxes in what you like about songs and even on repeated listens, you don't get bored with their songs.

[@Prober61]

The match is lit get ready for an explosion! Band-Maid has a huge arsenal of songs to grab you and bring you in. The play hard rock but add in punk, pop, metal, even a little jazz and blues sometimes. Sometimes in the same song. They play with time signatures and other tricks to keep you on your toes. You can listen to a song multiple times and find something different each time. Live is an experience. They challenge each other.

[@chrisegbertky]

Hi! We will mob your channel. You won't be able to get rid of us. Maidiacs are like bed bigs in that way. Give any slight encouragement and we will inundate you with info about these titans of 21st century proper rock and roll. This is the 2nd band that I have gone out of my way to learn the player's names. I'm 65 years old. Inventive music with hooks aplenty and riffs galore. Passionate performances are the benchmark with BandMaid. In fact ❤️ LOVE is writ large in every performance. Love for the music and process of making rock music and love for each other and love for the fans is clearly evident in their "servings". No bull. No hyperbole - fact. Lyrics are multi layered with word play in Japanese & English. Lyrics are uplifting mostly except for few exceptions ~ a lot about getting up and taking a risk to go for what you want. BandMaid defy being pigeonholed (kruppo). This is what I grew up on ~ badass rock and roll music. Watch us blow up your subs!

[@docmetal8194]

Sugoi! As per the previous comment... Must. See. Live. Moving on, BAND-MAID has been one of the world's greatest rock bands over the last decade. 100+ bangers, predominantly written by Kanami "Mincho" Tono (lead guitarist). I've seen them live twice in the last 15 months. They are, without a doubt, enormously talented and entertaining. They hilariously mix in "omajinai time" and "Japanese lesson time" to hype their audience. But the best thing is the obvious sheer joy that they perform with! More BAND-MAID, please! Arigatou! 🤘🤘

[@MusicMike747]

Band Maid! 🔥 (yeah, they kill it live…gotta see the live) Band Maid, you will discover, are exceptionally diverse. You will hear three or four different genres or influences inside the same song. The Maids cleverly take classic rock and metal grooves and shift into catchy, pop inspired choruses, often using vocables for crowd participation. As a vocalist, you can appreciate that. It’s too early to convince you, however, the Maids are absolutely a musician’s band. I haven’t heard anyone as inspiring or fun to analyze since Tool (and Rush before them). Enjoy the ride 🚀

[@brunobryant4846]

"That was really fcken cool", oh you must be listening to B-M, yep the best thing to happen to rock since roll was added after it. Be warned this band is highly addictive and these five Rock Goddesses have bucket loads of natural charisma which will melt your heart as their music melts your face. Thanks, what a fcken band Po 👍🍻

[@GaryHolloway-810]

And if you overdose on B-M the only side effect is euphoria :)

[@brunobryant4846]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Absolutely GH Absolutely, I'd give up cold beer before B-M, lucky for me neither of these options are necessary 😀👍🍻

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@brunobryant4846 Yep never let anything come between Maid & cold beer is what i say.😁🍻

[@brunobryant4846]

@@GaryHolloway-810 What a glorious combination they are, I'm surprised no-one has ever collected a Misa empty beer can and sold it on eBay, that would get some great bids 😄👍🍻

[@danjoseph7515]

Welcome to the Maidiacs!! I'm sure by now you're sick of hearing about thevlive version, so I'll just say I can't wait to see you proclaim how everyone was right when you see how truly EPIC it is. 🤘🤩🤘

[@philcalvino884]

Good job with the analysis, James! As others have mentioned, Band-Maid is a no-lose rock band that incorporates lots of styles, but still manages to keep it rockin', interesting, catchy and cohesive. Nothing much in the extreme metal area (I see the Whitechapel poster :), but a lot of super engaging hard rock. The Domination MV is actually a good introduction to the drumming style of Akane (ah-KAH-nay). She is pretty well known for her unorthodox approach.

[@grahamblank8367]

Great reaction James. I think you get them! Enjoy your BAND-MAID journey as this is just the beginning!

[@Blanzalot]

Always glad to see a new reactor slowly becoming a Maidiac! Most will say see the live version of Domination but I think you should check the MV for Blooming. Thanks man.

[@omdtdz]

Thanks for reacting to BAND-MAID. But as others have said will say you should react to the LIVE version of this song from their KZbin page, I think you hear the intricacies more in the studio version but the energy is so much more with the live.

[@JayDeeMC]

You definitely need to see their live performances. As others have said, they really show their talent in the live performances. They are incredible!

[@davidmejia7908]

Yes! They kick ass and take names - all with rock n" roll! Check out the live version to really see the personality of the band. We love our MAIDS!!!!!

[@surfingasongwave]

Yes, they are different from Babymetal, Nemophila, and Hanabie and that's no judgement on any of these bands. They each have their own _"sound."_ Band-Maid call themselves "an impossibly hard rocking maid band" so they consider themselves more on the hard rock side than the metal side, but you'll get punk, progressive, alt, thrash, '80s metal, power ballads, and more. You've zeroed in on what makes the Japanese scene (and this band in particular) so satisfying; they have variety, they develop an idea, they play with musicality and dynamics, they have passion. It's great! Some of my suggestions (and you'll get boatloads, because the catch phrase "there are no bad songs" really applies): *"from now on"* just because I like it a lot, *"Dice & Hate?"* live from Lollapalooza 2023 because it will turn out to be an important gig and the Hulu video director managed almost perfection in avoiding whichever player taking their solo, *"Manners" / "Black Hole"* from a live stream in 2021 after the release of their album "Unseen World" (which is a masterpiece) because it shows their range, *"Blooming"* MV because it's a circus ride and pop punk at it's finest, and *"Daydreaming"* because it's the '80s power ballad that all the hair metal bands _wanted_ to write but didn't. I haven't looked at your channel history yet, but has anyone mentioned *"Asterism"* yet? How about *"Ningen Isu?"*

[@stevekane4922]

Great quality videos are emerging from the "live at the eggman" sessions, all are recommended. Corallium is a banger.

[@skrrytch]

Yes, exactly that live performance of Corallium is a masterpiece. Loved Mikus vocal parts!

[@stevekane4922]

@@skrrytch amazing harmony and brilliant performance altogether.

[@stevekane4922]

@@skrrytch that eggman session was designed to get the perfect video live performance. Spent days setting it up and rehearsing like they couldn't do in a larger venue. Used just the stage lighting, no TV lights. I'm sure the audio was straight off the desk and quite a bit of post production.

[@zer0tzer0]

They didn't tell you? With few exceptions, the LIVE version is usually the superior video with BAND-MAID. You need a do-over. BAND-MAID consider themselves to be Hard Rock, but they have so many influences, Metal just being one. You're right about their transitions, especially Akane's drums. If she plays the same measure twice it's just to setup an expectation only so she can break it on the third measure. They just finished their 10 Year Anniversary Tour, so they have well over 100 plus songs and growing. And they're all great songs and each is a little different, sometimes a lot different. Most of the time really, but the one thing they have in common is they still all sound like BAND-MAID.

[@paulread4886]

The official live version live in 2020 , is insane with extra jamming in the middle. These girls are better live , always.

[@weldernick3750]

I strongly recommend their official live stuff as well! One of the best live bands of all time imo! The energy and skill is ridiculous live! But yeah great reaction!

[@GlennWH26]

Band-Maid call themselves 'a hard rocking maid band' and they blend multiple genres, often in the same song. Oh, and yes, you should check out the live. Okay, names, pronunciation, nicknames, and roles, in order that they joined the band. Miku Kobato - mee-koo - Kuruppo, the Little Pigeon, the Little Engine Who Will - band founder, backing (and occasionally lead) vocals, rhythm guitar, principal lyricist, tireless Spokespigeon and PR machine. Wielder of weapons grade cuteness. So determined to see her band succeed that she fired herself as lead singer (she decided her voice wasn't strong enough for hard rock), then went looking for a replacement. Learned to play guitar after the band was formed. Kanami Tono - kah-nah-mee - Kanamincho or just Mincho - lead guitar, keyboards, principal composer and arranger. On stage, she's a savant mad riffer with a room temperature IQ and a huge crush on Saiki. In reality, she's a genius, and not just musically- she has a degree in economics with honors from Tokyo University. Akane Hirose - ah-kah-neh - A-chan, the Gorilla - drums, sequencing, snacks, the leader the band doesn't have. What you see is what you get- a cheerful jock with a huge appetite who burns off the calories murdering her drums. Frequently snacks between songs. MISA - mee-sah - the Barefoot Assassin, MISA MISA MISA! - bass, booze, occasional wet work. Usually stone faced. Barely acknowledges the audience's existence. Always has a beer or a bottle of Jim Beam on her Orange amp. Originally, these were ways of coping with stage fright. These days, that's just how the assassin rolls. Saiki Atsumi - sah-ee-kee (but Psyche is close enough) - the Ice Queen, Sensei, Sai-chan - lead vocals, some lyrics, the "We're done" girl. Fashionista and train nerd. In total command on stage; hides behind Miku off stage (she's actually kind of shy).

[@auzdoz]

Here we go, another Madiac is born!🤟🏼

[@danbuter]

You really should have watched the live version, but I'm glad you like them. Pretty much the only video where I really think you should watch the MV instead of the live is their song "Rinne".

[@rolandkarlsson7072]

New to BAND-MAID - so much fun ahead of you! You can start with the live version of this song, Domination. Then, except for those marked with (mv), I prefer live. Those girls have so much fun on stage! This is a list of some songs I love :) * Choose me * Dice * Domination * Freedom * From now on (instrumental, skills, mv) * Manners (There is a good live one: Manners and Black Hole, I would say maybe the best to listen to. BASE!) * Onset (instrumental, skills) * Play (this one is fun. Skills!) * Thrill (their first viral song, the one that made them not quit. Catchy, but simple. They were young! mv.) * Without holding back (instrumental, skills, mv)

[@hix5030]

This is the best timing for you to try live.ver of this song for sure.

[@SkullAngel002]

Not your fault as you didn't know but in this case of this song, the live version (Domination 2020 Official Live) compels a reaction do-over. Congrats on discovering the BM rabbit hole; it only gets better from here: Freedom (2020 live) Secret My Lips & Secret MAIKO Lips Warning! (MV) Shambles (MV) From Now On (MV) & Onset (Official live) Dice & Hate? (2023 Lollapalooza)

[@Lee-ws8we]

Band Maid's music videos are a good example of who Band Maid is.... But to really know Band Maid you must watch the live music videos, there is one for this song, you have seen the music video for Domination, maybe you should check out the live version.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PcgnaAo5ulj8k

[@philproffitt8363]

A Wonderful band whose varying rock styles and compositions are a unique creative force in my 4.5 decades of rock enjoyment...since beginning with Queen's Night At The Opera album. You'll hear it lots that they slay their live 'servings'...and it's TRUE, the extended Domination Official Live is incredible. Highlights when I discovered them were the 'Dice' studio MV and all the official live videos. Then they stepped up late 2020 and have grown with more complexity and variation. This "pigeon hole" (someone will explain) is a RIDE!!!!

[@danielmorgan2439]

Try Dice next

[@polskabob359]

I know that look when I see it down the pigeon hole you go , po!

[@falconsooner]

Enjoyed your reaction! You picked up some nice details...especially about the drumming

[@jaedo6180]

Um, I believe WE recommended the LIVE version!😂 Seriously though, check it out. The Maids show off a little with their instruments!

[@dollydayday]

You must watch the live version of Domination it’s amazing on another level

[@EliseAutoXr]

Band-Maid is soooo awesome, you have some fantastic music in your future :). Live songs tend to be a bit more "fun". Thanks for the reaction.

[@Bodneyblue]

IMO: Theres nothing this band can't do..From heart breaking acoustic..to thermal rock chaos!..They are amazing....They remind me of "Queen" in that aspect..And they are not just amazing musician..they appear to be the most amazing humans as well..Their love for each other and the attention they show their fans is adorable..The West needs to take note!.....And in saying all that..may I suggest my second favourie Japanese band.."TRiDENT"..An awesome trio of wonderful ladies...Tracks to check out..."Spoopy"...."Ambivalent" LIVE at Zepp..."Cry Out"... "Neo Future"...."DISTINATION"..and from a few years back "Voltage"

[@cliffearl]

Live version

[@beachmonster5441]

+1 more for the live version. You will love it.

[@devingalloway2708]

LIVE IS ALWAYS BETTER AS LONG AS ITS THE OFFICIAL VIDIOS FROM BAND-MAID CHANNEL! BUT REALLY STICK TO THEIR KZbin CHANNEL AND YOULL NEVER MISS!❤

[@lonegamer9347]

You just have to do the LIVE version!

[@pulp-tx6lq]

Band maid are one of the best in the business. Try out their newest video called Shambles. It is pretty heavy. You also can't go wrong with their official live videos. They are an amazing live act. Your reaction was great. Rock.on 🤘

[@jeremydawkins8814]

D. Dice O. Onset M. Manners I. Influencer N. Non-fiction Days A. Afterlife T. Take me Higher I. I,ll O. One and Only. N. No God. 🤔😁

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Oh i like that. Very cool, Jeremy. 😁👏👏

[@seizetheday5008]

W. Warning O. Order R. Rinne L. Liberal D. Don't You Tell Me P. Puzzle O. OOPARTS

[@jeremydawkins8814]

@@GaryHolloway-810 It just came to me with a flash of Garyness.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@jeremydawkins8814 Yeah i only said it cos i was jealous of not thinking of it.😂

[@jeremydawkins8814]

@@GaryHolloway-810 If I could think of a quarter of the things you think up I'd need four brains.😁

[@The_Book_Of_M]

You need to their live performances.

[@DAVID-io9nj]

More exposure will show that MISA, the bass player, is just as key as the others. In some songs she is essentially playing her bass as a lead guitar. Also, you pointed out the vocals. Saiki, lead vocals, has a voice and delivery that seems perfect for Band Maid"s music. But, Miku, 2nd vocals, is just as important. Their combined vocals allow for some very interesting vocal melodies.My current favorite for their vocals is Corallium. Thanks.

[@Puyax01]

Usually reactors miss the Live part when recommending Domination or the commentor forgot to add the Live part.

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

Great reaction , but , and I can't stress this enough Band Maid are a MUCH better band LIVE ( in common with the vast majority of Japanese bands eg Nemophila , Lovebites , Gacharic Spin et al ))

[@terrybeige5038]

This MV is a flashback to the early days. I almost forgot about AKANE and her little hat! - It has been said that someone could take any BAND MAID song and breakout about 3 or 4 "normal" songs. You do NOT have to Hope that they are good live! They are actually better! Same quality of talent and more bass solos - guitar solos - drum solos than you can shake a drum stick at! They just finished a sold out 10th Anniversary tour of the US. So you have 10 years of catching up to do. Doesn't matter the song you have found your mother load of a band. You want Artwork?! - Try UNLEASH -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX2lkHiGiJlrfqc You want Live? REAL EXISTANCE - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6K0n35_gbdoq5I You want Drum Solo? - FREEDOM - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHnTpningqaWesk You want Bass Solo? - DICE - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKGkiqGMf71sebs You want Guitar Solo? - BLOOMING - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4bXkH14gtSWga8 You want a Guitar/Bass - Response? - HATE? - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafXfIWQbt2naac You want Acoustic and Rock? Same song different feels (both are live!) - PUZZLE - Acoustic version - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6qtpa2GoMyNisU - Rock version - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKfYoqCJhqqhl6M After all, or even one, of these you will become a MAIDIAC like the rest of us!!!!

[@zoob6510]

No, this is not it! What you should see is the official live version of this song. But watching this will give you an idea of how the live version will be performed by the girls. You should watch the live version soon. Highly recommended. If you are a musician, I recommend the following three songs. Onset live: A complete rock instrumental masterpiece. Just by listening to this, you can tell that they are top notch. Without Holding Back: Very funky bass line and bouncy drum and guitar solo. The talent of the genius Mincho is exploding. FromNowOn: Super tight drum playing and crazy guitar. A undulating base. BAND-MAID has many great songs, but I recommend these three songs to understand what they're doing behind the vocals.

[@grahamreed8774]

You are correct- The drumming (Akane) controls all the complex transitions throughout their songs along with Misa on bass. It is a regular comment that most bands would get four songs out of one Band-Maid song. Kanami (lead) and Miku (Rhythm and backing vocals) support Saiki's amazing vocals. I love rock and metal, but you are also correct about metal bands that have no variation in their arrangements. 8-10 minutes of double kick bores me sh*tless- I prefer symphonic metal. With Akane, in one song you get lot of variation- disco beats and jazz to hard core double kick- she is a real genius within Kanami's compositions/arrangements. Great reaction- Thanks.

[@usagi3919]

This is my favorite song by Band Maid, followed closely by Hibana(Spark). I am in the minority by preferring the studio version over the live version because the guitars aren't buried in the mix. The Live versions I like are Wonderland and Freedom for the harmonies not really present in the studio versions.

[@diegorbass3144]

Great reaction, please react to live versions, I recomend "No god" its a great song

[@TexasVeteranPatriot]

Welcome! Live Band Maid is best Band Maid.... An instrumental? BAND-MAID / From Now On (Official Music Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2e9hKmjo9CGZpI Something heavy? BAND-MAID / REAL EXISTENCE (Official Live Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6K0n35_gbdoq5I BAND-MAID - PLAY (Official Live Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX3biZKqaduabbc BAND-MAID - Domination (Official Live Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PcgnaAo5ulj8k Something light? BAND-MAID / Daydreaming (Official Music Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHTEloihp66nr7s BAND-MAID / Wonderland (Official Live Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmXLqX-bfcekkNE BAND-MAID / About Us (Official Live Video) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5rGmIl3raiMjJo

[@竹内昌彦-d4n]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@killermonjero]

I'm sure many others have said this, but do yourself a favor and watch the official live video of this song. As for recommendations, you mentioned Hanabie and Nemophila, but have you checked out Lovebites yet?

[@starocean62]

You ain't seen nothing yet

[@chrisegbertky]

Everything you said right there is true! Every bit of it!

[@me262a1]

Band-Maid is the real deal. "Influencer" is a great newer song. If you like hardcore punk at all, Otoboke Beaver is a four piece female band from Kyoto. They're fixin' to start a U.S. tour too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn6bf5KtmKiBmKc

[@ALAN_COX]

They call themselves a hard rock band and do not consider themselves a metal band. My opinion is that Band-Maid are one of the best bands to have formed in the past 10 years, and are currently one of the best rock and roll bands on the planet. They play many genres and styles including ballads, power ballads, pop, rock, progressive rock, hard rock, punk, metal, nu metal, and everything before in-between and beyond. They also have several great instrumental songs that they use live to give their lead singer Saiki a break. I don't know what musical style that you prefer but you can't go wrong by listening to Onset, From Now On, Moratorium, No God, Rinne, About Us, Play, Why Why Why, and my favorite Official Music Video of theirs Don't You Tell Me. The double bass kick drum on No God and Rinne will blow your mind. If you want to hear a good guitar vs bass battle then check out their song Hate live performance from Lollapalooza. Have fun with it! Introducing The Band... Miku [mee-kuu] (Small Pigeon) - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Lyricist, Band Founder Misa [mee-suh] (Barefoot Assassin) - Bass Guitar Akane [aah-kah-nay] (Gorilla) - Drums Kanami [kah-nah-mee] (Mincho) - Lead Guitar, Songwriter Saiki [sigh-kee] (Sai-Chan) - Lead Vocals