X JAPAN - KURENAI 1987 | MUSICIANS REACT

[@dicodec]

After listening to this again. I'm really digging it! Onto my music library it goes. -Eric

[@InSilentAgony]

Dicodec Listen to the Blue Blood re-recorded version 🤘🏼

[@hitokiriizo]

^ what that guy said. The remastered/re-recorded version is great.

[@dicodec]

Alright down! I got that one on the list already.

[@ChrisPage68]

Another Japanese band from the period you need to see is VOW WOW - "Don't Leave Me Now". Lead singer Genki Hitomi set the standard. He's apparently now a Maths teacher, but I saw a recent video of him in a bar with a band, cranking out Beatles tunes. The voice is still strong! 🤘🐐

[@bmbreaks6485]

Please react to Art of life

[@YukiV7]

you guys need see the live version of this song is amazing.

[@dicodec]

Done! We shall check that one out.

[@ruslana5350]

@@dicodec the last live 1997 bersion, please is far better, it makes me physically cry every time.

[@rainrai]

@@ruslana5350 aye aye every time....

[@dark_neverland]

​@@ruslana5350 i would say the live with Sugizo playing violin alongside yoshiki on piano is pretty amazing also. The classical elemental just adds something extra & elevates the song even more somehow

[@nestorpale]

Gene Simmons himself said "if this band had been born in the United States, it would be the biggest band of the time" they definitely need to hear the live version

[@dicodec]

Dang! Even Kiss acknowledged them. That's respect right there. We are most definitely going to hear the live version.

[@ohcomeongetoutofhere]

@@dicodec Michael Jackson's wristband style is inspired from Yoshiki. MJ saw him wearing one while injured. Marilyn Manson is kissing Yoshiki's hand or at least bowing to him, can't remember quite well, but that's how inspiring this band is.

[@Xia-hu]

@@ohcomeongetoutofhere we culd even argue that Manson actually drew a LOT of inspiration from hide's imagery and makeup for his own character.

[@phillipclark6463]

Yoshiki and Manson are good friends

[@boshiken4914]

I found x japan a few years ago and love watching their live performances along with their diverse mix of music. Yoshiki’s classical concerts are inspirational. They shaped so much of what Japan’s rock scene is today.

[@dicodec]

Oh wow, that's dope! Makes me look forward to hearing more.

[@browndavid6986]

They are the most famous band in Japan history. The drummer, who wrote all their songs, is the most respected musician in Japan even to this day. People in Japan treat him like royalty anytime he went to a tv show.

[@user-og6pb6dd5p]

Not all of their songs

[@dark_neverland]

I would argue they're not *the* most famous, I'd add buck-tick & a few others, but are definitely the most internationally known Japanese band

[@gold6651]

やっぱ、日本語の方が勢いがあってよいよなぁ(^^; でもアノときは時代が 英語じゃないと世界は狙えなかったんだよね。Xは、30年早かったんだよ‼️すべてにおいてね

[@imposs8101]

These guys are the fathers of metal in Japan, they made it popular over there. Every Japanese metal band is inspired by these guys. The drummer is a musical genius and the founder of this band. He also does classical piano concerts by himself. There's a great documentary on KZbin about them you should definitely watch, you will appreciate their contribution to Japanese metal more after that.

[@dicodec]

That's awesome! Always great to see the people who paved the way for the new generation. Also to see people giving them their proper respect even though it isn't really their cup of tea. We were actually talking about watching the documentary.

[@kwangbae4788]

This song was the basis for BABYMETAL's Akatsuki much like a tribute. Their ballads are fire too.

[@dicodec]

Really? That's pretty cool. Paying homage to the pioneers. Drop a song and we'll check it out.

[@hardencrater5142]

It is no doubt a tribute: 1. Babymetal's Akatsuki opens slowly and then explode the same way as Kurenai. 2. At the start of the song Suu would yell Akatsuki-da which is similar to Toshi yelling Kurenai-da when singing this song in live. 3. The neckbrace. 4. I think the title Akatsuki is also a word play from kurenai... Perhaps someone with kanji knowledge can explain better.

[@Wombatmetal]

@@dicodec At the beginning of this song live, Toshi yells "Kurenai Da!". When Babymetal plays Akatsuki live, Suzuka yells "Akatsuki Da!". There are so many homages to X in Babymetals performances it's too many to list here.

[@timgove5337]

Akatsuki means red moon, but they spell red with the same character used for Kurenai which means crimson. But Kurenai is a secondary pronunciation for its written kanji (chinese) character, so no one really got it until he started the song by iconically yelling the name. BabyMetal also got the “we are ... BabyMetal” from his “we are X” chants, just as lovebites took “we are (lovebites) Motörhead, and we play (heavy metal) Rock n Roll” Here’s a good more recent version of Akatsuki that no one does (link in next sub-comment)

[@Wombatmetal]

@@timgove5337 Akatsuki comes from the kanji for red and moon, but it means dawn fyi

[@phillipclark6463]

Saw X at their last London gig, during the intermission, Yoshiki did a massive drum solo in which he played a keyboard whilst playing the drums... He's a classically trained pianist.

[@dicodec]

Oh wow, that is awesome!

[@Javier-rt6nb]

a little bit of history, Yoshiki the drummer and Toshi the vocalist formed the band in 1977 when they were just 11 y/o and then debuted in 1982, with guitarists Pata and Hide and bassist Taiji but the band was just called X. In 1992 there was a discussion between Yoshiki and Taiji making Taiji quit the band and then another bassist called Heath joined and after that the band was recalled X JAPAN. Around 1997, Toshi married a woman who was part of a cult, and this cult brain-washed Toshi convincing him that rock/metal music was bad, so they released a concert in that year called "The Last Live" before breaking up. A year later, Hide was found dead in his apartment, media says that he commited suicide, but Yoshiki was sure that it was just an accident. In 2007 Yoshiki and Toshi reunited the band with new guitarist Sugizo. fun fact: Kobametal, the producer of BABYMETAL, is actually very fan of X JAPAN, you can find some references like the neckbrace that Yoshiki uses in concerts due to headbanging to much, and also Akatsuki and No Rain, No Rainbow by BABYMETAL were inspired by Kurenai and Endless Rain by X JAPAN

[@dicodec]

Oh man, that's a pretty intense history of the band holy cow! Bands would go through some crazy stuff back in those days.

[@timgove5337]

There’s actually a recent movie documentary called We Are X about all of that. 1997’s Last Live was so hard for Yoshiki to deal with, Toshi in cult, Hide & Taiji dying, Pata got deathly ill too (might’ve been later tho) that he didn’t actually edit the Last Live release til 2001...

[@dicodec]

Yup yup. Heard it was on hulu we might actually go check it out.

[@NerdChannelBrasil]

They were so big in japan that when guitarist Hide committed suicide he sparked a wave of youth suicides in japan. Ah, and the ex-bassist Taiji committed suicide in 2011.

[@Hizaization]

@@dicodec i heard Mike Portnoy ex.Dream Theater is a fan of Yoshiki *cmiiw

[@alanandrade6679]

This is a version of Kurenai in they indie timings on the album Vanishing Vision, after that, they went to a label and made their most known album, Blue Blood, there they have a mastered version of this Kurenai song. Try to see the 'Last Live' version of it, is a must watch!

[@dicodec]

Ah that makes total sense now. People were telling us there is a better version of the song. Cool cool, we will check it out.

[@christopherjohnferrer3771]

X-Japan the grandfather of Visual Kei, Live is good /,,/

[@dicodec]

They are the legends? Always cool to see the dudes who started a new era.

[@user-pw3sg1pp4d]

この時のXはよかった。hide,Taijiがいて。この時の勢いはもう今のXにはない。

[@seikun90]

X JAPAN is one of my favourites bands! If you're gonna react to another of their song, I suggest to search the "LAST LIVE" version :)

[@Turlis123]

I can only listen to the last live of this, it hurt my feelings that it's the English version.

[@only1sn1not1taken]

100% the sound quality is so good for last live.

[@dicodec]

Yup yup, we got Another X Japan being filmed on Thursday not sure what song it is though. I'll let you know.

[@Bloodymecha]

This song is as old as I am! Now you guys see what Visual Kei started as, I assume one guy went to a Poison show and said "I could do that look better"

[@dicodec]

Poison! That's probably another one of the bands Alan was trying to think of.

[@AldoGuerraALDO-METAL]

They look like Poison but play like Iron Maiden

[@user-ii9ep9tf9e]

You need to listen to Rusty Nail. This is one of their most famous songs.

[@dicodec]

Of course. We are filming another X Japan this Thursday!

[@only1sn1not1taken]

I think Rusty Nail is probably one of their heaviest ones so it might be a bit more up your ally. I've always kinda compared the band to something akin to early Judas Priest.

[@nimonimo99]

いつも、日本のバンドのリアクションありがとうございます。私は日本人ですが3人のリアクションが大好きです。 妖精帝國、GALNERYUS、LADYBABY等もおすすめです👍 (Thank you for the reaction of the Japanese band. I'm Japanese, but I love the reaction of 3 people. YouseiTeikoku, GALNERYUS, LADY BABY etc. are also recommended)I am not good at English.

[@dicodec]

No worries. Your english is pretty good. Of course we will be reacting to all 3 bands very soon. 🤘

[@hardencrater5142]

I double on YOUSEI TEIKOKU!!! ^^

[@Vitericus1]

@@hardencrater5142 I triple. Kyusei Αργυροσ. And Galneryus, "Angel of Salvation"

[@hitokiriizo]

If we're doing 80s Japanese metal. Show-ya- genkai lovers and Loudness- in the mirror are must listens.

[@dicodec]

Show-ya is an all female band right? Yup yup we have Loudness on the list as well.

[@zachariahodell580]

Guys please re-react to The Last Live 1997 version of this song if you want the best version and quality.

[@dicodec]

For sure! Been seeing it in the comments. We will give it a listen.

[@XiuFeanaro6]

Nah, the best version live is the 1991 one.

[@shillaij]

Good luck on moving on from Japan. I have been stuck there for the last 1 1/2 years and simply cannot get out. The metal, rock, blues, jazz, fusion jazz, as well as all the old stuff, has me hooked really bad.

[@dicodec]

Oh man, you're right it's gonna be tough haha

[@yunikitadai1331]

You reacted to the English version...very rare.

[@dicodec]

There is a japanese version of this song?

[@JuanGonzalezOZ]

@@dicodec Yes, the Japanese version is the best

[@JwLinberg7788]

Japanese version is wut we listening to during 90s

[@rockonjapan454]

Japanese girls like the pop music, especially idols today. But the young ladies loved them at that time. Their live venues were filled with high-pitched voices. And young people listened to the rock music more than they do now. Japanese former prime minister Koizumi Junichiro has loved this band too.

[@dicodec]

That's badass. Ah much better times to be a rock band.

[@PurpleDracos]

Now you can see why Yoshiki needs to wear a neck brace and have painkilling injections to play nowadays because he just can’t play drums any way other than hard and full out.

[@dicodec]

That is pretty epic. I mean it sucks because he's at risk of injury but to be that hardcore and having to take such precautions is pretty insane.

[@defaultforger13]

At last!!! Thank you for this guys!!! By the way, there is an english/japanese version of this with a much better sound recording. I guess you are now ready to react to art of life. 😁

[@dicodec]

It took us long enough haha. Really? We will check that out too. A better quality version sound dope.

[@schelin1447]

Legends! I recommend the documentary We Are X if you want to learn more about them their pretty tragic history.

[@dicodec]

We will definitely be checking it out. I love musician documentaries.

[@hazwanhashimhjibrahim4500]

Back in the 90's this guys rule asia

[@dicodec]

I would imagine so!

[@obsidianwing]

hjpan heavy influenced my love for jMetal and for sure my Love for european power metal , it in the 2002 when i found them. I love this " dirty" unpolished sound because it shows way more personality

[@UmiDeli]

I never thought to watch someone reacting to X-Japan in these times... You guys brought me old memories, I'm crying right now, I'm really glad to know that I was able to watch them in Mexico, that was one of the best days of my life... sorry for my english I'm just trying

[@dicodec]

Your english looks really good! That is really awesome you got to see them live! What an experience that must have been!

[@UmiDeli]

@@dicodec Yeah it really was a great experience

[@PurpleDracos]

I just love this story from a loudwire interview which shows how serious Yoshiki is about music. He just dropped in that he wanted to record something but Metallica had basically taken over the studio he wanted to use and would not let anyone else use it while they recorded the black album so he bought the studio.

[@dicodec]

That's nuts! That really happened? 😲

[@69opsman]

"Silent Jealousy", "Rusty Nail", "Jade", and for power ballads (They wrote Epic power ballads)";"Endless Rain", "Say Anything", "Tears" and "Forever Love". This band was not only influential in Japan but America as well as musicians travel a lot. In Japan music is described as Before X and after X. Also they are much better live. They still tour and still rock the lights out. (2 of the original members have passed but their replacements are incredible). As musicians you should listen to some of X-Japan's catalog they try many different things, 1 song is even 30 minutes long. Hide the lead guitar you see here has passed but he had his own band called Spread Beaver with a song called "Rocket Dive" that's pretty cool. (He died during the recording of the album, which is a whole other story that affected thousands of people in Japan including suicides.)

[@dicodec]

Oh wow, some power ballads sound sick! So you can bet we'll be checking out those songs. That's badass. Its always great to see the ones who paved the way for the modern bands. I heard alittle about the members from some other comments on this video. Sounds like a crazy story. I'm gonna check out that documentary they have for sure.

[@toro55ful]

X Japan Rusty Nail "The Last Live" that performance is so powerfull I think you gonna like this one great reaction btw! Also Kurenai live in "The Last Live" is a great one too since you already react to the music video just watch this one on your free time... Unless you want to react to the live version of course 😆

[@dicodec]

That's what we keep hearing for sure. We might do one off camera and one on. We are still not sure we will see Thursday.

[@masayukichannel8609]

ずいぶんと古い動画をみつけたね＾＾：

[@iamwho8681]

X Japan sound like X Japan. That's it they don't sound like anyone they have their own unique style. Great reaction btw 😊🙌 WE ARE X

[@Ferdy_Yuugitsune1040]

The hairstyle inspired from japanese traditional Kabuki.

[@dicodec]

Interesting 🤔

[@FrankyE1169]

You don't even scratch the surface of X-Japan !!!! dig a little bit! from around 1995, audio and video became acceptable to our eyes and ears, but applies worldwide

[@dicodec]

For sure. We've only just begun our journey into Japan's rock pioneers. Can't wait to hear more and dive deeper.🤘

[@user-go5zb3kk2b]

this song in the last live version is legend.

[@dicodec]

So I've been told haha. We will most definitely be checking it out.

[@user-xq4pv4zy1g]

紅だああああああああああああ！！！！

[@anonwhathaveyoudone5127]

This was an early version from when the band was more or less just getting started with this lineup. They re-recorded it for their second album Blue Blood in 1989 and it's much better in overall production quality, definitely worth a listen. I also would recommend finding their song Rose of Pain, one of my personal favorites, but be advised it's over 12 minutes long.

[@dicodec]

Ah i see. For sure we need to check out the remastered version. We can definitely check out that song as well. We're looking to jump back into them really soon.

[@MartinSosa-qn5ho]

It's so weird to hear it in English, the last live version is the best version, but even the studio version has better quality

[@dicodec]

Ah so there is a japanese version? Dope, we will check it out.

[@hendravan5778]

X japan may inspiration man..

[@outwest1014]

Jade live is newer performance with better audio. The drummer is the primary songwriter , who also plays the piano in concert. Gene Simmons of Kiss was quoted If X Japan had been a US band they would have been huge. They were due to be the first Japanese band to play Wembley Arena, but they fell apart. Instead is was Babymetal. One last thing the neck collar you see in the Legend of 1997, Death worn by Su-Metal is a direct reference to the drummer. If you watched him you would see why his needed to wear a collar while performing.

[@dicodec]

Dang, even Kiss acknowledged them. That's respect right there. How did they fall apart? Yup yup hear about that as soon as that BabyMetal reaction dropped.

[@outwest1014]

@@dicodec In the middle 90's. the members were working on solo projects and the band release very little. In 1996 Yoshiki ,drummer suffered a herniated cervical vertebrae while on tour, hence the collar. In 1997 Toshi (lead singer) announced he wanted to lead a simpler life and got involved with a cult that took his money and abused and beat him for 12 years. hide, the lead guitarist, hung himself in 1998. Yoshiki did meet with Su, Yui and Moa in England prior to their Wembley Arena concert. A very big deal for the girls. There is now a "new" X Japan, but recent health problems is limiting them. Do Jade live PG version, much better video.

[@evanzolc]

They are the best. That definitely made me wanna dye my hair color red!!! haha So inspiring!!!

[@dicodec]

They are legends for sure. 🤘

[@itsarchie1261]

I know you guys weren't crazy about the clean opening section but I've always really loved that Amadd9 chord they hit at the end of it. Nothing too crazy, just a nice resolution with that little bit of tension suspended in it that pulls us into all the fast paced riffs really nicely

[@dicodec]

It wasn't bad at all. I gotta listen back again and checkout that last chord.

[@chibaification]

The audio quality definitely is lacking here, the audio is way better during their last live. The official channel has the song also, it is a different version that they built on since 1987. Good stuff though even though it isn't in the musical area I listen to often, been years. Blue Blood is a good song also, from the album of the same name which their most popular song "X" released on also.

[@dicodec]

Oh sweet, we'll check that one out for sure. It's not really our cup of tea either but we respect it. Blue blood I shall jot down on the list.

[@oshare23]

X-japan is one of the founder of visual kei movement , thanks for the reaction..

[@dicodec]

Thank you for watching. It is always great to see the ones who paved the way for the current generation. 🤘

[@TheNibuchin]

We are 🙅‍♂️❗️

[@dicodec]

X! 😀

[@user-eu9ch2jj7q]

くれないだ〜！

[@DAEMETAL]

X-Japan are the biggest rock band in the world most Americans have never heard of. Fire up Hulu and watch "We Are X" for the full story. It is a legendary rock and roll story. BTW: there were all-girl metal bands in Japan back the 80s as well. Check out SHOW-YA. Or the late 80s equivalent to Band-Maid: Princess Princess.

[@dicodec]

Oh wow, I might actually check out that documentary. Dope!

[@DAEMETAL]

@@dicodec Do it. What these guys have been through will blow your mind. The trailer for it is on KZbin. Just watching that gives me the chills.

[@PurpleDracos]

Dicodec SHOW-Ya do a legit version of Kurenai themselves. Also their own songs Fairy and Genkai Lovers are well worth the listen. SHOW-YA first formed in 1981 so are in the first crop of all female rock bands from Japan.

[@DeadPoemStillAlive]

It's super rare to see people reacting to this version of Kurenai. This version was from their first album Vanishing Vision which if I remember right was an independent release. The quality definitely picked up in their following releases including a newer version of Kurenai on their second album Blue Blood. They have SO MANY amazing songs but definitely check out X, Silent Jealousy, and Scars (gotta be live on this one).

[@dicodec]

Yeah, this version was a special request by our contest winner. We will be reaching to either the remastered version or the live.

[@rebel131313]

Hear now you can get the connection to the neck brace that Babymetal have it is with the drummer Yoshiki he damaged his neck when playing and has to were a neck brace when ever he plays the drums now, so when Babymetal have the neck brace it is there tribute to him. This is from before he damaged his neck, as for anything ells about X Japan I will leave it to people that no more than me.

[@dicodec]

Oh, back in Death right!? That's dope! Sweet little tribute/Easter egg of sorts there.

[@rebel131313]

@@dicodec Yes "Babymetal Death" that is right but please full song title.

[@mr.osclasses5054]

@@dicodec This is what I came here to say, but definitely not surprised someone beat me to it. Just a little clarification: he would headbang so hard that he pretty much permanently damaged his neck. He couldn't play anymore unless he wore the brace because doctors feared he would either paralyze or kill himself with how hard he went. The neck brace gets featured a few times for BABYMETAL. I believe it was an idea of their producer, "Koba-metal", who was a fan of X Japan, to incorporate the brace as a tribute and the girls agreed once they saw some of the videos and heard the music & story. They actually introduced it in the music video for "Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!", which you haven't watched yet (at least not a reaction video). They only bring it out in live performances during "Death" as part of the theatrical part of Su being resurrected as a metal goddess. It is almost like the brace is the conduit for the goddess to overtake her body. This is why we suggest checking out the music videos for BABYMETAL to get some context (although they don't overtly say "here's a tribute to this guy" in the video, the context is always helpful as needed). An idea I've floated to a couple reactors is to do a double-reaction video for BABYMETAL. Start with the music video, then do a live performance all in the same reaction to see what is similar, what is different, if you might have missed something for context if you didn't see the video, etc. Obviously, your call, just throwing it out there to help! :)

[@rebel131313]

@@mr.osclasses5054 The neck brace was all so there at the opening of the LEGEND 1997 show when they did 'Ave maria', Legend 1997 show was all about the DEATH of a JPOP singer for her to be REBORN as a METAL GODDESS, and for Babymetal becoming a live performance band.

[@mr.osclasses5054]

@@rebel131313 Good point. I knew it had been shown a few times outside of the actual "Death" performance, but I couldn't remember where exactly. Thanks!

[@markpendley9903]

All songs and videos from the last live are 🔥 quality. X-Japan is awesome!

[@dicodec]

Heck yeah! Been hyped to see more of them. Can't wait to see those videos!

[@Ferdy_Yuugitsune1040]

They are legendary band

[@dicodec]

They're the ones who started it all!

[@lentostinato]

I would love to see you guys react to another Japanese metal band “Loudness” and their song “Crazy Doctor “

[@djmidori]

Yaaasss!

[@dicodec]

Starting to see them requested more and more. For sure we will check them out.

[@Ferdy_Yuugitsune1040]

They are still worthy

[@dicodec]

They are indeed worthy!

[@AmyLionheartArtistry]

Studio version for the OG “Kurenai” (All English) is in their 1988 “Vanishing Vision” album. The re-make is in their 1989 “Blue Blood” album (With some English & majority Japanese). I LOVE this band, 2nd to my favorite being DIR EN GREY.

[@dicodec]

Ah I see. I don't blame you, they are absolutely legit. We still have yet to listen to Dir En Grey but we hope to very soon!

[@turbozed]

Boy X-Japan fans not going to like you calling Yoshiki's drumming terrible, since he's considered a drumming legend. He's the guy BABYMETAL paid homage to with the neckbrace. If you want to hear better quality X-Japan recordings, you should watch songs from their "Last Live" concert in 1997. Rusty Nail is my favorite of their fast songs, but they got popular due to their rock ballads. "Endless Rain" is maybe their most popular and the inspiration for BABYMETAL's "No Rain No Rainbow." I recommend you guys do Rusty Nail from the Last Live to give X-Japan a proper chance. Since you're going on a J-Metal journey, some knowledge of X-Japan is required to understand the genre.

[@cyberpotato63]

I don't think his comment was about the quality of drumming. The drumming is very good. The miking of the drums was inept even for the period.

[@dicodec]

My comment wasn't directed at the quality of his drumming it was the sound quality of his kick drum. His drumming was on point in this song. Our next X Japan reaction will be filmed on Thursday. Not quite sure which song it'll be but I think it might be one of the ones you mentioned.

[@turbozed]

@@dicodec Good to hear that! Agree that the sound quality was pretty bad here. The sound mixing is better in their Last Live concert and you should get a better view of the drummer. I realize now you weren't being critical of him personally but, even if you were, there's nothing wrong with that either.

[@Gr3nkutz]

@@dicodec "Endless rain" from last live is a must see, very emotionnal specially if you are aware a bit about context, wich you are now. that's the perfect intro to move to "no rain no rainbow" (From legend S) from Babymetal next :p About "no rain no rainbow" at Legend S, it was the last concert of Mikio Fujioka before he passed away less than a month later. ( he will be on the left side on the stage) When you know about Hide passing away one year after "endless rain" and then "no rain no rainbow" beeing one of the last song of Mikio with BM, it is really disturbing how destiny can work sometimes ... No wonder why Koba ( and the staff of BM ) choose to release this song particulary ( wich is an old one) after mikio's death on their official channel. Also you can saw some camera shot on him when Su is singing " Nidoto aenai kedo, Wasurenaide itai yo" ( I will not see you anymore, but i'll never forget you) I really hope to see you react to both of these amazing songs and historical music moment of Japan.

[@burnoutn9]

Been a fan since 1990 when my Jump School roommate Mutoh Keiji (aka the Great Muta) introduced me to the band at one of their shows...

[@dicodec]

Very cool!

[@danielsanta437]

that has to be a demo version or something like that, the album version is in japanese with some parts in english and the solo is a very different and with a better sound quality

[@dicodec]

I was told this is a version released before they were signed.

[@danielsanta437]

@@dicodec Yoshiki (the drummer) founded his own label with some family money to release the first album, so in some way they didn't get signed, but maybe was a record made to find a label and later decided to make his own

[@autohmae]

They sound like Babymetal to me, but that's because I recognize parts inspired Babymetal to do their thing. :-) The sound quality. :-( Dissing Yoshiki for his kicks ? Ohh, that's like heresy ! Let's just say it's the sound quality ;-) Glad you liked it hope you'll check out X-Japan and check out a better recording next time. I suggest to add India to your list: Bloodywood.

[@dicodec]

Hhmmm interesting. 🤔 yeah the sou d quality wasn't great could be the reason for the kicks haha. Yup we are filming another X Japan this Thursday. Been hearing a lot about them for sure. We can react to them for you. 😃

[@autohmae]

@@dicodec For Bloodywood, their most popular video on their channel is a good choice: INDIAN STREET METAL ("Ari Ari" ft. Raoul Kerr)

[@mojojo603]

You guys should cover it. Make it to 2020 ver. They are so cool on young musicians play their song.

[@dicodec]

Not a bad idea. We will consider it!

[@johnschultz7765]

@@dicodec, I want to see you do the whole Visual Kei style: hair, makeup, costumes as well. 😅

[@1989ry05uke]

Strictly speaking, that is X, because they changed their band name to X JAPAN in 1992. I honestly haven't really paid attention to them but they are Japanese legends and literally anyone in Japan knows them (at least the drummer YOSHIKI). I think every other metal band in Japan were influenced by X and LOUDNESS.

[@dicodec]

Ah, interesting I didn't know that. That's dope! Glad we got to check out the Legends that paved the way for the new generation.

[@MrPenguin88]

X Japan is probably the biggest band that has come out of Japan imo they helped brought up the metal/rock scene in Japan in the late 80s and throughout the 90s then they also helped started the visual kie movement in Japan until they broke up in 1997 because there lead singer toshi was brain wash by a cult then two of their guitarist also died Hide (Rip) and bass Tajii (Rip) but X Japan got back together in 2009

[@dicodec]

Dang, that sounds like a crazy history there.

[@MrPenguin88]

@@dicodec yea it is they have a whole movie about the band called We are X I highly recommend it very good and emotional movie

[@blackrider2601]

Nice...please try X Japan (Rusty nail) "The last Live" 1997

[@dicodec]

For sure! Next X Japan reaction will be filmed on Thursday.

[@mr_ozio]

or Endless Rain (which is the basis for BABYMETAL's "No Rain, No Rainbow") :)

[@galaxyheavymetal5292]

wow that's so classic metal... it's not bad.

[@dicodec]

Right! Not our cup of tea but it is good and respectable.

[@geiseric222]

Yeah as you can see they are very hair metal to use a more American term. They are also probably the biggest influence on Babymetal as Koba the producer was a huge metal head and you can’t be a Japanese metal head without X Japan.

[@dicodec]

That's dope! Always nice to see the legends that paved the way for another generation. Much respect.

[@bc2765]

パイナップルか観葉植物みたいだなｗ

[@only1sn1not1taken]

From a sound production/quality aspect, I recommend future reactions to be from the "last live" concert. I love this song and am a die hard fan of X-Japan but this video even had me cringing a bit. Though what do you expect when it's something that has probably been uploaded and compressed multiple times. Last Live, one of the best sounding live performances, hands down.

[@dicodec]

Very true and really good point. I still like listening straight off a record or cd. I just feel like things sounds better. -Alan

[@only1sn1not1taken]

And I just realized that some of the guitar solos have been improved since this video as well.

[@dicodec]

Interesting. We definitely have to check out the remaster versions and the lives to compare. -Eric

[@saber0089]

It's weird that I never heard this English recording of this song. Some of the guitar play is way different than the older and new versions I'm used to. Thanks for uploading this!

[@dicodec]

Yes, this is a version of the song that was released before they were signed. You can thank our friend ClassyMoose for this pick.

[@826KOOL]

マジ名曲

[@redityt5484]

They are one of the biggest band in asia.. if u're looking good song with powerfull tempo i suggest listen to silent jealousy, kurenai or blueblood. If you re looking for ballad i suggest endless rain from last live, u will now why they're the biggest band in japan history when watch last live videos.. how emotion from the member can spread to the audience

[@dicodec]

I can see why. These guys are legit. We we do plan on checking out all those songs for sure.

[@KoaxR]

Okay, okay. That was all me. You should definitely check out the 2000s version of the song. I just though the original needed to be seen to appreciate the better version in the long run lol. Its probably killing the producer in you both to hear this quality xD my bad 🤘

[@dicodec]

We respect it for what it is for sure. We will be checking out that 2000s version. Haha just a little the song was still dope though

[@only1sn1not1taken]

Hey man, I've just gotta thank you for winning the contest (I assume you're the winner) because this is the band that I requested a few weeks ago. It's basically like I won too!

[@jemshd9800]

If you see the last live "kuranai" Thats is the original version of that song, so many crowd you can hear at that concert

[@dicodec]

Oh nice!

[@matsurigaetan]

If you want to listen more of early visual kei bands, look up BUCK-TICK. They debuted in 1987 and still are very active (their new album will come out the end of this month :D) Their live performances are great and Atsushi (vocal) is really talented too

[@dicodec]

Sounds dope! For sure fam. We'll check them out. 🤘

[@burnoutn9]

It takes about a hour to style the hair...they learned from Tony James (Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Sisters of Mercy) how to do the hair since SSS was a gaijin version of a Japanese Visual Kei band (check out early SSS songs like "Love Missile F-111" and any footage from the Flaunt It years)

[@dicodec]

Oh wow, that's wild!

[@seinarumori1111]

So cool that you check out X Japan) I recommend that you listen to "Endless Rain" from "The Last Live". This is a very emotional and beautiful song, in this song the audience sang along with the musicians. They are often compared to the Queen of Japan, and this is not surprising. In general, I strongly advise you to listen to this song. Peace \ m /

[@dicodec]

For sure! We will check it out for sure. Let me add it to our list. It sounds epic.

[@richibm9027]

thank you guys. I like all his videos. Also many Japanese bands.

[@dicodec]

Big X Japan fan?

[@passio-735]

😂 That was the weirdest version you could have picked for this song - or the guy/girl who requested this could pick. The studio version has better quality and is partially japanese, the live version is the best version for the sound and the last live has the most epic performance! I wand to recommend you to listen to Rose of Pain next. It is my favorite song from the band. There are a couple of acoustic versions for it and even a symphonic version. They are all good I think.

[@dicodec]

Yeah our contest winner picked out the video for us. They said something about us experiencing the OG recording before they were signed or something like that haha. Alright dope! We will add those to the list.

[@ECW5320]

@@dicodec There are 3 versions. English version (on Vanishing Vision album), Japanese version (Blue Blood album) and the demo version.

[@user-og6pb6dd5p]

Why? This version is pretty good, i really love the different solos and the Performance of toshi here

[@jcgil1003]

Maximum the hormone - rokkinpo goroshi. This one is so good!

[@dicodec]

We plan to react to as much MTH as we can. 😃

[@mielthesquid6536]

They were still quite indie by the time this version was recorded but there is cleaner studio version just a couple years after. Check for Blue Blood Kurenai.

[@dicodec]

Oh wow thanks for the insight!

[@jemshd9800]

You must see the last live of x Japan bro, 1997 same song "kuranai" i just wanna cry every time i see that

[@dicodec]

Absolutely! We will definitely be checking it out

[@fajarsidiq]

Japan legend!

[@dicodec]

They really are

[@Dirudirengrey]

✨You're great I'm glad you like my favorite music✨

[@bobbyheilbronn8377]

Check out Art of life (live) and Alive (studio)

[@dicodec]

We are down!

[@MarioMinware666]

Guys, you need to check out Show Ya, the mother of all female japanese metal bands. Without them We wouldn't have band Maid, or Aldious, or Destrose, or Bridear or Lovebites or anything!

[@dicodec]

Yolo! I'll add them to the list. Down to check out some more legends

[@yokusounidreambox7597]

Bro you guys don't even know how heavily influenced the music industry as a whole is because of them, they've done so much and it frustrates me how little people know about it

[@dicodec]

We got more reactions to come!

[@dicodec]

We talk about that in our newest reaction, but it got blocked

[@yokusounidreambox7597]

@@dicodec yesss I'm excited (also I'm new so I'm just making my way up hahaha (for sure subscribing you guys are great))

[@dicodec]

@@yokusounidreambox7597 awww thank you so much! Normally when I dispute a claim they release in 48 hours

[@yokusounidreambox7597]

@@dicodec I will for sure be looking out the whole time 👁️👁️

[@Trybs2506]

this is the very very rare kurenai version 👍

[@bonehand87]

Subscribed for more x Japan! Hoping to see some more!

[@dicodec]

Got more coming soon!

[@rarugojimny4013]

この頃のToshIの英語力ってどんな感じだったのでしょうか？ 英語圏の人からしたらかなりネイティブな発音だったのかな？それとも殆ど聞き取れなかったのか？英語力のない自分はわからないので教えて下さい。(^^)

[@wheeliehunter6937]

They have album versions of all their songs, yoshiki the drummer is actually one of the cofounders of the band and main songwriter, he also plays the piano for the band (in the same songs he plays the drums on). Edit: And yeah a lot has to do with the recording on this live version they sound a lot better than this, saw them live in NYC 2014 and they are incredible.

[@dicodec]

Ah I see that's dope! Thanks for the Insight on that much appreciated🤘

[@Xia-hu]

this song has a lot of variations, they rewrote it a couple of times, especially the intro, which was worked on by hide, the guitarist. and the Japanese version is gazillions better.

[@dicodec]

Oh wow, can't wait to hear their remastered version!

[@ikinariiwaretemo0987]

バージョンの選択が良いです

[@MultiKawaka]

Damn, wish i was there...

[@dicodec]

During that era?.....same

[@debrakurenai588]

This is like a “demo” version off their first Self released album. There is Definitely a better sounding version available. This one is pretty rare. These guys are actually probably one of the biggest Japanese rock bands EVER!!! They have influenced almost EVERY Japanese rock/metal band you hear now. Plus, Yoshiki (drummer) is a musical genius and God!!!!!

[@dicodec]

Ah i see. This version was requested by our contest winner weirdly enough. You can bet we are going to be checking out the remastered version or the live. We want to see more of these legends for sure!

[@Jojo-gf1el]

I haven't listened to this version for so long wow.

[@dicodec]

This is the OG version right?

[@Jojo-gf1el]

@@dicodec i think so, yes ^^

[@noxnox7445]

We are X!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dicodec]

🤘😀

[@kouroumori2962]

so next... would you try another Japanese legendary metal band - "LOUDNESS"?

[@djmidori]

Hell yeah LOUDNESS!! 🤘

[@firstborn174]

I believe Loudness is a Korean band.

[@kouroumori2962]

​@@firstborn174 Why do you think so? I haven't heard that. It's just... curious.

[@djmidori]

@@firstborn174 o. O they're a Japanese (heavy metal) band...

[@dicodec]

We are down!

[@asaneberta7216]

These guys are legend...chek out their live at LUNATIC FEST..

[@dicodec]

Hell yeah we will!

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

they were so damn good.

[@dicodec]

Legends!

[@timgove5337]

That was on Tape, which itself is older than you !!! The 97 live version from “Last Live”, still not awesome sound, but better than album, and In Effin Tense live crowd. These guys musically do come from scorpions among others (their influence is hugely underrated, as I just mentioned on lovebites powerballsd Epilogue which more often draws GaryMoore(thin Litzy) comparisons). But they were very influenced by punk street attitude and KISs live shows. Post Poison, but their own style really, it spawned the huge “Visual Kei” movement that still exists (Versailles), and which hugely overlaps with Japan’s powermetal scene (Galneryus, Lovebites, even Unlucky Morpheus), they’re not really disputed as The Originators, and even became one of Gene Shimmons’ favorite bands... Yoshiki the drummer also tours as a classical pianist, and has produced some artists where you’d be surprised it was him... Remember the timeframe. This is when Death was still underground music, these guys were bigger than Bon Jovi, probably more influenced by Iron Maiden and early speed thrash (well, yes, maybe incl early Death)

[@dicodec]

That's badass to see these dudes were the ones main Influence for all the modern bands we've been reacting to. Even Kiss acknowledged them. That's amazing!

[@timgove5337]

Yoshiki and Gene share the love of money. Yoshiki was onstage with them in japan at New Years, Gene comes to Yoshiki conventions, Yoshiki originally got in with them by doing a piano orchestral instrumental version of Black Diamond for Gene’s tribute album to himself, and they are the only two humans who have official Hello Kitty merchandise...

[@kitty-likes-to-play]

This is the English version (sound quality is bad as it's an old recording) but the live version (as everyone has mentioned) is the BEST

[@dicodec]

Ah I gotcha, we gotta check out the live then.