Blood - Dead-Hearted EP

By Stormraven24

Blood - Dead Hearted EP

Release Date: 09/09/2007
Price: 1800 yen

My Rating

Transitions - 9/10
Length - 8/10
Song Quality - 9/10
Songs - 9.5/10
Overall - 9/10

Overview

The latest release from the Goth rock indies band BLOOD is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. Their style of music is very refreshing to my ears after mainstream Japanese rock and pop. The EP consists of seven tracks, mainly remixes of the same songs, with guest appearances by Aural Vampire, Gothic Prince Ken, Virgins O.R. Pigeons, and In-Tranzit. Kiwamu also remixed "Crimson" for the CD. I only wished that it could have been a little longer, but since this is an EP and not a full-length album, shortness was to be expected.

Track Listing

1) Dead-Hearted - A song completely in English (and understandable for the most part), Fu~ki does an amazing job as usual at expressing tragedy and angst through the lyrics. The guitar and synth work is also very good. 9/10

2) Crimson - This song begins with an almost Gypsy-like feel to it before plunging into heavy bass and dark guitar riffs thanks to Kaede and Kiwamu. Fu~ki’s voice almost gets lost in the music, but it was a very enjoyable song, although a bit short for my taste. 9/10

3) Blood feat. Exo-Chika from Aural Vampire - This is my favorite song on the entire EP. It seems to tell a story of forbidden and unholy love, beautifully narrated by both Fu~ki and Exo-Chika. Fu~ki’s voice is distinctly deeper when he harmonizes with Exo-Chika, letting her angelic voice come through more clearly on the track. The final seconds of this track are some of the most powerful, in my opinion.10/10

4) Dead-Hearted (No Mercy mix by In-Tranzit) - Due to the fact that this mix slows down Fu~ki’s words, it’s a little more understandable than the standard version. The bass is very good, as well as the guitar that seems to be more of an undertone. 9/10

5) Dead-Hearted (Tears of Fallen Angel GPK mix by Gothic Prince Ken) - Opening and closing with a gorgeous harpsichord sound, this mix soon delves into a harder electronic sound that I’ve come to expect from GPK. I really enjoyed how dark it was, especially given the meaning of the lyrics and Fu~ki’s emotional voice. 10/10

6) Crimson (remix by Kiwamu) - This is the heaviest remix on the EP. It begins too much like a typical techno dance club song, but soon becomes something very unique to BLOOD. Fu~ki’s voice is distorted, but still understandable, in the beginning verse; it was a move that fits with the song and tone very well. It’s also slightly longer than the standard version, which is a plus. 9/10

7) L’Irreparable (Virgins O.R. Pigeons mix) - A very nice remix of L’Irreparable, it opens with another harpsichord sound that is very pleasing to my ears. Heavier electronic work soon comes in before Fu~ki’s beautiful voice begins to come through the speakers. Kiwamu’s guitar solo at the 3:05 mark is wonderful as well. The final thirty seconds or so of the track were a very nice way to end both the song and the EP. 10/10

Where Can You Buy the CD?

YesAsia

CD Japan

JMIgnited.com is not affiliated with the artists presented on this website or their representatives. All images are the property of their respective copyright owners. Images are displayed for educational and decorative purposes only under the "fair use" clause.

All music samples are property of their respective owners. All music featured are samples only! If you enjoy a particular band, please help endorse them and buy their music! No copyright infringement is intended.