Album Rating: 5.0

Well FWIW, the first time I listened to DEG, I thought they were pretty good but found it hard to digest all of what they were doing. I started w/ Uroboros and then DSS and after I listened to the latter for the first time I had to put it aside cause I still couldn't take it all in.



Fast forward a few months later, I decided to give Uroboros one last try and this time it clicked and here I am now.

Album Rating: 5.0

First time I heard them I was like "ok, this is interesting", then didn't return for some months. Then on some internet radio Vinushka popped up and that was the first time I heard it. When it was over I was sure it was one of the best songs I ever heard. Still, because of how much it is to take in, it wasn't until some time later that I actually attempted taking on an entire album. That was Arche, and over the course of some weeks (it was my main interest during those weeks) it grew to be one of my all-time favorite albums. Two months later, this one followed and repeated the process. Then, two months later, Dum Spiro Spero followed and repeated the process once again (even though that one took a bit longer, despite being the third one I attempted.)

Then you watch the lives and repeat it all over again :D

Album Rating: 5.0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYwhk1SuTK0 Om nom nom

Love how that performance is an apprehensive wait for 1:44 and then it crushes you. 3:45 is terrifying, every time I see it.

Album Rating: 5.0

For lacking pre-ARCHE material except during the encores, ARCHE at Budokan is actually one of my favorite DEG lives...especially the 2nd night. -with the proof in the name of living- and DSS Budokan would be next in line. The band really goes out on all cylinders during their Budokan shows and in a way it’s fitting cause the Budokan shows usually mark an end to an album cycle.

"For lacking pre-ARCHE material except during the encores"

I don't see this as a band thing really, Day 1 Archekan is the only time they did a full album live in order and that's awesome. Really gives a separate mood between the main show and the encore.

"ARCHE at Budokan is actually one of my favorite DEG lives"

What's your fav? It's my 2nd fav. The more I watch it, the more incredible details I spot.

Album Rating: 5.0

I don’t think playing all of Arche both nights is remotely a bad thing either, cause for one Uroboros was played in its entirety three times (including one time in album sequence). It might be a turn off for those who want more variety in song choices though KR Cube, Child Prey and Marmalade Chainsaw were surprise song choices regardless of the circumstances. The 2nd night’s performance of Tousei (the entire 2nd night really) is one of my favorite performances in DEG history.



My favorite live at the moment would be Uroboros -with the proof in the name of living-, followed by ARCHE at Budokan, and finally DSS at Budokan rounding out the top 3 but it’s kind of like roulette over which one of the three is my favorite cause it depends on mood. DSS at Budokan for its time covered most if not all of DEG’s discography during the two shows and the stage show and visuals were incredible (i.e. Kyo’s face being projected into the big video wall during The Blossoming Beezlebub during the first night). -with the proof in the name of living- is mostly for sentimental reasons cause Uroboros is my favorite album and this was their first live I saw. It pretty much set the standards for their Budokan shows (and to a lesser extent their lives in general) IMO.

I love Uroboros Budokan but it ain't in my top 5 shows (6th or 7th). So many incredible moments but Mode Uroboros had a lot of performances which I like more than the Budokan ones. Also it's in a weird spot visual/production wise due to being a Budokan before they upgraded properly to Blu Ray releases.

Album Rating: 4.5

All Budokan shows rule, with DSS being my top pick. 2nd favourite live would be Tour13 Ghoul, very overlooked disc, with one of their best setlists and fantastic sound production.

I do have an idea of making a ranked live list, considering that at the moment I'm the only person on this site who watched all their concert releases.

Tour13 needs all the love.

Album Rating: 5.0

I’ll definitely agree with you on some of the Uroboros songs not being their best on the Budokan shows...Ware, Yami Tote is the worst of the bunch. I might be more inclined to say Arche and/or DSS Budokan are better lives in all aspects hence why it’s basically roulette over ranking their more recent lives. Actually, I think Mode of Uroboros was a much better performance of the album live...but there’s a lot of factors I consider when I judge a live. I should probably rewatch some of their lives cause I do think my opinion would change significantly.

Album Rating: 4.5

Day 2 "Ware, Yami Tote..." is one of my favourite Dir performances, actually.

"I should probably rewatch some of their lives cause I do think my opinion would change significantly."

You should :D You watched Blitz 5 Days or 5 Ugly Kingdom?

Album Rating: 5.0

“Day 2 "Ware, Yami Tote..." is one of my favourite Dir performances, actually.”

That one was the better of the two performances, but Kyo really struggled with his highs during that song IMO and few others back in the day (but sometimes he makes up for it with giving raw passion) and tbh I don’t think he had really mastered hitting those higher notes live on a consistent basis until the latter half of the DSS album cycle.



“You watched Blitz 5 Days or 5 Ugly Kingdom?”

I haven’t actually! The oldest I’ve seen are Despair In The Womb and The Code Of Vulgarism. DEG lives prior to those two are some of the last DEG stuff I still need to get through.

"I haven’t actually! The oldest I’ve seen are Despair In The Womb and The Code Of Vulgarism. DEG lives prior to those two are some of the last DEG stuff I still need to get through."

I consider those 2 lives to be the most 'hidden' gems in their discography, for the biggest diehard fans. They've got such a special atmosphere that no other point in their career has, perfectly brings their earlier material to life. Blitz delivers everything good about their early career, whilst 5 Ugly minus 2 songs near the start of the show deliver the most underrated release in their output. Can't recommend both shows enough. Example from Blitz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxCRASiGG1Y

Album Rating: 4.5

I'm due a DEG binge me thinks

New single next month, so good timing.

Album Rating: 4.5

Yes lad

Everyone's thoughts on the new attire and single release cover? The album cover is lolbad but the band are on fleek.