Review Summary: An exciting mix of old and new...again.
Every time Japanese metal outfit,
DIR EN GREY, release a new album I find myself excited from the offset. One thing
DIR EN GREY seem to almost guarantee is a change of sound from one release to the next. Over the past few years, the outfit have seemed to favour a more progressive and aggressive approach to their music, virtually abandoning their 'visual ki' image they had utilised throughout the years. Ever since releasing their 2013 EP, 'THE UNRAVELING', their has been an itching anticipation amongst their fanbase as to where the band would take their sound in the coming years. In terms of sound, 'SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH' definitely does feel familiar in a sense, but completely fresh and new in another.
The main focal point for
DIR EN GREY has always been the vocals. Kyo is definitely considered as one of the most varied vocalists in the metal scene today and music in general. Whether its his subdued, graceful clean vocals, astounding high pitched banshee screams or his bone-crushing death growls, Kyo has definitely made himself quite the figure in the metal universe. However, surgery has always marred the Japanese vocalist in the past few years. Many feared Kyo would simply never reach the ridiculous standards he had set for himself in the coming years, due to a throat operation he had to undergo; which resulted in the cancellation of their 2012-13 US tour. Fortunately, all vocal doubts are put to rest with ease on this new EP. Kyo soars over each of these 3 tracks with unbelievable comfort and conviction, his death metal orientated vocals are also on the top of their game; which is a huge surprise considering he had surgery under a mere 2 years ago.
The instrumental side of the band is also tightened up and polished over the course of these 3 tracks.
DIR EN GREY have never been a band to craft technical riffage and overall outstanding instrumentation, instead they have always relied on creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. The title track on this EP definitely seems to blend an ethereal atmosphere with crushing heaviness, and to great effect. The interplay between the vocals and the guitar playing is very intricate and only adds to the unusual and offset nature of the track. The sharpness of the drum production on the track is also worth mentioning, due to the percussion adding to the tribal nature of the track seamlessly and effectively. These instrumental ideas coupled with the bands' new-found vitality makes for an incredibly interesting listen and one which begs multiple listens.
With regards to the other tracks on here, one being an acoustic re-recording and one being an old track performed live,
DIR EN GREY prove once again that they are anything but fading away. The acoustic track, 'Ruten To Tou', is a re-recording from the 'DUM SPIRO SPERO' sessions and definitely gives the song a new and interesting dynamic. Originally a very dark track, this acoustic version evokes an unusually beautiful and heartwarming feel throughout. Most of this atmosphere can be putdown to Kyo's soothing vocals, which are utilised throughout the tracks' course. However, the acoustic playing on this track is not only very tight, but surprisingly varied. The live track found on this EP is a deliberate batten switch, showing the band at their brutal best. Kyo sounds fantastic and the shows production only adds to the low end massiveness of the instrumentation, furthermore proving the case that the outfit are anything but slipping from their high standards as a live act.
In the end, 'SUSTAIN THE UNTRUTH' is a success in every department. Whether its due to the late career resurgence the band seems to be having, or the fact that this EP showcases a new sound bleeding through, 'SUSTAIN' definitely does more than enough to keep their committed fanbase interested. Also, with talks of a new LP being recorded at the tail-end of this year, it is definitely a very exciting time to be a
DIR EN GREY fan...or a potentially great time to give this EP a spin if you are a new listener.
