Live Photos and Gig Review Credit: © Kassandra Carmona
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Since their last visit to NYC 3 years ago the hype to see Dir en Grey had grown immensely. They brought along Dagoba, this would be this French band’s first US tour, and a highly memorable one. As the doors opened to the venue it was already filled with die hard fans who were nothing less than exited for what was to come.
Dagoba did have quite the following here but they were certainly a nice surprise for those who did not know about them. They brought along their new material Post Mortem Nihil Est. Particularly the intense drumming and angry vocals were fuel for the first pits of the night, that became more brutal throughout their set.
And next up, the highly awaited Dir en Grey. Most certainly they have one of the biggest following for a foreign band here in the city. Not only that, but they have the most variety among fans, from cyber goths, to metal heads, and Japanese followers as well as non Asian. The second they began playing the fans had gone insane, with crazy headbanging and shouting lyrics. The band delivered with a ghoulish, eerie performance from front man Kyo, whose screeching vocals send chills down one’s spine. The performance only became more bizarre throughout the night, yet that’s what Dir en Grey is known for. They have managed to break the language barrier among fans, to show that their music is nothing less than extreme to those who can enjoy it.
Dagoba
Dir en Grey
Japanese metal band Dir En Grey has returned to North America for the first time in almost two years for a November headlining tour. The ‘Ghoul’ tour kicked off Nov. 3 in Dallas with special guests Dagoba.
Dir En Grey were supposed to play in North America in early 2012, but had to cancel the tour because vocalist Kyo had throat damage and doctors ordered him to stop singing. After a hiatus, Kyo is recovered and ready to rock our shores, “It’s been awhile since our last North American tour,” he says. “So we intend to focus and play with the same vigor that we do in Japan.”
Guitarist Die says, “After the cancellation of our U.S. tour in March last year, we were always thinking of a chance to return. I’m extremely glad that we are coming back this November! The band is busy at work planning our LIVE show for this upcoming tour, so be sure to look forward to our return. I’m almost sure we will have something amazing for you. We are all looking forward to seeing you again soon!!”
In April, Dir En Grey released ‘The Unraveling,’ an EP with one new song and six re-recorded tracks. Their last studio album was 2011?s ‘Dum Spiro Spero.’
Dir En Grey North American Tour Dates:
11/03 — Dallas, Texas — Trees
11/04 — Houston, Texas — Scout Bar
11/06 — Atlanta, Ga. — Center Stage
11/08 — Baltimore, Md. — Baltimore Soundstage
11/09 — Philadelphia, Pa. — T.L.A.
11/11 — New York, N.Y. — Irving Plaza
11/12 — Boston, Mass. — Paradise
11/14 — Toronto, Ontario — Opera House
11/16 — Chicago, Ill. — House of Blues
11/17 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Varsity Theatre
11/19 — Denver, Col. — Bluebird
11/21 — Seattle, Wash. — Showbox Market
11/23 — San Francisco, Calif. — The Regency
11/24 — Los Angeles, Calif. — House of Blues
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