Dir En Grey - JPop / Metal / Rock

Dir En Grey

From:	Kyoutanabe, Japan
Label:	East and West Japan

Kyo – voice
Kaoru – guitar
Die – guitar
Toshiya – bass
Shinya – drums

DIR EN GREY has conquered the Japanese rock scene with lyrics that convey sorrow, darkness and anger in modern society. The band has received international critical acclaim for their masterful translation of the lyrics to their dramatic and at times shocking stage show, which includes self-mutilation with bloodshed. Originally a “visual-kei” band, which emphasized their appearance, the band’s intensity and maturing sound have helped them create a loyal following across the globe as they moved away from the genre.

DIR EN GREY--vocalist KYO, guitarists KAORU and DIE, bassist TOSHIYA and drummer SHINYA--became extremely popular almost immediately upon forming ten years ago, when they caught the attention of the CEO of East West Japan. Their debut was marked by the simultaneous release of three singles, all of which reached the Top Ten. Five albums later, DIR EN GREY have added to their international success by solidifying their presence in the U.S. with the 2007 release of THE MARROW OF A BONE, their second release in as many years for Warcon Entertainment.

THE MARROW OF A BONE continues to build on the sentiments that have become the band’s trademark over the past ten years and exemplifies the band’s technical precision. The CD includes 13 aggressive tracks, where “the production is as crisp as new currency, and the thrash power-riffing throbs like a carotid artery awaiting puncture” (Detroit Metro Times, 2/7/07). Tracks include “Agitated Screams of Maggots,” the title track of the band’s EP which was released earlier this year as well as “CONCEIVED SORROW,” “THE FATAL BELIEVER,” “RYOUJOKU NO AME,” “DISABLED COMPLEXES,” “THE DEEPER VILENESS” and “CLEVER SLEAZOID.”

While singing mostly in Japanese, KYO, via his expressive voice, is able to transition effortlessly from a deep growl to theatrical vocals that transcend language barriers. The Los Angeles Times wrote that “Kyo is a staggering vocalist” and “has stockpiled an extreme range of vocal inflections, from a guttural mutter to a tonsil-ripping scream—no electronic effects needed” (2/21/07).

In conjunction with the February 2007 release of THE MARROW OF A BONE, DIR EN GREY embarked on their first headlining tour of the U.S. titled “INWARD SCREAM.” Proving their star is definitely on the rise and their unforgettable live show is not to be missed, “INWARD SCREAM” saw many shows sell out mid-sized venues, including dates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta.

The buzz in America for DIR EN GREY started with the release of 2006’s Withering to death., which was named one of the Top 10 Hard Rock & Metal albums of 2006 by Amazon.com. The video for album track “SAKU” was also named 1 video of 2006 by Revolver, in conjunction with MTV2’s Headbanger’s Ball. The band was also a featured artist on the 2006 Family Values Tour, their first extensive tour of the U.S., which won them countless fans across the country. They are currently on tour with 2006 Family Values Tour-mates Deftones.