Japanese Musician Spotlight: Dir en Grey

It seems that this past year has been the year of Japanese rock. With many bands performing at expos or at concerts, they seem to be gaining bigger fanbases by the minute. While all of these bands come and go, one band that has had staying power both in Japan and even America is Dir en Grey. DeG has been around since 1997 and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Hit the jump to get a taste of what you’re missing

Having created a massive fanbase in Japan and even Europe, Dir en Grey has had its sights on America for quite some time now. Some of their accomplishments have included touring with the Deftones, performing in the Family Values Tour, having their own American tour, and even being spotlighted on music television stations like Fuse.

If you haven’t heard their music already, “all over the place” can pretty much describe their style of music. They are rock for the most part, but their constant changes in musical style makes it difficult to categorize them in one genre. Every album of theirs pretty much has a different feel, and all of them are amazing. Of course, like any other Japanese rock band, they went through their phases of Visual Kei, where they all looked like pretty goth Asians and such. Don’t worry, they’ve toned themselves down a lot since those days and are relatively normal now, although I would say their music was better when they were more androgynous.

After last year’s success of their “Inward Scream Tour,” DeG has actually been on tour this year here in the States and in Canada for their ” The Rose Trims Again” tour. Engrish anyone? If you want to find out more about this band, because trust me, there is a lot to learn, just Google them up, or go to their official site.

In the meantime, here’s a few samples of their music, both new and old. Yes, they are sort of on the demented side when it comes to, well…everything, but don’t let them scare you. Remember, they’re probably only half your size anyway!

Dir en Gray – Ain’t Afraid to Die

Dir en Gray – Dead Tree PV

[Jayson Napolitano: I had to add in one more video, titled “Agitated Screams of Maggots” because the video is just so insanely bizarre. Let me know what you think of this one!]

Dir en Gray – Agitated Screams of Maggots