I started to get hooked by them around a decade ago when Indies Best Collection was out. it was just a fangirl recommendation, nothing special for me since I was a 70% corekid at that time, but I still enjoyed a lot and put them in the hard drive. until the album Abyss was out, I was blown away by the genre combination, it’s like a masterpiece of symphonic “extreme” metal with some alternative metal elements. I mean, it’s wild to listen, really can’t get enough of all the songs. the ballad “フタリ” is so beautiful which is good enough to make a corekid think about his sad future life (huh?) but my fav track is… oh no, I can’t choose, all of them are awesome.
I was also a DELUHI fanboy at the time, so Grave Seed related band wow, definitely a plus for me.
I first listened to Matenrou Opera back when Anomie came out. I was blown away by Hiai To Melancholy’s solo. Always loved Sono’s voice. My favorite song is of course, sword! I even bought the live DVD to hear it live haha. Their latest full album with Jay, Human Dignity was amazing, back to roots, and I bought the live DVD for this album as well
Actually, my first DVD that I bought ever was Emergence from Cocoon, so this band always have a soft spot for me ^^
I remember first discovering them from their Anomie album, and they became a favorite of mine. I enjoy the symphonic rock sound and Sono’s vibrato voice! I also thoroughly loved Abyss. That was an amazing album with the もう一人の花嫁 song.
I reeeally appreciate their early works. Anomie is a masterpiece and sara is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.
When they went major they were kinda losing their originality. Justice and Kassai to Gekijou no Gloria were solid albums but after that it got harder for me to keep apart their songs as they sound all similar to each other for me. With the Pantheon double album I lost my interest in them.
I’ve heard that Human Dignity was well received. Maybe I should give it a chance.
Please give the new album a try Suji (most songs are really good). I would say its one of the best jk/jrock releases in a looong time!
I was in tears during the final track.
If there is one band I really feel I want to support financially its Matenrou. Might be the only one actually I feel like that for… They really deserve it for how long they have grinded and always put out good catchy music, and especially some of their recent releases are just so damn good. Its like they are just getting better and better with every release.
Matenrou was my big big big love for the longest of times. I still remember opening up acedia when I got it and listening to Hiai to Melancholy to death. It’s such a good song. Although Ruriiro de Egaku Niji will hold my nr. one spot forever. That chorus hits a spot in my brain no other song hits.
They definitely made the most magic in indie imo (EVE <3<3<3), but I feel like their major era started quite strong, all the way up to Avalon. After that one I lost interest, and the band lost its original lineup which was devastating to me altho I’m happy that they are still going strong. Still, Justice and Kassai to Gekijo no Gloria are beautiful albums. Some of my favorites there are Justice, Plastic lover, Helios, Imperial Riot, Merry Drinker, gosh the list goes on…
The departure or Anzi and Yuu did a lot of harm to the band, i think. Like you, i have found Matenrou Opera quite redundant after Avalon. Not bad however but with less inspiration.
It was a great show.