There’s too many factors that may or may not be related to side projects and other common generalizations, that could be why we haven’t gotten anything new. When we get an announcement is when we get an announcement.
Japanese rock band DIR EN GREY has been candid about their feelings on the current state of their native country, wanting to know about the high radiation levels have been detected after this year’s nuclear disaster that followed the massive earthquake and tsunami. Having issued an open letter to the world on August 1 that received international media attention, the unique and influential band are now taking their message a step further: they are asking the world to help them “Scream for the truth.” Yesterday morning–Monday, October 3–a new billboard was revealed in New York City’s Times Square displaying provocative nuclear images. DIR EN GREY have also launched a new site, Scream4Truth.com to aid in their mission of demanding accurate information from Japanese officials surrounding the disaster which took place March 11, 2011.
In a video message on the site, DIR EN GREY share their honest sentiments. Guitarist DIE says, “I feel we can’t just get caught up in the moment of what happened, but we have to find a way to come to terms with the situation and keep on living within that.” Vocalist KYO posed the question, “In a situation when you have no idea what is true or not, what is the best course of action to take? It seems like you can’t do anything” and drummer SHINYA adds, “When you’re being guided down the wrong path, you can’t just stay silent.” Guitarist KAORU continues, “It has always been this way, but I feel that everyone senses now more than ever Japan is a country filled with lies. It is entirely up to each person to determine what is true.” Bassist TOSHIYA proclaims, “In order to stop this situation from getting any worse than it is, I think now is the time for us to learn and spread the truth.”
… Since DIR EN GREY was recording DUM SPIRO SPERO when the earthquake hit Japan, it has changed their outlook on the future. The band explains, “In our personal experience of the earthquake and its aftermath, one thing that really hit home is the reality that you can die at any time without knowing it. We don’t know what is waiting for us as we move forward, but as long as we are alive we want to take on this tour with a sense of determination.”
Loudwire: Dir En Grey have been quite outspoken about the Japanese government’s handling of the tsunami and earthquake that devastated northern Japan in 2011. That year, the band launched the ‘Scream for the Truth’ campaign to seek answers, and now, from recent headlines, it appears that some important facts were withheld from the public. What are your thoughts on the current situation in Japan in regard to the tragic events of 2011?
Kaoru: In Japan, people are okay with not questioning the government about what happened. If foreign countries questioned Japan about what happened, it might inspire Japanese people to take action on their own.
I’m going to be honest, when this came out I thought it was nothing but a publicity stunt to promote their album pushed by their producer. It doesn’t help that most of their statements are extremely vague. But that might just be because I’m a very cynical person. haha