Most everyone who knows Dir En Grey’s music will tell you their sound is difficult to put into any one category. This is also true when trying to describe the experience of seeing them perform live since the presentation and atmosphere leave as lasting an impression as the music itself.
It would be an understatement to say the energy in the room that night was intense. You could feel it bouncing you off your feet as the floor trembled from so many people jumping and stomping in perfect unison. You could see the excitement and adoration on the faces of those in the audience and the enthusiasm from members of the band as they played. The fact a crew was there filming for a future DVD only added fuel to the fire and for me personally it was a rush to finally be around so many who knew Kyo’s lyrics as well as I do.
On top of being skilled musicians, you can also count on Dir En Grey to put on a performance that is visually striking. It began before the guys even took to the stage with a ghostly face slowly launching into a silent scream on the large projection screen behind the drum set. Once the show was underway Toshiya was especially energetic, often spinning around and reaching for the sky while Kaoru and Die often encouraged the crowd to cheer even louder.
Kyo spent the majority of the show hidden beneath a long black veil that often took on an eerie, almost ethereal presence all its own thanks to the lights and fans manipulating it from under the platform beneath Kyo’s feet. The image became no less startling once he finally lowered the veil to reveal his elaborately painted face.
I can honestly say I’ve never before seen a more spellbinding performer in person and judging by the audience reaction I think others felt the same. The way Kyo shifts from dark growls, angelic highs, and piercing howls with ease – the way he can get an entire room to scream with a mere gesture without even showing his face – is both remarkable and a bit spooky. One woman was so overcome with emotion she actually had to step out of the room altogether and even the security guard standing next to me was unable to resist getting sucked into the show from time to time.
Dir En Grey’s music is meant to stir emotion and it’s hard to resist being moved by the power of that much raw energy – that is what I love about them. If you’re new to their music forget whatever preconceptions you might have about language barriers. Their songs are meant to be experienced as much as listened to and there’s no better way to do that than at a live show. If you’re already a fan who has yet to see them in concert do yourself a favor and get a ticket before the Ghoul tour ends.
These guys are some of the most talented musicians working in the industry today and seeing them is an event you won’t soon forget.
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