Gackt - Diabolos

One of the Best Surprises I Ever Had

A few years ago, I decided to buy this album along with Gackt's Mars album with some Christmas money for a few listens and then I was going to give them to my friend when I went back home as a gift, as she loves Gakt. I played Mars first, already knowing for the most part what to expect, having already listened to about half of the album. While it was fairly good, it still feels a little too popish. Diabolos, on the other hand, is a well-crafted and genuinely spooky sounding rock experience.

It has a thorough gothic feel throughout the album and breaks barriers despite even the fact that the band uses almost purely Japanese lyrics, with only one or two English words gracing the music. Gackt really has a great voice, along with another fellow Japanese vocalist Kyo from the band Dir en Grey, whom I'd only recommend if you can also tolerate screaming throughout half of their music.

"Misty" is an amazing instrumental that flows brilliantly into the bombastic "Farewell," only to be followed by a small string of softer songs that progressively grow more and more intense in their sound as they go on. While at some points the album seems to droop a little in its sound, it blends in well with the rest of the album and makes for an all-around amazing experience.

Even though the album's singles, "Metamorphoze" and "Black Stone," are amazing (the latter of which I didn't find out was a single until later on and found to be an amazing, if not the biggest, standout my first listen) the rest of the album remains wonderful and every song is intensely satisfying.

Whether or not you like music with lyrics you can't understand, pick this album up. Ignore the fact that you can't understand the words and focus more on the melodies and more "gentle ferocity" in the album's music.

Also notable is the wonderful art inside the booklet, something that has never once ceased to captivate me.

One of my favorite albums and probably one of the best of '05.

*****5 stars***** June 19, 2008

Left me with my mouth hanging open.

I'm definitely not going to sit here and pretend that I wasn't a fan of Gackt before, but this doesn't make me biased to review fairly.

This is a great rock CD. There's something extra about Japanese Rock that a lot of people miss-- it's the visual kei element. In order to truly grasp why such elaborate CD covers, and costumes-- to those who think make-up on a man is gay... you really need to do your research.

With that said, and moving away from his looks-- buy this CD for his talent. The man composes the music, writes all the lyrics, and plays instruments as well (though he does have his band GacktJob.)

The first track Misty, slowly embraces you... drawing you closer and calmly... as if asking "Trust in me, this journey will be worth it."

The melody and angst is masterful. It totally prepares you, in a soothing manner, for what you're about to experience.

The second track, "Farewell" is one of my favorites. You're immediately drawn to decipher not only his message, but capture every single sound-- and trust me-- he's a musical roller coaster, so hold on.

"Noesis" is a masterpiece of rock and instruments that leaves me wanting more. So as the tracks move along, you wonder just what he'll do next. In-door roller coaster in the dark type of feeling... he takes you to a different FEELING in every song.

"Ash" is like watching a battle of a magical and fantastic movie between good and bad... it's just such a grand song, and his vocals stretch to infinitely. Your heart will beat to the drums of this song.

It grows from intense, so slightly playful... and for those who get off on the track "Road" -- you get a cheerful goodbye from the CD. It's punkish and you can almost see Gackt smirking and winking at you... all "come again," in expression.

However... if you exit in that other track... prepare to leave a changed person. It's breathtakingly gorgeous.

I loved his vocals and melody in this CD. I definitely recommend it to old, new, and skeptics.

January 5, 2008

Super terrific fun make it you bet mister!

A number 1 rockin' mighty. Have super fun time and it make mostly. Upon playment of cd you become awesomely great winner of most fortune. Happen now to you, it come at you with blazing speed of fury! Go now it do it goodly! April 20, 2007

Gotta have it!

I juz bought this CD from HMV yesterday, got all wet from the pouring rain for it but it was really worth it.
At first i was pretty disappointed when i listened to it but after the 2nd time i listened to it really carefully and realised it was a pretty well put together album! the first track has gackt playing a lovely lilting tune on the piano, and the marriage btw violin and piano is sth all should hear.
the rest of the tracks flow into one another pretty well =) and best of all, gackt's voice is still deep, rich and very sexy! this album is quite different from my favourite Moon album though, the melodies are all heavier but not lacking in its richness. it's just a little different and more instances of some voice effects and heavy guitar.
But very worth buying and keeping it like a piece of jewel on your CD shelf!
O yes, the cd itself is of very good quality, but maybe the art in the lyrics book isn't very appealing bcos u don't get to see much of gackt since his face is quite distorted by red eyes and his hair in his face. October 26, 2005

Diabolos

The newest album from Gackt. Many people have commented on the fact it isn't as varied as albums such as MARS, however, it wasn't meant to be. This is Gackt's rock album.

It's very nicely put together. Opening with a haunting piano/violin duet the moving smoothly into the rock.

Gackt has truly tried new things on this album. He's found new effects to add into the music and uses them to his advantage. His voice has matured much since his Malice Mizer or early solo works. After experimenting in Seventh Night and Love Letter he has now reclaimed his voice in a beautiful way.

The art in the lyric booklet is also amazingly beautiful and haunting. It helps you link together the story that Gackt tells with his album

I gicve this CD an A and I know it won't leave my CD player for quite awhile. October 2, 2005

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