Japan’s Dir En Grey has confirmed their first headlining U.S. theatre and club tour, Inward Scream, which leads up to the release of their sophomore American full-length titled The Marrow Of A Bone in stores February 20th. As a teaser to the tour and full-length, the band released an EP in January, sold exclusively in f.y.e. stores across the country.
In the almost ten years since
Dir En Grey formed, their music and lyrics have always expressed sentiments of grief, sorrow and darkness. Originally a “
visual-kei” band, which emphasized their appearance, Dir En Grey’s intensity and maturing sound has helped them create a loyal following across the globe as they moved away from the genre.
The presale for the Inward Scream sold out in under 10 minutes, solidifying America’s growing fascination with the band. Dir En Grey -- Kyo (voice), Kaoru (guitar), Die (guitar), Toshiya (bass) and Shinya (drums) -- began creating a buzz stateside early this year with a packed show at SXSW and sold-out shows in New York and Los Angeles, all before releasing an album in America. The Japanese rock phenoms then spent the summer on the main stage of the 2006 Family Values Tour, touring in support of their U.S. debut release Withering To Death. (Warcon Records).
Here’s a taste of the critical acclaim Dir En Grey has garnered thus far. The “…visually stimulating, highly entertaining live act” (Hollywood Reporter, 3/23/06) transcended the language barrier day after day on Family Values. Fans and critics have enjoyed “…the wild-eyed thrash of Japan's Dir en grey, which roared with hard rock stripped down…” (Los Angeles Times, 8/21/06). Boston Globe praised the band’s performance, noting: “…Dir en grey stirred things up with sharp speed jams and noise. Few will forget the haunting instrumental passage the band played as singer Kyo slashed at his chest Iggy Pop-style…The music was fierce (9/19/06).”
If you can’t wait until 2007 for your Dir En Grey fix, you can find the band on The Family Values Tour 2006 CD and DVD, out December 26 on Firm Music.
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