Album review: KAMIJO - Heart

Good day, dear readers!~

Finally the great day had come: On Wednesday one of my favourite artists, KAMIJO, released his first full album entitled "Heart". Although my ordered copy hasn't arrived yet I had the possibility to listen to it already, and of course a short review mustn't miss!
So let's get started~

1. Vive le Roi
An opening typical for this artist, packed with symphonical elements like violins, church organ, a ringing bell, piano etc. It reminds of Versailles' introductions like "Intro" or "Prelude" quite much but is a fabulous beginning of the album.
Rating: 5 / 5



 
2. Rose Croix
This song continues the intro properly and is a typical symphonic metal song we got used to from his solo project already. The speed combined with the mix of classical and modern instruments forms an impressing number that makes fun to listen to. Also the equilibrium between the remarkable melody and the middle part creating a mysterious atmosphere makes it an interesting song.
Rating: 4,5 / 5

3. Yamiyo no Lion

As we already knew this song from the second single of his consecutive releases it nevertheless doesn't loose its impact on the album and is well-placed as the third number. A song filled with symphonic metal power that quite reminds of Versailles times.
Rating: 4 / 5

4. Louis - Enketsu no La Vie en Rose - Symphonic Metal version
The remastered version of his very first solo release indeed sounds more modern because it focuses on guitar, bass and drums and even includes a new guitar solo. Compared to the original version his voice has improved again after just one year, a very positive side effect. Personally I like both versions quite much because the song is just a great work and represents his solo project in best way.
Rating: 5 / 5


 

5. Death Parade
In my opinion the most experimenting and innovative song of this release. When listening to it for the first time it maybe sounds a bit strange, but after some time the melody becomes pleasing and the song enjoyable four minutes filled with an interesting combination of various stylistic elements. Based on march rhythm you really can be reminded of a death parade, also because of some vocoder voices that could represent voices of ghosts or other mischievous creatures. It's not too dark and also consists of cheerful moments what makes it not easy to like this song instantly - just give it a while and then it will become a number one really can like very much.
Rating: 4 / 5



6. Romantique
After the first five songs filled with symphonic metal and action the atmosphere now changes to a more romantic one, in the truest sense of the title of the sixth number. Maybe the most Lareine-like song on this album represents KAMIJO's softer side that can touch one's heart very well. The song is perfect for dreaming and just adoring his pleasant voice; most likely you should listen to it when you want to calm down or spend some time at a beautiful place. For me it's a good option to forget stress and to grant myself a break from everyday life. The melody accompagnied with a violin and the piano elements form a wonderful ballad that's definitely worth listening to.
Rating: 4,5 / 5



7. Dakishimerarenagara (what a title x___x;  its meaning is "While hugging" )
This song creates a motivating and elated atmosphere enjoyable like a walk along an alley or a tour in a gondola on a ship canal in Venice. Dominated by French elements like an accordeon one can go on short vacations while listening to this song. Not too slow but also not too fast it goes along with the previous number quite well and is a typical KAMIJO song worth listening to.
Personally I prefer the "harder" symphonic metal songs, so my rating of 3,5 of 5 maybe is a bit influenced by my personal opinion... If you are more the type for ballads our point of view can differ maybe, but I also would be willing to rate it up to 4.



8. Moulin Rouge
The main song of his first consecutive releases single abducts you into the world of night life in Paris and indeed creates the atmosphere of joining the same-named revue theatre, as the number intends to do. Finding saxophones in his solo project is quite rare, but he used similar effects in Lareines "Fuyu Tokyo" and again refers to his earlier works. The song's atmosphere is swinging and peppy, motivates and it just makes fun listening to it, especially because it's a neat experiment with styles (in musical matter as well as in face of his outfit ^__^). In my opinion still one of his best songs I always would recommend to listen to if you want to get to know his solo project better~
Rating: 5 / 5

9. Sanctuary
Number nine of this album is a quick song consisting of symphonic metal elements and a light, almost hovering atmosphere that gets a bit more serious in the middle part. Nevertheless the return to the melody is obvious, and personally I can observe many characteristics which also are present in Versailles' songs, like one of support guitarist Meku's famous solos.
Rating: 4 / 5



10. Katate ni Yume wo motsu Shoujo
A very impressing number characteristical for KAMIJO's solo works. In my opinion the most Versailles-like song with fabulous guitar solo of HIZAKI himself, so the comparison with the band lies quite close. Every Versailles fan will feel remembered of songs like "Princess" or other works from Jubilee and will be satisfied with a "halfway comeback" - although his solo project still is independent and unique enough not to put it on the same level like Versailles. A rocking but nevertheless light-hearted symphonic metal song that contains everything one needs for another wonderful work that definitely is worth a listen.
Rating: 5 / 5

In between these songs a female voice proclaims the following lines:

"The heart is forbidden territory by law of clan.
The empire that conquers the territory of heart -Rose Croix-
The weapon they hold in their arms is Art!
And the heart of human is the greatest weapon.
There is nothing more powerful than love to move one’s heart.
Would he use this weapon for the clan’s pride?
Or just be soaked in love?
From now on, you shall choose your own future
Love or Pride?”

This is the background thought of the release and forms an intermezzo before continuing. I think everybody needs to ask him/herself the rhetorical question at the end, but I think KAMIJO would have problems when chosing between the two options xD


11. Tsuioku no Mon Amour
Although this song also already was known from the Moulin Rouge single it stays a speedy but enjoyable number perfectly fitting in between. The voices recalling in the middle part create an atmosphere that me personally always let fly away in my thoughts - as it's maybe the song's intention, as the title says (Thoughts of my beloved).
Rating: 5 / 5

12. Heart
Finally we have arrived at the title song of the album, and it definitely is holding its promise: It contains everything KAMIJO makes use of in his different solo project numbers. Besides to stunning guitar solos and typical symphonic metal elements he mixes classical instruments like violins, bells, piano etc . Moreover this is the longest song with eight and a half minutes, but it doesn't get boring in one single second and always stays innovative and refreshing because of its many stylistic changes. A really touching song which many catchy melodies will cause you an earwig, absolutely proving his skills as a musician and composer.
Rating: 5 / 5

13. Presto - Acoustic version
The regular edition will also include an acoustic piano and violin version of the already quite famous melody of Presto that appears not only in the same-named song on "Symphony of the Vampire" but also can be found in "Throne"'s refrain. So I was quite irritated why he has composed a third version of the same melody and thought it would just be for commercial issues, but I indeed have changed my opinion after listening to it for the first time. I was absolutely fascinated and touched: The generally catchy melody gets stuck in your ear even better without the speedy metal elements, it's even a bit slower than the original. I almost prefer this version to the symphonic metal one although I'm more the metal type; it's a quite rare case I give such a rating.
Last but not least his voice invites for dreaming and it's just too wonderful listening to it... I think that's KAMIJO's most striking talent: His voice can really touch your heart - not many artists are able to do this to me, but he definitely can be counted as one.
Rating: 5 / 5



Final conclusion
As the title proclaims this album is real art created from the bottom of the artist's heart. As he himself explained the title is also the pun of the words "he" and "art", and believing that love is an art itself he has composed many new tracks that prove exactly this aim. One can feel that KAMIJO has improved a lot again as a musician, not only compared to his Lareine and Versailles times but also in face of his first quite cautious steps of his solo project. Now he definitely doesn't need to hide anymore and has released a first full album that is definitely worth a listen. It can rock you or soothe your soul, just as you want it to do; it consists of a huge variety of atmospheres and nevertheless stays a unique creation that doesn't get boring a single moment. I was really impressed and my high expectations were fulfilled, so buying this CD is absolutely worth its money. Another time KAMIJO has proved he is a Vampire Prince of Hearts, in the truest sense of the word.
Rating: 5 / 5 
Go and get your copy yourself! (<- some hidden advertisement xD )


Have you also already listened to "Heart"? If yes, what do you think about it? You can let me know in the comments ^___^


Thank you for reading and see you another day~
Junsui

Convention report: AnimagiC Sunday

Hello dear readers!

Here follows the last part of my AnimagiC reports about the photoshoot-Sunday.
Although it already was the last of the three days I wasn't that exhausted like the years before on Sunday... I had asked a friend whether she wants to accompany me, and she was very enthusiastic about the idea and immediately agreed. She also guaranteed she would take loads of photos of me, and I was quite happy to have found somebody who would have enough patience with me xD
I decided to wear my Pirate Lolita outfit, and I also invented a new coord: My mother just had bought fitting shoes I borrowed from her, and so I could wear my striped AatP socks for the first time although I already possess them for over a year. At the end my Mum bestowed me the shoes because I have scratched the heels and she can't wear them in the bureau anymore... What a strange way to get a new pair of shoes xD But I'm quite happy about it because they really look good and are very comfy to wear the same time~
Nevertheless at first I have worn my AatP boots, but I took shoes and socks with me so that I had the possibility to change. And at the end it was the right decision, although my bag must have weighed over five kilos with everything I needed...

We arrived around the same time like on Saturday, at 11am. At first my friend wasn't sure whether she should buy an outdoor ticket, but at the end she decided in favour of spending the 10€. I don't think this ticket is worth its money at all because you can't do much with it: You just have access to the area with the outdoor stage, the Dunkelsüß tent, CosBase and catering service - but also the food is way too expensive, in my opinion. But at least we had free toilets then, that would have become a problem instead xD

We took out the convention booklet and planned our day: At first I showed her the area, then we went to the riverside of the Rhine for taking some pictures and for seeing all the other cosplayers around. It's quite impressing that we managed to take almost 170 photos just of me xD Most of them look the same and aren't that cool, but at least one photo was worth being edited and uploaded here ^___^

The only pity was that it started to rain then... No, it didn't rain, the clouds spilled their whole load; we almost needed an arche! And we stood there in the grass under a tree with just one umbrella, and the ground got muddy and my shoes and bag looked like complete sh*t after x___x Now it was the right decision to have the possibility to change half of the outfit, and I have the feeling that the socks-shoes coord is the more popular version - now people started asking me for photos, and I felt flattered when even the serious press and two professional photographers asked me; one of them even had a reflector with him! Although I don't know where the photos will be published I'm quite happy that I haven't had styled up myself for nothing~ The only disadvantage of the outfit change was that I now had to carry the boots in a plastic bag in my hand, they weigh quite much after a while...
I also took a photo of me at CosBase again, but the one above is much better ^__^

We had to wait for a while until the photo was printed, and we enjoyed just walking around the area and watching all the people and taking pictures. It was the right program for Sunday and I enjoyed the time, it was no stress at all~ In the afternoon I haven't had the motivation to take more photos of myself at all, but luckily we were done in noon time already.
We watched the cosplay show on the outdoor stage for a while, but we got a bit bored by it and decided to go to McDonalds to eat something. On the way back to the area we found a shop on the street that sold lots of Anime and Manga stuff, especially lots of stuffed Pokémon! *___* Oh, I could have bought them all, but because I already had bought three plushies at this convention I convinced myself to let it be... There will come enough other occassions where I can buy toys ^__^ And I was really captured by their huge box with Pokémon figures... They literary had all Pokémon, not only the most popular ones! I found all my lovely favourites - but seriously, I don't have the space and use for them, they just would be dust collectors on my desk... So at the end we left without buying something, I was proud of myself! ^___^

Back at the area we made fun of watching the show of the Japanese musician milktub who gave a concert at the outdoor stage - Japanese Rock'n'Roll is quite hilarious xD It's not my style of music, I must confess, but it was funny though - especially when a crew member asked us whether we want to move a bit closer to the stage so that it would look like he has more fans xD Because we were friendly people and in a good mood we did so.

With Ayumu and Megu of ZWEI

 I was very surprised when I suddenly saw the two girls of ZWEI in the crowd in front of the stage, attending the show of their colleague ^__^ they were very chilled and agreed to take photos with everybody who asked them, isn't that cool? So I also did and was quite happy after~ I forgot to do the victory sign, but who cares ^___^;

We haven't stayed too long anymore: I took my photo from CosBase and we walked around again and watched the Luna Haruna performance for a while, but then decided to go home. We needed to take the tram, but luckily nobody glanced at me stupidly and we had our peace. In general we also wanted to go to the Bonn comicshop because we thought it would be open because of the convention, but unfortunately it wasn't...

It was only around 6pm when I arrived at home, but it was absolutely okay because I had enough time to rearrange things etc. I also put together all stuff I had bought and am very satisfied with the outcome~

From left to right: The bat plushie, a Woobat, the Kaomoji ball, the Nyanpire shirt and the signed Manga with autograph card ^___^ Not to forget the photobook, of course!

As a final conclusion I must admit that I had lots of fun this year, too! The organization and venue is the best such a convention can get here in Bonn, and although you always have some stupid people around most of the visitors and especially the crew members are chilled and good-mooded! They created a unique atmosphere and I want to thank the organization again for making this three-day fun fair possible. Every year again with pleasure~ ^___^


Thank you for reading!
Junsui~

Convention report: AnimagiC Saturday

Hey guys ^__^

Today the report of the AnimagiC Saturday follows!~


Of course this day was more interesting and I started at 11am. I had styled up myself a bit, but also tried not to overdress: I wore my black-red dress with my beloved varnish boots~ I intended to represent a self-invented demon character, and because it possesses horns I weaved four ram-shaped horns with my hair ^-^ when you use wire and fix the ends with gel glue they really stick in their position, and I haven't had problems the entire day~ Somebody has asked me how I managed this - only with help of wire, magic xD

My outfit (Photo by CosBase.de)

This day I had lots of things on my to-do-list, and after shooting a photo at the photographer stall CosBase I entered the hall for a signing session of the mangaka Kamineo. I brought my edition of the Manga "Alpha²" with me and already queued before 12am with some other people, and I needed until 12.50 until it was my turn... But it was incredible to observe how she sketched one of the characters in less than two minutes on the first page! She also signed a photo card I took with me, and successfully and happily I left ^__^
Now I had time until the Lolita fashion walk at 4pm, and I took a walk through the market hall again, but then discovered the Nintendo 3DS with Pokémon Y and tested it - mon dieu, it's just too awesome! Honestly, I was so captured by it, I really want to have a 3DS and this game now xD I'm already searching for them on eBay, maybe I'll be lucky and find a good one~ Especially the function where you can play with your Pokémon like with your dogs at Nintendogs at the end convinced me of the revolutionary character of this game ^___^

After a while I went upstairs to Manga Hamburg again and tried out another style of sketching: I created a normal pencil sketch and worked with twelve different grey shades to "colour" it - seriously, the outcome was fabulous! I never had thought you can create so vivid pictures just with pencils! Because I always have loved the pencil as my first drawing utensil I'm even more fascinated by it now and will definitely work with this technique more~
As a thank I left my sketch there and added some kind words in face of the good organization, and they said they would add the artwork to their gallery ^__^
Then I left the sketching school and returned to the Nintendo 3DS - haha, in the meantime somebody has continued playing the game and trained my Pokémon, the first one already had evolved xD I spent some more time there until I went outside for the Lolita fashion walk.
When walking through the market hall I had a funny experience: A vendour offered me a free booklet for using it as a fan because it was very hot inside. I denied and said I don't need one because I have a real fan in my bag, and he was like "Okay" - but then turned around the booklet and offered it to me again with "Booklet?" I laughed and then agreed, but actually there was just nothing interesting in... But it served well as a fan ^___^
I also started talking with him for a while, and he reported about the effort of unpacking all the Mangas from the boxes etc.; it needed from 8am to 1pm without a single break! He also told it was surprisingly empty this year, especially in Saturday afternoon prime time. But the rush at Friday noon must have been a catastrophe, even worser than the other years... It was very interesting to get these background information, especially because I'm thinking of contributing to the crew members next year.

After this chat I took the photo shown above from CosBase and went to the Lolita fashion walk. This year all models have worn handmade dresses from Japanese indie brands because the reseller Lorina Lidell made the import possible. These dresses are also cheaper than the brand ones and very beautiful indeed! Even the Japanese singer Luna Haruna participated in the fashion walk because she wears Lolita fashion for herself.

"Shades of Wonderland" photobook

After the show the Dunkelsüß base organized a giveaway where you could win a copy of the huge photobook "Shades of Wonderland" by Werkbank 030. I also participated and left for a concert of the Japanese duo ZWEI at the outdoor stage - they were really good and I liked their show, especially when bassist Megu ran off the stage directly through the crowd, followed by the staff xD They did their best to make fun and create a fabulous atmosphere, but then it started raining that heavily that I escaped into the Dunkelsüß tent. I waited until the winner of the giveaway would be announced, and they pulled the lucky person - but the first four (!) persons weren't present, most likely because of the bad weather... But the fifth person was there - it was me! I was absolutely dumbfounded and over the moon, but I felt a bit unpleasant and observed when everybody looked at me when I took the copy... It weighs 3,5 kilos! I already had heard about the book, but had no real idea of how the final result looks like - but it's really cool and serves very well for explaining Lolita fashion to people who never have heard about it before. Some of the models and even Luna Haruna have signed the front page, it's a really unique copy~

With the signed first page~

Luckily it stopped raining after a while and I left the tent for entering the Anime cinema: They showed "Blue Exorcist: The Movie" I definitely wanted to watch because I really like the Manga. But it was already so full, it didn't seemed as if I would be successful to get inside anymore... All the other waiting people tried to convince the staff we could stand in the back etc, and finally he agreed and let us sit in the middle floor between the seat rows. So I also got a quite good place in the front center on the ground and had a good view~ I enjoyed the film and especially liked the animation technique; it really has improved within the years, compared to the ancient Anime I knew from my childhood days xD

It already got 8.15pm when the movie was over, and because nothing interesting was going on anymore this evening I decided to go home - after playing Pokémon some longer, of course xD In general I had intended to also watch the real movie of Black Butler, but waiting until 10.45pm would have been too long and boring... That was how the Saturday ended.


It was a really cool day indeed, especially because of the "Shades of Wonderland" copy I've won ^__^ big thanks to Dunkelsüß for making this miracle possible~ I was very satisfied with the 41€ I've paid for the two-days ticket, and I have managed to look through everything I wanted to see inside the hall in time before it would have been too late on Sunday.


On the last day photo sessions followed~
See you there!
Junsui

Convention report: AnimagiC Friday

Hello, dear readers~

Today I want to report about the latest event I attended: The AnimagiC 2014! It was my fourth full year there and I enjoyed it quite much~ Let's take a closer look on what has happened ^___^

Around beginning of August every year it's AnimagiC-time, and this year the weekend really hit the first three days of the month. In the biggest heat of midsummer thousands of freaks dress up themselves in mostly different costumes, and I always wonder how the thick ones survive... It's lots of fun every year, or lots of stress and work, depending on how you see the point.
I started the convention days quite relaxed this year and haven't stressed myself too much: I dressed in my usual bat outfit I always wear on concerts; it was short and light enough for these deadly degrees up to 29°C x__x;
I arrived at 1pm and of course had to queue for the entrance; it's the same annoying procedure every year... It was around 2.10pm until I finally got into the area. At least the hall already had opened and I rowed myself in the quickly moving queue, and I also got inside faster than I had expected I would. But of course it quickly filled and became absolutely overcrowded, also as every year... I walked through the market hall and just took a quick look at all the stuff that was sold there, I knew most of the products already. But I have recognized they had rearranged some stalls: For example the Manga figures were changed with a stuffed toy stall, and there was a new stall of an Anime publisher I never have heard of before. Moreover I discovered a 3D printer where you could create yourself as a figure, but it's quite expensive with 199€ for a model of 15 centimeter size... I wonder whether somebody has used this occassion at all.
I haven't had too much time to creep through the hall before I had the first show I wanted to watch: At 3pm the showgroup "K!seki" performed a self-written comedy/action piece: "Pokémon - The APokélypse". I enjoyed sitting down in the first row of the balcony of the main concert hall from where I had a good view. I made lunch break in the meantime and ate my whole lunch packet - I was a bit worried I would get hungry again too fast, but at the end it was no problem at all. The amplifiers were too loud, but luckily I had my earwax with me and then the sound was okay - I already knew this problem because the acoustics in the hall isn't the best... I followed the piece for 50 minutes, but when I had eaten up everything and relaxed a bit I lost the interest and became a bit bored; it wasn't that exciting anymore... So I left and went shopping with more tranquility now. I found a funny purple bat plushie I had to buy for 19€, and I carried it around with me the whole day in front of me because it just fit very good to my outfit that day ^____^
Of course I also entered my favourite stall of NeoTokyo: They always have some interesting CDs and clothing, and last year I have spent more than 100€ there xD This year they had an awesome SEX POT ReVeNGe coat I instantly fell in love with, but it was a bit too expensive with 129€ because I wouldn't need it for a special reason... But I found a hilarious pink T-Shirt of "Nyanpire", and it didn't need long until I got captured by this trend and had to buy it xD it was absolutely worth its 25€ because it's made of high quality cotton and fit me very well~
And they had two copies of KAMIJO's "Moulin Rouge" - damned, but I already had offered my one at CDJapan before... Here it would have been cheaper. But at least I haven't had to pay additional fees and customs duty, so the prize was the same at the end.
Happy because of this second good offer I passed by another plushie stall, and they sold a strange stuffed toy that just looks like a white ball with a Japanese emoji face... It was so weird but kawaii the same time that I just had to buy it, too xD it only costed 5€ what is quite cheap for these conditions, and I'm really happy I've done so - I really have started to like this Kaomoji plushie very much by now ^__^
I was surprised that the cosplay stall haven't sold the normal catears this year... They only had plastic ones, but usually the fluffy ones are the money-spinners. I also wanted to buy a pair, but I didn't like the plastic ones and got rid off the idea. So I already was done with my intended shopping tour, and I withstood lots of other buying temptations!
Then I thought about what to do next until a concert from 6pm to 7pm, and I decided to go upstairs to Manga Hamburg. I like this Manga art school I already knew from the last two years, and also this time I sat down and just started sketching a bit... The results weren't that exciting, but one time I used their huge range of copic markers, that was awesome! I've inked one picture with 20 shades of grey~ (random with the title xD) At the end I literary spent over three hours there and forgot the time, so I missed the concert... And after that I was quite tired and the market hall already closed their gates, so I decided to go home because nothing interesting was on my program list for this day anymore.

The AnimagiC leaves you with an overload of impressions every year, especially at the first day. I must confess, I was too lazy to take photos - also because I haven't seen many awesome costumes and was a bit disappointed; all other years people have made more effort in dressing up. Moreover most cosplays are from series I'm not interested in, in general Naruto and One Piece, and I hardly found a really good dress at all that day. I think this year less visitors attended the convention at all, maybe because of holiday time or the high degrees (although I think last year was even hotter...) So I wasn't completely disappointed, but also not highly excited, it was average. But it was the right decision not to overdress because I wouldn't have been in the mood for photos... and it worked, literary nobody asked me for a photo, phew! ^-^
That was how the AnimagiC Friday turned out - and I was even more curious how the Saturday would be!~

The next report will follow soon, see you there!~
Junsui

Concert report: KAMIJO "Throne - Zeroth Live in Paris" 4th July 2014

Good day, dear readers!~

As I've promised I want to show you some impressions from my "second face" - a good beginning is a report about a VisualKei concert, I think ^___^ On Friday 4th July I went to Paris to see Kamijo live! It was my first time visiting France so I was kind of nervous, but I already have seen him with Versailles back in October 2011 in Cologne, so at least I knew the artist yet.

My very first impression and also the final conclusion: Even alone he can impress fantastically!~ Since the last time he has improved a lot, and the evening absolutely was worth its money and all the effort with travelling to Paris etc.! But let me take a closer look on the details now.

The evening I wore a simple black outfit because of the extreme heat and because I didn't want to risk that something could be ripped or torn from the crowd. My highest regards to all the fans who have worn long robes and dresses or heavy leather clothes, I wonder how they have survived...

It was quite easy to get to the venue: The hotel just was around 200 metres away, and it was just a five minute walk on the Boulevard de Rochechouart through Montmatre. I arrived around six, two hours before the gate opening, and rowed myself in - just in time: A few minutes later a long queue formed behind me, and I was right in the middle in a good position. One and a half hour still were left then, but it passed by quite fast; faster than I had expected it would. From afar I could hear the results of the soccer quarter final match between Germany and France, and when disappointed Aaah!s and Oooh!s sounded through the street I know the Germans have had shot the goal... And me as a German directly in between in Paris! But luckily nobody around seemed to be interested in the match, they all were waiting for Kamijo's concert, of course ^___^

I easpecially liked the French fans: I had the feeling that nobody would completely freak out because of Kamijo; they were much more peaceful than here in Germany. I remember concerts of An Cafe or the GazettE, but Kamijo's fans there were more mature - I really liked that! For example it was silent most of the time he wanted to say something between the songs; normally I didn't knew that from here.

Most of the other fans of course were French and I hardly understand the spoken language (honestly, I'm better in reading and writing, but I can't understand the spoken language that good nor speak it...), and less people than I thought came from abroad... I met one girl from Poland and one from Czech Republic, but I don't know which other countries except Germany were present the evening.

During the waiting time a girl from the French supporting team passed the queue and asked everybody whether they want to write something into an A4 sized notebook that would be handed to Kamijo later. Additionally she had a Polaroid camera and took chekis from the fans, and I agreed to shoot a photo and to write something; the original was later taped into the book. I simply choosed the phrase "Vive le Roi!" as a comment, I didn't want to write too much. Moreover I signed a tricolore they were preparing for Kamijo, too.

The time passed by, and the doors were opened in time, even a few minutes before 8pm - in general the whole concert was organized quite good, a big praise to the event management!~ When I entered the girls from the French support team gave me a handful artificial rose petals and instructed me we would throw them in the choruses of "Louis" at the phrase "La Vie en Rose" - so I kept the petals in my bag until this time point.

The venue the day after

Generally the "Divan du Monde" is a small theatre with stage and a first floor, but it was the perfect location for a JRock concert of this size - many other Japanese artists use this venue, too. Unfortunately the sound wasn't that good because of the missing concert hall equipment...

I liked the first floor very much and I would have prefered to go upstairs, but it already was too crowded and I decided to go downstairs again. I found a place on the left side next to the bar, and I met some other German girls I already have talked with via facebook before. So we formed a "German corner" and impatiently waited for the start of the show - they were quarter of an hour too late so that at the end the earlier starting time of 8.45pm got 9pm again (I guess that was the reason why they had changed the starting time earlier | because they knew they would need longer xD)

But then the lights finally turned off and changed to a reddish dim light, and the six-part screen on the back of the stage showed the big letters "KAMIJO" and the typical emblem. An epic introductory theme sounded through the theatre, and one after another the support members came on stage: At first Dir en Grey's Shinya, followed by Ikuo and Meku - and finally, a few seconds later, the Vampire Prince himself appeared! What a fantastic moment~

To be honest I really have looked forward to see Shinya live, too: I have missed Dir en Grey last time in Cologne, and he is one of my biggest idols. He was the reason why I got interested in Japanese music in general, and after I started liking Dir en Grey's music I turned to all the other artists, so also Versailles and Kamijo. That he was his support drummer at this concert was the perfect gimmick~ It seems as if I have observed him more often than Kamijo xD In general Shinya received lots of approvement and cheering, he also was very popular to the fans, I was surprised! I also thought about wearing my Dir en Grey jacket during the concert, but luckily it was too warm for this winter hoodie... Maybe it would have annoyed the people around xD

I also liked Ikuo and Meku very much although I didn't knew them before, but they also are skilled musicians and made a perfect show! Because I stood on the left side I saw Ikuo most of the time and Meku was too far away, but his guitar solos were fabulous!~ But now to Kamijo himself!

He really has improved since the first time I met him back in October 2011, especially his voice has developed and got a very special and impressing accent. Although he plays symphonic metal he doesn't need to hide his voice behind overdriven instruments like in Versailles' "Destiny" (I don't think you can hear the full amplitude of his voice there...). Now it was the other way around: The instruments supported his vocals and the music, but his voice was in the focus.

The show! When the support members entered they shouted "Vive le Roi!", as well as Kamijo himself. The first song was "Yamiyo no Lion" what surprised me; I hadn't expected he would start with a new song but would handle the setlist chronologically. So it was a bit difficult to get into a good atmosphere because the fans couldn't cheer that good to an unknown song - but this quickly changed with the second song: It was "Moulin Rouge"! The next surprise; again I thought he would play it later! To be honest I was a bit disappointed that he sung it that early: It's my favourite song and I hoped for a later time point... But then it didn't matter anymore, and I instantly was pulled in the great mood of joining in and cheering around! The crowd got in a joyful mood and started swinging - it was so much fun! I really can't remember when I have had so much fun at a single song at a concert!~ A very catchy song, and the only pity was that he didn't wore the fitting outfit - the performance looks a bit weird in his "Symphony of the Vampire" clothes o.O xD

I wondered how he intended to change the atmosphere from cheerful to more serious tunes after the song, and I was surprised a third time: He just kept the swinging mode for the third song, Lareine's "Fuyu Tokyo"!~ Nobody around had expected to ever hear this song live again, and the atmosphere was awesome, the whole audience was stunned! I was very glad I had learned the lyrics an eternity ago so that I could sing along, and I felt a bit nostalgic while enjoying the performance - it was a moment you don't forget! You see, on concerts it doesn't matter whether the band broke up or pauses or something, their music is still alive in our hearts and comes back on stage from time to time - that's the reason to love concerts: Because the artists can decide the order more freely.
By the way, it was a really weird experience to see Shinya drumming to this song... Not really his style of music, I guess xD


After the third song a short break followed where Kamijo welcomed us in French and spoke some Japanese before he introduced us in another quite new song, "Tsuioku no Mon Amour". It was a typical symphonic rock number and now the audience came in the "usual" concert mode. Lights changed to a calm and brighter illumination when "Gensou Trianon" started - I still wondered when he would play the full album then. But my question quickly was answered: The sixth song was "Presto", and then he got through half of the symphony; "Sacrifice of Allegro" and "Royal Tercet" followed. A pity that the last song is so short...

Before starting with the ninth song the instrumentalists left the stage and Kamijo remained alone - another break from the Symphony followed now. Which one could be the next song? Right, it was the wonderful "Trésor" and the touching "Grazioso" with accordeon accompainment! Number nine was very enjoyable and created a calm atmosphere with waving arms while number ten's Italian part touched all hearts around... This was one moment where music just overwhelms you and brings you close to tears. Not many artists are able to do this to me, but Kamijo definitely managed it, even several times an evening - incredible!~

After the tenth song Kamijo shortly left the stage for taking a break himself and the instrumentalists entered again. The background music changed to a serious march with hitting bass drums, and it was obvious that now some harder songs would follow. At first I was in expectation of "Dying Table" because this song would continue the Symphony, but again I was wrong: The new song "BASTILLE" followed! As he already had posted on facebook, he wanted the audience to sing along with the lyrics, especially the phrases "Vive le Roi" and "Run the Bastille" - of course then this song mustn't miss! I don't know what I had expected first, but when he began singing and the march continued I was deeply impressed - it already was the song's beginning! Although I never had heard it before I liked it at once, and because I generally prefer harder songs this one has good chances to become my new favourite one~ The melody and chorus also were very catchy and it was easy to join in and to shout the Bastille line, it made lots of fun! ^__^
And directly after this song the also hard "Dying Table" began, perfect conduction between the numbers! Then the setlist was completed by "Sonata", "Mangetsu no Adagio" and "Throne" before Kamijo and the support members left the stage.

Some other details from the show: He greeted the audience with "Bonsoir" and most times thanked with "Merci", but I have recognized two times that he first thanked in German with "Dankeschön", then in French and at the end with "Thank you" xD He also tried to speak some French but then forgot the way to say it, was silent for a while (and it also was deadly silent in the hall, absolutely creepy!) and changed to English: "It's too difficult..." I know this problem with French for myself, poor Kamijo!

Another time somebody shouted "Bonjour" while he had turned for drinking some water, and when he heard this he turned around again and commented: "No - Bonsoir" and everybody started laughing~ He smiled few times and prefered playing the serious Vampire Prince, but when he did it appeared that he was sincerely happy! One time he took one of the roses that was reached to him, kissed it and threw it back into the audience, another time he took one, kissed it, too but handed it back to the dying owner, awesome ^___^

Later during the show he took his waving stick, but it got stuck in a gap next to an amplifier, as well as his coat was caught by it two times... And one time we could see that also Kamijo is no perfect robot but just a human being making mistakes: Something went wrong with the beginning of "Tsuioku no Mon Amour" and he interrupted the support members' playing, the background music was stopped. He just said "Accident" two times before they started again, and then everything worked.

After the usual show the band took a break of around five minutes and the fans started shouting "Encore" and "Vive le Roi" - Kamijo himself had said he would sing all of his songs, and at least "Louis" was missing - so he had to return on stage once again. And indeed: With dried faces but in the same clothes they returned and prepared themselves - and he surprised me a fifth time this evening when he asked the audience whether they want to hear a Versailles song. It was obvious that everybody approved like hell, it was bombastic! Kamijo then explained a remastered version of chapter three of God Palace would follow (later we got to know that the chapter was called "Unmei", and this also would be the title of the cover that is published on the "Yamiyo no Lion" single), and everybody was surprised how emotionally he has caught up the lyrics and melody but turned it into a ballad with slow drum accompainment - the principle reminded me of Versailles' Japanese version of "Love will be born again". This moment was just for dreaming and thinking of old Versailles times, and when I've seen it right he also had some little tears glittering in his eyelids... He was deeply touched himself and I guess he misses the band most of all the members.

But then old times were summed up with the seventeenth and very last song that of course was "Louis - Enketsu no La Vie en Rose-"! All the members gave their best a last time, and our project with throwing the rose petals perfectly worked! We threw them in both choruses, and the French fans with the flag continued a permanent petal rain from the first floor, it was an impressing view!~ Kamijo also smiled about this and took the tricolore around his shoulders, thanking everybody again.

When the show was over the instrumentalists threw their picks, sticks and towels, and Shinya got quite much approvement, too; almost the same amount like Kamijo himself! As always he was very shy about it, and this time even more because he just was a support member. The musicians left the stage, the lights brightened and the movie soundtracks began playing again - now the show definitely was over.

After the concert I went upstairs and bought some merchandise: The black shirt, the poster and two chekis (this time you could choose your favourites, that was much better than picking random ones!) The shirt fits perfectly,, and the poster already is hung up on my wall ^__^

I was left with many positive impressions but at first had to cool down with my fan, it was too hot inside (.  .; The manager came on stage again and announced in French and English we now had to leave the hall because of the preparations for the after show party that should begin at 11pm. I also went there, but didn't stayed that long because I already was very tired and didn't like the music that much... I just was full of Kamijo impressions, and GazettE and Mejibray just didn't fit as a conclusion of the evening >___< only good song was Dir en Grey's "Kodou", but when "Pon Pon Pon" started I finally left the hall xD Nevertheless, the furniture consisted of comfy sofas and they even had carried palms inside what created an enjoyable atmosphere~

While taking a break on the steps outside and waiting for the party the meantime didn't got boring because staffs were packing the van and the equipment, and it is quite interesting to observe working people while you sit around yourself xD
While waiting there a small Japanese guy hopped out of the hall and carried some technical equipment to the van - at first I thought it would be one of the usual staff, but then somebody mentioned the name Shinya and I paid more attention to him - indeed, it really was Shinya in normal tour shirt, unstyled and without makeup. I wouldn't have recognized him without sunglasses, he is smaller than I thought he would be... He is even smaller than me! But okay, his arm muscles proved he must be the drummer. He walked from the exit to the van and back several times (poor guy, had to manage all his stuff himself...), but although everybody was looking at him nobody molested him by speaking to him or something. He could walk through the crowd without problems and did his job - one time he passed by just a few inches afar and I enjoyed observing one of my biggest idols in a completely normal manner, as a normal human being like you and me. After a while he disappeared and opened the door again, peeked out with half of the face and slammed the door quickly again, that just looked too cute and funny >w<

Around 11.30pm (the hall still wasn't prepared although the party should have started at 11pm...) the last big appearance followed: Guarded by two staff and security people the musicians and Kamijo left the hall and the crowd hastened to the van they were entering. The support members disappeared quickly, but of course the Vampire Prince in his grey suit (and of course with his sunglasses although it was late in the evening and already dark) stepped in halfway, turned to the fans and posed in a strong way that reminded me of a proud lion before he waved a last time and also got into the car. The van then left for the hotel, and the crew now quickly managed to open the gates for the after show party.

After spending some time there I went back to the hotel, and although I wasn't dressed normally I didn't have had problems with walking through Montmatre at midnight - honestly, the people there are used to strange clothes and stuff, they won't glance at you with disapprovement. Back in my room I just changed clothes, fell into my bed and instantly slept deep and long like a stone.

The following day I checked out the chalk walls in our hotel and found this entry there - so there must have been another fan who had attended the concert! ^__^ When I arrived the afternoon before the show I saw a girl with pink-turquoise hair in the lounge, so maybe she wrote this... I then added "Vive le Roi!" in orange xD

To sum the concert up: It was a fantastic show in an enjoyable atmosphere, with peaceful fans around. The venue has not the best sound quality, but is seized perfectly for Japanese rock concerts, and if I would live in Paris I would attend concerts here more often.
Kamijo really has improved since Versailles times, and against my expectations he also can impress very good as a solo artist! I see high potential for upcoming shows in his solo career, and although I miss Versailles I wish him all the best for his future way as a Vampire Prince.


At the end the setlist of the evening:

0. Introduction
1. Yamiyo no Lion
2. Moulin Rouge
3. Fuyu Tokyo
4. Tsuioku no Mon Amour
5. Gensou Trianon
6. Presto
7. Sacrifice of Allegro
8. Royal Tercet
9. Trésor
10. Grazioso
11. Bastille
12. Dying Table
13. Sonata
14. Magetsu no Adagio
15. Throne
-Encore-
16. Unmei
17. Louis -Enketsu no La Vie en Rose-

A memorial show, his first concert abroad as a solo artist! I would attend one of his concerts again every time, and I just can recommend this artist to everyone who wants to experience a real musician with heart and soul.
Vive le Roi!~


Junsui~

Hello everybody!

At first let me briefly introduce myself: My real name is Claire Reusch, but I prefer calling myself Junsui - in general thats a Japanese adjective for "right" or "honest", but if you translate it in a more free way it can have the meaning of my real name. Claire is French for "clean" or also "right" in heart and soul, and if you see it in a metaphorical way, the word Junsui can describe me quite good ^-^

I'm 17 years old, and although I already have had a blog I decided to start new ones now. That's because I just have finished with school and my life will change its direction now: I'm going to apply at university and hope I will be able to start studying in October. To be honest, I'm actually not 100% sure for which subjects I shall decide...
Well, besides to this blog I have started some other ones: One about my works like paintings etc, one about literature and books, one about my trips and travels and one just about my everyday life and everything that interests me ^-^
This blog shall focus on my "second face", as I prefer to call it. Because I'm a big fan of Japanese music and the Visual Kei scene I've decided to dedicate this blog for everything concerning this topic and everything around - so just enjoy diving into a completely different and surprising world!

Thank you for reading~
Junsui