Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY

ZAN -Remnant-DIR EN GREY

Dir en grey – Zan (PV)

This is one of the three singles released for their major-label debut in 1999.

The unusually fast beat and unmistakably hardcore musical style were already making their presence felt.

In 1999, when they appeared on the TV show Music Station, this was the song they performed; there’s an anecdote that their performance, staged with provocations like those in the music video, prompted a flood of complaints to TV Asahi.

Since the preceding program at the time was the anime Crayon Shin-chan and they were the first act on the show, it likely left a significant trauma on the children who were watching live…

LOTUSDIR EN GREY

DIR EN GREY – LOTUS

Their 24th single, released in 2011.

It’s an accessible track centered on clean vocals, but in typical recent DIR fashion, the chorus soars to an unusually high range.

Combined with the weighty guitar sound, it leaves a profoundly majestic impression.

That said, it’s generally one of their more approachable songs, making it a good recommendation for DIR newcomers.

scale (as of a fish or reptile)DIR EN GREY

DIR EN GREY – Uroko (Scales)

This is a track included on their ninth album, “ARCHE.” The music video is a bit gory.

Despite the fast tempo, a dark mood is pushed to the forefront.

It’s heavy yet has a driving sense of speed, and it never gets boring to listen to.

The whole album is awesome, so be sure to check it out.

poem stompingDIR EN GREY

DIR EN GREY – Poem-Treading (Promotion Edit Ver.) (CLIP)

As of April 2017, this is their newest single.

The sense of speed, the heavy sound, and Kyo’s out-of-the-ordinary vocal style remain as solid as ever even after more than 15 years since their formation.

The promotional video—shot on a unique set that blends a Christian religious worldview with steampunk—features the same unflinching, visceral content as always.

heartbeatDIR EN GREY

DIR EN GREY Kodo [PV] HQ

When it comes to Dir’s vocalist Kyo, I personally think his strengths are his diverse vocal techniques and those seductive high notes.

This song, in particular, feels like it brings out Kyo’s allure in a very concentrated way.

As a result, elements like shouts and growls are more restrained, but it still turns out plenty cool.

And the shout near the end that comes in as if suddenly remembered is absolutely overwhelming!

UnravelingDIR EN GREY

DIR EN GREY – Unraveling [PV] [SUB] [HD]

As the name “Unraveling” suggests, it’s a song with an impressive PV featuring piles of yarn balls, cat’s cradle imagery, and a house collapsing.

Kyo’s scream and movements around 1:50 are a must-hear.

This is just my personal opinion, but I like Kyo’s hairstyle in this the most.

THE FINALDIR EN GREY

DIR EN GREY – THE FINAL

A 16th single released in 2004.

It’s a mid-tempo track with a heavy sound, featuring clean, soaring vocals.

The lyrics deal with suicide, and the atmosphere is quintessentially Dir, yet the song itself is relatively accessible, making it a good recommendation for newcomers who aren’t used to hardcore music.