Jade (Teaser) by xjapan

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The FREE X Japan iPhone app gives you an exclusive look into the world of X JAPAN. Track the interactive Twitter, check out the latest news and information from this iconic band and be the FIRST to see photos and videos! Wherever you go, carry X JAPAN with you.

Click here to download the app or scan the QR code below:

X Japan at Lollapalooza 2010: Live review and photo gallery

Dear Perry Farrell, thank you for no-wait Port-A-Potty lines, the Columbus Dr. walkway and the artery-clogging (Kuma’s) Judas Priest cranberry/walnut/bacon/bleu cheese party in my mouth…but thank you most of all for X Japan. Engineering the first stateside import of Japan’s (mostly) quadragenarian metal monsters was the coup of the festival, and as expected, faces were in fact melted. Ascending the stage to a chorale that wouldn’t be out of place in later-version Final Fantasy soundtracks, band co-founders Yoshiki (drums, piano) and Toshi (Steve-Perry-eat-your-heart-out lead vocals) gave the cue and huge bursts of crimson flame launched us into “Rusty Nail.” A tidal wave of air pressure preceded the staggering guitar onslaught as a neck-braced and velvet-robed Yoshiki hammered the skins as though the crowd were a few zeros larger than the couple thousand throwing up its signature, crossed-forearm “X”‘s. “Chicagoooooooo. Are you ready to rock?” screamed the cowhide jacketed and leather pants-sporting singer. It would not be the last, nor the second or third to last time this inquiry would be made. As promised in his interview with me last month, Yoshiki and company stuck to the harder numbers, shying away from its notoriously dramatic ballads, and here moved on to “Jade.” Perhaps what makes this brand of metal distinctly Japanese is the juxtaposition of speed metal and epic-sentiment lyrics, as in this little ditty with guitarist Sugizo’s brain-stabbingly thrashy solos alternating with dripping lines like: “‘Cause you are beautiful, your scars are beautiful / Like the jade / You’ll still shine, when you sink into the sea / When all the bleeding scarlet jealousy goes away with me.”

X-Japan Rocks The Riv

Written by JONNA PELLETIER

Whoever says that heavy metal cannot simultaneously be beautiful, artful, and soul shredding clearly has not been to an X-Japan concert. Amidst the thrashing drums, crushing bass, and deathly guitar riffs exists a series of delicately crafted and performed solos, a devotion to the art and a passion that has been lost to the ages.

These power metal veterans can certainly hold their own amidst the teeming and often deluding sea of heavy metal artists, and so can their fans. In addition to being extremely passionate about their band of choice, X-Japan fans carry that sense of community that seems to have left other heavy metal and rock subgenres. I commend them for enhancing the awesomeness of X-Japan’s music with their friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic air (an ideal crowd for inducting Heavy Metal virgins).

Whether you’re a heavy metal virgin or a heavy metal veteran, X-Japan will gladly refresh your memory on the definition of words like “individuality” and “surprise.” In terms of individuality, X-Japan is among a handful of heavy metal artists who have successfully blended opera, classical and piano music into their repertoire and made it their own. In terms of surprise, they have more twists and turns in their show than a Sang Kromah novel.

If you’re worried about seeing the same act Nightwish or another metal band brought forth at another concert, worry not—X-Japan will make everything feel new again. Toshi’s voice—a heavenly call that can sail over galloping Metal rhythms—is enough to do the trick, but Yoshiki, Sugizo, Pata, and Heath bring the experience full circle with a passion and a knowledge for a slew of instruments beyond your typical guitar, drums, and bass.

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X Japan @ Roseland Ballroom, 10/10/10

Not knowing what to expect from X Japan going in, a band considered legendary in their native home of Japan, having formed in 1982, and since have sold over thirty million albums, I walked into a packed house at Roseland with no expectations. To be honest, the only thing I knew about the band was from the late night commercials I’d seen hyping their show. The crowd seemed anxious, more anxious than other shows I’d seen lately. When the band came onstage, the crowd began going nuts and this was a precursor as to what laid ahead, and for the next two hours the crowd, from as far as my eye could see, were going berserk for X Japan.

As soon as drummer Yoshiki Hayashi started playing, he was a complete beast and reminded me of Tommy Lee only faster and at points he would break out into playing classical piano during certain songs. Vocalist Toshimitsu “Toshi” Deyama had the crowd in the palm of his hands, his falsetto voice was reminiscent of many 80s hair metal bands and he could and did hold notes for what seemed like minutes. Plus there was a lazer light show and smoke! The theatrical elements this band offered combined with the sheer musicianship all the members had made for a mesmerizing performance making this the best show I’ve seen in at least three years.

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