You might be familiar with the visual kei metal band girugamesh. The band was formed in 2003, with their current set up of vocals Satoshi, guitarist Nii, bassist Shuu and Drummer Ryo. We will be giving you a review of their EP gravitation. Previously they have released 7 albums, 2 EP`s and a lot of singles. Even though the band had a Europe tour in the spring of 2014.
tracklist
Go ahead
gravitation
Not Found
reflection
Vortex
This EP starts with Go ahead. It has a steady intro with a light electronic sound. Followed by especially soft vocals, for a metal band. After 40 seconds the song erupts. A lovely bass line fills the song, the vocals bursts with the singer’s sound. You can hear a second vocal from a woman in the background. This brings a beautiful balance in the song. It sounds like they want to share their story with you, a story with a painful goodbye. The drummer also plays a very interesting rhythm during this song. Near the end the song will get a calm ethos with multiple vocals.
Right after they smash in with gravitation. This song sounds like a great theme song for this EP. The song hits nicely. The drums plays a bigger part in this song, you can hear it continuously. The bass and guitar amplify it nicely. Satoshi is at his very best, rough, his voice doesn’t sound forced for even a moment. The second vocals make its mark, it sounds more like grunting. This is a song to which every member can add their thing. Drums, guitar, bass and vocals all share a unique part, with their own little solo-ish moments. It will be awesome during gigs! Very catchy, I’m imagining the crowd jumping up and down.
Not Found would, in my opinion, be a great for a racing video game. And during the song my mind is still sharing that feeling. There is a nice bass, a speed. Alternated by some calm musical moments, with strong vocals in the front. Most have an exhilarating effect. Even this song, like gravitation, would be perfect during gigs. The refrain repeats itself enough, it`s not too complicated and will be easy to sing-a-long to. It`s a bit like pop, but it wouldn`t be a real “top 40”song.
Meanwhile we reached reflection, the first 7 seconds sounds like no one is playing, but more in the background. After that it become sturdier, with multiple vocal lines. An ok balance between a pure vocal and the raw husky voice. During this song they alternate more in rhythm, in the mood. There is a pervasiveness, but one moment it seems like it`s filled with anger and the other moments it sounds like there is a positive vibe. For myself I understand a little, to barely anything of the Japanese language, this is all based on my own feelings. The song ends strong, nothing like in the beginning. A very pleasant song.
It`s time for the last song of this EP, which is Vortex. The final song begins strong, followed by grunting, like we have heard before in this album. Also the clear vocals of Satoshi appear again. It seems like they are perfectly balanced. Even though there are more different screaming voices in the background. Satisfactory firm song, not so approachable for the ones who are not known with this style. Though I should mention that there is a short ballad moment. After that its firm tune will go on. The outro is pleasant and ends this EP nicely!
Gravitation is a fine follow up to MONSTER! Again a beautifully ambitious, powerful and sturdy product! The artwork fits the title well. It doesn’t seem overly complicated, but it makes for a good whole!
Gravitation is for sale at iTunes (België, Nederland) for €4,99, thanks to Gan-Shin Records.
Rating: 77/100
