From now on, when I write "Classic Review", it usually means that the subject of the review was released a while ago. (At least more then 2-3 months.) However, in this case, "Classic" means that this single really is a classic.
Tracklist:
1. ain't afraid to die
[PV]2. ain't afraid to die ~with frosted ambience~
[Audio]3. ain't afraid to die Irresistible Mix
[Audio]
I absolutely hated Dir en Grey until recently. The songs that I had heard by them, things like Agitated Screams of Maggots, Saku, and Clever Sleazoid were just terrible, heavy metal "songs". But as I grew more patient and started looking for more in music than just plain catchiness, when I realized music was an emotional thing, I gave Dir en Grey a second chance.
A couple of days ago, when I first heard ain't afraid to die, it blew me away.
And I was surprised there was very little praise and no reviews at all for such a mindblowing, amazing release. And I knew that I had to write this.
ain't afraid to die is a moving, powerful ballad that spans 7 minutes, and is just filled with feeling and emotion for every single second of it. Beginning with a mournful piano, a quiet percussion comes in, along with Kyo's passionate voice. His heartbroken vocals cut straight to your heart. The full drums enter to back him, and as the sorrow builds up, quickly, it becomes the piano and Kyo again.
There is a sudden pause, and then a blast of guitar noise. Somehow the distorted solo which follows doesn't detract from the song, but builds up the intense sadness inside you. When the children's choir enters to strengthen Kyo, it melts you down inside. The orchestra takes the song to a emotional climax, but the mournful piano enters once more, and leaves you with a strong sense of longing and loss.
I couldn't believe this was Dir en Grey. It was easily the most emotional song I had ever heard. It was even more impacting on me than November Rain. Many people will have cried listening to ain't afraid to die. The lyrics add another layer to the song. An excerpt:
"The day of last years final snow
The promises that were hard to exchange
When I remember them, they melt, and spill from my hands
The snow falls gently on a hill
Even though I can't reach you, I understand
The flower in your room that you loved is now...
All alone by the window, just staring at the snow
While remembering you, seeing you in the glass
I give you a final kiss"
Beautiful, yet and so despairing...
The next track, ain't afraid to die ~with frosted ambience~, puts a interesting spin on the title song. After the string introduction, that has a "remembering the past" feeling to it, something that sounds absolutely X Japan. But then there's a.....jazzy feeling? Although a lot of the emotion is drained away, it does restore your happiness, and you definitely swing your head. And this is Dir en Grey making this!
But when I heard ain't afraid to die Irresistible Mix, I REALLY couldn't believe my ears! A seducing beginning that features the sexy female vocals, and Kyo crooning like Gackt. Along with this provocative feel, there's also a sense of tranquilty, as if finally granting you peace of mind. But the emotion is reinserted with the dramatic piano and orchestra climax, which ends with the female vocals again, but this time, they sound eerie.
This single is THE best single I have ever heard. The amazing title track is something every person should hear in their lifetime in my opinion. I have uploaded this entire release onto my Vox page, and it's not going anywhere, so I highly suggest everyone go and listen to it.
This single surpasses my normal rating system. In these cases, I will award this single a:
"Classic - Unsurpassable"
