Uroboros.

For over a decade, the Japanese quintet Dir en grey have been shocking the world with their brutal lyrics and vibrant image. So, how does a band that has been around for so long remain fresh? Each album is different, from experimental pop to the spiky sound of raw metal, and it is almost impossible to place the band’s sound under a specific label. Their image constantly changes, from floral shirts to shiny leather. No photo shoot is ever the same and this is an integral part of the Visual Kei movement to keep their audience interested.

Uroboros, Dir en grey’s seventh studio album, sees the band return to their roots of experimentation. No song sounds the same. Each song is immediately recognisable for the vast difference in their sounds and contrasting tones. Dir en grey take the stunning elegance of a song like Glass Skin or the vulnerable crooning of Ware, Yami Tote… and mix them in with the harsh, aggressive melodies of Reiketsu Nariseba and the thudding metallic noise of Red Soil.

The album starts with Sa Bir, a droning instrumental track featuring background growls from vocalist Kyo before making way for the ten minute opener Vinushka, a risky piece that shouldn’t work but does. Starting off with an elegant melody, more layers begin to form and the band begin to do what they do best; freak out and make lots of noise.

Some may complain that Uroboros has too much going on in it, that the songs are too complex for a metal band but Dir en grey’s latest album is perhaps their most magical and intriguing album so far. Kyo’s English needs a lot of improvement and the fact that Uroboros features English versions of singles Glass Skin and Dozing Green is not necessarily a good one. He is quite difficult to understand and seems to be concentrating more on getting the words right than singing to the best of his ability. However, on the rest of the album, the vocals are top notch as he experiments with various vocal styles in songs like funky favourite Stuck Man.

The group experimented with a more Western style with albums such as Vulgar or Withering To Death but are now back to basics, which should keep the purists happy. Uroboros features a vast range of musical styles and instruments, from mandolins to congas to sitars, to create a thrilling listening experience that doesn’t fail to impress. Each musician is on top form, the lyrics are as powerful and emotional as they were ten years ago. Dir en grey have perfected their un-stylised style over the years and have come back better than ever. And I don’t think they’ll be stopping there.