DIR EN GREY - Different Sense

Artist: DIR EN GREY
Single title Different Sense.
Label: Okami
release date: 22nd June 2011

It's safe to say that since their inception Dir en grey's sound has slowly been evolving from that of Visual Kei, towards something heavier and more international sounding, without ever really straying from that undefinable undercurrent that somehow always keeps them sounding like 'Dir en grey'. The new single 'Different Sense', which is due to be released on the 22nd June 2011, is yet again another step along the journey that is Dir en grey.
With an ever growing number of worldwide fans that follow the story the band weaves with it's catalogue of very different albums, it seemed the fivesome had reached a pinnacle with their last album Uroboros - An epic culmination of the bands history of sounds, all brought together to finally show the sound that is Dir en grey. Yet still, Dir en grey don't disappoint as they began once again in a new direction with the relase of their latest singles 'Hageshisa to kono mune no naka de karamitsuita shakunetsu no yami', 'Lotus' and now, 'Different Sense'

'Different Sense' offers a sound that is quite different from that of their previous releases, yet somehow could be considered a fusion of many of them at the same time. The track opens with a heavy classic metal sound that could sit comfortably alongside the mighty Slayer, accompanied by the drop tuned guitar riffs reminscent of early Korn. With such a solid metal basis to the track, vocalist Kyo is free to roar and scream with all the wild and unrestrained abandon of a man posessed alongside the rest of the band until the track takes a dramatic turn into a more melodious chorus, although Kyo's pained screams still continue alongside.
Although the entire song is truly astounding, it's the harmonized guitars that really takes this song to a new level for this band, carrying that classic metal sound through the huge changes that occur over the course of the five minute track and pulling the seperate parts toghether to become 'Different Sense'.

Two additional tracks accompany the single, 'Tsumi to Kisei' rumored to be a remake of one of the bands older tracks 'Tsumi to Batsu' from Gauze, and a live recording of 'Red Soil' from Uroboros. Both compliment 'Different Sense' well. Tsumi to Kisei aged and refined with so much power that it truly stands up well next to the excitement of the new track, as well as 'Red Soils' live energy make this an all round great EP that should keep fans going until the release of Dir en grey's 8th album 'DUM SPIRO SPERO' is released on August 1st 2011.