MALICE MIZER

By Mana-sama

Nostalgic Game Inferno

The Xbox, which I will be discussing this time, made a striking impression with its beautiful, green-glowing icon that was visible beyond the earth sliced by an "X."

When the announcement of a new hardware invasion from America came i was excited back in 2002. At the time of the Xbox's arrival, the gaming market had seen Sega's Dreamcast defeated, while Nintendo's N64 and GameCube were struggling. The market had become a stronghold for Sony, led by the PS2.

Speaking of the PS2, it had a significant advantage with its DVD playback function. Even though the DVD market wasn’t established yet, the ability to play games and watch DVDs was quite impressive… Sony’s strategy was ahead of its time. Then, Microsoft which had dominated the global PC market launched an attack on the firmly established PS2 empire from across the sea! "Microsoft's game entry with immense wealth. They must be a terrifying enemy for Sony," I shivered at the thought.

The reason I felt this way was due to my encounter with the "ATARI 2600" from the American company Atari. I recall when I was still a young child. At a time when even the Famicom hadn’t been born yet I was familiar with games through a system at toy stores where I could play for a few minutes by inserting 50 yen. Despite being in such an era, the price of the ATARI 2600 was around 60,000 yen. It was an astonishingly expensive item for a child, and of course, I couldn’t get one. In the midst of this, the infamous "Atari Shock" occurred leading to Atari's downfall! This created a dark history in the gaming market with its collapse.

Now, back to the Xbox's invasion of Japan. The advertising campaign was tremendous. Leading up to its release, Shibuya was dyed in Xbox colors, creating a huge buzz! My first encounter with the actual Xbox was during an interview with Famitsu about the Xbox. I visited the Famitsu editorial department to be interviewed and got to see the console before its release!

As a result, the first American attempt at entering Japan ended in failure. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t the first attempt, but let’s leave it at that for now.Then, in 2002, a time leap occurred, marking the start of America’s third attempt at entering Japan with the black ship Xbox.

Why is it the third attempt? Because the 3DO, which I love dearly and discussed in the first installment of this series, attempted its second entry in 1994. Some might think it’s a Japanese-made game console since it was released by Matsushita Electric Industrial in Japan, but in reality, the 3DO is American-made. Japanese companies had licensing agreements with the "3DO standard."

Now, getting a bit sidetracked—my first impression of that black, square object was striking. It felt substantial, and a line forming an X ran across the middle. Inside it was a semi-transparent green dome of the Xbox, which gave it a presence that made me think, "This is really cool!" and I couldn’t help but shout that in my heart.

The only disappointment was that the green dome didn’t light up. If it had lit up, it would have been perfect. That said, the original Xbox is one of my favorite consoles.

Moi Dix Mois

Emperor of Darkness Stands in Europe

Have you already watched the live DVD DIXANADU Fated 'raison d'être' Europe Tour 2007 which captures the scenes from the European tour in October 2007? Focusing primarily on the final performance in France this work also features the atmosphere of the tour that visited eight locations in six countries. It gives insight into Moi dix Mois' popularity in the region and the 'heat' of the live performances can be felt through the screen. We spoke with the leader, Mana (G), about the contents of the DVD and his impressions of the various European countries he experienced firsthand.

― As we look back on the European tour let's talk about the live DVD DIXANADU Fated 'raison d'être Europe Tour 2007 which captures those moments. This tour took place in October last year and it was the first time you did something so extensive in Europe, right?"

"Yes, that's right. We went to six countries and performed in eight locations. Along the way the staff often mentioned how equipment would frequently break at the various venues. Apparently, that’s considered 'normal' over there. There were plenty of small issues like that but i’ve come to realize that if you let those things bother you, you won’t be able to tour in Europe or abroad. So recently, i’ve gotten used to it. I go with the mindset that something’s bound to happen (laughs)."

― So, I’d like to hear your impressions of each country you visited. Let's start with Finland, the first stop in Helsinki. It's a country that's also booming in the rock scene, right?

"Finland is home to bands like Children of Bodom and Hanoi Rocks, right? It was our first time there and i was struck by how rock is integrated into their culture. After the show, we saw a news program and they aired a special on rock music with footage from our concert."

― Wow, they featured Moi dix Mois on a regular news show?

"Yeah, that’s right. The cold, crisp atmosphere of Finland also left an impression. (laughs) We arrived late at night, so we didn’t have time for any sightseeing. That’s the biggest thing that stuck with me but the audience reaction was incredible."

― Finland’s government seems to be quite supportive of rock music, even promoting it as part of their culture, right?

"Ah...! Maybe that’s why. We were interviewed for TV, and they aired it during the night on a standard news program. I was surprised to see footage from our show being included in a regular news broadcast. But after hearing what you said, it kind of makes sense now."

― Next was Sweden, known as a haven for Nordic metal and melodic death metal. What were your thoughts before going?

"Before going, I had a strong image of Yngwie Malmsteen (laughs). I also had this vague image of beautiful scenery and a place I felt connected to. This was the only time we flew during the tour, and since we arrived during the day, the local promoter took us sightseeing. The area around our hotel was in the city center, and Stockholm was really lively. But if you walked a little further, the buildings and scenery were breathtakingly beautiful."

-As usual when i interview MALICE MIZER my mind starts to dry up a bit (laughs).

Gackt: If you don’t get caught up in rigid notions or long held beliefs i think a lot can be understood. People attach years to the concept of time for clarity but that’s just a human made record for our convenience, not a true representation of time itself.

- Is it that before crossing or not crossing the sky, it was never something that was defined in the first place?

Gackt: I wonder? Also, within this album, various characters and shapes come to light but i believe it’s important to note that everything is linked in some form.

-However, this album really delves deeply into everything from the concepts to the sounds.

Gackt: The sound is so rich that we didn’t have enough channels. Even in parts of the songs we didn’t touch on in this interview there're various mechanisms woven into the fabric.

Gackt: Rather than mechanisms everything is inevitably included.

-It’s quite a niche no, a freaky endeavor, isn’t it?

Kozi: That’s MALICE MIZER’s characteristic after all.

Gackt: It can’t be helped. The people creating this are all quite freaky. After working on this album i realized something: discussions about MALICE MIZER often tend to concentrate on visual performances.

Mana: That might be true. But it’s more than that. It’s not limited to visual aspects; we aim to enhance our world in every way possible through all the elements we can use to create. This album made that very clear.

Gackt: Absolutely. Well, since our appearance is what it is i can understand why people would focus on visuals whether they say it’s impressive or over the top. However for MALICE MIZER we want to express our thoughts through sound and stage in all aspects, so if they can understand that it’s great. Of course i believe that in this album the individual growth and evolution as a collective are clearly represented. Given that it’s natural for the quality to rise.

-By the way, will there be any continued performances of "Bois de merveilles" in the future?

Mana: Who knows? (laughs)

Kozi: It’s too precious to just give away (laughs). I think there might be a performance around the next show though.

Gackt: I can’t say anything just yet.

Kozi: Plus performing the songs from this album live requires extensive preparation. They’re so intricate!

Gackt: Regardless MALICE MIZER inherently has the characteristic of deliberately taking a perplexing path.

- I think this has been discussed many times before but can you share your thoughts heading toward the final performance?

Gackt: Just remember that beginnings and endings are always back to back.

Mana: That’s right, everyone, please give it your all and feel it.

Yu~ki: Look forward to it.

Kozi: Absolutely!

Mana: What’s that in reference to?

Kozi: Well...

Gackt: What should I do? If it’s to myself (laughs).

ARENA 37°C (アリーナサーティーセブン) Vol.181 1997年10月

KAMI: When you go on tour i think the tour finale is the culmination of how much you’ve grown during the process. For now, i want to make this tour something great and take it on as a challenge. Touring is such a valuable learning experience and i'm always thinking about how best to express myself as i go through it.

- Previously, Mana mentioned that recent stage performances are completely different from those a year ago. Does the way you present yourselves change as the venues grow larger?

MANA: It’s completely different. For example, when performing at a large hall like Shibuya Public Hall versus a live house there’s a significant difference in the distance between us and the audience. Back in the day we used to incorporate theatrical elements but in larger halls, those details can’t really be seen. That’s why we adjust our presentation and stage direction to suit the venue.

- At your recent performance at Akasaka BLITZ, I felt that while your image evokes dreams and illusions, there seems to be a stark reality behind that. Is that intentional?"

MANA: Yeah, you’ve touched on something pretty important. I think we give off a very fantastical image but at the core we’re actually expressing raw, visceral human emotions. If people can pick up on that contrast, I think that’s ideal.

- Alright, Gackt we’ll wrap up with you. Could you tell us about the significance of the upcoming 'Deuxième Anniversaire ~ The Magnificent Revival' performance on the 10th?"

Gackt: The 10th is a very meaningful day for Malice Mizer. As the name suggests, it’s a resurrection, a rebirth of sorts. It’s also an opportunity for those who have never seen Malice Mizer before to witness us. It might sound misleading, but Malice Mizer is Malice Mizer no matter the occasion. I often say that we are ever-changing but even if the way we express ourselves changes, the core remains the same. We are changing, yet unchanged. I want people to feel that duality. Additionally, the meaning of the 'Blank Moments' in the 'Pays de Merveilies ~ Blank Moments'... I personally felt those blank moments during the 'Voyage ~ Vérité' tour. I want to express that."

- Could you elaborate on that?"

Gackt: On July 20th, during the BLITZ performance, my dog, who had been my only family for over 20 years, collapsed just before the live. While I was performing, they were undergoing surgery. By the time I rushed over after the show, they had already passed away. I don’t know if that was the reason, but everything that day was utterly chaotic. I revisited the metaphorical 'door of blank moments,' and i came to realize that everything starts from that point. That’s why i want to present something meaningful every single day. During the first half of the tour, i was in a slump, but in the second half i want to get even a step closer to the ideal version of myself. I want to remain positive in all aspects, convey that to people and hope they can feel it.

"This action which is almost unthinkable in the norms of rock bands, stirred up mixed reactions. However, this also became a hot topic and further boosted their popularity. You can witness this in performances like "S-CONSCIOUS," where they all wear bondage costumes and deliver digital hard tunes, and in the pop like "Je te veux," where all members except Gackt play percussion instruments while performing. In "Brise," there's even a scene where Mana rides a roller scooter around the stage, showing a playful expression.

Additionally, what deserves special mention is that many of their songs are very "pop" and easy to remember. The songs, crafted under the concept of medieval Europe possessed delicate and melancholic melodies. The meticulous and heavy arrangements, combined with Gackt's sweet and silky voice, polished these melodies into superb pop pieces that left an indelible impression, one that lingered long after you heard them. In fact, every single they released after their debut charted high in the hit rankings. This DVD includes live performances of singles with beautiful melodies such as "ma chériebeloved to you," "Gekka no Yasoukyoku (Moonlight Nocturne)," "Bel Air In the Blank Moment," and "Le ciel." Tracks like "N.P.s N.G.s," "Je te veux," and "Brise" also feature catchy melodies and are fan-favorites at their live shows. Moreover, there are many rare video clips included, such as the solo performance "Hamon/Concerto" where Gackt's piano intertwines with Kami's drums.

The DVD culminates in the final scene at Yokohama Arena, where all the members appear with feathers larger than their height. Among them, Gackt, with black wings reminiscent of a fallen angel, floats in the air and passionately sings "Le Ciel" while bleeding. It is truly a dreamlike scene that embodies the "ultimate visual kei." After watching this, it's easy to understand why, even after MALICE MIZER disbanded, there have been very few follower bands. With such a perfectly realized world, there was no room left for anyone to follow. They are indeed a one of a kind band. This DVD fully captures their appeal, and it's a must-see for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the sound and visuals of MALICE MIZER.

From SHOXX 179

Atra Winter 2007 // Klaha

As you can tell from his profile Atra kun is still very much a child. Everything he sees is new to him and he’s full of curiosity thinking everything is his toy. If you're careless and leave things on a table or somewhere within his reach, by the time you realize it, they’ll be hidden somewhere. For example, under the sofa or the bed... You might think you've completely lost something, only to find it one day by chance under the sofa or bed. Such troublesome events happen often. But it’s this mischievous and lively personality that makes him so charming.

However, the thing that's troubling me the most with Atra right now is his eating habits. The problem is he won’t eat unless I’m right beside him constantly stirring his food with my fingers. And in the end unless i place the remaining small amount of food in my palm and feed him by hand he won’t finish his meal.

The root cause is of course that I’ve spoiled him too much. But on days when I have to leave early for a photoshoot or something it’s difficult to always be there to feed him. Not to mention, he eats slowly and tends to eat his meal in several sittings.

So about his eating habits... By the way when Atra kun is in such a troublesome state if I try to leave without indulging him, he will inevitably start making strange, incomprehensible noises like 'Oh, no!!' while jumping at me in desperation.

Of course he also acts spoiled at times. For example, when I'm getting ready to leave, Atra will start pouncing on me as if to say, 'Don’t leave me!' He makes such cute sounds that I can’t help but think, 'How adorable!' It's always a cycle of him calling for me when he wants to eat and us playing chase.

When I can’t help but follow him, he’ll suddenly look back as if to say, 'Are you coming?' Sometimes we swap roles and I have to chase him while he pretends to run away and hide behind doors or other places. We play like this, almost as if we were prince and servant, with him always making me follow him around the house.

Then, when he finally gets sleepy and starts to doze off, he lets out a small, happy squeal, and somehow, all my tiredness disappears. As if by magic, I feel refreshed, as though his presence alone is enough to heal me.

Talking about Atra kun makes me feel like a total doting parent. There's so much more I want to share about him, but I’ll stop here for now. I’ll tell more stories about Atra kun in this section later. It might be boring for people who don’t like animals, but... well. Next time I plan to go somewhere nice. Where that will be, you’ll have to wait and see!

...when I start talking about Atra kun i feel like a total doting parent. There’s still so much more I want to say, but I think I’ll wrap it up here for now. I’d like to share more stories about Atra kun in this section later. It might be boring for people who don’t like animals, though...

Now then, I plan to go somewhere nice next time. Where that will be, you’ll have to wait and see!

V's Break Out

"On July 19th Malice Mizer will make their major debut with the single 'Bel Air In the Moment of Emptiness.'

'Bel Air'—a French term meaning 'green wings' or 'clear air.' It’s a beautiful melody that would suit a European landscape filled with silence and melancholy, capturing the rise and fall of emotions. The lyricist, Gackt, and the composer, Mana, share the story behind this song.

Photograph: Hideaki Yajima

Costume: Yukari Ohba (Midi: Nette)

Interview by Hiroko Yamamoto"

―Your first major release, "Bel Air In the Moment of Emptiness," is about to come out. When you two work together to create songs, how does it usually go?

Gackt: It depends on the case. Often, we have the prototype of the song first, and then we go into the studio to shape it together.

Mana: This song, in particular, kept evolving. At first, I had an image of Scandinavia.

―Did you picture the Scandinavian landscape?

Mana: No, it was more Scandinavian metal (laughs). I imagined a beautiful guitar melody. I didn’t really picture a specific scene.

―Did you expect it to become your debut single?

Mana: I wasn’t really conscious of that. I feel like people look at Malice Mizer and think, “What are they?” But this song focuses on the sound of the five members, so I thought it was a track that could convey that the band is the core. Even though it’s our debut, we didn’t aim to make a pop song. The time signatures are irregular, and the tempo changes constantly, but the melody in the chorus is easy to listen to. It felt very much like us.

―Did you feel like you had created a masterpiece?

Gackt: Usually, I’d ask, “What’s the theme of this song?” But this time it was the opposite—Mana asked me, “What kind of lyrics are you going to write?” So I told him what I wanted to express with “Bel Air.”

Mana: On the other hand when it comes to songs where i can picture a scene, I’ll explain in detail, even to the point of being persistent. For example, while working on “Transylvania,” i constantly had the story of a Dracula movie in mind. But this time there wasn’t a specific scene, just emotions like sadness and melancholy.

Mana: Yes, with the harmonized twin guitars typical of Scandinavian metal, they’re beautifully melancholic, right? From the intro to the end i wanted both guitars to play harmonized parts non stop. Nowadays, in many bands, one guitarist does rhythm while the other plays the solo, so I thought having both play like that was kind of unique.

―So, did you communicate this song’s concept to Gackt?

Mana: Did I say “Scandinavian metal” (laughs)?

Gackt: I didn’t hear that (laughs).

Mana: I remember telling Közi, but I don’t recall how I explained it.

Gackt: I think you didn’t explain anything (laughs). Usually, there’s some kind of theme, but maybe that’s why you didn’t say anything this time.

―The lyrics bring to mind a tragic love story, don’t they?

Gackt: Hmm… I’m sure a lot of people would imagine a negative scene when they hear these lyrics, but I don’t generally write such lyrics. The events in this song are indeed sad and painful, but I wrote the lyrics with great importance on taking a step forward from that. The last part of the lyrics doesn’t have a subject or conclusion, and I wanted people to interpret it through their own experiences.

―Is it about losing someone you loved?

Gackt: Yes, that’s right. When I first heard this song, the word “Bel Air” came to mind. But since it had irregular time signatures and many transitions, I hit a wall and couldn’t finish the lyrics. Then I heard the news that someone close to me had passed away. After thinking about many things at home, the remaining melody and lyrics finally came to me. That’s why I have such a deep attachment to this song.

―The phrase “floating while swaying” is particularly striking.

Gackt: Yes, that phrase is key to this song.

―The transitions in the song seem to represent the passage of time. It’s very profound.

Gackt: “Emptiness” can mean many things. Sometimes, just five minutes can feel like a year or two. I think I was able to express the moment when you suddenly snap back to reality after a period of emptiness.

―By the way, this release comes with a video, right?

Mana: Yes, it does. We’re releasing the video in September. The video included with the single is just a small part of the footage shot in France, but the September release will be more like a movie. Malice Mizer is a band with a three-dimensional concept, so we use various stage performances to bring our songs to life. Visuals are an essential part of our expression.

Gackt: So, it won’t be just a typical music video; it will be something that embodies the feelings behind “Bel Air.”

MALICE MIZER

APRÈS MIDI

Live at On Air West '96.1.6

PHOTOGRAPHY: MOTOKO SASHII

REPORT: TOMONORI NAGASAWA

Invitation to a Lovely Masquerade

With the new vocalist Gackt joining them Malice Mizer made a comeback on October 10 of the previous year, performing a one man live show at On Air West. Everyone who witnessed the stage was shocked by Malice Mizer's transformed appearance.

Yes in expressing the world within their music they refused to limit themselves even to the traditional "band" format. Whether it meant mastering electronic programming, performing without instruments, or fully dedicating themselves to theatrical acts they were ready to challenge every possibility. If using their own bodies to express could bring them closer to the essence of their music’s world, then they would wholeheartedly embrace it.

SHOXX 118

"The song started to take on a different feeling, and the way we approached it also changed.

With the existence of wind, and so on i feel that I am sensing a sense of closeness or maybe i should call it a difficulty in perceiving it in myself."

By the way, with the arena performance now complete and 'Le ciel' being released as a single, the merveilles series is finally coming to an end, right? However, when I think about the final scene expressed at the Yokohama Arena performance and the atmosphere at the ending of this song, I can’t help but wonder… is it really over? There’s a part of me that can’t help but feel doubtful. So, what’s the truth about that?"

Mana: "Who knows? There might be something new starting from here… but it’s not yet the time to talk about that, so I can’t say. Well, it’s certainly true that i can’t say it’s over in an absolute sense."

Interviewer: "Exactly. The way the sound cuts off at the end of the song feels like it has some deep meaning hidden behind it. Why did it end that way?"

Gackt: "Well, why do you think it is? In fact, I’m curious to hear how you felt."

Interviewer: "Hmm… i felt a certain loneliness. It gave me a sense of being left behind, in a way."

Mana: "I see."

Gackt: "To put it another way, that feeling comes from Sugie san’s own sensitivity and past experiences, which made you feel that way. And that’s okay; everyone can feel it in their own way. And in another moment if you listen again, it might leave you with a different impression. On the other hand, what we aim to present is music that creates different stories and landscapes within each listener over time."

Most games tend to have a clear objective for the players to follow as the story unfolds. However, "MYST," with its completely different gameplay style, was a controversial masterpiece. Personally, I was drawn to its supreme graphics and was greatly impressed by the stunning CG, so naturally, i was a fan.

While the difficulty level of the game is extremely high, the sheer beauty of it is enough to captivate people. Despite stumbling through the game, I found solace in the mesmerizing world it presented, often getting lost in its enchanting visuals. "MYST" brought a fresh perspective to adventure games through its innovative approach, making it a monumental piece of work.

We're fortunate to live in an era where we can enjoy games with incredibly beautiful polygon graphics. Recently, I was engrossed in playing "Oblivion" on PS3, which gave me a similar sensation to "MYST." It's a game set in a medieval European-inspired open world, allowing players to freely explore its vast landscapes.

The world depicted in polygons is so visually stunning that it's almost indistinguishable from reality. The swaying grass and rippling water surfaces create an illusion of actually being in that world. Of course, "Oblivion" has its own objectives as a game, but my primary desire was simply to explore the vast world it offered. I even sacrificed sleep during the New Year's holiday a few years ago just to keep playing.

The evolution of gaming graphics in recent years is truly astounding, and it's astonishing to see how far we've come from the past. While I may have become accustomed to revolutionary games like those on high-spec machines in recent years, I believe that it's this connection to the past, such as with "MYST," that has shaped my gaming experience. It might seem outdated now, but delving back into that unique world of "MYST" brings back a sense of nostalgia.

"MYST" holds a special place in my heart, and I feel like I could approach it with a fresh perspective now. Plus, there are sequels I have yet to play, so that's definitely on my to-do list!