Japanese ghoul-rockers throw in the kitchen sink

Balzac - Deep Blue: Chaos From Darkism
Posted by Laila Hanson on 22-May-08 @ 04:32 PM

[3.5/5]
There have always been a handful of Japanese bands whose relentless commitment to their respective subcultures hold up a gleefully fractured mirror to their influences and in so doing, wind up being way more fun than they have any right to be. With a yen (groan) for both Misfits and later hardcore, Balzac fit the bill perfectly as they pour on the excess, cramming a full album, alternate demos and a bonus live DVD into their newest release. The studio sides frequently show surprising sonic polish, even as the band skitter through scattershot stylistic poses. With shouted choruses, grinding guitars and a deliciously garbled cover of "Ziggy Stardust," the album quickly throttles the irony out of its premise and snags you with its genuine, if slightly repetitive, urge to rock. (MISFITS) Jeff Leven


Official Website: http://www.misfitsrecords.com