The band has changed their name to X Japan to avoid confusion with another band called X from California. The name change more or less coincides with the departure of bassist Taiji and his replacement by Heath. Therefore, 'X' generally refers to the lineup with Taiji and "X Japan" with Heath. X Japan is one of the Japanese 'visual bands,' in which makeup and costumes give the members a freakish, androgenous look, though they look normal now that they've become one of the most popular rock bands in Japan. Their image reminds me of the LA glam metal bands of the 80's. However, their music is more akin to speed/power metal with a penchant for ballads (probably the reason why the band is popular). I was very impressed by band leader Yoshiki's furious drumming and the twin lead guitar work. They are one of my favorite bands overall.

Vanishing Vision

The first album from X is released on independent label, Extasy Records. Not surprisingly, the band sounds a little more raw, and not as polished as in their later releases. There's is also a lack of ballads. Instead this is pretty much a pure metal album, perhaps due to the band's status as still an underground act at the time. I wouldn't say that they completely sold out after they signed on with Sony, because there's an incomplete version of 'Un-finished.' So it seems Yoshiki does have some taste for writing more softer songs. Anyways, the ballads aren't that bad, and are not as cheesy as what you might find on Top 40 radio. Another interesting note is an English version of 'Kurenai,' but I much prefer the Japanese version on Blue Blood. On the whole, the album is very good. There is no bad songs, with 'Vanishing Love,' 'Sadistic Desire,' and 'Alive' standing out in my mind. This would probably be my favorite album if the band sounded more polished, since X's style is more like old school metal with emphasis on technical playing.

Blue Blood

I believe this is their second album, first for a major label (Sony). This was the first album I got from X, after hearing good things about bassist Taiji, who was once taught by Akira Takasaki (Loudness). Maybe it was the production or my stereo or just me, but I couldn't hear the bass line very well, so I can't comment about Taiji's skills. But, I was blown away by the opening drums on the second track 'Blue Blood.' Most this album is power metal with very fast drumming, neo-classical lead guitar work, and in all, very good. There are two ballads (Endless Rain and Unfinished) as well, and while I don't prefer them, I admit that I like 'Endless Rain.'

Jealousy

X travelled to L.A. to record this follow up to Blue Blood, which has more input by other members of the band (Yoshiki wrote or co-wrote almost all the songs in Blue Blood). There is also more English in the lyrics, but I wouldn't have known if I didn't read the liner notes, i.e. Toshi's pronounciation isn't too good. The songs in this album aren't as fast, lacking some of the aggressiveness found in the previous album, and thus is overall more accessible. Perhaps it is a reflection of the band's growing popularity in Japan. Nevertheless, the album is better than I feared since sound samples I had heard didn't really impress me. I generally prefer the first half of the album, my favorite being 'Silent Jealousy' with the backing orchestra and all.

X Singles

This album is basically a collection of all the singles the band had put out prior to its release. In a way, it's sort of like a greatest hits package, although there is also a two-CD 'best of' set. Only three tracks are songs not contained in the previous two albums, among them a cover of an old song by T Rex called '20th Century Boy' and a re-recording of 'Sadistic Desire.' There are also live versions of 'X,' 'Endless Rain,' and 'Silent Jealousy.' From the sounds of the live tracks, X Japan seems to be a pretty good live band. I wonder how they do songs like 'Endless Rain' live, where Yoshiki plays both the drums and piano. The singles version of 'Week End' is a bit different from the album cut, but it's not too dramatic. Overall, there is probably enough 'new' material here for fans of the band to consider getting the album. It is also a good first CD for someone new to X Japan to get. Otherwise I don't think you're missing too much if you already have Blue Blood and Jealousy.

Dahlia

Dahlia is X Japan's long awaited follow up to Jealousy, not counting The Art of Life EP. The CD is packaged in an extra-thick jewel case because of the thick booklet. As for the music, it seems X Japan has taken a new direction. The first track, 'Dahlia' continues where Jealousy left off, but then the album soon goes into new territories. The last half of the album consists of mostly of acoustic sets and experimental techno-like synthesizer stuff. I normally prefer band members to plug in their instruments and I'm not a big synth/keyboard fan. So, the albums is somewhat of a disappointment for me. One positive thing I found is that Toshi's singing seems to have gotten better; he's voice sounds stronger. Vocals aren't that important to me, but a good vocalist is definitely icing on the cake. I just hope that the band doesn't continue with the trend set forth on this album, especially the synths.

9/22/97 - X Japan shockingly announced their intention to disband on September 22,1997. The reason is the departure of Toshi due to musical and creative differences. I try not to get too attached to a particular band, but X Japan has been one of my favorites since the first note of 'Blue Blood,' so I feel very saddened by this news. Here are my thoughts on the matter: X Japan is practically Yoshiki's brainchild. He is the band leader, and his decision to dissolve it indicates his respect for and the importance of Toshi to the band. Though raspy and not sounding very strong (that's my impression), Toshi's voice is nonetheless quite distinctive and is therefore an integral part of the X Japan sound. I would have trouble accepting the group as 'X Japan' if they had gotten another vocalist. So, I don't fault Yoshiki for decidng to break up. Nor do I blame Toshi since he wouldn't have helped the band by staying and doing things musically he doesn't agree with. I do hope Yoshiki, Hide, Pata, and Heath continue to work together. But I would prefer it be done under a new band name.

LINKS:

Visual Shock J-Rock - Great page for information on X Japan and the Japanese visual rock scence. Contains discography, audio and video clips.

Yak - Just about everything you want to know about the band is here. Audio clips changes weekly depending on requests.