Well, I only had 7 Gackt songs before I got this album, so I'm not in a position to compare things...
4 out of those songs I liked, and 3 I didn't (or not particularly), so I really didn't know what to expect...
I like it!
It's a bit more 'pop' than I usually like, so... it's not one I'd listen to all the time... because it still doesn't have enough 'edge' for me... but sure it is good music. The vocal lines are excellent; unusual, and catchy, so that's enough to make me like it. Personally, though, I'd like to have heard the bass line more! There doesn't seem anything outstanding in the way of bass, which is a shame. And I'd also have liked the occasional more raw sound, especially in the guitars, to balance out the smooth production.
'Misty' was pretty cool; I like the jazzy style, which is a bit different and the ending... interesting... I thought 'Farewell' really showed off the vocal. I don't know what Gackt's singing has been like on his other albums... I've heard negative comments about it in some places... but here I thought his voice sounded really good; it was clean and no trace of the 'shimmer' that annoys some people! The melody is lovely - it's evocative somehow; the chorus I found emotional and the drumming was nice without being overdone. I wasn't so keen on 'Noesis'; I don't really know why... It had a kind of Indian-type sound to it (I don't know how else to describe), maybe something to do with the intervals? There was an interesting break with the down slide, but I found the song too 'pop' and too long. 'Ash' was great, though - lovely picking at the start, good pace variations and spot-on accurate vocals. 'Metamorphoze' started off well for me; I like the intro which was kind of rocky but also had something like a flute (? I think?) and tasty background riff in verse 1, but somehow the song didn't hold my interest. I liked 'Dispar'; cool intro with a strong riff before the vocals, a catchy tune and an interesting vocal rhythm in places, too. 'Future'... I love the melody, but I didn't like the solo... it was very interesting (could I even say 'thought-provoking'?!) but not my taste. Guitar on this song was very nice but I'd like to have heard more bass and drums! 'Black Stone' I was prejudiced against already because I watched the PV and it reminded me uncannily of Busted! (Don't ask me why!) 'Storm'... again (like many on here!) good intro rhythm... there were interesting things going on behind the melody but I really feel it needed a good guitar break to lift it somehow. 'Roads' had a 'high-school pop' feeling about it (yeah, I'm tired, ok!) and didn't really appeal to me; the last one with the long title I'm too lazy to type out, had great composition and gorgeous piano behind the verses, although I feel it would have benefited from more sharpness.
Jeez, I can't half blather on, can't I!
Well, I only listened through once, so I haven't been able to go into it in detail... I use the word 'interesting' far too much... :sorry:
Also I'm a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist really when it comes to music. Guitar, guitar, guitar! Need I say more?!
Yup, yup, nice album. Very nice indeed. A thumbs-up for Gackt on this one!