Hm, I meant to say, that the songs of MdM sound similar to each other, whereas Malice Mizer, although they had their distinctive style, they produced songs quite different from each other, too (think Regret with Beast of Blood). But yes, I can hear the influences from Malice Mizer in there. And also in Schwarz Stein and Kozi. (Although Kozi not so much... It's more like his style was taken to MM, rather than the other way around - if that makes any sense.
)
It's something about the choice of intervals they use, I think, and also the timings. You can strongly hear the European classical influences there. Kozi seems more influenced by fairground-style music, movie soundtracks and contemporary European goth music.
Has anyone got any of the new MdM stuff? I haven't heard it yet.
Edit - Sorry, Hyde_is_my_anti-drug, you were posting at the same time as me so it looked like I totally ignored your post. >< I agree with you that MdM's music just sounds too 'samey' for me to love it. I would listen to maybe 2 or 3 of the songs, mixed in with something else.
I feel sad about that, because I think Mana had potential to make something much better. I wonder why it happens like this now? Did he just become concerned to make a living, and lose the artistic drive? Did he reach the limits of his composing ability? Was it a combination of those two things? No one can know.
But as for his relationship with the rest of Moi dix Mois, that's another thing no one can know. I agree that just because they consent to his way of doing things doesn't necessarily make it ok. Personally I think that becoming too controlling does stifle some important factor in a group. But just because he calls it 'solo project', and he is the most 'active visible' member (having record company and clothing label too) doesn't necessarily mean that he is a 'controlling' personality when you are actually working with him.
Don't get me wrong - I'm not a 'supporter' of Mana, neither am I wanting to put him down. I just see him as one of those people where it's impossible to get any sense whatsoever of their 'real' personality, so therefore they feel very distant.