The much anticipated DVD release of “VAMPS: Live 2012” on April 24, 2013, has had many fans, especially international ones, crossing days off their calendars with much fervor. The first official material release since VAMPS left their own production label, VAMPROSE, and signed with Universal Music Group, was to herald in the next chapter for the band and bring them to a more global presence within the music world. It cannot be denied, that VAMPS is worthy as a global contender, being fronted by one of the most charismatic vocalists in Japan, HYDE, and a master guitarist, K.A.Z., who have joined forces to kick-in closed industry doors in markets outside Japan. For anyone who has followed VAMPS since the beginning, this DVD is a treasure.
Recorded on October 7, 2012, at ZEPP Namba, in Osaka, Japan, on what was the last night of an incredible 49 show national tour, VAMPS takes stage with the energy of a band just starting a tour—not ending one. As if casting a hedonistic spell over the audience, the opening chords of “Vampire Depression” transforms this mass into one undulating creature, feeding its energy to VAMPS. As if bleeding prey, HYDE’s vocals resonate with hunger as he growls “Set me free” in the chorus, and the audience creature responds to feed his desire. By the end of the song, VAMPS owns this venue, this audience, and no one is immune.
“Kyuketsu—satsugai (VAMPS version)”is delivered in a hard, guitar driven thrust to the audience, that doubles them over from the gut, into a deep, synchronized wave of head banging undulation. HYDE, in pure demonic gravel, calls forth the minions to dance in the flames as is his bidding. In response, young girls begin rolling towards the stage, riding the hands of the mass, as if being offered up as willing sacrifices to this demon call. From here on out, the only will is that of VAMPS, and as it entertains HYDE.
I don’t want to reveal the entire setlist. These two opening songs will give any fan the idea of the trip that is being taken. Staples of the VAMPS catalog like “Devil Side,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Hunting,” and “Midnight Celebration,” are present and delivered in delicious sexiness, that makes you want to lick your fingers. The cinematography was accomplished in such a way to really incorporate the viewer into the venue. Flying aerial shots, incredible close-ups and high quality resolutionto spoil each fans' experience of this DVD, especially newer fans of VAMPS, by going through each song make this a DVD that I would love to see projected in an IMAX theater—mind blowing and breathtaking.
Long time followers of VAMPS, know that there is a decadent satisfaction into the hedonistic side of our nature that is spurned on with each DVD this band releases. Newer fans are in for indoctrination like they have never experienced. As all international fans, wait, watch, and hope for the promised world tour from VAMPS, we have in the meantime “VAMPS: Live 2012” on DVD and Blu-ray to curb our cravings for hot, sinfully sexy, decadent, and pounding rock music. Add this to your collection today!!
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