generasia:Featured article for 2013 week 14
DIR EN GREY
DIR EN GREY is a Japanese rock/metal band, formed in 1997 and went major in 1999 when they signed to FIREWALL DIV. They made their debut with the mini-album MISSA. The groups original style was visual kei, but they dropped that style around 2005 when they released their fifth album, Withering to death., the band's first to see distribution outside of Japan. The groups first single was also their first top ten charted single "JEALOUS".
The band states that they have no music identity and that it is difficult to determine, and throughout their releases they have played styles ranging from pop to death metal. Presently their style can be considered generally metal.
Since their debut they have garnered a large fan base in Japan and throughout the world with their dark and shocking image. Billboard magazine talked about the group's international fanbase, stating the band "has transcended the language barrier in the United States through its music".
Since DIR EN GREY's debut, they have released 28 singles, 9 albums, 2 mini-albums, 2 best albums, and 26 VHS/DVDs. The groups third mini-album THE UNRAVELING was released April 3rd, 2013.
