prelim Tafel Anatomie review

i was asked to post initial thoughts on the new album so here they are.

The main problem I had with The Name of the Rose was the way the songs flowed. I felt there were two many slower songs mushed together, and it made the album a bit boring to listen to straight through. They fixed this problem with Tafel Anatomie, and I can assure you, you will be happy with the album.

While there are not many "hits" like Sleeper, Day Dream, or Yami Yori, I feel the overall feel of the album is better.

D did not change their style at all, but they did try out some new things. Most of their songs have solos that are less poppy and a bit more interesting to listen to. A lot of the harder songs have harsh back up vocals from Hidezou (at least I saw him doing them during the concert...)

The opener Phantom pain, isnt what I'd call the best opener, but the song itself hits you hard, with every aspect of D we have all grown and loved.

There are a few popppy songs like Calling me (which is reminicient of Hourglass in a way) Card, and Leukocyte. So those who like the poppier side of D will not be disappointed.

One of the main differences in this album, is the lack of ballads. I would only call one song a true ballad, and that is the powerful Glow in the sun. Asagi really shines in this song, but Ruiza's guitar solo is just as effective.

I would venture to say they felt a bit more metal influenced with this album. (especially in the first couple openers and of course the single 太陽を葬る日) I noticed Hiroki uses a bit of double bass at times, and the guitar solos from Ruiza, while always have been a bit metal influenced, are especially so on Tafel Anatomie. Hidezou's solos are usually short and not quite as interesting.

The weird songs, are probably 青い果実 (Aoi Kajitsu - unripe fruit) and Humanoid. With the latter not even having a real chorus. Both songs are very unmelodic (for at lleast half the song), and honestly not that amazing. They are starting to grow on me, and I will probably like them more in due time.

They end with a Sleeper-esque song in the form of 抉る衝動 (eguru shoudou - hollowed impulse) which is catchy but not quite like Sleeper.

Overall a real winner of an album! Standouts are: Glow in the sun, 太陽を葬る日, and Phantom pain.

The album also came with 100 questions that the band answered and some nice pictures. If im not lazy I will translate them.

Tracklist:

1. Phantom pain
2. Fanfare
3. 太陽を葬る日
4. Leukocyte
5. Calling me
6. Card
7. 青い果実
8. Humanoid
9. Glow in the sun
10. 抉る衝動