"Gauze is a wonderful album. It was the first Dir en Grey album I ever heard and I still listen to it periodically to this day. Whenever I listen to this album I find it hard to believe that this is the same band that put out Withering to Death and Vulgar. Don't get me wrong, this is still dark rock music. You can also hear hints of the direction that Dir en Grey would later go in on this album. However, one thing that is truly remarkable is that this album is unbelievably good. It is often rare that first releases are so memorable, but Gauze is certainly a memorable album with a number of memorable songs. It set unbelievably high standards that could have easily crushed any other band. In other words, this is a legendary release. Since this album came out, Dir en Grey have gone onto becoming one of the biggest Japanese bands in the "world." It all started with this.
Some people would label this music "gothic," but I don't think that it fits into any specific category. Dir en Grey has always been a unique band. You can't call this band the Japanese version of Marilyn Manson because....
1. It is a disgrace.
2. It is simply an unfounded statement.
With that said, when listening to Gauze it is important to analyze the album from a different perspective. Do not try to find a word to define what you are hearing, just accept that it is unique. If you are looking for something that may have influenced this album, then look no further than Luna Sea and X-Japan. Unlike Vulgar and Six Ugly, Gauze is an album that cannot be defined by western standards.
This album has a number of pop hits along with some of Dir en Grey's most experimental material. Although this album is not as experimental as Macabre, it still contains one of Dir en Grey's most famous opuses -- Mazohyst of Decadence. Along with that, this album contains such songs as Cage, Yokan, Aukuro no Oka, Schwein No Isu, and other Dir en Grey "standards." The guitar work on this album is some of the best of any of their releases. It is all in E standard, which for anyone who knows how to play guitar is a thing of the past for Dir en Grey. This is a great album that everyone should give a listen to at least once in their lifetime, even if they can't stand Japanese music and Japanese culture."
Le holeh Buddha.
Jacquelyn Lopaz | 06/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dir en grey is definately one of /the/ best bands out there. Gauze is a beautiful album, and should be bought no matter how high the price. Toshiya's bass solo in Cage is one of his best, and seems to be a fan favourite. Mazohyst of Decadence is so sad! It's about nine minutes long, but you'll feel as though you never want it to end, it is /that/ wonderful. Mitsu to Tsuba... XD The lyrics in that song leave one either hurling, or wowing (is that a word?). Yokan is really upbeat, and /very/ catchy. MASK is great, although Kyo's Engrish is kind of hard to understand, as it is in Zan. That is, until you know that he's speaking English. Still, his voice will leave you baffled. It can go from whispers to screams in time spaces that are... wow. Some of the noises he makes sound inhuman, and that manical laughter in Zan... o_O All of these guys are so talented!! BUY. THIS. ALBUM. It is definately one of Diru's best, and deserves to be listened to."
Amazing
Raenef | wonderland | 03/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every fan of good music MUST own this cd! mazohyst of decadence and raison detre are riveting! Kyo's voice is AMAZING! a great example of japanese music at its best."
Great Dir en grey album
Jacquelyn Lopaz | Erie, Colorado | 06/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of theirs for years.. even though I live in America.. This is definantly one of their best albums out there...... Even if you are not familiar with Japanese music.. you should buy this cd. Amazing"
1234...
Jacquelyn Lopaz | 06/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"very good, this album still have the indies vibe that "Macabre" did not have. heavey fast and just a good over all sound. as said before each album much different from the one before. Gauze holds up still now, even as their first studio debut its still such a great album. Akuro no Oka is such a great song, slow and a good song to put on when you are driving. its very likable, you cant compare it to any of the american bands worth the 52 bucks to get the 2 day shipping"