VAMPS - Inside of Me Review

LOS ANGELES (November 18, 2016) Formed in 2008 by HYDE (lead singer for L’Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z (guitarist for Oblivion Dust), VAMPS has been particularly resolute in releasing musical content within a reasonable time frame. Their first album, “Vamps”, dropped in 2009 and was shortly followed by their “Beast” album in 2010. With a short 3 year break, the Japanese rock band was back on it with “Sex Blood Rock n’ Roll” in 2013 and most recently “BloodSuckers” in 2014. That all goes to say, with four albums, 12 singles, and 11 DVD’s, VAMPS has been kept busy in the 8 years since their conception.
 
Most recently, VAMPS released their newest single “Inside of Me” just three months ago on August 31st of this year. Created and recorded entirely in the U.S., the single was produced by the big-hit American producer, Howard Benson. The single consists of the track, “Inside of Me” which features Chris Motionless, the lead singer from the American gothic metalcore band, Motionless in White. The B-side track is “Rise or Die” - a more rebellious sounding rock sound that draws on the German guitarist, Richard Z. Kruspe, for his composing and musical skill. Both songs on the single are a credible testament to the musical genius of this legendary rock band.

“Inside of Me” is sung completely in English and talks about the monster that lives inside each of us, an insatiable creature that can’t be contained. The verses and chorus are short but this lends to the song being exceptionally catchy. Without a doubt this song will be a fan-favorite this November during their North American tour. HYDE’s raspy and robust voice, particularly when he hoarsely screams at the bridge towards the end of the song, conjures up an image of a demon forcefully trying to break its way out. K.A.Z’s guitar music as always is solid and flatters HYDE’s vocals. Fans that enjoy VAMPS’ more dark but melodic tunes, like “Devil Side”, will be sure to appreciate this song as well.
 
“Rise or Die”, in some aspects, is the antithesis to “Inside of Me”. Far less melodic and with more intricate lyrics, “Rise or Die” encourages the listener to take a chance, to take what’s theirs, and to rise up, or else die. Despite these stylistic differences, both singles share a common language - English. HYDE’s voice is far more coarse than in “Inside of Me” but the roughness is paramount in conveying urgency of the situation - death will occur if they don’t stand up. Whether that be a physical or mental death, VAMPS pushes the listener to rise up through every scream, every guitar riff, every beat of the drums. A more rock-intensive single, similar to “Rumble” and “Vamp Addiction”, “Rise or Die” is another song that is sure to rile crowds in their upcoming tour.
 
“Inside of Me” Music Video: https://youtu.be/iogM9I7cg84https://youtu.be/iogM9I7cg84
Both songs are available to buy on iTunes and Apple Music and to stream on Spotify
Regular edition of the CD single is also available to buy at CDJapan and Amazon
 
Sources: @vampsxxx @motionlessinwhite @vampsvevo @jrocknews
 
-Christina (JRockinLA)