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HearJapan brings XodiacK and MarBell into the fold

1:13 AM on 01.04.2009

HearJapan brings XodiacK and MarBell into the fold photo

The vis-kei just keeps on rockin' over on HearJapan.com, where they are in the midst of their week of new vis-kei releases.

First up is a band we heard a bit from a couple months ago, Xodiack. They now have an exclusive release of the band's first maxi-single Owari no Hajimari. The full single features a couple more songs that aren't quite as intense as "Kuroi Taiyou," though still very much in the metal/nu-metal vein. Those who download the entire single will be treated to several exclusive super-high-quality photos to download as well.

Next up is MarBell. For those looking for something with more of a pop mentality, (and some genuine femininity) then MarBell's Sister album my be the thing for you. Along with the album come a batch of photos as well.

Hit the jump for the full list of details while you wait to see what HearJapan has to offer next.

X Marks the Spot (Visual Kei Week Day 2)

Yokohama, Japan - January 1, 2009 - HearJapan is kicking off the new year in style with two new visual kei debuts. Both revolve around the letter 'X' and both are awesome. In a huge contrast, HearJapan is bringing a legend of the visual kei scene as well as a newcomer to the visual kei world.

The first group to go on HearJapan in 2009 is the legendary X Japan. HearJapan was at X Japan's first show at a live house for almost 20 years for their New Year's Eve countdown concert. A detailed live report of the concert was put up in the Artist News Section that details the transition the band had to make to adapt to a completely new concert environment for one of Japan's most famous artists. With special insight from the management of X Japan, HearJapan provides the most detailed look into this concert available in English. It appears as if HearJapan isn't currently selling any X Japan music for download at the moment. At the end of the live report there was a vague message that possibly hinted at a future release or past release. The live report also says to come back in a day or two for pictures of the concert!

If you are looking to download some new visual kei look no farther than the 1st release listed on HearJapan's homepage. The first album of 2009 to be sold on HearJapan is an exclusive visual kei release from one of the scene's most up and coming bands, XodiacK. XodiacK first made a splash by releasing their demo single, "Kuroi Taiyou" exclusively on HearJapan for a free download. Despite being a demo of an unheard of band at the time, the single got rave reviews and was downloaded over 500 times on HearJapan! XodiacK went into the studio to record a superb quality version of "Kuroi Taiyou" plus two brand new songs that just give us a further glimpse into this band's full potential.

In fact, when "Kuroi Taiyou" initially released XodiacK was shrouded in mystery and the only glimpse of the band was a picture of the band wearing masks to conceal their true image. XodiacK revealed themselves at a New Year's Eve live in Tokyo and are now revealing themselves to the world via HearJapan. With the release of their first maxi single, Owari no Hajimari you can now see the amazing look of these power wielding divine entities from a parallel universe. With the full purchase of the release at a mere 428 yen, you will be overloaded with 13 high quality pictures of the band. The release and pictures can only be found at HearJapan through an exclusive deal. Owari no Hajimari will not be released by any other means than HearJapan. Check out the samples of all three tracks as well as a new video of the band that is nothing short of spectacular and dark.

As this is only day 2 of a 4 day series, check back for more visual kei updates in the next two days. While HearJapan is starting off 2009 with an small X, expect that to grow into the a massive collection of the best and coolest Japanese artists for fans worldwide.

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What is HearJapan?
HearJapan is a digital music store that sells MP3s of all kinds of
Japanese music. With an English-language interface, international
credit card purchasing capabilities, and exclusive materials from some
of Japan's most important, up-and-coming and established bands, it is
has become a go-to resource for music lovers worldwide.

Who are XodiacK?

XodiacK made their debut on HearJapan with their first demo, "Kuroi Taiyou" or black sun. XodiacK describe themselves as galaxy metal. They came from a parallel universe sharing one soul and they have two existential beings. The concept behind these divine beings revolves around the destructive power of a massive awe inspiring universe-like force.

X Japan Live Report:

http://www.hearjapan.com/news/artist_news/X_Japan_Countdown_Live_2009

XodiacK - Owari no Hajimari

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Owari_no_Hajimari

Marvel at MarBell (Visual Kei Week Day 3)

Yokohama, Japan - January 2, 2009 - HearJapan's 3rd day in its visual kei week is introducing a band that made their debut in 2008. The band is led by lead singer, Mar and the guitarist Takanori Tsunoda. Many fans of the band had the opportunity to see MarBell at this past year's Otakon in Baltimore. MarBell differ from most other visual bands, not because the lead singer is feminine, but because she is actually a female. While the band is supported by the fashion brand H.Naoto and place a high premium on their visuals, the music has numerous pop influences making it great on first listen. Their first album "Sister " is about an imaginary sister the singer Mar would turn to during tough times, especially when her brother died during the production of the album.

HearJapan decided to debut this band on January 2nd, because this day is a new day for MarBell. The band has entered the studio to start recording on their new material today. Upcoming releases from MarBell will also be sold on HearJapan in the future. For now enjoy the band's first offering, "Sister" which is available at HearJapan.com for 1494 yen and comes with 9 extra pictures from the album! If you are new to the band, check out their videos on the "Sister " album page.

As a side update, the live report from X Japan's Countdown live now has high quality pictures from the night. As always with HearJapan you can expect nothing but quality. Tomorrow will conclude HearJapan's Visual Week with a new surprise artist.

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MarBell Profile:

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/group/MarBell

Sister Album Page:

http://www.hearjapan.com/store/album_info/Sister

Tags:#music

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Zac Bentz
Japanator


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