Review: Gackt - The Next Decade

This is another one of those "obligatory bounce-back" reviews. I have been looking forward to this single's release for quite a while. When I found out that this was going to be the second single for Kamen Rider I wondered if it would live up to the Gackt standards. Would Gackt actually compose this single? Will it terrify his fanbase? Will it be good?

Let's see...

The Next Decade
T.N.D. Orchestra Attack Ride
The Next Decade (instrumental)

I am not sure what to think of this song just yet. It is another typical Gackt song put together in a Gacktish fashion with a few touches here and there to separate it from all of his other works. Gackt's baritone voice is fresh all around and does not fail to disappoint but the transition to the chorus feels a little clunky the first time around. The blending of his electronic, Ghost-ish effects with the rock attitude of Flower was done very well and the opening was obviously inspired by Koakuma Heaven. Throw in some Faraway "hey's", a solo that sounds like it was lifted right out of Jesus, and the experimentalist vibe of In Flames and The Next Decade completely owns the trash that was Journey through the Decade. It even beats out all of the other Anniversary singles because it sticks to what Gackt does best while still changing up that formula enough to seem fresh. However, there is something about the tuning and the notes that the guitars play that unsettle me. I am not the biggest listener of Gackt but I can't help but say this is nothing more than "standard done right".

T.N.D.Orchestra Attack Ride is a twist on the usual instrumental. It combines classical instruments with rock instruments whilst removing the solo, creating what sounds like a different song if you don't pay attention close enough. Compared to the next solo, this one is more interesting to listen to just because there are more layers to peel through and enjoy. Since it's just a straight rehash of the first track without Gackt, his absence makes it less stellar. The "hey"'s made me jump and appreciating the artistry of the guitars and double bass drums is always nice but I would have much preferred another twist on an instrumental version of this song, such as a T.N.D.Distorted Attack Ride or something. That would have turned out equally as interesting as the former track.

If this is a taste of what is to come, I am interested in what Gackt has in store for us. Sure, what he is giving us is a mix of old and new but as long as it all comes together I am sure I will enjoy. It's not exactly the 'epic' I was hoping for but it is definitely a great listen and recommended.

Recommended:

The Next Decade
T.N.D. Orchestra Attack Ride

Score: 80%