Music Review of TWIN GATE by exist†trace from Japan

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Digital release 11.2.2010
USA CD release 12.15.2011
MP3s provided by Japanfiles.com
http://www.japanfiles.com/existtrace

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Visual Kei Girls at the Gate

Twin Gate is the new release from exist†trace. Twin Gate is a mix of old and new songs, but all of the tracks are infused with the same sweeping sense of grandeur that is usually associated with period piece movie soundtracks.

exist†trace is one of the first all female visual kei (VK) bands from Japan. Visual kei’s primary musical influences are metal, goth and punk. Style wise the look draws upon flamboyant 80s hair metal, androgynous glam and a splash of kabuki theater. The desired result is an other worldly performance by larger than life beings.

When it comes to musical ability, exist†trace’s male VK counterparts have nothing on these ground breaking ladies. On Twin Gate, exist†trace rocks with solid well crafted tunes and stunning vocals. The only piece of constructive criticism to offer is that a live track might have been included to break things up a bit.

exist†trace formed in 2003 and their members are:

Jyou … Vocals
miko … Guitar
Omi … Guitar
Naoto … Bass
Mally … Drums

solid well crafted tunes with stunning vocals

Track list and some impressions …

1. DECIDE, time … 4:33
Rock ballad-ish tune with a definite defiant streak.

2. Orleans no Shoujo, time … 4:03
Opens strong with graphic vomit-growl at 0:27. Does not let up with impressive guitar work throughout.
Song also available on exist†trace’s VANGUARD -of the muses- album.

3. KNIFE (Album Mix), time … 5:04
Beautiful, haunting, the highlight of the album.
Song also available as a single.

4. Neverland, time … 3:22
As the title implies … enchanting.

5. RESONANCE, time … 4:30
More metal. Possibly reclassify it as “arena rock”.
Song also available on exist†trace’s Ambivalent Symphony album.

6. VANGUARD, time … 4:41
Epic with a dash of electronica / cyberpunk and goth chant background vocals.
Song also available on exist†trace’s VANGUARD -of the muses- album.

7. Blaze, time … 3:25
An anthem type feel to this number.

8. unforgive you, time … 4:25
Military drums, touch of funk in the guitar riffs and soaring vocals.

9. Owari no nai Sekai (World without end), time … 3:55
Engaging drums, a faster almost pop beat.
Song also available on exist†trace’s Ambivalent Symphony album.

10. Cradle, time … 6:06
Somber, way too long, but a good showcase for Jyou’s dramatic vocals.

The Takeaway:
RiceburnerFM recommends TWIN GATE by exist†trace. Twin Gate is a compelling assortment of soundscapes and serves as an excellent introduction to this intriguing band.