They alternated between dark, stoner-oriented heavy songs, brooding songs and groovy, danceable tracks. Each transition was seamless, maintaining a haunting atmosphere while keeping the audience on their toes.
On June 1st, Shinjuku BLAZE hosted the final date of a long-awaited comeback tour. After a 19-year hiatus, deadman returned with their new album, Genealogie der Moral (full interview HERE) and fans packed the venue to celebrate their comeback in full force. At 5:55 PM, as the concert was about to begin, the anticipation in the venue was palpable. The background music transitioned from A Perfect Circle’s cover of John Lennon’s Imagine to the powerful industrial beats of Nine Inch Nails’ Starfuckers, Inc., and the crowd erupted in applause. The transition from a peace-and-love vibe to raw, industrial intensity had the crowd on edge. As the song reached its peak, the band stepped on stage, greeted by a wave of excitement from the audience, ready to kick off what promised to be a great night.
As deadman’s set progressed, the band weaved a complex tapestry of sounds and emotions. The heavy and gloomy opening track set a foreboding tone, but it wasn’t long before Mako, the charismatic vocalist, took the stage. His punk, spooky, vibe clashed intriguingly with the rest of the band. Mako adorned with LED-lit dreadlocks and devilish horns, moved with a jerky, doll-like motion, his translucent eyes piercing through the crowd. He looked like a figure straight out of a horror anime, a character that was both fascinating and unsettling to watch. The band’s performance brilliantly displayed contrasts as they alternated between dark, stoner-oriented heavy songs and groovy, danceable tracks. The instrumentation was particularly impressive, with the guitarist, aie, delivering warm vintage guitar tones, reminiscent of classic rock ‘n’ roll – adding a sharp edge to the sound. His energy was palpable, and his interactions with the audience, marked by frequent smiles, created a warm connection amidst the eerie backdrop. Guest musicians, bassist Kazu (ex-Kagerou) and drummer Asanao (lynch.), provided an great foundation on stage, delivering both rhythm and harmony with finesse. Kazu’s bass lines were particularly impressive, delivering a deep, groovy feel that perfectly complemented deadman’s sound. His stage presence was classy and sober, dressed in a black suit, exuding calm elegance throughout the performance. Asanao, though somewhat obscured from view, was a driving force behind the kit, his powerful drumming providing the pulse and energy needed to propel the music forward. The performance was on top-form.
Throughout the night, deadman’s music showcased their diverse influences, blending groovy rhythms with deep, punk spirit, dark, post-punk melodies. The result was a sound that was both sharp and infectious. As they moved into heavier, more melancholic songs, the emotional depth of their performance became even more apparent. What is undeniable with deadman is that they truly come to life on stage.
The MC speech at the end of the show cast deadman in a brighter, happier light, brimming with humor and brotherhood. The band shared a fun update: the drummer, Asanao, had started a diet at the beginning of the tour. Back on March 30, he weighed in at 68.7 kg with a waistline of 87 cm. In a playful twist, Mako and aie told him to take off his shoes for a more accurate result. The drummer stepped on the scale, and after a suspenseful moment, the new measurements were revealed: by June 1, his waistline had shrunk to 81 cm and his weight had dropped to 64.4 kg. Amidst cheers and laughter, confetti filled the air. Guitarist aie quipped, “Looks like we’ve become a happy band. We’re going to tour a lot next year”. So, make sure to catch them on their next adventure!
Mandah FRÉNOT
(c) VMJ
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deadman | Shinjuku BLAZE, Tokyo [JP] (2024)
01. dawn of the dead
02. in the cabinet
03. Mayonaka no Hakuchou
04. rabid dog
05 blood
06. the dead come walking
07. Neko to Blanket, Yorisoi Meguriau Ubugoe
08. Mitsubachi
09. Dorisu Kara no Tegami
10. follow the night light
11. additional cause for sorrow
12. Shukushu
13. please god
14. Oboreru Sakana
15. Jukeisha no Nikki
16. through the looking glass
17. lunch box
18. Rei
19. quo vadis
20. re:make
21. Shizukana Kuchizuke
-ENCORE–
01. 701126
02. Seija NO Koushin
-ENCORE–
01. Arizuka
Photography by YU MATSUMOTO
