X-Japan Entertainment Riviera Theater Chicago, IL October 6, 2010

These power metal veterans can certainly hold their own amidst the teeming and often deluding sea of heavy metal artists, and so can their fans. In addition to being extremely passionate about their band of choice, X-Japan fans carry that sense of community that seems to have left other heavy metal and rock subgenres. I commend them for enhancing the awesomeness of X-Japan's music with their friendly, welcoming, and enthusiastic air (an ideal crowd for inducting Heavy Metal virgins).

Whether you're a heavy metal virgin or a heavy metal veteran, X-Japan will gladly refresh your memory on the definition of words like “individuality” and “surprise.” In terms of individuality, X-Japan is among a handful of heavy metal artists who have successfully blended opera, classical and piano music into their repertoire and made it their own. In terms of surprise, they have more twists and turns in their show than a Sang Kromah novel.

If you're worried about seeing the same act Nightwish or another metal band brought forth at another concert, worry not—X-Japan will make everything feel new again. Toshi's voice—a heavenly call that can sail over galloping Metal rhythms—is enough to do the trick, but Yoshiki, Sugizo, Pata, and Heath bring the experience full circle with a passion and a knowledge for a slew of instruments beyond your typical guitar, drums, and bass.

The classically-trained Yoshiki can truly bring it on piano and drums. Swinging back and forth between the two, he delivers a refreshing serenity I never thought could ever exist at a Heavy Metal concert. But he also balances his ability to bring serenity with a penchant for bringing chaos, making him a force unto himself.

Sugizo also delivers an equal balance of peace and chaos that are lost to the genre. Balancing between guitar and violin, Sugizo can either crush your heart or make it sing with some of the sweetest melodies you will ever hear (I know he strummed my heart strings).

Pata and Heath also bring forth a touch of visual and aural drama. Swaying back and forth like blades of grass in a galactic storm, this guitar-bass duo radiate beyond the stage and deliver a supernova of sound.

X-Japan is a visual supernova unto themselves. In addition to traveling with a massive LED screen that carries their emblematic logo and a series of light shows, this band comes complete with glitter, vinyl, and costume changes. Though the costume changes are not as frequent and drastic as those of Lady Gaga and Cher, they still beckon to the style of the days of BDSM, glam, and speed metal yore.

After all, what is a concert without crystal-studded leather jackets, sunglasses, bondage collars, and crotch-hugging leather pants?

Overall, my experience with X-Japan was beyond worthwhile. Everything from the lights, the smoke, the music, the fans was absolutely perfect, and I would do it again and again if I had a choice. And since they show no signs of slowing down, I’m sure I will be able to repeat the experience I had at the Riviera.

Comments

Written by Guest on 2010-11-07 01:40:38 ThanX for ur great article!

Written by Guest on 2010-11-07 01:01:51 Thanks for the report. Yes, once you think you want to see X Japan once, but you will turn out to see them more and more after seeing that once.

Great Article Written by Guest on 2010-11-07 05:53:35 One of the best articles I have read! I absolutely am SO proud of X Japan for living their dream of a N. American tour!

IMPRESSIVE!! Written by Guest on 2010-11-07 09:05:37 Thanks for the great review. I've been a fan for 12 years and seeing them in North America was something I had anticipated all my life. Yet, they exceeded whatever hopes I had. These guys know what they're doing. You won't see such an outstanding musical act happening often.

Written by Guest on 2010-11-07 09:21:20 thanX for your article!

Absolutely right! Written by Guest on 2010-11-07 18:51:16 Wow, you got it all right. Everything said is completely true and this is an amazing article/review!

cool Written by Guest on 2010-11-08 20:23:09 Thumbs up to this!

Written by Guest on 2010-11-09 14:51:57 Great article. I was there, and I have to say that the show at the Riviera was the best concert I have ever been to, and that is saying a lot! Also, these are the best photos I have seen from the show at the Riviera, and being a professional photographer myself who has done quite a bit of Jrock photography, that is not a compliment I give lightly.

Dream come true Written by Guest on 2010-11-10 10:59:01 Awesome review, I was also there, I couldn't believe I was actually in an X Japan concert, it was truly a dream come to reality, I've been to many concerts of many different bands but honestly, the X Japan concert was the best I have ever been to.  Thank you all for supporting X.... We are ????

We are X!! Written by Guest on 2010-11-10 19:25:00 We are X!!

Written by Guest on 2010-11-11 21:30:32 It was great, wasn't it! Most amazing all-round concert experience I've ever had. I've been a fan for several years (before they reunited) and didn't think I'd ever have this opportunity.    Thanks for a nice, evocative review and for sharing a great event!

Written by Guest on 2010-11-17 16:58:14 I was in the front row for this concert. I cried as soon as Heath took his spot right in front of me. The show is definitely soul shattering; I waited years for them and they didn't let me down one bit.

Written by Guest on 2010-11-29 09:05:41 I think of HIDE when mentioned about the Lead guitarist.All creative and colorful in many of X Japan songs from the old day were from HIDE.All the live concerts of X JAPAN after the first reunion in 2008 let me think if HIDE alived,How extreamly creative and fun might appeare on our eyes.

X JAPAN FOREVER!!!!! Written by Guest on 2010-12-14 11:12:02 ThanX for your awesome artical.  You really bring out the spirit and love through this. and like you mentioned, after the concert, i told myself "I want to do this again and again" but maybe that would wear the band out hehe  ThanX again~

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