Thursday, May 2, 2013
Dir En Grey (stylized as DIR EN GREY and previously as Dir en grey) is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records. While the group's lineup has remained consistent since its inception, numerous stylistic changes have made the genre of their music difficult to determine (though it is generally considered to be a form of metal). Originally a visual kei band, the band has opted for less dramatic attire in recent years.[1][2]
Dir En Grey has toured through Asia, Europe, South America, and North America;[3][4] Billboard
commenting on the group's international fanbase, that the band "has
transcended the language barrier in the United States through its music"
and "gained its audience without singing in English".[5]
Members
The members of Dir En Grey are credited with their given or stage names, with the names of Kyo (京) and Kaoru (薫) usually being written in kanji.
- Kyo – lead vocals
- Kaoru – guitar, backing vocals
- Die – guitar, backing vocals
- Toshiya – bass, backing vocals
- Shinya – drums, percussion
