Hi, I'm now living in Japan and I must say Malice Mizer was certainly a component of the culture that attracted me here. They look awesome I think, the way an alien rock band should look. They were one of the most influential bands in terms of creating the Visual Kei imagery, the gothic lolita style of dressing and the warped androgyny. But!
Their music is "blah".
Oh what a shame, it would've been so nice if they could shred, but I'm sure they were all so busy applying their mascara that they didn't have time to practice their pentatonics. They are very much like the dozens of J-Rock bands that followed them, in that they are as likely to do a rock number as a synthy pop Brittney piece and then a cringeworthy ballad. Ugh!
I wouldn't classify them musically as Goth, although the look is there. As much as I adore
Steve Vai's music, I love the fact that he looks like a hyper rock star too. It's the whole package and it works beautifully. Of course, I love Satch's more laidback coolness, but Malice is lacking in a vital department: the music.
