CRYSTAL LAKE

This live show was intense and amazing! The energy was high from the first song, "Helix / Aeon." Ryo's screams, black metal-style shrieks, and death growls were sharp and perfect, giving me goosebumps! I think this song has a monstrous presence, and they wanted to perform it well, so they concluded it was best to start with it. The band had a sense of unity throughout the entire live show. When Ryo couldn't sing because he was in the mosh pit, they played well while adjusting to him. By the way, going back to Ryo's black metal screams, there were quite a few besides in "Aeon." When he got tired, he would scream in a way that was halfway between a normal death growl and a black metal scream. It was really cool! During the live show, Gaku had a drum solo. I've been to a lot of live shows, but I haven't seen many drum solos. It was very interesting! While the other bands were taking a break, Gaku hyped up the audience. But is Gaku really okay? He must have been incredibly tired, but he kept playing the whole time! Ikepy from HER NAME IN BLOOD and Kojima from CROSSFAITH appeared as guests! I was quite surprised when they came on stage. Especially when Ikepy appeared, I laughed. It felt like they came all the way just for Crystal Lake's one-man live show "Matrix," and it was like a "Pocket Ikepy" that would be released when that song came on, which was very funny. Even though it was a short time, like one or two minutes, I think they both really enjoyed the venue. Thank you very much! Since they are such an intense band, the MC parts focused on the individuals, and the content was substantial. This live show made me proud to be in Japan, they said. Ryo and Yudai said that they value Japanese live shows and especially Japanese fans very much. I was honestly a little confused about whether it was really good for me to be here, but I understood what they wanted to say, so of course I wasn't angry. Perhaps it had always been their dream to see the scenery with their own music, which is filled with the essence of Western music. But they finally realized that Japan is their home, and that it has supported their journey from the beginning. That's why they wanted to show their gratitude. That's probably what it was. My speculation may be different from their true feelings, but that's roughly how I felt. Anyway, I really respect their remarks. I don't think it's good to be obsessed with the West. While it is certainly important to acknowledge influences from overseas, I think it is wrong to underestimate your own domestic fanbase. I was very impressed by their heartfelt, sincere comments and their attitude of deep respect. It felt like, "No matter what happens, we will never forget the fans who are here!" The only thing I was disappointed about was that they didn't play "just confusing." Well, I understand the reason, as it doesn't really fit the atmosphere of the live show. So I wasn't expecting much, but I had a little hope. I think it would have been interesting if they had played it. Overall, this live show was really good! As I've said many times, going to live shows makes me feel like I'm getting my energy back. My adrenaline is back! Actually, I didn't have much energy before the live show. But thanks to Crystal Lake, I'm full of power! Thank you very much!