The Taste of Chaos Tour has been growing in popularity since it started in 2005. The tour went international right away and traveled all the way to Japan.

This year the tour brought three Japanese bands; D’espairsRay, The Underneath, and MUCC. Which held their own in an American venue.

To start off the Asian band D’espairsRay is dark and borderline schizophrenic. The vocalist, Hizumi, has a vocal range that varies from a soft rhythmic howl to sounding close to an unhinged demon.

The band is hot and when you meet the members in person they are humble and full of smiles.

During their set, D’espairsRay played songs from their US released album ‘MIRROR.’

Songs such as DAMNED, TRICKSTAR and SIXTY NINE had the Sacramento crowd roaring despite the language barrier.

It was an electrifying performance from start to finish, despite being bombarded by fans that were only there to see Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu play.

A fan of the band who went by the nickname “Keiko” said that “The band kicks a–. It’s about time they get their name out there.”

The Asian bands were crudely heckled during the event; people could be heard saying, “Learn English or die.” Every move one of the Asian bands made was looked at under a microscope, so each band had to really bring it.

In an interview with the band conducted by the JRock Revolution staff, the guitarist Karyu said, “It’s different in every place. There have been places where they have embraced us and places where they don’t respond at all, like the Detroit show. We were the first band on the main stage, not everyone had gotten into the venue, so not too many people saw us.”

D’espairsRay held their own even their name strengthens their goal to make it big worldwide. The band name can be described like transcending through a feeling of despair by seeing the ray of light.

Every song this band creates speaks about feverish nightmares they overcame and having no pain left to feel. Gorgeous vocals and sound are matched with beautiful lyrics.

Soon, the barrier of language will be smashed away. Little by little this band brings a new sound and a new culture to listen to and enjoy.

Americans will have to open their ears to a different language. Japanese rock bands are getting closer and closer to becoming American mainstream rock and there is no end in sight.

Check out the bands Myspace at:

http://www.myspace.com/despairsray

http://www.myspace.com/underneathjapan

http://www.myspace.com/muccofficial