Intro: 0:00 My rant: 1:49 Reaction: 15:28 Outro: 28:36

The maids will never please everyone and they know that. Kanami just does what her heart tells her and we should be thankful for it.

I’ve been thinking same thing that you’ve taking about. I’m 57y,old japanese man I’m glad to hear that you people were discussing about this stuff.

Imo, World Domination, and the Unseen World albums are 2 of the best rock albums ever created, and I have practically every rock and metal band's albums in my collection

Thanks for your honesty AMP. Band Maid has been my favorite band for 2 years now. Ive listened to a few other bands in that time but always come back to the Maids. Back in the 80's i saw a band called Lone Justice (a warm up band ) get , literally , booed off the stage. I was a teen and was shocked at what a low class thing to do it was ! NOBODY deserves that kind of invalidation. If you don't like something, trying to rally people to your cause is a waste of time. Ive walked out on movies, turned off thousands of radio and tv programs because something was lacking. If you don't like it... walk away...no one will miss you. Band Maid has been a revelation...Im glad to be alive to experience them.

If the Ladies did the same thing, album after album, they would be AC/DC and not Band-Maid. I'm sorry, I prefer them to grow and share their growth with us. People who want to lock them into a little box of their own preferences, does the Ladies and the rest of the fans a great disservice.

Don't get confused by the small toxic segment. Most of us just want good music, regardless of style. Life would be very boring just listening to one group or style. There is a boat load of good music out there.

I like 'Unseen World' enough to have purchased both the normal 1 disc and the limited 3 disc versions. I love listening to Band-Maid's variety of direction. These five women all have a say in what kind of music they write and perform. They seem to listen to each other, paying attention to what each wants to see, and they give each other space to be creative. Yes, Band-Maid is currently my favorite band. But I refuse to hate on other bands.

The best thing about Band-Maid for me, is their constant evolution. The band as a whole is very open to experimenting with different varieties of sound and arrangements. Getting more complex throughout the years. They go their own way, whether some like it or not. That is Band-Maid. And as they progress through their musical career, they are further defining the Band-Maid genre. It becomes more and more distinct with each album. Doesn't matter how classic or prog they go, you will always know it's Band-Maid. ぽ

Totally agree dude

That’s a very thoughtfully and respectful rant, I subscribe every statement. Unfortunately all great bands have a certain amount of stupid fanboys. But even more disappointing for me are the so called fans who are so encroaching to claim „new“ B-M is not B-M anymore. I prefer a creative band that constantly undertakes expeditions to UW over a band that only start quoting itself. And all who know the ladies just a little bit know that standing still is not an option for them and that, along with the technical ability, is what makes an artist. And one of the great joys of B-M is the anticipation of what comes next... and the ladies have never let me down. And yes UW and Unleash are masterpieces 😇 In Kanami I trust...always

Unseen World , Unleash for me demonstrates this band has so much to offer .. Many older people have never left high school or college glory days . Band Maid is not going to sit on there hands and stagnate .

Here's a thought: The muses Euterpe, Erato, and Polyhymnia are the goddesses of music. You should play your instruments "muse-ically." Everybody judges music by different yardsticks. Some people judge by technical measures only. From a very young age, I personally thought that the _point_ of music was deeper than that - there is an emotional or spiritual aspect to music. Not everybody can make music that way, and sometimes the most technical players are the most devoid of spirit (and vice versa). I like and listen to a lot of blues - many of the original bluesmen (and women, we don't want to skip over Bessie Smith or Billie Holliday, or Sister Loretta Tharp) weren't that technically accomplished but the primitive nature of the music lends itself to emotional playing. There are guitarists who can pour out a page full of notes, but they don't really have that much of an emotional impact (and I don't want to name names because I don't want to start a fight - and I don't want to imply that someone else's yardstick is somehow worse than mine). Very, very, very few guitarists can do both, and you probably recognize their names no matter which "camp" you're in. But with art in all forms, there's probably a point of diminishing returns with skill level. If you're a painter, for example, continuing to work on being able to free-hand a perfect circle maybe doesn't matter that much. As a musician, if you're good enough to do what you want to do, you might be wasting your time advancing your skills when you should be making music. As far as fanbases go, I suppose most people are relatively insecure and need everyone else agree with them or it threatens their sense of mastery over their world. The more you age the more you realize you don't have any mastery over the world. Your opinion doesn't matter for much. Besides, I already *know* my opinion is the only _correct_ one and anyone who doesn't agree with me is an idiot who shouldn't be on the internet. Kanami Tōno is a quirky guitarist, no question about that. But she is also one of those guitarists who have a great deal of emotional and spiritual content in her playing, in my judgement. She's may not be as technical as some but she uses the tools she has to great effect. Her whole band is like that. Akane Hirose is a fabulous drummer. Beyond being technically skilled, she plays emotionally and adds to the songs they play. In the last year or two everyone has started noticing how her toms and cymbals add atmosphere to the guitar and bass conversation in the live version of "Don't You Tell ME." It's not the focus there, but it adds _so much_ emotion. She does that over and over and over again; putting a disco beat into "Freedom" to make it joyous, or making "H-G-K" so frenetic. Misa is precisely the same on bass ... there might be bassists who do particular technique as well or better than her, but the way she uses all of them adds so much to the finished product. Quite frankly, Saiki Atsumi does the same thing with the vocals, and even with her gestures and body language. I don't know if they're a great band because they've always played this way, or if they became a great band because they urged each other to become emotional musicians, like: "Okay, we can play the notes now, how do we make this 'speak' to people?" It doesn't matter, I suppose. Listen at 21:23 in this video. Every time I hear this song I'm waiting for this wail from Kanami. The whole "Unseen World" album was made during the pandemic and expresses the tension and frustration that everyone felt during that time. They may never make another record like it, because the muses won't be inspiring them that way any more. *That* is what makes it such a pinnacle album. It's an expression of a group of young women during a particular moment in time, and we will never experience it again. It makes me glad I was there for it.

I totally agree with you. I hold my hand up, I prefer their older albums - "Just Bring It" being my favourite. I also don't want them to just re-write those and stick to a formula. I love their new songs, and I'm really excited to see where they are going to take us next. If I only knew their new stuff they would still be my favourite band ever. A band needs to evolve or they become stale and either give up or die out. But I really do love their old pop-punk days! I really love that I have absolutely no idea what they will do next!

I can't understand English that well, but I felt you were a very nice person.(you respect musicians)

It does not matter the topic. Politic, religion, science or even music. People are so divided, narrow-minded and so quick to start hating today, that no matter what you say about whatever, it will always upset someone. There are no discussions today. Just attempt to shut up anyone who do not agree with them, so never stop! They must not succeed!

Anyway, Kanami has no ego. Kanami who plays short but unique solos rather than someone who plays technical and long solos. The former is impressive, but Kanami's solo is recognizable when Kanami is playing it, and it resonates with the heart.

Wow... a lot to unpack here! I agree with you entirely about fandom. I try very hard to not be a Band Maid purist, even though I love them so much. As for Kanami, I love what she actually does, in her playing, and composition, that I don't think about what she can't do. I like some Lovebites songs but they're not my favorite metal group. That doesn't mean I don't think they're terrific at what they do. I was never a big Metallica fan either.... you like what you like. You could tell me that the guitarists in Lovebites are technically better than Kanami and I wouldn't know enough to counter that argument... but that still doesn't mean I don't like what Kanami does a whole lot more. It's a matter of taste; I love her sound, her composition, etc. As for The Warning, I became a huge fan when I heard their Queen Of The Murder Scene album. A concept album from teenage girls? And a really damn good one? Hell yes! They are not as progressive, in a technical sense, as Band Maid, but their music is distinct from other rock bands out there today, at least to my ears. Their catalog is varied, as is their sound. For the record, Choke is not nearly one of their best songs, IMO. I can see why you think that one isn't special. True, The Warning hasn't given me an Unseen World-esq album but, then again, Band Maid hasn't give me anything like Queen Of The Murder Scene. The 2 groups bring something different to my ears, and it's a refreshing difference.

Hi, AMP! Thanx always for the reaction and respect for all the members!! Peace and cheers from Tokyo!!🤘😁

FREE YOUR MIND..... says it all.

THANK YOU for saying what I've been thinking!!!!!PEACE 🕊🍌🍻☕⚾

As a metalhead and reactor myself I understand you 100%... a lot of people really want you to put out the same type of content and react to the same bands over and over again and don't care to give a chance to new music cause they are too focused on the same old stuff... (and off course if you "dare" to not like the same bands they like they get super mad ahah 😅) anyway good reaction and rant! 🙂🤟

1) I started listening to Band Maid in 2015. If you have been a Band Maid fan for several years, but are resistant to evolutionary change, you are (a) painfully unaware of the listening environment that you are in; (b) you may want to re-evaluate your choice of bands to follow. 2) There has been a fair amount of hate-mongering in the press and on You Tube in recent months. To wit: If you are a Babymetal fan, you must hate Band Maid fans; if you adore Lovebites, you must hate Band Maid; Lovebites only pretends to be a band that can compete with Nemophila. This is reactionary, and quite stupid. Good grief. When I was younger we encountered people who insisted that, if you loved The Who, you had to hate the Stones; if you were a Led Zeppelin fan, you must despise The Doors fans; if you liked Emerson, Lake and Palmer, you spat on Yes fans. Anyone who lets themselves be led about in this manner should seek professional counseling and grow a spine. The walls in the upper story of my house are absolutely covered with merchandise and memorabilia for Band Maid, Nemophila, Aldious, Lovebites, Passcode, Disqualia, Galmet, Telecide, Mary's Blood and others (with more names to come soon). Follow your heart, not the demands of others. I can't believe than anyone doesn't hope that The Warning does a couple numbers on-stage with Band Maid in Mexico City. 3) Mandates and opinions are not synonyms. Saying "I'm not all that fond of Bridear" and "Bridear sucks -- they're talentless" (this is just a illustration folks, stay calm), are not statements of the same type at all: the first is a matter of taste and opinion; the latter purports to be a fact, when, in truth, it is a subjective assertion. The former declaration is of a type that should always be permissible; people making the second type of statement are inviting others to call them out. No one should pretend to like a band that doesn't move them in any way. People's opinion's may irk me and, if I hear them when I'm in a combustible mood, I may respond critically; objectively, however, anyone is entitled to their opinion (however, if you don't like Band Maid, we all know that you're a psychopath...oh...I didn't say that -- I was coughing). Additionally, people's opinions, tastes and appreciations often change over time, so patience should temper quick judgements. (With Band Maid, I embraced "Unseen World" and "Unleash!" immediately, while I had some initial misgivings regarding "Conqueror"; within a few weeks of its release -- and after several beginning-to-end listening sessions -- I was fine with "Conqueror". 4) Kanami is human, and is not a deity; she just displays a better "batting average" than most people.

I'm enjoying the musical journey that Band-Maid taking us along. I have a few favorite bands, not necessarily Japanese bands but they have evolved and experimented over many years and some fans didn't like the change. I can enjoy music as music regardless of the language, style or genre but for many people music is personal. And the same goes with their favourite bands. What I love about Band-Maid is every member of this band is complementing each other with each distinctive sound and style. I admit that Akane is my favorite drummer ever in my life but there are many great drummers with different styles, and other people have their favourite drummer. What more can I say?

Hi AMP. Nowadays, it is impossible to have a healthy debate on any subject. Regarding music, and particularly Rock, the worst thing is to compare musicians to others or groups to others. Each his own. Whether it's Band Maid, Lovebites, The Warning, Nemophila, Asterism and so many others, these groups all have very good musicians and I would never say anything bad about those who are part of groups that are not my favorites. The only band that ticks all the boxes for me is Band Maid. But The Warning also interests me. The two are different but for me, musically speaking, they are complementary. A French proverb says that "Music softens morals". (if the translation is good). Not so sure, unfortunately.

AMP i still love B-M's World Domination era best & i like Mincho's tone before she started using her Eventide harmoniser. But since i first heard B-M in 2017 i don't love them any less today than i did then. Plus i love you (he says in a gruff, manly Maidiac voice)❤ :)

Dont worry too much about haters. The vast majority love what they're doing. Trust me as a fan who has been around awhile even the old favorite albums and songs had haters too back in the day.

well unseen world album is fast pace, no wonder a lot of the musics is underrated

MISA MISA MISA!!!!!

It is music to my ear listening you tell us about Bandmaid!! But sorry, still second to Bandmaid's real music LOL

Don't disagree with anything you say. People listen to what they want to listen to - I don't listen to virtuousos, I can recognise how good they are but for some reason even they bore me after a while (doesn't extreme tapping sound all the same to you?). Band Maid may very well not be the best band in the world (obviously opinion is subjective) but they are the band I want to listen to and the only band I really want to see live. Kanami and the girls are developing and evolving and I'm very curious as to where they go and will support them whatever they do but in general I do prefer their older stuff... or I should say, I know I will just listen to their older stuff more often, not because I don't like the newer stuff, it's all awesome, it's just a bit too densly packed for me and the way I listen to music. A lot of people don't pay any attention to context in music anymore, what are they trying to achieve? and do they do it? Most of the time Band-Maid achieve exactly what they're trying to do, be it style or impact or even as a training exercise ("Don't be Long" or Sayonakidori" for Miku - or indeed the entire acoustic set). They do whatever they want to (and they should do) and they do it well - for that they will always have my unwavering support.

Not sure a band can be together for ten years (hopefully more) who can't evolve and grow. Band Maid are criminally underrated as a band that grows and evolves and creates complex musical styles. Often a track of a Band Maid song have enough ideas in it to create a whole album for anybody else. Yes some albums take more than one listen to before it clicks. But personallyI have never been able to listen to any Band Maid song without multiple plays and then realising I want to listen to it again. There is so much in each track to enjoy and discover. There are great bands that I loved. But I am not sure there has ever been a band I can spend the whole day listening to and then wanting to repeat the experience the next day. Without ever skipping a track. As for rivalry in Music. I always say my favourite as opposed to the best is.......I am not an expert. Love Trident as well as many others. Who is best? Hal Ca from Asterism is brilliant. Is She better than anybody else. Sure. I love her and Asterism work. But music is to be enjoyed. Not a league table of who is best.

I really enjoyed this video. It was rather long, but it was fascinating to me because I agreed wholeheartedly with each and every opinion you expressed here. I agreed about the toxic elements of the fandoms, and also the excellence of Band-Maid. I also agreed with you about Kanami being one of the best musicians in the world. Her playing and compositions are unlike anything or anyone else. I grew up in the 80s and 90s listening to and going to see many of the icons of the time, and of the times before me also. I really thought that I had reached a point where I had heard it all. There have been a few artists in the last 10 or 15 years who I thought were decent/good, but nothing that thrilled me or inspired me. Then in January of this year I heard Band-Maid for the first time. Did you ever have those moments where an artist or a piece of music leaves such an impact that it feels like your whole life has changed? I didn't think it was possible for something like that to still happen anymore. Now, I'm fanboying for this band in a way I haven't done since a was 16 years old. It's so much fun getting carried away like this. In this short time, Band-Maid has literally become one of my very favorite bands taking their place high on my list among my all-time favorites. I started playing guitar in the 1980s. I never thought that someone would come along at this time and make such an impact on me like Kanami has. Her guitar skills are elite. However, what fascinates me the most about her are the compositions. It's like I've gone back to school listening to her. She has become a proper musical influence on me. I've never had any success, but I still play and write because I love it. I can tell you that I'll never write a second verse the same way again after listening to Kanami and Band-Maid. I honestly don't even like referring to Band-Maid as an all female band because it seems reductive to their level of artistry in my opinion. Not that being all females is in any way bad but saying that carries an implication that they're just good for a girl's group. As you know, they're good period! None of the guys right now are THIS good. Nobody else is THIS clever. Nobody modern certainly. In my opinion, Band-Maid is making everyone else look bad right now. Especially English-speaking artists. Next to BM, everyone is being made to look silly, mediocre, or old. Or some combination of the three, if not all three. I really can't overstate what an impact this band has had on me. I have tickets for the May 19th show in a couple of weeks and my excitement level is off the charts. It will be my first time seeing them. Cheers man! Great video today!

Toxic fandoms are the worst and usually it's a minority that spoils it. Band-Maid has its own, for sure; but I feel like, because their music is so varied -- from MiJ to Dice to Start Over to Black Hole to acoustic -- it's like we've kinda heard it all, and you have to give wide berth to their creativity if you're going to stay a fan of Band-Maid. I happen to like Nemophila, Lovebites, The Warning, VOB and others; it's just that I tend to listen to a smaller slice of their music. But I'll never slam them or play the idiotic game of this musician vs. that musician. HGK is like exhibit A on why I listen to Band-Maid the most: it is just crazily creative, somewhere between a Turkish bomb and a beautiful fireworks display. I honestly don't know how they make it work, but it does.

I missed this video when it was first posted, so I'm late to the party. Anyone who goes out of their way to attack a band/musician just because someone else is their personal favorite is just pathetic. It's fine for different people to have different preferences. Band-Maid is my absolute favorite band in the world and I'd put Kanami over anybody because she's creative and brilliant with her composition. Thousands of guitarists can play with the same level of technical skill, but what does that get you? Guys like Vinnie Vincent and Michael Angelo Batio can play anything and have been able to since before most people here were born, but so what? Kanami (and Band-Maid as a whole) actually turn those skills into great songs. As far as Lovebites fans, most of them are fine. I like them, too. There's always going to be those outliers though. There's even a handful of Band-Maid fans who are pretty crappy, but that's why we block them on social media.

Honestly the first segment could 've been video content that stood on its own. Funny at the timing of it, as another content creator out there just did a video pitting Unleash Vs. Choke clearly understanding exactly what he was doing. Now its hard to hide my bias so I felt there was no way I could comment on that topic. But after hearing Choke for the 1st time, I sat stewing in my own bile, thinking how can these two songs even be mentioned in the same breath. I'm just thankful someone else said it because it was like a pressure release valve. I thought, the amount of times she goes back to that 1 riff, would make Angus Young embarrassed. How is this considered great? Its cool if that's a sound that works for you but for me personally it holds no interest and it doesn't need to. So long as Warning listeners are getting out of it, what Im getting out of Band-Maid good for them. Just don't show up slinging trash about Misa being forced to be a drunk and Kanami being a Lesbian ( I mean so what if she was/is) but that kind stuff has no place in a musical discussion. Which is exactly what was taking place in this thread with fandom vs. fandom.

One of my favourite artists distinguishes between "fans" and "listeners". She much prefers the "listeners" who actually appreciate the music foremost, and is very wary of the "fans" who seem more interested in the band as a cultural vehicle. I have always thought that enthusiastic fans who prefer their band stays onto a very fixed musical track can be just as detrimental to the creative health of the band as can be the commercial pressures a record label may exert on them; I'm not sure "fans" realise that. The "best band in the world" type of absolute fans simply display a lack of diversity in musical interest; there is far too much unique talent in different genres out there for monikers like "best band" or "best guitarist" to have any meaning.

True Longing...?

fanboys tend to be deranged, for some reason thats especially true when it comes to female musicians. Ive recently got into kpop myself :)

Im agree with you brother i dont get The Warning just not for me