Hey yo. Thrill Live should be up in a day or 2. BTW, if you want to vote for what I react to I started a poll tier on patreon. www.patreon.com/thechampofmedium AND if you could leave suggestions below here in the comments for bands and songs I can put on the polls, that'd be pretty cool.

True Story. In my band's rehearsal space, we have a DVD player and a big screen. We always play a DVD as we're setting up and getting ready to practice. I brought my Zepp Tokyo DVD to play once. We're getting set up, everybody's just talking over the music not paying attention. I walk out of the room to take a piss. When I get back, my drummer and bass player are staring at the screen with their jaws on the floor.

Saiki and Miku are so painfully complimentary.. another blinder!

I think Kanami and the girls produce the most dense yet completely integrated music for any hard rock band in history. And if you isolate Saiki's singing, it's amazing how many runs and vocal techniques she uses, especially in No God. But she can be overlooked because of the flurry of notes and sound flying around her. You gotta love these quite, unassuming genuses that become warriors on stage and in the studio! Thx, Champ!

Kanami drives this song SO hard. Such a brilliant composition! Great video! I really appreciate your love of BAND-MAID mixed with your musical experience. Makes for a great experience and helps me see things i've missed before like Miku's growth on guitar. Keep up the great work man!

2018 version of Freedom, I think from Zepp. This is the one where Saiki goes crowd surfing in front of the stage, Miku looses sight of her guitar when it slides around to her back (Saiki and Kanami cracks up), and as Saiki makes her way back to the stage, Miku takes over signing lead and shows why Band Maid got another lead singer. This is cuteness overload ! Totally different beginning, kicks ass.

I really love the smile on Akane's face at the start of the song. They were so obviously happy to be playing again, even if the crowd wasn't physically present. Thanks for the reaction!

As an old school musician who has heard his fair share of bands of all genres. I can confidently say I would place the Band-Maid rythm section up against any band from any era and you would be hard pressed not place these Maidens on top. With their latest album release it appears the Maidens decided to show everyone how progressive rock is done. Take some notes guys they are only scratching the surface. This band needs to be illuminated and supported just so they can stay alive as long as possible. They are too valuable to the world of music.

いつもBAND-MAIDの音楽をわかりやすく解説してくれていてありがとうございます。各メンバーへの深い愛情を感じます。いつも楽しく動画を見ています。 Thank you for making their music easy to understand. I can feel your love for each members. And I always enjoy watching the videos.

HAHAHA! Blue Balls.. that's the perfect way to describe every BAND-MAID ending i've heard! It always leaves you wanting.. or needing more.

What Kanami is doing in the chorus - I'd call it a counter-melody (classical term, but appropriate here). It's a separate melody, going at the same time as the singers' melody, but complementing it. I agree it's great that it's more prominent on the live version.

I love how absolutely pleased with themselves Akane and Kanami always look. And I love how confident Saiki is now. She was such a shy performer 5 years ago and now she has so much stage presence. She really feels like a popstar who happens to be in a rock band. This band just doesn’t have any weak members anymore. They work so perfectly together. It’s one of those rare bands where if you lose a single member, the whole thing will fall apart.

Saiki on the bridge is my favorite part of this song. It sounds like a perfectly sung lullaby. You already know ... if you want to impress your bassist, play I Still Seek Revenge off heir latest Unseen World.

I knew this song reminded me of something, yes, so Motorhead!

I am so happy that I paid the extra fare for this box set. I haven't been able to enjoy it yet because life gets in the way of fun, damn it. I'm also enjoying Band-Maid Prime. I love watching one member playing and being able to just concentrate on her skills.

Ooh, great!. Hey boys, don´t mess with these ladies... they have got to win!!. This and Honkai... I can't get them out of my head.

Thank you for the reaction, a lot of good info to learn! For further analyze Kanami’s part, pls check out the instrumental version of No God.

If your bassist has really fallen in love with Band-Maid (as he should) - then he's already watched every video he can get his mouse-click on. Probably waiting for his CDs and CEs to arrive from Japan.

Nice analysis, this is a great live performance, and yes, Miku is really having an impact. Po.

Definitely Saiki's voice is way underrated and it is a crime. I am also extremely happy to see and hear more from Kanami. I know she is the most unselfish person but I believe everyone would like to see her just start ripping the solos. The longer the better.

Fun review, Sir! 👍

I agree. I like this live version better, again. It would be cool for them to release a live album.

Champ back with Band Maid. This is a good day. If you'd like to react to newer Band-Maid stuff I can recommend the instrumental "Without Holding Back" as a newer Band-Maid song you haven't been able to do yet. It's from Unseen World and you should be able to find it with some googling. They have another song called "Youth" that is seemingly impossible to get ahold of unless you ordered the Limited Edition of Unseen World. It is literally nowhere online. But perhaps a fan can link you something. Also there's a brand new song coming in the next month. It's tied to a Japanese e-sports tournament (yes, really) so who knows when it's coming out. The first day of the tournament is July 6th so I think that's the latest it will debut. Keep on being awesome. 🤘

They changed their costumes just before the pandemic (first show where they were worn, I believe, is 2/14/2020, someone here will correct me if I'm wrong). So they have hardly toured in the current costumes. I think they'll keep them at least through a tour for Unseen World. Personally I like the direction Misa and Saiki have gone in and I hope the others follow, though Miku may just evolve into Mecha-Maid.

The new acoustic version of Smile was great. Saiki's voice has vastly improved.

Hah! It's always fun to watch BAND-MAID pop you, Champ.

BTW, Misa said that this is her favorite song to play because of her base licks in the 2nd chorus. That interview was in "YoungGuitarists" on KZfaq when BAND-MAID was promoting Unseen World.

In their last Live online show they played pretty much all of the songs in the new album! What a treat to see the new material Live! 🤘😀🤘

There's only one other band (Blues Traveler) I've seen that displayed the same tight, seamless perfection that BAND-MAID has in their live performances - and these ladies continue to actually improve with each album. Simply amazing!!!

"i didnt realize she was doing so much" could sum up my entire band-maid listening experience lul.

I was looking forward to eharign you react to this for the very reasons you talked about why you enjoyed this more then the version off the CD. Enjoyed and have a great one Champ!

Listen to No God and Giovanni instrumental! The musicianship is so great and their instruments are so clear!👍😀

Find instrumental version of Giovanni (hint - bilibili), because on CD Saiki`s voice almost completely drowns out one of the most sensational riffs Kanami invented.

Please understand this song has nothing to do with the existence of god. It has everything to do with not counting on any god to come to your aid in times of crisis. "Praying and grieving are a waste of time."- Miku If you want to see Miku's progression realize Miku has never played any instruments on any Band-Maid recording. Those have all been done by Kanami. But not any longer. In their intial MV for Thrill compared to the version of Thrill from this last online okyu-ji shows what she is now contributing. Singing and playing at the same time is not easy. For anyone. Keep up the good work. Sacramento loves Band-Maid. And l hear a lot of others do as well. 😉

Champ i knew my little spell would work to get you to react to "No God". Don't worry i'm removing all the pins now so your pain should be gone in no time. Yes i do do voodoo :)

Great song live from Band-Maid! Misa, Misa, Misa! Base Goddess!

MISA and Akane own this song

They did change up their outfits a couple of years ago. But as for the "Gimmick" - As Fans and Maidiacs know, Miku (who worked at a maid cafe), wanted to show that everyday working "Kawaii" girls dressed as maids in high heels while having fun and smiling could rock as hard as any guy band sweating it up in their hip, rocker "poor tortured artists" clothes... and by showing that contrast (the Gap), it would generate interest, which it so successfully has done! Now they show up as Maids for all band business and interviews, etc. and have created a long-lasting, unmistakable, visual band brand. Very cleaver, Miku. Your diabolical plan for world domination is working. Of course, none of this would work if their music and stage performance wasn't at such a remarkably high level. Band-Maid is considered by many of their fans and Maidiacs to be the best hard rock band in the world - maid "Gimmick" and all!

they are perfect! ♥

New to your channel,nice analysis,I laughed pretty hard reading a interview with Akane, she said that when Kanami first sent No God to her she thought she needed 3 hands and 3 feet to play it,obviously the gorilla mastered it,as she does everything.

Champ: Cmon guys, I love the shtick and all, but can we mix up the attire at least once? Band-Maiko: Have you not seen us?

Another part of their show is Miku's Magic spell time (Omajini time) where she playfully interacts with the audience while the band takes a break. Check out Live in London 22/06/19 Islington Assembly Hall kzfaq.info/get/bejne/art3ZLt2yszJmH0.html You can see one of the smaller venue they played but also shows Misa's on-stage refreshment, in this one it beer, though usually she drinks straight whiskey.

You mentioning Motorhead and Lemmy made me remember my favorite line from a movie called 'Airheads' from the 90's. "Who would win in a fight: Lemmy or God?" "Trick question. Lemmy IS God."

Kanami's guitar fills and solo reminds of an old school video game soundtrack....

simply the best band

Get down ok MISA hold my whiskey.🤣

Their live performance really fantastic and i believe its even better than the recording coz we can see their musicality and they enjoy every second of it...thanks for the reaction Champ and will be waiting for the next 😁😁 ... A little suggestion, check out a band named Hanabie, any song from them is fine...you'll love them as well 😊

You know Miku fukin' loves that maid costume. The others can take it or leave it. In fact Misa and Saiki sort of already dropped the maid getups. but Miku? Her maid outfit is just gonna keep getting more fluffy and frilly.

Great reaction. Completely agree with everything you say about Kanami's guitarwork sadly going absent at times (I actually fell in love with this song after hearing the instrumental version). I was also at first jarred by that transition from Misa's rockin bass solo to the Saiki's "ballad" solo, but it has since become one of my fav parts in that song. I can listen to Saiki sing ballads all day.

If Champ and his bassist ever found a drummer like Akane, I bet they'd be back at it. ...

Miku's greatest move was firing herself as lead singer and hiring Saiki...the two of them are magic together.

Funny you mention Motörhead... ever since I heard "Moratorium" for the first time, it took me back to "Overkill" and those mean-ass bass attacks from Lemmy... it's different but it's mean-ass just as much... at that time was just one more thing to add to the whole Band-Maid experience I was (still am) having... Kanami should be as loud as she was in both shows available in special editions prior to that 2020 on February 14 one: "Live at Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017" and "Live at ZEPP TOKYO 2018" (From where "REAL EXISTENCE" is taken from) ... This Okyu-Ji was great, loved it... still waiting for the whole special pack coming through the mail...

I'm a simple man... I see Champ reacting to Band-Maid... I hit like.

"probably not super analytical, I just wanna rock out"...sure, Champ😏 You spent only 3-and-half minutes for your analysis part (excluding your talk during the song). That is a short analysis by your standard🤣 I always enjoy your analysis, btw👍😁👍

As someone who listened to western singers, it took me a little bit to get used to Saiki's voice. But now I really enjoy listening to her sing. I can't imagine Band Maid being Band Maid without Saiki.

Absolutetly!!!! I also hate that Kanamis guitar is often mixed to quiet. I also agree, that Misa and Akana are a top rhythm section...they are also my favourite, but I have learned, that there is no "best" in the world! For example the rhythm section of Nemophila " Laughing Thunder" is on the same level ( the whole band is on the same level ). And there are more out there.

The comment on the ending was hilarious but apt - yeah, "blue balls"! Very good observations throughout. On point. But I'd expect that. Good on ya. Your bass player has some great vibes coming at him. Misaaaa! BTW, you mention her timing. She is always very conscious of it. In one interview she mentioned this is why her shoes come off when they play; so she can feel the immediacy of Akane's drumbeats through her feet and keep her own timing sharp with them.

Odd fact Misa is the only one not on the clik track. She's on her own.

I don't know if someone mention this before but there is a instrumental video of this song only focus on MISA, you might find it if you search it on the internet.

For guys on bass I assume you will have shown you bassist Boh of the kami band. Also I would add Masashi from Versailles and early Jupiter as a bonus you get Yuki on drums with Hizaki and Teru on guitar.

こんばんは、お疲れ様です。 Band-Maid、最高のライヴバンドだからね！

Are you gonna watch the Netflix Original Movie Kate...Our Beloved Band-Maid is in it Po

You really need to show your Bassist: Trident - Ambivalent Now that's bass with some pop.

I totally agree about Kanami's guitar. I think in the near future, they will all be going to custom gear, guitars, amps, pedals, everything. Everyone at their level does eventually. A PRS and a Mesa are fine as long as you don't mind sounding exactly like everyone else. It's a very popular combo for a reason. Eddie Van Halen didn't like his setup on the first VH album and he started with custom amps then (5150), even though his Marshall amps were completely customized (you never know what's under the hood if nobody tells you). I think maybe all she needs to do is play with someone else's gear and she'll get a fresh new take.

Once (or if) live video of why why why from May 10th online streaming come out, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Vocally Saiki and Miku were simply amazing and even with few hiccups in some of their songs, they nailed most songs and I'd have to say it was one of the best Saiki performances.

They used to wear their attire to the point of falling apart (they only had one set each and did 100+ gigs a year) at which point they would change it up. With the current situation, and wearing the garb more like once a month instead of every 2-3 days, the current sets are still probably in good shape, even though they are pretty overdue for a change.

Remind everyone that MIKU writes the lyrics.

Here's a suggestion for your polls: Nemophila -- "Oiran."

They have changed their outfits a couple times over the years

I think this is one of their best songs, full stop. This and "H-G-K".

MISA is a goddess on bass! No you're wrong sir, I don't want them in Metallica shirts, hell they ARE BAND-MAID. The other outfit I want to see them is in BAND-MAIKO outfits.

I think Kanami had a few technical issues (new guitar maybe) she misses the second harmonic riff before the second chorus. It doesn't matter because I still love the live version more. MISA drops a few more fills high on the fret board (just because she can). You are wrong about the uniforms though. Sorry but if they dress like all the other rock bands they wouldn't be band maid. It would be like Mike Tyson wearing pink hot pants. No!

Lose their identity which is so integral to their (Miku's) message? I certainly hope not. That Maid Cafés employee uniform and how it changed band maids into "barbed maids" are close to indispensable. IMO.

Your Miku showed time.

MISA!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! 🥃🥃🥃

You hearing shreds, too. (does it even mean a thing ?)

Have your drummer listen to Akane cover herself on Warning at: bandmaidprime.tokyo/movies/57128

How many rock bands have a song which is a dissertation on the existence of God? The only one I can think of is XTC's "Dear God." But that one is at a junior high school level of philosophy. Band-Maid is at a much, much higher level of intellect.

Band-Maid killin' it....AGAIN, so what else is new? This'll be a bit non-sequitur..ish, but I recall in a past BM reaction you saying "Blink friend for life" and I'm wondering if you've been keeping up with Tom. Here's the latest and I'd be REALLY interested to see your break-down. AVA, "Euphoria". kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kLuodtyf35OVpp8.html Give it a whirl if ya get the chance. Keep smilin', Champ!

As for Saiki being underrated, I think - particularly in the USA - there's a kind of vocal style that female rock singers are 'supposed' to have, and obviously Saiki doesn't sound like that.

Hanabie "We love sweets" Please ! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fZdorNyntanNhIE.html

"Blue balls"? Referring to what exactly?

I’m surprised no NEMOPHILA yet.

I really want to see you force feed your friends,

Kanami is always doing a bit too much 😅

Dude, if you lose The Gap, you lose a big part of BAND-MAID.

When you watch the new Manners/Black Hole you will be more impressed with MIKU. Our little pigeon is kicking ass. Oh yeah, another intro to a song that just makes everyone else look BAD!!! SO BAD!!!! That little text you put in there was barely there for less than a second. Yes, move on. LOL

Yuck. Remember last year when Band Maid was an amazing rock band. This new stuff is terrible.