The origin story...God said "create the perfect rock band" Band Maid appears.

You wanted names with time stamps: 7:26 Misa - bassist. Nicknamed by fans as the "assassin" because that was the vibe for her costume that Miku had when conceptualizing it. Also known in the group as "ass chin" because she has a cleft chin. She studied music at the Tokyo School of Music, which is where she originally met Akane. She is a bit of a drinker and used to keep whiskey as her stage drink, but she has been cutting back on the drinking recently, with beer being more of her thing than hard licquor. 7:40 Kanami - ld guitar. Nicknamed "gums" by the band because she has one of those big smiles that shows off her gums. She is the primary composer for the band, though Misa and Akane design their own instrumental lines around the core of the song that Kanami writes. Interestingly, her parents didn't want her to go into music for a career and resisted her going to a music school, so she ended up getting a degree in business and economics while still doing music on the side before joining Band-Maid. 7:54 Miku - rh guitar and vocals. Nicknamed "pigeon." This is an affectation she's had since the beginning based on her stage name, Miku Kobato. The kanji for Kobato are made up of the characters for "small" and "pigeon," 小鳩. The band was originally her idea when she was trying to become a pop group singer and wasn't satisfied with the kind of music she was doing and the direction the pop group was going. She had previously worked in maid cafes, and she thought the uniforms were cute; so, she thought it would be interesting to combine the cute maid appearance with cool, aggressive rock music so there was a contrast between appearance and sound. She is the primary songwriter for the band and works hard to come up with inspiration for the lyrics from movies, books, etc. 8:06 Akane - drums. Nicknamed "gorilla" by the band because she beats the crap out of the drums and loves bananas. Originally, she was the "leader" of the band because she was the most organized, but they have said that they have come far enough professionally and work well enough with each other that they don't need an official band leader anymore. Akane is known for being able to eat prodigious amounts of food. Not featured: Saiki - lead singer. Her nickname is "princess" because she has that kind of aura, and interestingly the kanji for her name mean "painted princess." Saiki was the last addition to the band after Miku decided that her vocals were too "bright" for rock music. It has been said there was an audition for the singing position, but Miku has also said that she knew of Saiki because they were part of the same management company, and Miku really liked Saiki's voice. Saiki was training at that time to become a pop singer, and her favorite singer was Namie Amuro (look her up, tons of videos on youtube). Originally, the band had two singers, but they decided it would "look cooler" if one of the singers "held a guitar" (neither knew anything about playing). When Saiki held the guitar, she apparently just looked awkward, but Miku could hold it and at least look like she knew what she was doing. Miku began learning guitar then, and she has said in interviews that she didn't like it. She said she didn't even begin enjoying playing guitar until the end of 2017, presumably because she was finally getting to a point where she was competent enough to be confident with it. Kanami has been her primary teacher, and Miku will sometimes call her Kanami-sensei.

it’s freaking BAND MAID nothing is basic they are a force of nature

As good as Kanami is playing lead, and she is really terrific, I believe she is even better at arranging the music.

Standard BAND-MAID song structure is first and foremost the Rhythm Section. Akane and MISA went to Music College together and played together before BAND-MAID. Miku the founder, was going to sing lead, but her soft voice didn't lend itself too well for hard rock. Now she's learn to play rhythm guitar after some lessons from Kanami, who writes the music and then lets Akane and MISA do their thing with the demo. Miku writes the lyrics with some input from Saiki as to what's cool enough. So, enhanced rhythm section, with guitar, including leads and fiddly bits by Kanami. Saiki sings the vocals with Miku filling in with rhythm guitar and backing vocals. And an occasional Call & Response "Battle" between Kanami and MISA, maybe an extended fill by Akane that will some how never repeat itself, and that's a BAND-MAID song.

Yes, as is mentioned, Miku Kobato (rhythm guitar, vocal), founded the band when she worked as a waitress at a Japanese "Maid Cafe". So the "band of maids" concept was her idea. Kanami Tono (lead guitar) and Akane Hirose (drums) were on board with it. Misa (bass) and Saiki Atsumi (lead vocal), not so much. But they went along with it. In their earlier videos, Misa and Saiki wear the "stereotypical" maid costumes. But over time, Miku let them have input on their costume designs to more reflect their own personalities. Initially, Miku intended to sing lead. But she decided her voice wasn't powerful enough to sing hard rock, so she brought in Saiki. She then hit Kanami up for guitar lessons, practiced really hard, and has become a very solid rhythm player. I think it says a lot about Miku in that she takes a "backseat" in the band she founded, backing up Kanami on guitar and Saiki on vocal. It shows she cares more about what's good for the band than her own personal ego. How rare is that in a band (having played in a few bands myself)? I love how you notice all the little details in their writing. It really is incredible! I've been playing guitar longer than Kanami's been alive, yet she blows me away! Looking forward to the next reaction.

Potted history of Bandmaid afaik... Miku, rhythm guitar, unsuccessful idol career, worked in a maid cafe to pay the bills, spoke to management Co about forming a band based on the maid look, found Kanami (lead) online, Kanami knew Akane the drummer who knew MISA(bass). They auditioned for a singer (Saiki) when Miku decided her voice wasn't rock enough. Miku held the guitar as a prop until Kanami taught her to be the competent rock queen she has become. Saiki and Misa never really took to the full-on maid aesthetic but compromises were reached. The fans still mourn the loss of Akane's little hat which disappeared last year some time. Easy to find MVs I'd recommend from their channel are Blooming, Choose Me (live mix is a bit off to my taste, but is also on channel), Bubble, Alone, Daydreaming, Rinne. (edit) I somehow forgot Dice >.< If you can find them live; Puzzle (has an acoustic too), Moratorium, Freedom, Don't You Tell Me, just watch anything to be honest.

"What to watch next?" Just watch EVRYTHING! There.Is.No.Escape...!!! BAND-MAID is: Miku Kobato - band founder, principal lyricist, rhythm guitar, backing vocals, "The Little Pigeon" Kanami Tono - lead guitar, backing vocals, principal music composer, Miku's Sensei, prefers "Kanamincho" or "Mincho" Akane Hirose - drums, backing vocals, band leader, "The Gorilla" MISA MISA MISA - bass guitar, "The Barefoot Assassin" Saiki Atsumi - lead vocals, "The Queen"

Check out the music video for their song Blooming. It’s high energy, great drums, great guitars, more finger tapping, and it’s one of their best.

The singers name is Saiki. She's not on stage during this song. Some are calling this "Saiki's pee break".

They just get better... and better... and better... And the energy with their audience there in a live act is such that they become more inspired, more energized, more amazing. They do prepare for it though. They work out alternate approaches so their existing tunes are always fresh in live concerts. But you probably know that and more by now.

"that off-kilter minor note... like we're entering some devil's playground..." Loved it!

Check out Play (live) and Dice (mv) and Don't You Tell Me (live) and Moratorium (live) and we'll just about anything is awesome. Best band on the planet right now.

Just a little history of Miku's work prior to Band-Maid. She worked at maid cafes before in her hometown of Kumamoto and @Home Cafe in Akihabara. She quit @Home in-between the time she won the super idol audition and the debut of Lil Cumin (an idol group). When the idol group disbanded she went to Platinum Passport (talent management) and things moved pretty quick. Lil Cumin's last show was April 13, 2013 and Band-Maid's first concert was July 24, 2013. Miku also worked in Platinum Passport's Noodle Cafe up until 2016. It's not a maid cafe though, you order cup noodles and get to talk with an idol for three minutes after you pour the hot water on your noodles while they cook. Apparently Saiki worked here before as well.

I was the "soundman" for a southern rock band for several years in the mid-80's, and I have always heard southern rock/country riffs in this song as well. Nice reaction. New sub here.

Onset has been unofficially named "Saiki's Pee Break". It's was created and inserted into the lineup to give Saiki (lead singer) a bit of a break in the middle of their marathon sets. Miku is rhythm guitar and second/back-up vocals.

They have so many good songs. The best part is that they write the songs themselves. And I love their history of how they formed which I'm sure other commenters have already told you.

Also check out: Dont Let Me Down (older song, and honestly just for the lyrics, they're all in English btw) Moratorium (Live) Choose Me (Live, for the bass) Play (Live) Dice (MV or Live) Daydreaming (MV or live) edit: Puzzle (Live) Honestly you really can't go wrong with anything you pick.

Right up there as one of the best hard rock songs ever written is "Moratorium", the live version. The studio/album version has the bass mixed too far to the rear. Where you'd find it in a more traditionally mixed recording. BUT, the live version has Misa's bass mixed more forward, and that, my friend, is simply the icing on the cake to make it one those truly iconic hard rock songs.

Those girls went to the crossroads.

You get it!! Super heroes!! Best rock and roll band in the world!!

BAND-MAID formed in 2013, they write their own music, lyrics and produce the songs as well Saiki (SyKee) lead singer - The Queen Miku (MeeKu) guitar and vocal - writes lyrics - The Pigeon Kanami (KaNaMe) lead guitar - writes music - The Tsunami Akane (AkaNa) drums - The Gorilla Misa (MeSa) bass - The Assassin you have to see Domination live!!!

Japanese that's written in English is not that hard to speak because it's a vowel for every word phonetically. The vowels don't change in sound unlike some English words, so it's A-Ah, E-Eh, I-ee, O-oh, U-oo Akane = A-Kah-Neh (3 syllables) drummer Kanami = Kah-Nah-Mee (3 syllables) lead guitar/songwriter Miku = Mee-Koo (2 syllables) founder/rhythm guitar/lyricist/backup vocals Saiki = Sah-Ee-Kee (3 syllables but pronounced almost like psyche in English) lead vocals MISA = Mee-Sah (2 syllables) bassist Anyway, Miku was working in a maid cafe after being in a failed idol band. She thought up this idea of creating a hard rock band in maid outfits to contrast the look and sound, known as The Gap. She found Kanami first through the internet and she joined without much hesitation, though she found Miku attractive but weird. Then Kanami asked Akane, who had partnered with her for some of her videos. Akane was slightly hesitant as she was uncomfortable with the outfit, but after hearing a demo, she was on board. Then Akane asked MISA, whom was her schoolmate and MISA asked to think it over (think she was hungover then). She was more uncomfortable about the outfit than Akane but she was on board after some convincing (she could be tired of her current gig). Later, after doing some songs, Miku realized that her voice was lacking, hence they auditioned from within their company and found Saiki. Miku only told her that they'll be wearing 'cute' outfits and playing hard rock. After Akane and MISA's response, she decided not to tell Saiki the truth. She only found out when they were recording for Thrill but that was too late. Saiki hated the apron and it was discarded early on. MISA also came to a compromise regarding her uniform. The famous little hat was initially for her but she wasn't having any of that and tossed it to Akane. So, 6 albums and 7 years later, we are blessed with what was just an idea from a 810 year old pigeon. There's a little more backstory but she's known as the pigeon because her last name literally translates to 'small pigeon'. :)

"What does someone say after that?!? You quote Oliver. "Please, sir, may I have some more?"

I think the next amazing Band Maid song to react to would be another Band Maid song.

Live "Domination" would be an excellent choice, then maybe choose a random song, MV or live (not fan cam ). These ladies do not disappoint. The new blu ray is pure fire, by the way.

This is the only band I can think of, maybe Journey, that I would rather listen to live on my cd player, than studio.

From one former rocker to another.....welcome to the breath of fresh air that is Japanese rock/metal. Band Maid, along with Baby Metal, have brought excitement and new fans to a musical genre that has been on life support for a very long time. Japan has a thriving rock music scene with numerous all female bands, as well as a big glam metal scene. It seems that the Japanese bands retained much of the rock musical melody that was associated with late 70' and 80's rock/metal in the West. Some is from Western influence, but I also think a lot of their melodic musicality comes from the always present Japanese Idol music genre that has remained popular for a very long time. In the case of Band Maid, Miku Kobato was a Japanese Idol singer, singing pop songs. That is why she is extremely pretty and is very good in front of a camera on television....she is the face of Band Maid. You are going to find out that their musical style varies quit a bit. Unlike Western artist, who are put in a box, Asian artist are expected to be good in all genres, and have the freedom to really explore musically. I have been listening to Band Maid for about three years now...you are in for a tremendous ride....and yes....they did/do tour in the US!!

Dude! You want to hear bass?! Check out "Play" live from these rocking ladies! Rock on! ✌🏼🤘🏽

Welcome to the wonderful world of BAND-MAID. I started playing music (bass) almost 40 years ago. I cut my teeth on Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica (pretty much in that order) and these ladies are easily my favorite new band, and I'm a huge music snob. If it's material I can play in my sleep, I pretty much hate it. In my opinion, their best material is on their full length albums - Just Bring It and World Domination. It's also the music they wrote themselves, unlike the material on their previous EPs. They like variety in their sound, which is cool. You like punk? They have songs for you. You like metal? They have songs for you. You like hard rock? They have it. You like a little pop in your punk? They have it. You like prog? They have it.

I just noticed the lighting during their solos: each seems to have their own theme. MISA has green lights, Kanami has that red bloom Miku has banks of lights, a visual representation of chords And Akane has blue.

Kool reaction. Like how you used the term 'superheroes' to describe the band. Keep hearing people saying next level. These gals [especially the drummer (Akane), guitarist (Kanami) and bassist (MISA)] are on their own level. Seen a few musicians/bands reacting and just being in awe of their talent. I'd suggest the following songs: Take Me Higher, Turn Me On, Thrill, Bubble, Puzzle & Play

Miku (Rhythm Guitar/Center) pretty much started learning guitar just for the band as it was forming (If I recall correctly, I think at the request of the drummer Akane) and she has improved so much over the years. The others have all been playing instruments from a young age and or attended music schools.

you should do their song Take me higher live from okyuji

doesn't matter which Band-Maid song next, each one you listen to will become your new favorite song. every song brings something different to the table like adding elements of pop, metal, grunge, funk, alt and punk. they always find a way to keep you interested in the song. their sonic toolbox is awesome. Saiki the singer was taking a pee break lol but really resting her voice a bit i think, they play for over 2 hours. cheers

They’re a fun band offstage as well. Kanami (lead guitar) is the sweetest, most innocent, happy go lucky woman you’ve ever seen. Saiki (vocals) is a train nerd who owns more sneakers than some small countries. MISA (bass) is cool and quiet though she seems to know all the trendy nightlife spots. Miku (rhythm and backing vocals) is crazy when in maid outfit and has a pigeon persona, out of outfit she’s described as a middle aged man who likes drinking, horse racing and her alone time. Akane (drums) is kind of normal, she has loads of friends and can eat like a gorilla (her nickname).

Band-Maid doing what they want, when they want and you will be amazed PO!

Great reaction man, check REAL EXISTENCE (live) for the next one, its a banger!

Miku (rhythm guitarist ) wanted to be in a singer in a idols group. Didn't go well. Decided to form her own rock band, found Kanami(lead guitarist ) on youtube and pitched her the idea of starting a band. Kanami said yes said that she knew a drummer (Akane). Akane said yes and said she has a friend from music class who could play bass. They performed a little bit as a group, but realized that Miku's vocals needed some help. They auditioned for a lead vocalist and decided on Saiki, at the same time, since Miku will be a back-up vocalist , she should learn to play the guitar . Miku than received lessons from Kanami. Now they are an ASS-KICKING BAND. The End.

next song you should - All of them. It's a deep rabbit hole you're going down. I first heard them in January. They are just a lot of fun to watch. I love Misa's bass groove on endless Story, the song is more poppy. I think Alone was the first one they wrote themselves. It's kind of a pop punk vibe. There's a live video out there of Clang where Misa and Kanami trade finger tapping back and forth to start song. Anemone is a beautiful song. Straight ahead rockers you have Dice, Blooming, Play, Domination, Puzzle, Moratorium.

It ’s amazing that you ’re paying attention to Kanami ’s smile.

IF you liked this, check out the live performance of Moratorium (after you watch the live version of Domination of course... ;o) ). As a rule though, I tend to recommend watching the MV first, if only to get a point of reference on how the song is "supposed" to sound. THEN listen to the live version to see how they blast the studio version away. And if you're really into seeing something different, check out Band-Maiko, which is the alter ego version of Band-Maid, where they cover their own songs but add a unique Japanese twist to it.....

Did you notice how MISA ( bassist ) can go from picking to slapping then right back to picking again without any kind of pause at all ? MISA's Instagram had a video where she shows how she holds her pick in order to do both without pausing

*One of Kanami's (the lead guitarist) biggest musical heroes is Carlos Santanna. The backup singer, Miku plays the rhythm guitar. The lead singer Saiki does nothing but sing. The bass player is Misa and the pile-driving drummer's name is Akane. Apparently, they have been training in music since they were about 8 years old. The band started in 2013 when Miku decided to quit her job at a Japanese 'MAID' cafe (your guess is as good as mine) and start a band using the MAID theme, she found kanami online to play guitar and together with Kanami found Misa (bass) and Akane (drums) Miku started out as lead singer in the band but quickly realized that the band needed a stronger voice and so Saiki was brought into the band. That little rhythm guitarist is the driving force behind this endeavor, She speaks for the band and she writes the lyrics ka-ching! She sets up the shows she deals with the tours and record companies, she takes care of the girls, and by far, the most impressive thing about Miss Miku to me at least is the fact that she had to learn rhythm guitar from Kanami along the way. All in all A FUCKING GREAT BAND.*

"I'm angry about how good that was." Band-Maid has that sort of effect on people.

7:52〜 GO‼️MIKU‼️ GO‼️MIKU‼️ GO‼️MIKU‼️

So Onset is one of their instrumentals. About halfway through the show, the entire band leaves the stage except the rhythm guitarist/backup singer Miku and she hypes up the crowd and does cute maid shit for 5-10 minutes, then the rest of the band other than the lead singer comes on and does either an instrumental like this one, or one of Miku's leading vocal songs (TIME and my personal favorite, Rock in Me) before bringing the lead vocalist (Saiki) back out on stage. Also, if you're a bass fan, you absolutely have to listen to DICE. It's my favorite song and it features your favorite instrument. I'm also surprised you didn't see the live version of Domination as opposed to the studio version, because they put a little extra into the live performance (no spoilers but since you liked Onset you'll probably like that).

The ladies work hard, party hard, and leave their hotel rooms spotless

LOL awesome reaction , after you do Domination you should do the song " Don't You Tell Me " LIVE 2018 ( Bass - Guitar Duel ) you will love it and Welcome to the world of Band-Maid

Their songwriting and musicianship is extraordinary

🤘🤘❤🤘🤘 MISA MISA MISA!!!! 🤘🤘 😁✌ Don't You Tell Me live is an experience you should have!!!!! 😉

Yes they're Super Maids the kakarots of planet earth. My vote goes to Rinne MV and Moratorium (Live). 💝🎸🎌✌

oh man! you need to check out "Puzzle" live. Not the acoustic version (which is excellent too). That was the performance that makes me totally fall in love with this band. Everything is perfect in that song. I still have goosebumps every time I hear it.

These girls are fantastic!! They can all play and they are great to look at.

JUST FOUND BANDMAID MYSELF...PHENOMANAL.....ALWAYS A BLUES GUY BUT THESE GALS...HOLY CRAP..LOVE YOUR REACTIONS BRO....YEAH...MISA...AWESOME...THINK A SHOT OF JACK DANIELS WILL DO...

The arrangement, the musicianship are amazing. The light show, camera work and editing are also notable. It's encouraging to see this generation embrace Rock.

NO GOD just released!!!!

Here are some time stamps during the solos: 7:25 Misa (Mee-Suh) 7:38 Kanami (Kah-Nah-Mee) 7:52 Miku (Mee-Coo) 8:05 Akane (Ah-Kah-Nay) The lead singer Saiki (Sigh-Key) is taking a break during this instrumental. They were formed back in 2013. Miku was originally part of a pop group that ended up disbanding. She used to work at a maid cafe, which are sort of touristy places where the staff treat you like you’re the “master” like in anime. She got the idea to fuse a hard rock sound with this cutesy image (though they do incorporate many different genres in their music) and this set out to make this band. She found the lead guitarist Kanami online through one of her covers. Kanami was a solo singer/songwriter at the time and occasionally had help with the drums from Akane. So after Kanami agreed and invited Akane, Akane invited her friend from music school Misa to play the bass. They originally were going to be a 4-piece band with Miku as the lead singer, but she found her voice lacking to do the type of music they wanted to. So they held auditions and picked Saiki to be the lead singer and Miku would do backing vocals. Kanami suggested that to help fill out their sound, that Miku should learn how to play the guitar since Miku had no experience with guitars at all. So Kanami taught Miku how to be a Rhythm guitarist. They struggled initially and were considering disbanding, when they got popular for their first music video Thrill. Their management wrote their songs in the early days but they were eventually given the chance to try making their own song and that chance led to the song Alone (which is one of my favorites from them). Pretty soon they would end up writing all their songs, with Miku being the songwriter and Kanami creating the music. They have been putting on more and more concert dates the past couple of years as their popularity has risen (I saw them in LA last year and they were amazing). And they are slated to play at Budokan next February.

Kanami Lead Guitarist/ Composer / Classical pianist Akane drums called gorilla or the beast Miku rhythm guitar/lyrics also called Little Pigeon I think MIsa Misa MIsa the Assassin bass and Saiki vocals the Ice Queen All so talented ,but better still very relatable. Quirky, funny, driven to succeed .Diverse in the music they create. Very much enjoy you're thoughts here.

Akane - smiley drummer, Misa - bass assassin, Kanami - devil lead guitar, Miku - core member, cute bouncy pigtails, rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Saiki - lead vocals and stunning charisma.. they are a sheer delight.

You just jumped into something you will never get out of, and you will fucking love every minute of it!

Throw a dart at their discography list for your next favorite Band-Maid song. I don't think they have a bad song

These girls are so talented, skilled, and so freaking cute it is impossible to look away.

Love your reaction! I dropped a link for you , the first couple of minutes gives a quick overview of the band Enjoy!

I have seen several reactions to find out if I am over reacting to this band but I guess I'm not, I have seen guys , aged guys over 30 yo and more reacting positively well, out of their mind to this band and man, there is something big with this ladies, they are huge, is a hell of a band, it's catchy, aggresive, melodic, progressive, wow! They sound from kind of hair metal to progressive to stoner to ... incredible band.

As soon as I first listened to this I got the prog vibe, especially the dotted eighth note echo. I like how they look like the are having fun while they rock out.

I went to their live concert in Osaka last year. It was amaaaaazing!!!

These girls play like they are possessed and I love it.

Backing singer is rhythm guitar

About Akane's drum setup: She has what looks like a simple drum kit but plays all of it, all the time. She has two kickers on her one bass, so sounds more like she's on two. After hearing Band-Maid four years ago, Jimmy Page asked for a picture together backstage. He compared her energy to John Bonham. She also likes the approach of the lady drummer of Maximum the Hormone, a quirky, often humorous metal band.

i dont know about yall guys commenting here, but my definition of perfect in this world is daydreaming.

I dont know why it never clicked for me that you wrote your intro, its badass

I fricking love Band Maid about as much as Babymetal. I listen to them everyday. I can't believe how excited I get listening to them while watching you react. I hope you cover other Japanese girl groups. Great fucking channel.

glad you brought up Dream Theater.. when i try to place BAND-MAID in a tier in my head, they're right up there with DT.. but they write songs that anyone can just rock out to, with more hooks than your average pop song, with a lot of stuff for music nerds to gobble up.. and it never sounds forced or pretentious last year the band released a book that contained a bunch of interviews.. some folks have been generous with translating it all into English. the following interview contains links to each members' individual interviews where they go into what led to them joining the band. it's stars aligning type stuff www.reddit.com/r/BandMaid/comments/cbvlp7/translation_of_interview_for_bandmaids_future/ i think it's best to go through the catalog in chronological order so you can see how they've progressed.. because it has only ever been steeply upwards in terms of musicianship and complexity. if you choose to do that, it starts with Thrill kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8qjaspkspOYnIU.html . (note: the band didn't start putting out their own songs til 2016's Alone.. not because they weren't trying to, but their label/management rejected a whole bunch)

Hey Champ (didn't catch your real name--maybe it IS-ha ha), really really loved your reaction to the tune-I was as stunned as you were! I have to admit I've been having fun watching some of these reaction vids to Band Maid songs, everybody has that same look of WTF was that, are these ladies for real? I'm a total newbie to them really, only found out about them 2 1/2 months ago through the algorithm on here (I'd send a bottle of champagne to it but it probably doesn't drink) and am SO very thankful to be turned onto them. My first tune was "Thrill"--I started it and about 15 seconds in I realized that woah, these girls are SERIOUS players! The savage, raw guitars and that snaky groove by Misa with some of Akane's more sparse but BADDDDASSSS drum grooves instantly sucked me in. I've probably heard THAT one at least 30 times and still love it! I really enjoyed your comments and could relate--I'm a guitarist who's been playing quite awhile and got your Dream Theatre reference. I often wondered why I could never get into much of anything they did. There is a section that has a bit of their vibe but then they are off into another interesting, so creative tangent. In another tune of theirs there is a very quick 2 bar thing that has a similar groove to "Free Your Mind" and then it's onto other amazing stuff. There is something about the two guitars intermeshing together on the powerful barrage intro (after the ascending 5ths intervals that Kanami plays) that I totally love-so sick!! I love how they go back into it after that beautiful tapping section, just grinding it in! Then end the song with it with a perfect recapitulation! And you were spot on mentioning how intricately worked out everything was--I can imagine they spend some serious rehearsal time finetuning everything for maximum impact. Akane is scary scary phenomenal , and she SMILES as she's destroying us! Misa constantly blows my mind with the snaky bass lines she comes up with as well as those inventive solos. Very very special. And Kanami--that intro to her solo was brilliant--hitting that dissonance, diving the whammy slowly man oh man! So now it looks like I'll have to be joining their fan club like a fanboy for all of the extra releases etc. ha ha...kind of ridiculous but when a band is this good it's sort of hard to resist. I only wish I'd discovered them back when you did--would've had alot better time during the pandemic. (nice 10 seconds of your tune by the way!)

Surely they have a great professional audio engineer to mix this live like that

What a kickass song!

I had just run across the girls a couple days prior, watched every last official video on their channel multiple times, made my first iTunes purchase EVER (and first money spent on new music in DECADES) when I called up a friend of mine who had played guitar professionally in Japan back in the 90s. "Dude, I just found THE MOST AMAZING Japanese band! and they're all girls! and all dressed up li...." "Oh, you found Band-Maid, here, let me send you a link" ONSET. I swore I had no idea it could get any more amazing than what I had already listened to.

Love your reaction. Its just so honest and captures what happened to all of us at some point. XD

I like your comment... "we're about to enter some devil's playground"...before Kanami gets her Sabbath on :-)) Great reaction to this mind-altering song (I mean...what kind of messed-up puppy needs drugs when you've got tunes like this?)

Love that you have babymetal in the back ground. Love that.

band-maid is the worlds *greatest*

I like your reaction so much I am going to write out the story of band maid for you ( as crazy as it seems this is 100% true): The band's founder was Miku who is the back up vocals / guitar. She used to be a member of a unsuccessful japanese Idol singing group. While working at a japanese maid cafe in 2012, her imaginary friend in her head, that she describes as a 800 year old pigeon, came up with a cool idea to form a hard rock/ metal group with members who wore maid outfits to mindFck the audience ( they refer to this as the "gap" the contrast of ideas from what you see and what you hear). She search the internet for band members and found Kanami, the current lead guitarist, who was a internet singer/ songwriter at the time. She met with Kanami and kanami like the idea. Kanami worked with Akane, who is the drummer, before and recruited her for the band. Akane went to music school with the bass player MISA. MISA was not too keen about the idea of maid outfits so they got her drunk the night before to get her to agree to join. After a few sessions, Miku felt that her vocals were not "strong enough" to be the lead singer of the group, so they went to recuit Saiki, who work in the same talent agency as Miku. Miku knew Saiki was not going to like the maid outfits so she tricked Saiki to coming to one of their sessions by telling her they "sometimes wear cute outfits" then forcing her into a maid's dress. This is why Misa and Saiki's outfit don't really look like maid outfits anymore when compare to their early videos, because they have been slowly changing their outfits with time to be less "maid like" while the others Miku, Akane and Kanami have more of the typical maid look. They had a few rough years but they got their first break out hit 2 years later in 2014 with "thrill" ( it has like 14 million views on youtube) and the rest is history. Also Band Maid is a double pun, the first is that they are maids in a band, but second also they are a "made band" that they form themselves. A lot of bands in Japan are studio formed like Baby Metal, when are recording studio decides what sound they want and what the look is, and goes to recruits people to form that image and has a team write the songs for them. Band Maid was formed by the artists themselves and Kanami does most of the song writing with inputs from the other band members and Miku writes the song lyrics, that is what makes them so special because they really care about the music they write and you can tell by hearing it. I would suggest after domination live, try puzzle live: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9-KebuIrKyWg30.html (i made a backup copy on my page since the old one got taken down) and motarotium live: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nNqYi8WD1MCdkWg.html (video quality is low res but it was the only way to avoid the copy right strikes)

THIS is why everyone was saying you have to listen to them live, do you get it now? Lol you miss the blistering solos and the incredible energy if you don’t listen to the live version. They are one of those bands who just sound WAY better live, the studio stuff is great, the live stuff is next level, which is the signature of a truly great band

Misa playing the bass. Switching from pick to slap like it's just flipping a switch. Most ppl never even notice she's playing around like that & She does that mid solo WHAT?!? O_O

7 years and nearly 90 songs, NOT ONE BAD SONG YET! and yes they are even better live.

the Drummer Akane Hirose, for the population " Gorilla" arrive from trombone piano, and violin or something like that, after that around 15 - 16 years old she decides to learn drum, she studied the drum for only four years and make her first record with band maid, you can follow her impressive skills progression during the time up to now, now she is a great drummer and a great drum arranger, her drum lines, in my opinion, are awesome, I see her in the concert she is really impressive, she has a minimal setup drum, and she is capable of setting her drum with a real natural and emotional tone, in the concert the sound mixing is set up to a very powerful drum presence, the Akane Speedlight short burst on kick drum is incredible in speed and precision, on youtube, there are few videos that can show the real Akane power. at the concert I was laterally compressed in the front row against the stage, Akane's double kick was almost painful for the body, Misa's continuous phrasing on bass is unusual in rock but together with Akane, it creates a powerful vibration that excites you throughout the concert. Kanami, use the guitar as a generator of emotions Miku is always out of phase, crazy and enthralling rhythmic situations are created, Saiki at the concert is truly an absolute queen, beautiful voice, and an incredible natural intonation, she approaches the edge of the stage and it lowers and stares you in the eyes and makes your body hair stand on end at the end of the concert you will love Saiki with no escape. At the end of the concert you are tired a little deaf, but happy. Run to see the concert try to go to a small theater and fight to be in the front row, after which you can also die.

Check out another instrumental by them called 'without holding back' ♥

The only explanation I can come up with for their awesomeness is that they are a Super Group made up of members from other great bands that never existed! 😃 AND they happen to sync up like they have been playing together since they were kids.

A certain MR EDDIE VAN HALEN would be impressed with KANAMI'S tapping technique. Originally, Kanami played Addictone guitars but once she was noticed, she’s been PRS all the way! Kanami- PRS / Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier + 8 or 9 different pedals Miku- Zemaitis Custom / EVH( EDDIE VAN HALEN ) stack + various pedals MISA- Black Cloud custom 5 string bass / Orange stack Oh by the way- JIMMY PAGE OF (LED ZEPPELIN) loves BAND-MAID, enough said.... The talent level is off the charts, These girls are flat out ROCK STARS. SHRED ON LADIES...

Until just recently, you could only hear this song if you saw them "live" in concert. So when they finally made a movie video, I was stoked. This is one of those "gateway songs" that will eventually lead you down the BAND-MAID pigeon hole of sheer awesomeness.

Saiki is usually chilling on the side watching or backstage. This is a showcase for the musicians and their talents and likely to give saikis voice a break for a few minutes.

Not all heroes wear capes.

MISA MISA MISA!! when you said "Both guitarists are playing lead" that sadly is not the case the second lead the steady riff was pipped into the board while Mincho tapped

Boss!

They construct a lot of their songs so that each member has moments where they can stand out.

Congrats on 100k views!

I came up with this when I saw a poster of girls in white dress on the wall behind you. :) You should definitely react to Japanese girls called LOVEBITES !! LOVEBITES / "Shadowmaker" "When Destinies Align" I'm looking forward to it :)

It's definitely mixed for recording but it's still live too. But even seeing fancams you can tell they are that good! I think Akane (drums) and Misa (bass) who both went to mustic school have played jazz at some point. I think the best drummers have played jazz at some point.

MISA! MISA! MISA! Well, you can go back and check out their first couple videos, "Thrill", "Real Existence" and "Dont Let Me Down". Or, you can check out a couple from their latest album like "Rinne" or "The Draggon Cries". But seriously Dude, pick ANY SONG and it will be great!! And if, after you have done several more Band Maid songs and you want to hear more of the Fantastic sounds that have been comming out of Japan over the last Decade, you can check out groups like 'Babymetal', 'Maximum The Hormone', 'Aldious', 'Doll$Boxx', 'Wagakki Band', 'Passcode', 'Dir En Grey', 'Bratz'......and soooooo many more!!! And as always, Put your Kitsune UP!! Po!