56 year old musician here with you. It takes a lot to get my attention. I’ve been living off of music written decades ago because it seemed like bands had just given up. I personally don’t want to listen to the rhythm section essentially vamp while a guitarist sweep picks a hundred soulless notes. Band-Maid floored me after I watched “From Now On.” Official music video. Within 20 seconds, I knew I’d found some serious musicians who respected their listeners. Almost every song is a complete composition, worthy of being a standalone instrumental. Sometimes they just add lyrics. The Maids are definitely not for everyone. People who require all English lyrics won’t be satisfied. And fans who live in the dark, angry, blood and leather screaming space won’t enjoy what they do, either. But for musicians? I haven’t been this excited about new music since I listened to the entire side one of 2112 back in 1979.

I think you would really like 'Play' it was designed as an instrumental but Saiki liked it so much she wanted to sing along. You may want to check out their instrumentals 'Onset' which is a few years old now or their latest one called 'From Now On' You will find them all on Band Maids official YT channel. Enjoy !

you know that the lead guitarist taught herself to play. Before that she had had piano lessons. Now she has taught the rhythm guitarist to play.

You just might be ready for a Band-Maid Instrumental now. Try "From Now On"! You will not regret it!

Out of their songs that are available on KZfaq, I think "from now on" would be the best choice for analyzing Kanami's guitar-playing and composing skills. I wish there were official videos for Giovanni and H-G-K, I think these are quite technical pieces to play even if a lot of her guitar work is hidden behind the vocals.

Any live Band Maid song kicks ass. They are awesome live and their one man shows go for about 2 to 3 hours. Best band ever

The main riff reminds me of “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC and especially “The Spirit of Radio” by Rush. Kanami does use a Triple Rectifier; she plays PRS because her main guitar hero is Carlos Santana. As far as where to go next, I’d suggest “Onset” live from their official channel. It’s an instrumental.

What amazes me about Band Maid is that the rhythm guitar player began by holding a guitar as prop for the MV's to genuinely playing and having her own signature model

Welcome aboard, Bryan. You are embarking on (along with many others - over 180 million YT views plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid: BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (125 songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom. Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular! Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 70 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i8qjaspkspOYnIU.html Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on. But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits like Sense, Glory and Unleash (from their own Anime MV (series?)): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bbJykqiBuJqceHk.html) And many songs are represented with 50 well produced music videos. kzfaq.info Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYU-JI concerts:  ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pKeUitF6t9CrkZ8.html  Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h8iphKZ705zWiZs.html  ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y9eBoa56sbiZpWQ.html  Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD.  “P and D⁴” 30+ Photo Collage videos at www.youtube.com/@PinD2/videos And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent. Here’s two of what it’s like to see Band-Maid LIVE at an intimate venue:  Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/es2oiJB-u9DYkWQ.html  See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rNCKnrGW1K3RmJc.html If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, CD, DVD/BD & Merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid. For fun, check out an awesome, little known "Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009 Band-Maid Members: Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “Ice Queen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 29 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen! Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 31 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!! Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 31 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more! Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 32 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party! MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 30 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA! Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans. [BAND-MAID NEWS]  BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo  The Maids SOLD OUT 2022 US tour just wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. And their opening for Guns and Roses, The Last Rockstars, and their sold out 8,000 seat Garden Theater concerts were huge successes. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!!  2023 BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR in the US continues… DATE CITY VENUE Aug 3 Chicago Lollapalooza After Show @ Park West Aug 4 Chicago, IL Lollapalooza Aug 6 Minneapolis, MN Varsity Theater Aug 8 Denver, CO Summit Aug 9 Salt Lake City, UT THE Depot Aug 11 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom Aug 12 Spokane, WA Bing Crosby Theater Aug 14 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades Aug 15 Anaheim, CA House of Blues Anaheim Aug 18 Mexico City, MX PABELLÓN OESTE In addition their recent Japan tour just concluded with 17 concerts, AND they’re writing and recording for their new album. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concludes at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023! The Maids are one of the hardest working super groups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!

Try their seminal live instrumental, Onset, from their channel. Also, if you can find them, I highly suggest the MVs for the instrumentals Without Holding Back and Giovanni. You will know when you find them, they are both just the Maids against a white background. For more just all out fun, their OLVs for Play, Freedom and Real Existence are great.They also have a couple of acoustic on their channel, and you might enjoy their alter egos, Band-Maiko, with some trad Japanese string instruments. And Blooming OMV is also a great display of Kanami's (lead guitarist and music composer) talents.

They‘ve also done a fabulous acoustic live session Christmas 2021. There are 2 official videos on their channel.

MV of the Band Maid site for Dice, Real Exitence & Yolo.

Yes, Kanami loves to back up Saiki's vocals with those AC/DC like textures and this allows Misa and Miku to take turns carrying the melody. The Maids are a model of cooperative musicianship. "Puzzle" is my current Band-Maid 'favorite' - I play this version every day, but they have several live recordings of "Puzzle" with different arrangements that really alter the feeling of the song. As I type this I'm looking at my 8+ inch stack of Band-Maid CD's and Blu Ray disks and wondering how I can single out 'Just One' Band-Maid song for you to react to. This band is phenomenally good; they just don't have any 'bad' songs. But here goes: They have some face melting instrumentals, two of which are "Onset" and "From Now On". They can also melt your heart at the same time: Try "Daydreaming" or "About Us"

Well said about Miku (rhythm gt & backing vo), she had some strumming patterns in the midst of her singing that were a bit complex. Also, I thought her distortion and mix volume really filled in well beneath Kanami's lead riffs.

The acoustic version of this song is also great. The same melody is arranged in a completely different song. The main axis is hard rock, but they range from pop rock to metal, progressive rock, instrumental, and even acoustic. All of them have characters like high school girls, but they are the best band at present in terms of performance, composition ability, and arrangement ability.

"From Now On" is a track you should visit brother. This is one of four (? I believe) instrumentals that they have released but this one is a work of art in composition. This track was released a few months ago on a MV and its the one I would recommend. I understand how you absorb music without the "WAHOOO aesthetic" because Im the same way. When I watch or listen to something for an opinion, I watch and listen! Friends think I dont like whatever it is they want me excited about and I have to explain .......e a c h t i m e that thats how I do things. My view of Band-Maid is ...........calmly stating my opinion, "The best rock band in the world today and arguably ever." I've listened to around 90 tracks from Band-Maid and am completely impressed on their composition skills and live performances. They dont lock you into a certain rock genre (which gets boring) and they surprise my ears with each song they write.

You walk right into Band Maid's busiest song. Another busy song would be Blooming the mv.

Try their instrumental.called From now on. It's a killer

There's another video from this same concert, "NO GOD" it's the more recent of the tow live videos of this song. As others have said you may like their instrumentals, "from now on" which is an MV and "Onset" which is live. Enjoy.

Some Japanese bands, old and new. Take your pick: BAND-MAID [All their songs... really!], LOVEBITES [Break the Wall, Raise some Hell, and all the other songs], BABYMETAL [All their songs, because they are all different], MAXIMUM THE HORMONE [Yoshu Fukushu], DEXCORE [Earthworm], CROSSFAITH [Catastrophe], SiM [Killing Me], NINGEN ISU [Heartless Scat], UNLUCKY MORPHEUS [Black Pentagram], YOUSEI TEIKOKU [Astral Dogma, Patriot Anthem (Live)] and their other band: DenKare [Detonator], COLDRAIN [Die Tomorrow], CRYSTAL LAKE [The Circle], GIVEN BY THE FLAMES [Ronove], LONESOME_BLUE [Face the Fear], ANGRY FROG REBIRTH [2Step Syndrome], SILENTLY SHOOTING TRAITORS [Manipulate], ALDIOUS [Dominator], TRiDENT [Ambivalent, Spoopy, ...], BRIDEAR [Light in the Dark], CINQ ELEMENT [Destiny], MARY'S BLOOD [Marionette], GRAUPEL [Bereavement], DOLL$BOXX [Take my Chance], SOKONINARU [Tenohira De Odoru], HELLO SLEEPWALKERS [Flying Saucer], TELECiDE [Tied up Memories], NEKO [Ghost on a Record], MARDELAS [G-Metal], MERGINGMOON [Greyen], ROTTENGRAFFTY [Hallelujah], JILUKA [Mephisto, Overkill], BROKEN BY THE SCREAM [Emotion Cross-Counter], FATE GEAR [Unbreakable Wings], LYNCH [Devil], GACHARIC SPIN [Mindset], DIR EN GREY [Ningen wo Kaburu], X JAPAN [Kurenai], DAZZLE VISION [Second], DEVILOOF [Torture], JUPITER [My Enemy], NOKUTO [Life of Desire], GALNERYUS [Angel of Salvation], SAISEIGA [Ride On], BLOOD STAIN CHILD [Del-Sol], NEMOPHILA [Rise, Hypnosis], DADAROMA [Lucid Dream], JILUKA [Overkill, or Lluvia], HANABIE [We Love Sweets, Be the GAL], A CROWD OF REBELLION [Re:Create of the Re:d], PALEDUSK [Area PD], POLKADOT STINGRAY [any song], MUTANT MONSTERS [Abnormal], BLACKLAB [Insanity], ASTERISM [Fiction, Rising Moon, Unravel, or Church], NOISEMAKER [Hunter or Prey], BiSH [The Night When Stars Twinkle], SCANDAL [A.M.D.K.J.], DEEP GIRL [I kill], Mrs. GREEN APPLE [Inferno], BRATS [Doudatte Yokatta], THE ORAL CIGARETTES [Frenzy Hey Kids!!], GIRUGAMESH [Drain], LiLiHoLi [From Darkness to Light], THE DEVIL’S KILLING MERRY-GO-ROUND [Diabolos], OTOBOKE BEAVER [Love is Short], and many many more...

When it comes to rock and metal, Japan, it seems to be kicking the USA's ass. Misa, the bassist, is my favorite member. I'm in my Japanese rock/metal rabbit hole and plan to explore further before coming out. I'm glad you didn't literally go head over heals in your chair on this one Brian.

Hmm - KZfaq ate my first comment. Let's try this again. This band is so good, and so damned diverse that you really don't know their sound until you get a bunch of songs under your belt. That said, to answer your question "where do we go from here?" you can almost pick one at random, but I'll suggest the MV's for Dice, Blooming, Non Fiction Days, Influencer, From Now On (a kick ass instrumental) and Bubble - and the official lives for Domination, No God (the 2023 version from this same show), Play, and I'm going to echo Gary's suggestion for Moratorium if you want to search a bit. I love the Zepp Tokyo version of that one. Keep in mind that they've been playing together (and still love each other) for ten years, and they've dabbled in a lot of sounds and genres over that period. Sometimes in the same song (you 'll see). If you do find the Moratorium from Zepp Tokyo, stay with that show and check out Fate and Turn Me On. I could literally list another 60 to 80 songs that I LOVE - that's how good they are. The more you listen, the more you'll like em, too - you'll hear something new every time you listen to most of their songs, because they are often quite intricate.

I recommend "Play" LIVE on official channels.

Thank you for your reaction. I would suggest either No God live or the MV for Blooming. Have fun! :)

When this finally came back to KZfaq Maidiacs were like thank you to the pigeon gods.

Yep I hear you Brother , there's often many layers in a BM song, with one off riffs and fills, drops, vocal inflections, edgy discordance, time changes etc, etc at times that can be challenging but always enjoyable. I'm sure one of the many passionate Maidiacs will fill you in on the Maids costumes, but I'll join that crowd 😊 there's a genuine background, Miku (rythym guitarist, vocals and founder) worked in a maid cafe and had the idea to combine the costumes with a heavy rock band to create, as she calls it a "gap" ie you see cute maid outfits then get sledgehammered musically by these incredible musicians and their music. BM also consider their concerts to be servings where they deliver to their fans (masters and princesses). So there's a legitimacy to the costumes unlike say someone wearing an oversized studded cod piece and pretending to be a demon. BM are incredibly humble and grateful to and for their fan base. Enjoyed your reaction, cheers from Oz, peace and love Po 👍🎼🥁🎤🎸🍻

great reaction! this is my personal fav song. some recommendations.. manners/black hole its a two for one video live and its great for reactions shows two different styles. or maybe try one of the acoustic songs? catharsis, comes to mind for that. anyway keep it up the pigeon hole is deep and all the songs are amazing.

They are great in creating different atmospheres with there music. But also have a lot of straighter rocking songs. Their live shows are top level and although very entertaining. Especially in smaller venues the connection between band and audience is close and the energy level is off the charts!

I came across your channel on BAND-MAID. I have been listening to and playing music for 58 years. You have a lot of PRINCE reactions, right? smile Living in Japan, I met PRINCE when I was 19 years old. Since then he is my idol and god. I probably thought he was the only one until his death. But four years ago I met BAND-MAID. They gave me new energy and joy again. they are real. believe me. I'm waiting for BAND-MAID's reaction.

Nice reaction. You clearly know your stuff musically and could obviously appreciate all the skill and practice that went into making this song look so effortless when they play it live. Kanami is using a PRS as the company sponsor her and provide her with guitars. There's a video on YT of her testing their 35th anniversary models. Miku (nice to hear someone appreciating her superb vocal harmonising) is sponsored by Zemaitis guitars and they even have a signature model of hers they sell, the Flappy Pigeon. Akane is sponsored by Tama drums and MISA on bass by another company. I even think Saiki, the lead vocalist, has a deal with Sennhauser or some mic company. You might enjoy one of their instrumentals as a musician yourself. The latest was FROM NOW ON ( kzfaq.info/get/bejne/l5yKhtme09G3YGQ.html ) but there's also the very, very interesting older one, ONSET ( kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o7yigZCbxLvHYIk.html ).

1.From Now On(instrumental) 2. Dawn Winery Theme(instrumental) 3. Domination, official Live

I would suggest Don't You Tell Me live from 2018, it is one of their best live performances.

The fanbase at times for this amazing group. Can be difficult to stomach and deal with. I will leave it there and at that. But these ladies are incredible and amazing

From the live songs I think the best place to go would be Domination LIve Play Live Onset Live (its an instrumental) Sense Live MVs Blooming Warning From Now On (also an instrumental)

Try "Onset" (live) by Band-Maid for a look at them with an instrumental track.

I am curious, from a technical standpoint how well or not well is Band-Maid's music composed? To answer your question about the maid outfits Miku, the rhythm guitarist, originally worked in a maid Cafe. That where she got the idea to have women dressing as meek maids playing rock n' roll. As far as other songs I would say Blackhole or Sense.

To "Get" a Band Maid performance it requires you to listen 5X. Focusing on each member. They have total control of their music with Kanami lead guitar the main composer and Miku rhythm guitar the main lyricist. Misa bass, and Akane, drums creating their lines from the basic music sent to them. Saiki main vocals works with Miku and has now written the lyrics for 3 songs. Next - "Catharsis" acoustic ver. They live streamed an acoustic concert during COVID lockdown. The songs performed were originally full rock!! It high lites their musical skills and the high level of creativity they have.

I'd recommend Domination (official live video) it was pretty much written to showcase what the band is about. From Now On Is great but keep in mind it is an instrumental. The band is currently on their 10th anniversary tour and are coming back to the US in August.

Great hearing seasoned people finding these ladies. What's next? How about Domination - Official Live version on their channel? Really shows them stretching out a bit on stage.

Welcome back! I highly suggest Domination LIVE, not the MV. That's going to leave the biggest impression on you and is going to do the most to help you get what this band is like. As you've seen their work is diverse and Domination doesn't sound like any of the other three.

Them ladies right there can play. Although it's not live, they did a cover of a very famous song for the Genshin Concert 2022. Memories of Wind and Wine (Dawn Winery Theme). It's an instrumental and very good. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y7NieLyn1su4lH0.html. If you want to switch gears check out Mr.R.L. Burnside: See My Jumper Hanging On the Line.

When you said the Ladies were "Different", they actually have a song called "Different" which was for the opening of the third season of the anime Log Horizon. They have a live version that is coupled with their song "Dice" which is a call to arms to the shut ins of the world. If you react to the live version, please do both songs at the same time, as it is a sonic assault on your ears which is very enjoyable. And Kanami, the Lead Guitarist and primary composer for the band plays through a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier. Or she did in the past. The Ladies are changing up some of the gear as they are working on new sounds and material. In their current tour, both Kanami and Miku, the rhythm guitarist have been using Bogner's into the regular cabinets. (Mesa for Kanami and EVH for Miku) The bassist MISA has switched from her Orange Amp and cabinet to Ampeg and Aguilar. And all 3 are now also using re-amp DI boxes, where before it was just MISA who did. MISA's basses are custom made for her by a boutique luthier in Japan, Black Cloud, and they have made her at least 7 custom basses that I am aware of, including her custom SG/EB style which she only uses in the studio now, but used to be available on their website as the model MISA Private Reserve Signature Bass. Other songs I would recommend are "From Now On", "Play", "Domination" (In that order as Domination follows Play in that concert), "Freedom", Choose Me Live, Real Existence Live, No God Live (there are 2 live versions of No God, the earliest is from one of their live on-line concerts the newest is from their January 9th 2023, Tokyo Gardens Theater Concert)

Canny reaction like it the maid thing is Miku the rhythm guitarist and 2nd vocalist used to work in a maid cafe and thought wearing cute maid outfits playing rock music 🎼 would work well and it does now bandmaid just wouldn’t be bandmaid if they didn’t wear them ❤

Just remember boys and girls. if you want to play like her its strum up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right B, A.

RINNE IF YOU WANT METAL

👍👍👍👍👍 foe the Maids

These are a great band brother. All have mega talent a frightening work ethic and total committment to their fans worldwide. Lead guitar and composer of almost all their 100 plus songs Kanami is a genius producing ever more complex and challenging songs. No lead works harder on stage nor to greater effect.

Hello Saiki!😎

There is a really good video on youtube were they performe their songs Manners and Blackhole. Two amazing performances of two very different songs😁👍 check that one out.

😁

Play offical Live obviously

Yeah, the "maid thing" becomes a non-issue after awhile. They played in NYC for the first time in 2019 and one of the local reviewers commented something to the effect that "they were comfortable on stage and didn't seem overly awed by the experience of playing in New York City." Well, no, they wouldn't. They cut their teeth in a city about the same size. The maid dresses give them a "logo" - a way to remember their name. That's important in a scene as crowded and competitive as Tokyo. Their musicianship will handle the rest.

Not hearing the Thunderstruck comparison tbh. I mean, aside from the tapping technique, but I'd rather credit Van Halen (among others) for developing that.