Moi Dix Mois- Beyond the Gate

Moi Dix Mois is the latest project from Mana, the enigmatic co-founder of Japanese cult band Malice Mizer as well as the man most responsible for the popularization of Gothic Lolita style. Moi Dix Mois's latest release is brief but stunning, incorporating the Renaissance-inspired keyboard work of latter-day Malice Mizer with elements of metal, glam, and pop. "Eternally Beyond" could be an outtake from Phantom Of The Opera with its gloomy Bach-flavored organs, but then the rock elements kick in with a burst of guitars and growling vocals. Although the metal influences are undeniably heavy, with the crunchy chords on "Unmoved" verging on straight-up thrash, it's not mindless head-banging material at all. The guitars themselves are played with technical precision, as evidenced by the way they waft gracefully between rapid harpsichord arpeggios on "Vain," and the song arrangements themselves are geared towards complexity rather than sheer power. "Deus Ex Machina," for example, alternates between speedy punk moments and slower interludes of orchestral drama, while the excellent "Deflower" incorporates classical piano, industrial trip-hop rhythms, and haunting choirs with progressive guitar work for an effect that's speedy but still atmospheric. As a sort of behind-the-scenes look, the first run of this CD also features instrumental versions of each song. While this is more like chamber music crossed with speed metal than what most of us consider goth, it's a perfect evocation of 18th century European decadence, despite the fact that most of the lyrics are actually in Japanese. Put this on if you're in the mood for rock 'n' roll with a touch of historic elegance.

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