Kokeshi – Doukei Metal Addicts Review

The experience of listening to Black Metal sung in Japanese for the first time was truly unique. Nationalism is a significant aspect of Black Metal, so it was not surprising to hear bands singing in their native language. The use of the Japanese language in Kokeshi’s music added a sense of despair and disturbance to the songs, making them more intense and unsettling.

Upon listening to the album opener “propaganda,” I was reminded of Marilyn Mason’s cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Despite my personal feelings towards Marilyn Mason, I must admit that Kokeshi excelled in utilizing clean guitars effectively in their music. The band expertly alternated between punchy and clean guitar tones, creating moments of tension and release. Surprisingly, the clean guitar segments in “Doukei” turned out to be the most unsettling parts of the album, with the intense vocals on tracks like “kairai” evoking a sense of horror.

Kokeshi’s ability to transition seamlessly from calm moments to sudden outbursts in songs like “Doukdei” was notable. The band’s skillful use of contrasts and dynamics added depth and complexity to their compositions. It became apparent that the band’s signature style involved building up songs through these contrasting elements, creating a narrative that felt like a journey through a madhouse or a reflection on life’s highs and lows.

In a single word, “Doukei” can be described as disturbing. Kokeshi succeeded in capturing a sense of terror and unease in their music, reflecting the dark aspects of earthly existence. The album served as a poignant chronicle of the unsettling realities of life on our planet, presented through the band’s intense and haunting sound.

Scheduled for re-release on June 6th via Moment of Collapse Records, Kokeshi’s “Doukei” promises to deliver a harrowing listening experience. With tracks like “propaganda,” “Takaishinsoukairo,” and “kairai,” the album showcases the band’s ability to evoke powerful emotions and create a truly immersive atmosphere for listeners.

As a fan of metal music for many years, I have found that the genre has had a profound impact on my life. Metal has empowered me, giving me a sense of confidence and strength that I had not experienced before. Metalheads reject conformity and embrace authenticity, making the genre more than just music—it is a transformative and life-changing force that shapes our worldview and identity.