Platinum Box - 1 (Yokohama Arena Live)

This is Gackt raw. This is awesome. This is Gackt when he first started solo project and he sounds wonderful. There appears to be little editing, which means we get to hear him in all his raw glory. He sounds spectacular. GacktJOB sounds fantastic, too.

Gackt's last large performance with Malice Mizer was the Merveilles concert of 1998, that took place in Yokohama Arena. One year later, the already popular singer returned to the same stage, no longer a member of Malice Mizer, to make his first live debut. The Platinum Bible I is one of the rarest Gackt collectables, so to see it here on iTunes was quite unexpected for me. Of course, the tangible box includes a DVD and such - but the music is the main attraction, and that's what's now been made available here for those who aren't lucky enough to snag the no-longer-printed bible on eBay for several hundred dollars. With all of that said, this is truly a treat. Two of my personal favorite songs are "Ares"+"Arsun Dream," because I absolutely love Gackt's unique but strong falsetto and the rock that comes afterward, and "Illness Illusion," which is a tribute to Malice Mizer, and thus one can easily recognize that band's trademark sound. Fans of Drug Party who loved it for the live aspect should definitely consider investing in this work, especially to compare it to how far Gackt has come. You might also recognize "Emu -For my dear" which appeared on Drug Party: that song, as well as "U+K," have been unofficially recognized as tribute songs to the dearly departed Kami, who was the drummer of Malice Mizer as well as one of Gackt's best friends. Every song is a gem, and if you liked "Mars," then this is well worth your money, if for no other reason than the fact that finding this Bible anywhere else is a Gackt fan's dream. But don't buy it just because the actual product is rare - buy it for the music and the sound of Gackt recorded live. You will not be disappointed.

Love.