Das Feenreich, The Age of Villains Review

Yousei Teikoku (also known as Das Feenreich) is a five-piece gothic rock/heavy metal band that combines metal with anime songs. Her Highness Yui (lead vocals) leads Yousei Teikoku or Das Feenreich (Fairy Empire) with the goal to help more people believe in fairies. After releasing several independent albums, the band has released six albums on the Lantis label: Gothic Lolita Propaganda, metanoia, Gothic Lolita Doctrine, Gothic Lolita Agitator, Pax Vesania, and Shadow Corps(e). Yousei Teikoku’s music can also be heard on popular anime series such as the thriller Mirai Nikki (Future Diary), where they performed the OP Kuusou Mythology, as well as an ED for the series filament. They have also had their songs used for anime such as DISORDER for Big Order, Kyuusei Argyros for Tokyo ESP, Gekkou no Chigiri for Kurokami, and Baptize for Seikon no Qwaser. The band is comprised of Her Highness Yui, a fairy, – vocals, chorus, and lyric writing, and four human beings. Takaha Tachibana – producer, rhythm guitar, keyboards, composition, arrangement, and lyric writing, Nanami – bass guitar, Gight – drums, XiVa – lead guitar, and ryöga – guitar. Combining Gothic Lolita visuals, and a mix of genres such as classical and J-pop based in heavy metal, Yousei Teikoku stands out prominently in the anime music scene. Yousei Teikoku is releasing their new LP, the age of villains. This will be their first release since the single “flamma idola” in 2017 and their first album since SHADOW CORPS[e] from 2015.

Positives: The driving power of heavy mental crashes into classical inspired melodies as Her Highness Yui’s voice spins her magic.

Bottom Line: The age of villains contains twelve tracks of power that will tantalize the ears. “Autoscopy” has a jaunting metal pulse, a male chorus, solid guitar figures, and Yui’s unique vocal style. Her singing is percussive, expressive and conveyed in a timbre that is best described as part human and part fairy. XiVa’s lead guitar work is fluid as he effortlessly spins out intricate arpeggio patterns. “Absolute” (絶) has a form that features catchy riffs, a driving rhythm section, different feels, and an ominous chorus. Yui’s vocal range and diversity are heard in each section. XiVa’s guitar work is excellent on this selection. “Iron Rose” is heavily influenced by baroque classical sounds and its harmonic movement and melodic devices. In conclusion, the age of villains, is a collection of heavy riffs, fury drums and bass, and unique singing by Yui. The band is excellent, their precision and energy are relentless. The music is a wild ride that is charming and endearing with contradictory elements of classical and J-pop based in heavy metal surprisingly congealing to create something that is absolutely fun. That’s the short of it!