exist†trace — Cassette

Intro

Exist†trace delivers a sound that is simultaneously crushing and elegantly melodic. Their music is rooted in the dark, theatrical world of Visual Kei, but they distinguish themselves with a genuine metal pedigree. Expect thick, distorted guitar walls that occasionally break into intricate, virtuoso solos, all anchored by a rhythm section that hits with the precision of a sledgehammer.

What truly sets them apart is the vocal versatility of Jyou, who can pivot from soaring, anthemic choruses to guttural death growls without losing the emotional thread. Their evolution has seen them incorporate elements of jazz, disco, and electronic rock, but the core remains a gritty, gothic-influenced alternative metal that feels both urgent and carefully composed.

Start with 'Ambivalent Symphony' to hear them at their most balanced. It captures the transition from their heavier, doom-laden beginnings into the more polished, melodic, and complex arrangements that defined their major-label era.

Exist Trace (イグジストトレイス, Iguzisuto Toreisu; stylized as exist†trace) is a Japanese visual kei rock band, consisting entirely of female members. The members originate from Tokyo, and initially formed in June 2003. The founding members are Jyou, Naoto, and Mally, who met Miko and Omi after placing an advertisement for guitarists. To date, Exist Trace has released four albums, eight EPs, and nine singles. In addition, the band has appeared on eleven compilation albums and three omnibus DVDs, plus their self-released 2012 concert DVD Just Like a Virgin. Exist Trace made their U.S. debut at Sakura-Con 2011 in Seattle, Washington. On June 15, 2011, they made their major label debut on Tokuma Japan Communications with the EP True. Their song "I Feel You" was featured in Nadeshiko Japan's official 2012 guidebook DVD. Their highest charting release was Virgin, which reached number 84 on the Oricon album chart.

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