Division
the GazettE · 2012
44 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulates the darker side of alternative metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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GABRIEL ON THE GALLOWS Start here — This track combines haunting melodies with intense instrumentation, effectively setting the tone for the album's exploration of despair and inner turmoil.
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DERANGEMENT — With its frenetic energy and complex arrangements, this song epitomizes the band's alternative metal style, showcasing their technical prowess and emotional depth.
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ATTITUDE — This track serves as an anthem of defiance, blending punk rock elements with powerful vocals that reflect a rebellious spirit, making it a standout moment in the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing aggression with melody while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature rapid tempo changes, alternating between aggressive riffs and melodic interludes.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocals that shift from harsh screams to clean singing, creating dynamic contrasts.
- The album closes with a track that features a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for an atmospheric finish.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo immersive journey
- intense riffs for deep focus
- dark atmospheric soundscapes unfold
- for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat, quick-paced songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debuted at number one on charts, solidifying the band's commercial appeal.
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Division marked the GazettE's sixth studio album, following their commercially successful record TOXIC. At this point, the band had solidified their presence in the Japanese rock scene, continuing to evolve their sound while retaining a loyal fan base. This album reflects their artistic growth as they experimented with new musical textures and lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dir En Grey· Mucc· Alice Nine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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DRIPPING INSANITY
The narrative shifts from a third-person perspective to a direct address, diving into chaotic thoughts that embody mental struggle.
This structural choice heightens the emotional intensity, as it invites listeners into a more personal confrontation with madness and despair.
Tracklist
- 1 [XI] 1:45
- 2 GABRIEL ON THE GALLOWS Start here 4:02
- 3 DERANGEMENT 4:40
- 4 DRIPPING INSANITY 4:06
- 5 余韻 3:28
- 6 歪 3:56
- 7 影踏み 4:18
- 8 籠の蛹 4:36
- 9 ヘドロ 3:28
- 10 ATTITUDE 3:28
- 11 REQUIRED MALFUNCTION 4:05
- 12 [Melt] 3:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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