Is Madara a good place to start with the GazettE?

Yes, Madara is recommended as a starting point for new the GazettE listeners. A chaotic blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulates the raw energy of early 2000s Japanese alternative metal. Released in 2003, Madara is the debut EP by the GazettE, marking their emergence in the Japanese visual kei scene. At this point, they were gaining traction after forming just a year prior, establishing themselves with a distinctive sound that combined punk rock energy with heavy metal influences.

Madara works well if you're into short energetic bursts of intensity, chaotic sound for high energy and emotional catharsis through aggression.

How many songs are on Madara?

Madara has 6 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Madara

the GazettE · 2003

24 min · 6 tracks · punk rock

A chaotic blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulates the raw energy of early 2000s Japanese alternative metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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MAD MARBLE HELL VISION Start here — This opening track immediately sets the tone with its frenetic pace and aggressive instrumentation, showcasing the band's signature style right from the start.
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No.[666] — The song stands out for its intense lyrical exploration of darker themes, matched by dynamic shifts in tempo that highlight the band's versatility.
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貴女ノ為ノ此ノ命。 — With its more melodic elements intertwined with heavy guitar work, this track demonstrates the GazettE's ability to balance aggression and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases a blend of aggressive punk and metal elements, establishing a distinct sound for the GazettE.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a barrage of distorted guitars and rapid drumming, setting an aggressive tone that persists throughout the EP.
Each song features abrupt tempo changes, often shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic interludes.
Vocals alternate between harsh screams and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast that engages the listener.
The final track ends with a gradual fade-out of instrumentation, leaving an eerie silence that contrasts with the preceding chaos.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

short energetic bursts of intensity
chaotic sound for high energy
emotional catharsis through aggression
front-loaded adrenaline rush
immersive experience from start

Maybe skip if you

prefer relaxed listening environments
seek lengthy, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut EP that helped establish the GazettE's presence in the visual kei scene.
Career context: Released in 2003, Madara is the debut EP by the GazettE, marking their emergence in the Japanese visual kei scene. At this point, they were gaining traction after forming just a year prior, establishing themselves with a distinctive sound that combined punk rock energy with heavy metal influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Dir En Grey· Mucc· Alice Nine