What makes Now by Girugamesh notable?

Now received significant attention for its fusion of genres and energetic sound, leading to notable chart positions in Japan. The album helped to further establish Girugamesh as a key player in the visual kei movement, influencing subsequent bands within the genre. Released in 2009, Now marks Girugamesh's third studio album, coming off the success of their second album, Music, released in 2006. At this point, the band was solidifying its presence in the Japanese alternative scene, expanding their musical style while building a dedicated fanbase.

Now works well if you're into dynamic riffs with melodic hooks, cathartic release through anthems and energizing tracks for workouts.

How many songs are on Now?

Now has 14 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Now

Girugamesh · 2009

50 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

An explosive blend of alternative metal and rock that balances aggressive instrumentation with melodic undertones and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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NO MUSIC NO REASON — This track encapsulates the band's ethos with its driving rhythm and powerful lyrics addressing the significance of music in life, making it a standout anthem.
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ALIVE — With its soaring chorus and dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and melodic sections, 'ALIVE' showcases the band’s ability to blend aggression with emotional depth.
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BORDER — 'BORDER' features complex guitar work and thought-provoking lyrics that challenge personal and societal boundaries, reflecting the band's thematic evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic instrumentation with melodic elements, showcasing Girugamesh's evolving sound within the visual kei scene.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief intro track that sets a tone before launching into high-energy songs, maintaining a fast pace for the first half.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'BEAST' transitioning from aggressive verses to melodic choruses.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contrast that allows for introspection after the earlier intensity.

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

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

dynamic riffs with melodic hooks
cathartic release through anthems
energizing tracks for workouts
short bursts of intensity
emotional resonance in choruses

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, soundscapes
seek lengthy, cohesive pieces

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Now marks Girugamesh's third studio album, coming off the success of their second album, Music, released in 2006. At this point, the band was solidifying its presence in the Japanese alternative scene, expanding their musical style while building a dedicated fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Crossfaith· the GazettE· Dir En Grey

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 now (intro) 1:40
2 bit crash 2:21
3 NO MUSIC NO REASON 3:40
4 ALIVE 4:45
5 I think I can fly 3:39
6 BEAST 3:14
7 nobody 3:44
8 睡蓮 (suiren) 3:52
9 DIRTY STORY 3:29
10 GAME 3:42
11 driving time 3:57
12 arrow 4:09
13 BORDER 3:31
14 crying rain 4:56

What to play next

Listen next

Go

2011

Go back to

Music

2008

Full Girugamesh discography Artists like Girugamesh

alternative metal alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata