What makes Pledge by the GazettE notable?

Pledge debuted at number 2 on the Oricon Albums Chart, showcasing the band's growing commercial reach. The album is noted for its exploration of darker themes and intricate musical arrangements, influencing the visual kei and alternative scenes in Japan and beyond. Released in December 2010, Pledge marks the GazettE's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough success with DIM in 2008. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the Japanese rock scene, exploring more intricate compositions and thematic depth as they transitioned from their earlier visual kei influences to a broader alternative metal sound.

How many songs are on Pledge?

Pledge has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Pledge

the GazettE · 2010

14 min · 3 tracks · punk rock

A dynamic blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks, intertwining aggression with emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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PLEDGE — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and determination, combining haunting melodies with powerful instrumentation that reflects the band's evolution.
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THE TRUE MURDEROUS INTENT — This track stands out for its intense energy and lyrical complexity, illustrating the band's ability to fuse heavy metal elements with expressive storytelling.
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VOICELESS FEAR — With its atmospheric buildup and emotional delivery, this song showcases the GazettE's knack for blending heaviness with vulnerability, making it a cornerstone of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks the depth for lasting impact.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a heavy guitar riff that establishes a fast tempo, which is maintained through the second track before slowing down in the final piece.
Vocal melodies often alternate between aggressive shouts and softer, more melodic lines, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
Each song features intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, including prominent use of both electric guitars and synthesizers.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established the GazettE's growing commercial reach after their success with DIM.
Career context: Released in December 2010, Pledge marks the GazettE's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough success with DIM in 2008. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the Japanese rock scene, exploring more intricate compositions and thematic depth as they transitioned from their earlier visual kei influences to a broader alternative metal sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Dir En Grey· Mucc· Alice Nine