Red cover

Red

the GazettE · 2010

10 min · 3 tracks · punk rock

A vibrant fusion of punk rock energy and alternative metal heaviness, punctuated by emotive vocals and dynamic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Red — The title track encapsulates the album's intense emotional landscape with its driving rhythm and powerful vocal delivery, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    VERMIN — This track features aggressive guitar riffs paired with lyrics that explore themes of despair and societal critique, making it a standout example of the band's lyrical sophistication.
  • →
    AN UNBEARABLE FACT — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this song delves into personal struggles, illustrating the GazettE's ability to blend vulnerability with their heavy sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and dynamic shifts but lacks depth for extensive replay value.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Red' opens with a fast-paced guitar riff that establishes a high energy level, which is maintained through the first two tracks.
  • Each song features a distinct shift in dynamics, with 'VERMIN' incorporating more melodic elements while still retaining aggressive instrumentation.
  • The final track, 'AN UNBEARABLE FACT', slows down significantly, providing a contrast to the preceding songs and creating an emotional climax.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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
Critical Peak — Solidifies their sound and reputation after the breakthrough with 'DIM'.
Career context
Released on September 22, 2010, 'Red' marks the GazettE's third studio album, following their breakthrough record 'DIM' from 2008. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their status in the Japanese rock scene while exploring darker themes and more complex musical arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors
Dir En Grey· Mucc· Alice Nine
New to the GazettE? Find your way in →

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Red 3:25
  • 2 VERMIN 3:50
  • 3 AN UNBEARABLE FACT 3:32

What to play next

Toxic
Listen next

Toxic

2011
Dim
Go back to

Dim

2009
Full the GazettE discography Where to start with the GazettE Artists like the GazettE
alternative metal

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Uroboros

Uroboros

Dir En Grey

Shares a similar intensity with complex arrangements and explores dark, emotional themes.

Apocalyze

Apocalyze

Crossfaith

Combines heavy metal with punk energy, featuring dynamic instrumentation and emotive vocal delivery.

Artwork

Artwork

The Used

Merges punk rock energy with alternative metal heaviness, marked by raw emotion and vivid lyricism.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata