Dir en Grey

Genre-defying Japanese rock collective Dir en Grey formed in 1997 around the talents of vocalist Kyo, guitarists Kaoru and Die, bassist Toshiya, and drummer Shinya. Dir en Grey's visually arresting outfits (part of the often androgynous Japanese Visual Kei movement), volatile live show, and moody lyrics earned them a devoted regional following, resulting in a series of four albums (Gauze, Macabre, Kisou, and Withering to Death) that would go on to bring the band international acclaim as well. Their fifth full-length, Marrow of a Bone, was released in 2007. ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide