Hard Bitten

Out for blood
Vamps dispense with fripperies to deliver a raucous, pounding album

In music terminology, Vamps are recurrent themes, usually chords or series of chords played continually to establish rhythm. VAMPS is also the name of a side project by two of Japanese music's leading lights — alt-rock singer HYDE and guitarist K.A.Z (the professional name of Kazuhito Iwaike).

The two have titled their debut album the same way, and while it's tempting to think of the name VAMPS as an advertisement for the chugging three-chord rock within, chances are it's more to do with the fangs and bleeding lips on the album...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!