On April 11, the House of Blues Anaheim was engulfed in a maelstrom of sound and emotion as Japanese metal titans Dir En Grey delivered a singular, unforgettable performance. This show marked an additional date on their TOUR25 WHO IS THIS HELL FOR? [mode of VULGAR], added following the cancellation of the Sick New World festival.

The Anaheim concert was a homage to Dir En Grey's 2003 album VULGAR, a pivotal release that showcased the band's evolution into a more aggressive and experimental sound. The setlist was a blend of tracks from VULGAR and newer compositions, illustrating the band's dynamic range and enduring relevance.​ The performance commenced with "Ningen o Kaburu" and "The Devil In Me," setting a haunting tone. Classics like "DRAIN AWAY" and "audience KILLER LOOP" ignited the crowd, while deeper cuts such as "13" and "Kasumi" offered moments of introspection. The encore featured fan favorites "THE IIID EMPIRE" and "CHILD PREY," the latter performed twice due to a miscue, much to the audience's delight.

The venue was a tapestry of devoted fans, many adorned in elaborate cosplay reflecting the band's visual kei roots. The energy was palpable, with the crowd's enthusiasm amplifying the intensity of the performance.​

Dir En Grey's stage presence was both theatrical and visceral. Vocalist Kyo captivated with his dynamic range, from guttural screams to ethereal falsettos, while the band delivered a tight, immersive soundscape. The lighting and visual effects complemented the music, creating an atmosphere that was both haunting and exhilarating.

This Anaheim show was more than a concert; it was a celebration of Dir En Grey's enduring impact on the metal scene. The band's ability to revisit and reinterpret their past works while seamlessly integrating new material speaks to their artistic evolution and commitment to pushing boundaries.​

As the final notes echoed and the band took their bows, the audience's ovation underscored the profound connection between Dir En Grey and their fans. The performance was a powerful reminder of the band's legacy and the unyielding passion of their followers.

Since their formation in 1997, Dir En Grey has made a name for themselves by shattering genre boundaries. Emerging from Japan’s visual kei movement, the band—Kyo (vocals), Kaoru (guitar), Die (guitar), Toshiya (bass), and Shinya (drums)—quickly evolved beyond their roots, adopting a style that spans death metal, progressive rock, industrial, and avant-garde.

With lyrics that often explore trauma, social critique, and psychological turmoil, Dir En Grey built an international following thanks to their fearless artistry and emotionally charged live performances. Through each release, they've consistently pushed their own boundaries, never settling into predictability.

More than just a night of nostalgia, Dir En Grey’s Anaheim performance proved that 25 years into their career, the band is still evolving, still provoking, and still capable of shaking an audience to its core. Their blend of the old and new—honoring the legacy of VULGAR while embracing the present—felt less like a look back and more like a statement of continued purpose.

As the final echoes of distortion faded and the band bowed low to their crowd, the response was deafening. It was clear: for Dir En Grey and their fans, the fire still burns.