1999 saw the emergence of a groundbreaking phenomenon: a Chinese visual band. Since then, Silver Ash has steadily grown in popularity, despite the loss of 2 guitarists and a cancelled US tour (damned SARS!). Consisting of Ling (vocals), Yue (guitar), Hong (bass) and Zhen (drums), Silver Ash blends a traditional VK sound with Chinese sensibilities, making them truly unique. Perhaps it is the musicality of the Chinese language, but their songs have an incredible richness to them that many bands are lacking. In an effort to support Silver Ash and make more people aware of this band, I'll be reviewing those of their songs that I have heard. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to buy a Silver Ash CD yet, so these reviews will be of mp3s. Please, I urge you to BUY albums and SUPPORT the artists. Especially these guys, because they are really fighting to become a success. Visit SilverAsh.Net to buy their products!

Yue, the guitarist

1. Gorgeous Devil

Whoa, am I listening to Due Le'Quartz? That's likely to be the first thought that runs through your head when this song begins. It might as well be Miyabi on guitars. Ling sings the first verse, which is mid-tempo with a good, steady beat. There's some cool harmonies too. Ling never really tests his range in this song; there are only 5 or so notes that are really prominent. The chorus is a bit more varied. I really like the bridge with acoustic guitar and strings, which leads directly into a guitar solo. The mood changes so rapidly it makes your head spin. This is a great song. The guitar duet is pure X Japan. I can't see how any visual kei fan could dislike this song. Definitely worth hearing.
Rating: 9

2. Organum

Appropriately enough, this song starts off with some horror music type organ work and scary laughter. Then we get some Phantom of the Opera organ music. You might be thinking "this is really cheesy" but when Ling starts singing, it suddenly works. The organ work fades into the background, and we get some nice piano and quiet percussion. Ling is extremely quiet, almost whispering, creating a very mysterious mood. I like the bassline here too; it really adds to the overall feel. After the second verse, there's an acoustic guitar line, and it starts to seem like the whole song is going to be really subdued. Then, there's a sudden crescendo, and we get to hear the chorus louder. Lots of backup singers go "Oooh" and then we finally get a guitar solo! Yay! It's a very nice one too, and not too short. ^_^ Yue is a talented guitarist who deserves praise for his work. When it ends, we've hit the 5:00 mark, but the song's not over. There's another refrain of the chorus. Overall, this is a nice song with some great moments. I recommend it to any visual kei fan.
Rating: 8

3. Twins

This song starts with pounding guitar and bass. The guitars are really heavy and scratchy sounding, so you know this song is gonna be loud. This goes on for about 45 seconds, then we get some half-shouted, half-chanted lyrics. The voice (Ling?) sounds very nasal and almost hide-ish. Weird. Then, more guitars, followed by another verse. Under the "hide" voice is a low, growly voice. Then some more guitar/bass, followed by a solo for Yue. This is the high point of the song; it's a very cool solo. I don't really dislike this song, but it's not what I was expecting.
Rating: 6

4. Liar

This is a really, really fast song, but not as "gritty" sounding as the last one. The lyrics start with Silver Ash shouting "You're a fucking liar" over and over. Then, we get to hear Ling actually sing, which is nice. More shouting. You can tell these guys like X Japan. Another sung verse. Ling's voice is so dark and he sounds like he's crying at times. More shouting, this time just the word "Liar". Ling does one of those Due le'Quartz Miyabi screams, then there's a guitar solo. It's another good one too, particularly because it's so fast. I like Yue a lot. Then the song ends.
Rating: 7

5. Seduction

When this song starts, I always think of someone in a trance; that's how Ling sounds. The lyrics are in English, but good luck deciphering them. The accompaniment drops out for a bit, then we move on to the Chinese section, which features guitar and bass and all the other things absent at the beginning. This is a mid-tempo kind of song, very dark and goth-y. It is kind of seductive, in a creepy way. Of course, there's a guitar solo around 2:40. Then there's the sound of a Polaroid camera taking pictures. Of what, I wonder? There's a rap section at the end. Weird, but it works. This is one of my favorite SA songs. I really enjoy Ling's pleading vocals, and the way the song builds as it moves along.
Rating: 9

6. Sleep

This is probably my very favourite SA song. It starts with Ling singing along with some chimes and scant percussion. Very dark, but it does feel like a lullaby. The bridge between the verse and the chorus has a wonderful cadence, and Ling uses his falsetto to great effect. The chorus gives him a chance to really show off his range. After that, we get to hear some nice guitarwork by Yue, the kind of screaming notes that I love the most. The mood grows more mournful, but also louder, and then suddenly it goes almost silent. After the following verse, there are some strange speaking voices accompanied by guitar chords. Yes, this is all a little odd, but in a wonderful way. It's also extremely melodic. You'll be able to hum along after one listen. Oh, yes... another guitar solo. Maybe that's why this song is my favourite; it has two. hehehe Scoring this song on just atmosphere and mood, I'd have to give it a ten. A great piece of work.
Rating: 10

7. Never End

This is the one song I really didn't feel like reviewing. Not that it's bad... but it's not rock. It's not "visual" sounding at all. It sounds like one of those ballads they play in Chinese restaurants while you're chowing down on General Tso's chicken. I'm not trying to be mean, but it's the truth. The whole thing is pretty much Ling, a piano, and some average percussion. To be fair, Ling sings quite prettily, and has a lot of emotion in his voice. (His falsetto is a bit off, though. The notes seem to be a little too high for him.) It just doesn't jive with SA's other songs. It's sounds 80s-esque and just... wrong. I expect big, sweeping ballads from VK bands, not this. Yue's guitar solo helps a little bit, but ONLY a little. Please, if you hear this SA song first, don't judge them by it. It is NOT representative of their other work.
Rating: 5

8. Lunar Eclipse

This song starts with piano, but unlike "Never End," it does not suck. The piano part is lovely... it would make Yoshiki proud. Then, the song suddenly explodes with bass and percussion and Yue's guitar screaming. Ah, it's almost nostalgic of the great old VK bands. For the verses, things get quiet, but retain a lot of energy. The chorus is my favorite part; the melody is great, and the whole band just sounds so together. It sounds almost like someone took Due le'Quartz and X Japan, threw them in a blender, and this is the result. It's that good. The song wouldn't be complete without a guitar solo, and this is the best one yet. Yue's fingers must just have been flying. In the middle of his solo, everything slows down, only to build into another fast section. I'm amazed at how smooth Ling's voice sounds; it's like he's floating over the background instruments. Whoo, it's a great song. And it ends with the piano, bringing everything full circle. It's epic, grand, and a masterpiece. ^_^
Rating: 10

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10