Author: Otaku no Culture

Leo Ieiri’s 4th Album “We” Hits Retail Shelves Today!

LeoIeiriPetsBy James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

The 4th full-length album of J-pop artist Leo Ieiri, “We,” hits retail shelves in Japan today and it has the song “Brand New Tomorrow” — the Japanese theme to Illumination Entertainment’s upcomng animated movie The Secret Life of Pets. The movie will open August 11th in Japan.

The film is about a terrier named Max who enjoys his freedom while his owner is away from home. But this dog’s life is turned upside down when said owner takes in Duke, a stray mutt who manages to stir up Max’s cozy lifestyle.

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Babymetal Battles Evil Spirits in New Music Video ‘Karate’

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

Babymetal2Japanese metal/J-pop fusion group Babymetal have released the second track in video form from their upcoming album ‘Metal Resistance’. ‘Karate’ sees the teenage trio in a martial arts showdown to the death against three skull-masked adversaries. In order to defeat their foes the girls have to first fight the spirits of deceased warriors that are called up to protect their mistresses. In a battle that can only be compared to a Dragon Ball Z episode, Babymetal almost tastes defeat from the encounter. It is only after picking themselves up off the ground they call upon the power of the Fox god. With a new force flowing through them each girl uses a unique power to dispatch their enemies,

“Karate” has a very heavy and dark feel and it’s reinforced with grinding guitar riffs that will have you banging your head along to the music. The release of ‘Metal Resistance’ will be followed by a World tour to kick off at the Tokyo Dome on what Babymetal has called “Fox Day” (April 1st). April 2nd will see the group perform at the SSE Arena, Wembley in London, England followed by a New York concert at the PlayStation Theater on May 4th.

‘Metal Resistance’ can be purchased in advance at Babymetal’s Official Merchandise Store.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvD3CHA48pA&w=560&h=315%5D
 
Babymetal was formed in 2010 and includes members Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal), Yui Mizuno (Yuimetal), and Moa Kikuchi (Moametal). Babymetal and it’s band are managed by Amuse, Inc.

PS4 Transformers: Devastation Bundle To be Released in China

TransformersDevastationAccording to multiple media sites, Mainland China will see the release of a Transformers: Devastation PS4 bundle. There will be two versions of the bundle available representing the Transformer factions. The Decepticon bundle will come in black while the Autbots will be available white. Boxart for the bundles will reflect their respective factions. The game of Devastation will come packaged in a steelbook and will be in Simplified Chinese, localized by PlatinumGames.

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Earth, Wind & Fire Founder & Gatchaman Music Producer, Maurice White, Dies

White’s work in Earth, Wind & Fire will be honoured posthumously at the Grammy Awards where the band will be given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Ceremony’s February 15th broadcast.

Maurice White Concert Footage
Bruce W. Talamon, ©1980

ARRMaurice White — the founder of soul group Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) and music producer for the three-part 1994 Gatchaman OVA series — has died. White’s brother Verdine posted earlier today on EWF’s official Facebook:

“My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”

White died in his sleep in Los Angeles, California on Thursday morning and he was 74. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1992 but his condition got worse over the last year

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2016 the Year of Babymetal: New Album and World Tour

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

Babymetal2J-pop-metal music trio Babymetal has confirmed their second album will be released through earMUSIC on April 1 of next year. The day of release has been branded ‘Fox Day’ and is normally seen in Japan as a day for renewal. The Japanese Government begins their fiscal year on April 1st and that is a date many corporations form or merge. It is also the time children start their school year.

Babymetal will be backing their latest release with a world tour that will include a concert in London‘s SSE Arena, Wembley on April 2nd and a headline show at Tokyo Dome in Japan — with dates to be confirmed in the new year.

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The Winter/Spring Conventions of the Pacific Northwest

Beginning in late January 2014 will be the great Pacific Northwest Convention face-off.

supers over the PN

Beginning in late January 2014 will be the great Pacific Northwest Convention face-off. Fans of everything geek who think they can attend most of the conventions may well consider this season to be the great pan-pacific drain instead. All that hard earned money will be spent for some interesting goodies and fun times, but as for which cons are worth attending will be based on personal interests.

Fans hoping for another opportunity to get an autograph or photo with their favourite stars can get another chance at another nearby show. For example, Cassandra Peterson, Stan Lee and Bruce Campbell most likely have contracts for the 2014 year with organizations like Hobbystar Entertainment and similar businesses like Heroes for Hire or Creation Con to appear at more shows to bring fans in. So, the chances are good to see them at another con, if people are willing to travel farther to get their nerd on.

Online purchasing of tickets are available for all these shows, and here is a rundown of the contenders and what they offer:

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