DEZERT Launch "study" Tour: Reconstructing Early Classics
DEZERT kicked off their first-ever touring iteration of the “study” series in May, a concept that’s defined the Tokyo Visual Kei outfit’s relationship with their catalog since 2018. This time, the band is taking it on the road—and they’re bringing the intensity with them.
For those unfamiliar with DEZERT, the quartet has spent 15 years building a reputation for grotesque imagery, abrasive soundscapes, and an almost confrontational relationship with their audience. They’re the kind of band that makes you feel something uncomfortable in the best way possible. The “study” series gives them space to excavate deeper cuts and revisit albums that shaped their identity, and this year’s edition focuses on two early records: 2013–2014’s 特製・脳味噌絶倫スープ ~生クリーム仕立て and タイトルなし.
The May 22 show at Tokyo’s Ebisu The Garden Hall opened with “Human Soupe,” an unsettling soundscape that threw the crowd immediately into DEZERT’s world of unsettling textures and heavy pressure. Vocalist 千秋 unleashed a barrage of long death growls by the third minute, establishing that this wasn’t going to be a nostalgic victory lap—it was a visceral reexamination. Tracks like “嘔吐” and “メリーさんの自殺未遂” escalated the intensity, though the band balanced raw aggression with moments of melodic vulnerability, particularly on “「軽蔑」,” where clean vocals and refined harmonies undercut the chaos.
What made this show special wasn’t just the setlist—it was DEZERT’s commitment to engagement. Between songs, 千秋 called out the seated section for holding back, insisting that live music exists beyond genre and etiquette. By the time the encore rolled around, the band shared backstage stories that humanized their early years: SORAhoarding spare CDs at home, debates over whether 脳みそくん should be formal or casual, and Miyako’s enigmatic appearance during the “White and Black” era.
The tour continues through July across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. For Western fans curious about where Japanese Visual Kei’s darker edge comes from, this is essential viewing.
Tour dates and ticket information are available through DEZERT’s official channels.