GLAY Release 18th Album "Tabisuru Riyuu wo Machingara"
After two years of silence, legendary Japanese rock act GLAY has returned with Tabisuru Riyuu wo Machingara (Waiting for a Reason to Travel), their 18th studio album and the first major statement since completing their landmark 30th anniversary celebrations.
For those unfamiliar: GLAY emerged from the Visual Kei underground in the mid-1990s to become one of Japan’s biggest rock exports. With their cinematic production, anthemic songwriting, and theatrical presentation, they’ve maintained a devoted global fanbase across three decades. This album arrives as a philosophical reset—a moment where leader TAKURO and the band have deliberately questioned their own working methods.
Traditionally, GLAY would write material, record it, then debut songs on tour. This time, they’ve reversed the process entirely—composing, rehearsing in the studio, and road-testing tracks live before capturing the final versions. TAKURO’s rationale is refreshingly honest: in a rapidly shifting entertainment landscape, the band needed to rediscover what actually matters to them rather than default to old formulas.
The 15-track album spans impressive stylistic ground. Guitarist HISASHI contributes the gritty, mixtuire-heavy “Kitanakatta Eiyuu” (Soiled Hero), while bassist JIRO provides the title track—a pop-oriented centerpiece that gives the album its thematic anchor. Track listing includes standouts like “EXOFIRE,” “INAZUMA,” and a striking collaboration between TAKURO and singer Shoji Oda on “Higanzakura.”
Available in three formats—G-Direct limited edition with CD/Blu-ray (¥12,100), standard CD+DVD (¥6,710), and CD-only (¥3,850)—the deluxe version includes live footage from January’s Lawson 50th Anniversary show and special video content featuring voice actors from the anime Ace of Diamond.
GLAY kicks off their “EXOFIRE” Arena Tour in November across all major Japanese cities through February 2027.
Head to GLAY’s official site for the full interview with TAKURO, pre-orders, and tour ticketing. Stream the album across all digital platforms via the official link.