DIR EN GREY FIGHT FOR THE TRUTH

“The earthquake this March took the lives of many people, including many DIR EN GREY supporters. Now, in many places throughout the country, high radiation levels have been detected; everyone including ourselves has been exposed to the radiation and there are even some who say the contamination is so bad we are at risk to not be able to travel to the USA and other countries in the future."

On March 11th, awe-inspiring band DIR EN GREY, were in the midst of Recording their latest Album, at which point the Earthquake struck. Following many power shortages, transport chaos, and complications, the 5-member band were filled with Doubt.  Asking questions such as, "Can we complete this album?", "Would it be right to continue?", and "Are we capable of completing it in such a time?".  The entire Japanese population shared a unified sense of grief, doubt, and fear. This included the band, a band loved, and held close by many, regardless of country. At that point, the band decided to continue. DIR EN GREY had one goal.. To give hope to those suffering in Japan, and provoke positive thoughts in both fans in Japan, and other countries alike.

The band announced the Title, "DUM SPIRO SPERO", a Latin-term, meaning "While I breath, I hope.", a Title truely reflecting the emotions held by all fans. Hope.

"August 3rd 2011 is the release date of our new album DUM SPIRO SPERO. This normally would have been a wonderful day where our work was to be released out into the world. However, there are still many people in Japan suffering from the disaster and so with the intention of self-restraint, we will to refrain from words of joy on this occasion.
But we cannot stop moving forward due to this. We are currently in Japan now; however it is unclear to what extent the government’s statements are correct, and to be honest, no one really knows what is going on in Japan right now. The safety regulations for safe level of radiation exposure keep getting increased higher and higher, yet the only official announcement is that “there is no effect on health.” We can no longer tell whether we are a democratic nation. Unless you are careful with your words, you will be taken down with significant force. At this point we do not have the ability to truly find out what is occurring in our own country.

 However, we want to know the truth. People are able to overcome huge obstacles and problems if they know the truth.

In the album title “While I Breath I Hope,” and our music video “DIFFERENT SENSE” that we released just prior to the album, our sense of wanting to take action that will lead to a breakthrough in the current situation is reflected.

The beginnings of something as significant as the velvet revolution are said to have been in the “Prague Spring” which was started by a rallying of people of culture.

 For all of you who have read this, we ask that you do what you can to support us in our search for the truth."

An ocean starts with the first drop of water, but you need a hell of a lot of drops to make a puddle into an ocean. Now is our moment to return a feeling of hope. Even if we don't achieve our goal, if the band are aware of the effort put behind our aid.. They will gain alot from that alone.  

In Unison, we are capable of so much. Let's all try our best, and rage on with this determination. In the name of truth, and in the name of hope.