In just under a week Japanese metal band DIR EN GREY will return to America for scant few shows. One of those shows will thankfully be in San Francisco on Wednesday, November 4. It is presented by Goldenvoice.

Slim's is the venue of choice this time around which deviates from their previous pattern of using the Regency Ballroom which has been their home for all Bay Area concerts since at least 2009. Expect things to get a lot more up-close and personal due to the smaller size; if you want a prime position make sure to arrive early. We've previously covered shows by May'n and Stereopony at Slim's but this marks the first time a Japanese band as heavy as DIR EN GREY has showed up. Many European and American bands have played at Slim's throughout the ages so metal is definitely in the venue's blood.

The band has titled this tour as "NEVER FREE FROM THE AWAKENING." Their latest album, "ARCHE" was released December 2014 so you can consider this tour the American support. The album continues DIR EN GREY's ever-evolving sound as masterminded by frontman Kyo whose vocals range from clean to screams to guttural growls and howls only describable as "animalistic" and "otherworldly." Backed up by guitarists Die and Kaoru, bassist Toshiya, and drummer Shinya (who also models for Japanese fashion brand h.NAOTO) they have gained quite a fanbase who is sure to show up in force. "ARCHE" is a melodic, haunting album that transcends into thrash that exhibits everything you expect from the band and then some. It explores the concept of pain and is an introspective representation of the band's journey as well as their future. Their live shows serve to expand upon the music and add another layer of complexity with one memorable part from 2013’s “GHOUL” tour being Kyo performing with his back to the audience and a mic-mounted camera projecting his face onto a giant video screen. I’m curious to see what they have planned for Slim’s.

Tickets for the Slim's show are available at http://www.slimspresents.com/?post_type=events&p=12267

Doors open at 7PM with the show at 8PM. It's a one-man live so expect about two hours. Tickets are $29.50 in advance, $32 at the show.

The full list of American shows is as follows:

11/2 Seattle, WA - The Showbox
11/4 San Francisco, CA - Slim's
11/5 Los Angeles, CA - The Mayan
11/7 Mexico City, MX - Plaza Condesa
11/9 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
11/11 New York, NY - Gramercy Theater
11/13 Toronto, ON (CA) - The Opera House