Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
Japanese heavy-metalists X Japan released an acoustic version of their powerful and dramatic ballad “La Venus.”
The song in its original form was written for the end credits of the X Japan doc We Are X, and in bandleader Yoshiki’s mind, is one of the band’s most impressive and special.
“This could be X Japan’s signature song for the next era…that could be my favorite,” he says.
But today, the band released a stripped back, alternate acoustic version of the song which will be released as part of the official We Are X soundtrack (out March 3rd). Somehow, without the drums or other instruments, the song is becomes even more powerful. With only Yohsiki’s piano and swelling orchestral strings, listeners can focus closely on singer Toshi as he powerfully belts out the memorable hook “Till we die, I’ll be loving you dear/Till we fly from here to heaven.”
The documentary itself (released in 2016) tracks the band’s career over a three-decade period, highlighting the suicide of one member, former guitarist Hide, as well as the “brainwashing” of singer Toshi by a religious cult.
Following the release of the soundtrack in March, X Japan will headline London’s SSE Arena at Wembley and We Are X is scheduled for a Blu-ray and DVD release this April 25.
Give the song a listen below and get your playlists ready for the release in less than two weeks.
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