It seems like all the members of Dir en grey are branching out and, not to be left behind, Toshiya has announced the start of a new clothing line.  Called DIRT 100% Natural Dirty, the line is designed to be unisex casual with an emphasis on everyday wear.  There are already a few things up for preorder on the OHP so check it out and let us know what you think.

After the dismissal of their MIA vocalist KNIGHT, SLINGER has announced they will go on indefinite hiatus following their final live which takes place today, July 27.  They had previously expressed their desire to continue despite their vocalist’s dismissal, but it seems it’s easier said than done.  They give no concrete reason, only alluding to their lineup issues, but urge you to keep an eye on their official SoMe accounts for updates.

Vampire has also announced an indefinite hiatus following their final live on August 8 at Ikebukuro Black Hole.  Though they are calling it a hiatus, drummer Rouji says it will likely be their last live as Vampire.  As some of you probably know, the group has broken up already once before and, while they had hopes to revive the band with a new lineup, it seems that just won’t be possible.

On to better news, Dog in the PWO have announced a new single scheduled for September.  Called Meteorite, the single releases September 9 in three types.  There’s not much more information available than that, but keep an eye on the release calendar for track listings once they are released.

You guys know I love GALLO, right?  Well, I love them even more right about now.  GALLO has revamped their ohp and added a brand new web shop.  Why is this important?  It ships internationally!  That’s right, kids.  All of their releases, including some live-limited ones, are available in their webshop along with all the typical tour goods like photo sets, buttons, etc.  All communication is still in Japanese, but it looks simple enough to order.  So….DO IT!

The Gazette are getting ready to shoot the PV for their new single and they’ve called out to the fans for help!  They are recruiting Heresy members as extras for a Live scene.  The group has already received a ton of applications and participants will be chosen via lottery, so if you are in Japan and a Heresy member, make sure to hurry up and throw your name in the hat for a chance to participate in the Gazette’s latest project.

Kiyoharu has announced the release of his 8th solo album scheduled for sometime in October.  No details yet on this release, but he has also announced a lengthy tour following the release.  Called Tenshi no Uta, the tour starts December 23 at Yokohama Bay Hall and runs all the way through March 20, 2016 at Fukuoka DRUM LOGOS.  Keep an eye on the release calendar and ohp for further details.

Serial⇔NUMBER has announced their triumphant return with the addition of three new members.  Guitarist Tao, Bassist Guy, and Drummer PAPA will join vocalist Sasaki Jin to fill out the group.  They already have several live performances scheduled, including an appearance at [beauty;tricker] ~Shibuya ga Taihen music festival on August 10 with a whole slew of other bands.  Go check them out and let us know what you think of the new crew!

We’ll finish it off with a New Band Alert that fans of Crimson Shiva will love.  Called simply Shiva, the group consists of Crimson Shiva members Tokiya, Asuka and Shinji with ex-REBELLION bassist Natsuki and drummer Ruka filling out the line.   Live appearances start in August and you can pick up a freebie one-track CD called BELIEVER at Zeal Link.  The first official single hits shelves on September 2, so make sure to grab it!

And, that’s the Quickie!  Was it good for you?