Over the Edge 2011/2012

With an empty stage, and empty energy reserves and bellies, the crowd vacated the hall for the short dinner break before returning with new determination to see the night through to the new year and beyond. Once most of the crowd had returned, Sadie’s sound-check “Ice Romancer” welcomed them back, quickly building expectations for the second half of the event.

Sadie

Chanting in the darkness welcomed Sadie to the stage until a hot opening riff began with Mizuki clapping to encourage the crowd. Bass-heavy, “Rosario” began the set with dramatic flair as Mao spread his arms wide with arched back while the instrumental raged on around him. The cult theme gave way to the heavy opening of “Meisai,” guitarist Mizuki spinning into the guitar line. Singing down in his lower register, Mao was drowned out by the music but won out when he switched up the octave and when he asked the crowd for their voices, they responded by yelling over the blasting sound, calming for the pretty chorus tune. They were completely grabbed by the number and top notch performance, continuing on so through “Grieving the dead soul” as drummer Kei slashed mercilessly at the cymbals.

Having just completed their first oneman at the venue two days prior, Sadie were on a performance high and continued rolling through the set without stopping for pointless chatter. The speedy “Cry More” had the crowd dancing with Mizuki hopping from foot to foot, fit for the clubs while Tsurugi jumped around in circles. The two switched places, bassist Aki joining Tsurugi up front while Mizuki danced for the other half of the crowd. On his way back to stage right, the guitarist shared a mic with Mao, adding in death voice between the vocalist’s sung notes. Circling around and back to work off the number, Mao screamed “LAST!” the final number, “Kagerou” really blasted the bass during the verse, contrasted with a great, high-tuned chorus. “Let’s hear you!” Mao pressed, the fans living up to expectations and matching Mizuki’s amplified screams. Totally caught up in the number, Tsurugi cut his throat as he crossed himself in religious mockery. “You’re alive, right?” Mao confirmed, answering the crowd’s cries by pouring his spirit into every yell of the number. When it ended, he stood before the crowd, out of breath. “Raise your hands!” he ordered. “Raise your voices!” Mizuki followed up with a huge shout. “Thank you, Tokyo! See you next year!” Last onstage, Aki made one last bow and clapped over his head in appreciation.

Set list

1. Rosario
2. Meisai
3. Grieving the dead soul
4. Cry More
5. Kagerou