DIO – Distraught Overlord announce new single, new look & interview

DIO – Distraught Overlord vocalist Mikaru announced on his blog today that DIO will be releasing their new single Byakuya ni Moyuru Hana. This single is live limited to DIO’s 10th Anniversary Tour and will be sold at each venue–yes that includes all of their European tour dates!

Prior to the news of their new single, Mikaru posted on his Facebook page that he had a gift for Distraught Overlord fans, which was later revealed to be the release of a new single. This is a one-track single with lyrics and CD design by Mikaru, and composed by guitarist, Erina.

This single comes six years after their last release, COMA GOLD, released back in May 2009. Even though DIO stated that they had no plans for after the tour–implying this being a one-off comeback for their 10th Anniversary tour–it does give fans hope that new music may lead to a longer and more permanent comeback. So show your support for DIO in any way possible, go to their live show(s), purchase the new single and continue to spread the “darkness” for others to admire, and lets hope they shall stay around for longer.

Along with their new single also comes a new look. The members have obviously grown and changed over the past six years of being apart, so it’s only right to show their fresh new look for the single and upcoming tour. 

Six years have passed since Visual Kei band Dio-distraught overlord- stood on stage for the last time. This spring they will be back and even European fans will get the chance to see the band live!
In April the band will come back together for French concert agency B7Klan's 10th anniversary as well as to celebrate that 10 years ago the members of Dio themselves performed together for the first time. Before kicking off the coupling tour with THE DIRTRUCKS we got the chance to ask Dio a few questions:

This is our first interview with Dio, so please introduce yourself! Mikaru: I’m vocal Mikaru. I’ve just returned from hell. After a long time I want to drink human blood again, so I came back to this world. I’m hungry.

Dio disbanded in 2010. When did you decide to return for this limited period of time? Did anyone decide first to have a revival and contacted the other members then? Mikaru: I’m friends with the boss of B7Klan for more than 10 years now. He asked me and one minute later I decided that I want to do it and contacted the other members. I had no doubt about doing it.

Did the others decide right away as well that they want to do it? Mikaru: I contacted the members and received their approval right away! Even now all Dio members are like a family. Our hearts are connected.

Kei-san, after Dio’s disbanding you retired from the music scene. How do you feel about thinking of standing on stage once again? Kei: To return to a world you’ve left it takes a lot of time and the right opportunity. Having rehearsals in the studio with these members once again feels so good, as if nothing has changed since that time. The other four members have improved, so I thought I just want to do as much as I’m able to do. Standing on stage after so many years again makes me happy and I’m looking forward to it. I want to make it an awesome tour ( ´∀｀ )b

The other members joined other bands or started new projects or bands after Dio’s disbanding. But those bands play quite different music than the one of Dio. How is it to return to those heavy Visual Kei songs Dio composed? Mikaru: The origin of our band life is heavy music. We became what we are now thanks to Dio. It feels like returning home.

Is there a difference to your European tour in 2009 and the one now? What has changed for you personally? Mikaru: Our skills and performance improved since last time. We’ll show you an even more powerful Dio. Please look forward to it!

After this European tour you will give one live in Japan. Foreigners as well as Japanese fans have waited years for a revival of Dio but is there a difference for you? For example, are you more nervous to stand in front of your Japanese fans after such a long time than in front of your European fans? Or is it the other way round? Mikaru: Speaking of concerts, the feeling is the same everywhere. If you’re asking for a difference, it’s the taste of blood. European blood is fruity, Japanese blood is a bit sweet.

Did you compose new songs for this revival? And will you wear your stage outfits from back then? Mikaru: Since it’s the 10th anniversary we’ve composed a new song. I think it became a song that makes you feel Dio. The outfits are different for each member but for me my demon wings are the best ever. Everyone who wants to fly to the sky with me, grab for my body!

Thinking back of the European tour in the past, what do you remember the best? Mikaru: We as well as the fans were absolutely crazy. We didn’t think about anything, became one and just enjoyed the time. It was the best.

Except for the lives, what do you want to do in Europe? Mikaru: I want to hold a blood party. Please wear sexy outfits, so that I can bite you easily.

In the end, please give a message to Dio’s oversea fans and Jpopasia’s readers! Mikaru: First of all, Jpopasia, thank you for this interview. We’d be happy if all of you, the readers as well as the staff, come to our lives.
And to our fans, thank you for waiting such a long time. We’re happy that we’ll be able to meet you again. Let’s make it a night that will go down in history!
And again, thank you for interviewing us!

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!

Unfortunately the Finnish live got cancelled, so the tour starts with the live on April 9th in Paris and the tour final will be held on 17th in Munich.