It’s amazing to think that just two years ago, the Golden Week Goth pickings were pretty slim. Sure, there were parties, but lots of Goths had joined the mindless hordes returning to their home towns. But last year, things were definitely chirpier and this year the number of events hint at general insanity for Goths, alts and etceteras with a brace of events in Tokyo, a trio in Osaka and even one in Kobe (sorry Nagoyans, you will have to wait a couple of weeks…) Okay, it’s late, but here’s an overview.

Tokyo

:: Sat. 28 April
:: Smash it up nite @ Chop
A tribute night for The Damned! Not necessarily a Goth night, but with performances from Seaside Suicide and The Cranks it promises to be an insane experience.

:: Sun. 29 April
:: St. Warpulgis Nacht #07 @ Urga Shinjuku
This is Goth… Totally freaking Goth. Featuring Agent Murder, Aural Vampire, Destruct System and more, this all-night event is destined for greatness. Get your ass out to this if at all humanly possible!

:: Mon. 30 April
:: Club Inferno @ Bar Shifty Shibuya
A super-cool DJ’d event from Khimaira and co. The event usually takes place on Sundays, but this month it will be on Monday.

:: Fri. 4 May
:: Rowthe & 101A in G’s Funeral @ Chop Ikebukuro
A general event offering a smooth mix of hard spiritual and alt rock. It might not be Goth, but should be very good.

:: Fri. 4 May
:: Beat Beast @ Yotsuya Outbreak
Another good alt event with Super Boss M10, Soulsource and a stack of other acts, including Neurotic Doll Neu! doing DJ.

:: Sat. 5 May
:: Electrock #22 @ Urga Shinjuku
Hard electronicka and rock edging towards the darkside. Tonight features the talents of Nicht, Calmando Qual, Red Mecca and Japanese Babies. And Mr. Neu! will be doing some more spinning. This is a great start for those thinking about invading Tokyo Dark Castle later in the night!

:: Sat. 5 May
:: Tokyo Dark Castle @ Marz Shinjuku
The final nail in the Golden Week coffin in Tokyo is also the hottest. TDC will be delivering Baal, Auto-Mod, Lloy Destruct System and more. This event will be harder than average, so you can expect to expend any remaining energy you have and walk away satisfied with your Golden Week.

Osaka

:: Sat. 28 April
:: Switch BladerZ + 9 more in No Money Night @ King Cobra
10 Live bands?!! I admit to only knowing Switch BladerZ with this event, but their brand of psychobilly is just awesome. Speed-balling, gamboling and just freaking crazy. The other bands seem to rank highly on the frenetic scale, so be prepared for an insane night.

:: Fri. 4 May
:: Black Veil 7th Anniversary :: Neo Osaka
Osaka’s biggest Goth event led by Territory-D’s Taiki (that is all you need to know!). Expect the world to go insane, but make sure you get dressed up for the night (strict dress code applies).

:: Sun. 6 May
:: Dark Electr-O @ Socio Osaka
Industrial madness attacks as Rieu heads across to Osaka to unleash Despair upon you! Also features some great grinding electronic-industrial from Sunao Inami and Kenji Kinoshi’s side project Baki-Sho-Ji.

Kobe

:: Sat. 5 May
:: Dark Electr-O @ Otoya Kobe
Industrial madness attacks as Rieu heads across to Osaka to unleash Despair upon you! Also features some great grinding electronic-industrial from Sunao Inami and Kenji Kinoshi’s side project Baki-Sho-Ji.

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