Tengaku

Wagakki Band's song 'Tengaku' is a powerful anthem that delves into themes of self-discovery, breaking free from constraints, and the raw, unfiltered expression of one's true self. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person trapped in a state of confusion and stagnation, symbolized by the lines 'ここはどこだ 僕は誰だと吠える' (Where is this place? Who am I?). This sense of being lost is further emphasized by the imagery of a summer that goes unnoticed, representing missed opportunities and a life not fully lived.

The song's chorus, with its striking metaphor of '衝動の刃が 世界を砕く' (the blade of impulse shattering the world), speaks to the explosive power of breaking free from one's limitations. The protagonist questions their inaction and hesitation, asking 'なぜ歩き出さないの' (Why don't you start walking?) and 'なぜ作り上げないの' (Why don't you create?). These rhetorical questions highlight the internal struggle and the realization that true change requires action and courage.

Musically, 'Tengaku' is a fusion of traditional Japanese instruments and modern rock elements, a signature style of Wagakki Band. This blend of old and new mirrors the song's theme of breaking free from the past while embracing one's true identity. The final lines, '今咲き誇る 狂色の刃が 世界を飾る' (Now the blooming blade of madness decorates the world), encapsulate the triumphant and transformative power of self-expression. The song encourages listeners to embrace their impulses and create their own path, even if it means shattering the world as they know it.