Idol'ween: Welcome to the Halloween March - Let's Trick or Treat in Halloween Junky Orchestra's 'Halloween Party' (Pic Spam Review)

It's time to awaken the spirits and begin the Halloween festivities! Are you ready to walk alongside those who haunt the night this Halloween night?

Way back when in the year of 2012 when you could go to a party and enjoy your time there without having to worry about restrictions, HYDE created the incredible Halloween Junky Orchestra. Made up of various artists and musicians, this incredible group donned their costumes to sing the iconic Halloween Party, a song that I fell in love with upon its release and have continued to adore 8 years on.

As both a song and music video Halloween Party holds a special place in my heart because, whilst it was not my first spooky themed review on this blog, It was a part of my first ever Halloween series of PV reviews on this blog. I also adore this music video a great deal because it embodies the fun and spook-factor of Halloween beautifully, and is visually appealing as well. It's incredible, and I have actually wanted to come back and review it now that I am older and a little less juvenile in my writing, and also because I use gifs in my PV reviews these days, which was a big part of my reasoning for coming back to this review: I can now fully express why I love a scene and its motion, and I can also capture the true beauty of Halloween Party without restriction

That, and I simply wanted to revisit this music video. It's just too good to ignore this time of the year.

So with this music video I will end this years series of Idol'ween reviews with one of the most reliable Halloween PV's out there. It's definitely a favourite of mine and will be one of those videos that I continue to watch not only for the visuals, but because it makes me happy and fills me with Halloween spirit.

Bring out the candy and put on your costumes dearest readers, because it's time to revel in mischief and fun. Let the festivities begin!

Idol'ween: The Magic Of A Moonlit Night - Casting A Spell with STARMARIE in 'Kimi to Hitori Getsuya ni Utau' (Pic Spam Review)

On this night before All Hallow's Eve the idol group called STARMARIE cast a magic spell, one that would enchant its viewers the longer they viewed this spellbinding video...

It's the night before Halloween, a time for us to prepare the finishing touches on our costumes, the decorations that surround our houses, or perhaps the last chance we have to buy the last few handfuls of candy to give out to those who may be trick-or-treating tomorrow eve. For those who do not want to go out or invite strangers to our doorstep however, it may be the evening that we wind down and relax in front of the television to watch some scary movies, or something a little lighter.

In today's pre-Halloween review we will be doing just that with STARMARIE's Kimi to Hitori Getsuya ni Utau, a lighter music video that will ease you into the Halloween spirit thanks to its magical feeling and the beauty that it holds in its visuals. Acting as a much deserved break from the heavier music videos that we have watched before now, it is time to allow STARMARIE to invite you into their own world of magic and fantasy as they walk through the wooded graveyards and call upon the spirits to guide them.

Now it's time to wind down together and enjoy something that focuses on its beauty as opposed to its storyline, because whilst it is fun to focus on the horrific and ghoulish aspects of Halloween, it is also nice to be taken in by its simplicity. So, without further ado, let us enter into the beautiful world of STARMARIE and bask in the light of their magic.

Let's go down to the woods today...~

Idol'ween: Falling Victim to the Depths of Despair - Trapped in NECRONOMIDOL's Horrific 'santa sangre' (Pic Spam Review)

!! CONTENT WARNING !!

The Music Video and its images that have been reviewed on this post contains scenes of a violent and harrowing nature, and as such must be viewed with discretion. Images include depictions of physical violence, death, blood and su*c*de, so viewer discretion is once again advised.

When you are trapped with no hope of escape, what measures will you take to finally be free...

To reiterate, this music video contains upsetting and potentially triggering imagery, and is not for the faint of heart. With its dark story line and horror-film feel, NECRONOMIDOL have gone one step further in their quest to deliver spooky, unnerving content in the form of santa sangre.

With complete honesty and transparency I will say that I did have a struggle regarding whether or not I should review this. Granted, this would not be the first time that I have reviewed a heavy, upsetting music video - I reviewed DEEP GIRL'S I kill, after all - but even santa sangre took me by surprise and made me question whether I should even watch it again, let alone review it. With that said, I wasn't given a heads up when I first viewed it: There was no trigger warning on this music video, after all. At the beginning or in its description, there is absolutely nothing to indicate that this music video and its contents are horrific and trigger-heavy.

And that was partly why I was hesitant to review this, because whilst I think it is a well done video, it is very discomforting and will upset quite a few people who do not like the subjects depicted in santa sangre. Of course I consider it a good music video, one that will certainly please fans of horror and gore, but I would never head into this kind of review without the appropriate warnings in place, and I would never wish for someone to stumble upon this and have the absolute shock I had when I first watched it. So, whilst I do think that it is an appropriate video to review for the Halloween season, it certainly needs the appropriate warnings before people read on or watch it.

So, to reiterate all over again: This music video and the following review must must must be viewed with discretion. Due to containing scenes and imagery of a violent, upsetting nature, readers and viewers must take caution. Do not read this review or watch the aforementioned review if you are sensitive to physical violence, images of blood, depictions of death, etc.

If you feel that you are ready to read on, then let's move forward my dear readers. But beware of what you might uncover, because you may find yourself falling into the depths of despair once this is all over...

Idol'ween: Origin of A Curse - Trapped in A Nightmare with Dreamcatcher's 'Fly High' (Pic Spam Review)

There will never be a true escape if you allow your nightmares to consume you, but as long as you wake up you can keep the scariest of dreams at bay for a moment of peace...

Continuing our journey to All Hallow's Eve, it's time to go back to the beginning and understand the origins of a curse placed upon seven girls long ago. Once innocent and filled with life, the members of Dreamcatcher soon found themselves pulled into the world of Nightmares, a place so dark and consuming that it becomes harder to escape with each passing day.

Similar to our last review it is time to enter into another realm, but this time it is a world that we can all fall into if we are not careful. A place that you can only enter when asleep, it seems as simple as waking up to escape, and if you have the means to exit this world then please, take it take it and fly further away from the Nightmare that tries to consume you each and every night.

Yet if you neglect to take that chance your wings will be clipped and the door that was once open will close behind you, never to open again...

It's time to return to the mesmerising and dangerous world of Dreamcatcher once again in this years Idol'ween series, but this time we will focus on Fly High. Acting as the root of the story that we have all come to know and love, it is time to indulge in the ethereal, haunting beauty that is Dreamcatcher's Fly High. The question is, are you ready to fall into the nightmare to learn about the curse and how it all began?

Let's step into this new world and find out, but beware that the doors don't close themselves behind you...

Idol'ween: Bleeding Into The Realm Of Reality 10 Years Later - Pulling the Plug in AKB48's 'Beginner' (Pic Spam Review)

WARNING: This pic-spam review and its accompanying Music Video contain scenes of violence, as well as depictions of death. Images of blood are also featured in the video, so if you are sensitive to these kinds of images, please do not read on or watch the following music video. Thank you in advance.

There are just some games that allow you to have a scream of a time. Right, Acchan..?

Okay, real talk: I did not watch Beginner when it first came out all those years ago, because I was an ignorant baby-wota at the time, one who did not like AKB48 for shallow, unjust reasons. I was a dumb, Hello! Project-biased baby-wota who believed in both groups having an invisible rivalry, and I allowed that ignorance to keep me from watching AKB48's music videos.

Now, 10 years on, I am a little wiser and a lot less prejudiced. I'm still not perfect by any means, but I have since repented and watched what has been considered AKB48's most iconic music video. Yes, it was a bit difficult to find a few years back when I first watched it - it was pulled from public viewing, after all - and whilst I have not watched it as much as others, it stuck in my mind.

Beginner really is as iconic as others made it out to be, and 10 years later it is as powerful as it was back then.

Dramatic, violent and a little bit bloody, AKB48's Beginner is a brutal simulation turned reality piece that is perfect for the Halloween season. With its strong visual presence and dark theme, this is the perfect music video to watch during the month of Spook, or to admire for all of its visual loveliness if you are a fan of music videos. Whatever your reason may be for turning into Beginner, you can be certain that it will entertain you and even run a chill up your spine.

And to reiterate the above warning: Before we head into the heavy pic-spam portion of this review, please be aware that this video contains scenes of violence and depictions of death, as well as images that include blood. If any of these trigger you, please do not read this review, or watch the aforementioned music video. Thank you.

It's time to head into a virtual world that bleeds into reality, but I'm not so sure we are ready to take it on... Everyone: In your position... SET!

Idol'ween: The Strange Case of halca the Scientist - Concocting Mischief in halca's 'Tokitoshite Violence' (Pic Spam Review)

It's time to skirt the fine line between the alternative and reality as we head into a world that would not look out of place during the Halloween season...

The world we live in is an uncertain, often strange place, and what makes it even stranger is the possibility of other worlds and alternate versions of ourselves. Of course, it is almost impossible to skirt between these worlds... but what if sneezing allowed you to do just that, and enter into a world similar to yours, but completely different?

In today's music video review, we look into the possibilities of entering a new world with halca, who plays with chemicals that not only tickle her nose until she sneezes, but also send her into an alternative reality and another side to herself that she didn't know about! So, prepare to enter a darker, inverted reality that isn't your own in Tokitoshite Violence, a music video that truly embodies the spirit of Halloween despite being released back in May of this year.

In this world where alternative realities collide, it's time to concoct a mischievous experiment that will change your perception of the world around you...

Are you ready to change your surroundings? If so, then let's go!

Idol'ween: The Haunting of Maneki Manor - Entertained by Maneki Kecak's 'Aru wakenai no Sono oku ni' (Pic Spam Review)

I heard a rumour... Apparently it's time to start Idol'ween Week?

Even though the Halloween season will be a little different this year, that does not mean we can skimp out on the festivities that All Hallows Eve provides! So, with that in mind, let's raise our spirits and get our ghoul on with our beloved Idols during these trialing times! And who better to kick off a week of Hallows Eve fun than Maneki Kecak in their spoopy music video, Aru wakenai no sono oku ni?

In truth, I wanted to review this PV last year for Idol'ween '19, but because it came out after I had written up my reviews, I decided to place it on the backburner for Halloween 2020. I absolutely adored this music video last year, and I still love it as much as I did a year ago! It's cute, a little cheesy, and perfect for the Halloween season, and I am beyond delighted that I will be sharing it with you, screen captions and all, this year!

So to start this week of Idols and Halloween, it's time to float into the first review with Maneki Kecak as we check out Aru wakenai no sono oku ni! Let's head into the house together and see what lies in wait for us. But, I heard something odd about this house... People say that it's haunted? Oh, whatever, let's just go in and see for ourselves! It can't be that bad, right?

Just don't get trapped, okay...

Idol'ween: The Rise of Lucifer Bear - Summon Alongside Iketeru Hearts in 'Ziashou no Lucifer' (PV Review)

It's finally halloween, the evening of October 31st where children dress up in cute or terrifying outfits and roam the streets. Will candy be thrown into their bags, or are tricks littering the streets this horrifying night? Whatever it may be, the magic, mischief and malevolence is high in the air tonight, and Idol'ween is coming to a close. But before we say goodbye to our spirited Idols in their cutest get-up, let's take a look at the grand finale they have in store for us all tonight...

Tonight's offering: Idols who summon! Are you prepared for what these girls have in store for you this Hallows Eve...?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I have wanted to review Zaishou no Lucifer for a while now, ever since it first came out actually, however never got around to actually doing the review or the Halloween series itself until now. Procrastination is a bitch, but thanks to my desire to return to Halloween PV Pic Spams - and a major thanks to everyone on Twitter who voted for this Music Video to be reviewed - I am finally getting around to checking out Zaishou no Lucifer, the first and only PV to get me interested in the idol group Iketeru Hearts!

Not to say this group isn't interesting - pretty sure they are - but they have never really managed to capture me as a listener or a viewer. With all of their recent and past endeavours in music, I have been left unimpressed, often wondering just why others want me to check them out. I've checked them out plenty, often hoping for something unique, wonderful and catchy that will keep my eyes trained on this group, and more often than not the exact opposite happens. I just can't get into this group.

And yet Zaishou no Lucifer is the exception to the rule here, because this is an incredible masterpiece of a music video, as well as a wonderful song. Catchy, entertaining... it's everything I could have ever wished for from a group that rarely stands out to me, and I do continually wish that they would bring something this edgy and unique to the rest of their discography, but... alas! Tis not meant to be!

I am happy this exists however, because regardless of my feelings towards Iketeru Hearts, I love Ziashou no Lucifer a great deal, and it's thanks to the voices of Twitter (your votes), as well as this love I hold for the song and video that allowed me to get through this heavy Pic and Gif spam review today.

And without any further delay, let's sit our asses down and enjoy some Idol antics, sacrificial lambs, summoning Lucifer Bears and more. It's time to fall into our own cute Hell, Dear Readers, so prepare yourselves.

They might look cute and innocent, but if you step into their territory then your body and soul are up for grabs! In this atmospheric land of idols and Bears named lucifer, let's summon our Overlord together and go on an adventure. Now's the time to prove to the world that Lucifer truly exists...

Let the summoning begin!

Idol'ween: The Simulation of Death - Fall at The Mercy Of JyuJyu in 'Noroi Hajime' (PV Review)

With magic, mischief and malevolence on the horizon this Hallows Eve, let's celebrate the day of tricks, treats and dress up with our very own Idol'ween where I will review a selection of PV's themed around magic, nightmares, dress up and horror! Whether it's cute or spooky depends on the group in question, but with a collection of cute idols, fun themes and one or two spooky PV's thrown into the cauldron, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Tonight we enter a simulation of death, one that is difficult to escape. With a lot of persistence, a little bit of knowledge and some evasive skills, you might just manage to get out of your little predicament. But be careful, because no matter where you run, no matter how much you hide, the members of JyuJyu will try their best to find you!

It's time to tip toe our way through the house and use our skills as Horror Game masters to get through this hellish nightmare that is JyuJyu's horrific PV. Are you ready to fight for your life, dear readers...?

Formed in 2014 and currently active with four members - Neu, Miori, Yurane and Chiyun -, JyuJyu are an alt-idol unit who focus on the cursed, the darkness, the absurd and jealousy. Toting one of the earlier 'dark themed idol groups' gimmick ahead of a few other groups, I was initially intrigued by JyuJyu some time ago, but never continued this interest in pursuit of my stereotypical 'cute' idols. Of course I try to keep up with them, however life gets in the way of that. Therefore, I watch their music videos every now and again, often stumbling upon hidden gems.

And boy oh boy is this a hidden gem. Perfect for the season of horror and malice, JyuJyu's Noroi Hajime creates a wonderfully hostile environment that creates fear of ones surroundings, fear of the unknown and more. Viewer discretion must be advised, however: This PV is violent and dark, with depictions of death and blood throughout. So for your sake I am leaving a trigger warning before the pic spam begins for those of you who do not like seeing violence or horror themes in your media.

With a quick revelation to add, the PV for JyuJyu's Noroi Hajime was released on October 29th, 2016. Without even realising it, I procrastinated this review until its third anniversary. So, Happy 3rd Anniversary, Noroi Hajime!

Now, for those of you who will take on JyuJyu's challenge of survival however, I hope you are prepared for what's about to come your way. What will you do in your moment of danger, and will you find a solution to your problem? Or will you perish like many others have done before? It's time to find out in this game of cat and mouse, so get ready.

Chosen your character? Good. 

G A M E ▷ S T A R T!

Idol'ween: Idols Suck (as Vampires) - Sink Your Teeth Into IZ*ONE's 'Vampire' (PV Review)

With magic, mischief and malevolence on the horizon this Hallows Eve, let's celebrate the day of tricks, treats and dress up with our very own Idol'ween where I will review a selection of PV's themed around magic, nightmares, dress up and horror! Whether it's cute or spooky depends on the group in question, but with a collection of cute idols, fun themes and one or two spooky PV's thrown into the cauldron, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Tonight's pick should create fear, however thanks to a few cheesy scenes and a complete lack of terror, horror or fear, the up-coming review is as cheesy and cheap in thrills similar to that of a tacky Halloween costumes with painted on blood drips. Still, it's a good time to sit back and enjoy some beautiful locations, editing and scenes.

regardless of what little threat they pose, the Vampire's stare will capture you as quickly as their descent upon your neck. Yes, they might suck as Vampire's, but when they're as cute as these idols you might just fall under their deadly spell.

Are you prepared to sacrifice your soul to the night?

Despite being third in my Idol'ween series of reviews, Vampire is the entire reason I decided to re-awaken my passion for PV reviews, as well as the reason behind resurfacing my desire to type up a Halloween-themed series. After seeing it for the first time I knew right away that I wanted to review it, and though I have certainly found some issues with the video itself, I still see this as a strong addition to the groups roster of music videos.

Speaking honestly here, I'm not the biggest fan of IZ*ONE. I have no issue with them - they have some decent songs, their PV's are quite beautiful and I even like a few of the members, it's just that I simply don't care to keep up with them at the same pace as some of my friends. I typically listen to their releases well after the release date, and I don't watch their PV's right away, but I do appreciate their presence, music and music videos. If anything I am a casual fan, one who can appreciate the songs I enjoy, as well as the beauty of their promotional videos.

And here I will try my best to appreciate the beauty of Vampire. Though it isn't scary, this is the video that inspired my Idol'ween series and made me want to look for other videos that fit with the spooky, Halloween-feel I was going for.

In their pic Spam debut - as well as the first PV related post for IZ*ONE on this blog - it's time to check out IZ*ONE's Vampire and see what the hybrid K-pop and J-pop group brings to the plate. With such pretty girls and stunning visuals there is sure to be something here that will please the viewers, but will they fall short and fail to ensnare us mere mortals, or will these vampire idols successfully put you under a trance and suck your wallets dry with the promise of photo cards, pretty PV's and cute music?

It's time to sink our teeth into something a little more chilling. Just be careful, you don't want to turn into a Vampire, right...?

Idol'ween: The Poltergeists Lament - Lay Awake with Dreamcatcher's 'Good Night' (PV Review)

With magic, mischief and malevolence on the horizon this Hallows Eve, let's celebrate the day of tricks, treats and dress up with our very own Idol'ween where I will review a selection of PV's themed around magic, nightmares, dress up and horror! Whether it's cute or spooky depends on the group in question, but with a collection of cute idols, fun themes and one or two spooky PV's thrown into the cauldron, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Returning with a few film references, more obnoxious commentary and a terrible review of the final product, I am back with my second entry in my Idol'ween series for 2019. With a focus on the malevolent side of Hallows Eve, this heavily pictured and gif'ed review will see you fall into the pit of nightmares.

For tonight's choice of music video there is a sweet lullaby to lure you into a nightmarish trance, one that few can escape from. So before you head to bed and rest that weary head of yours, remember to hang up a dreamcatcher and say a prayer, because without it you will surely succumb to the terrors of the night.

It's time to say Good Night. Have a pleasant slumber, my darling dreamers...

I first reviewed Dreamcatcher's Chase Me back in February 2017, fairly soon after my friend had introduced me to the group and music video. I was enamoured by the PV, loving every second of it and left entertained by the end. The video was dark, beautiful and fast-paced, delivering a nightmarish plot that didn't seem to fit with the groups name. I was in love, mostly because I like dark groups and horror themes, so the group was a perfect fit for me.

After that Dreamcatcher continued to release music videos and mini-albums and, whilst I followed them a degree, it was not to the extent most fans would. I love the group and their theme, don't get me wrong, but I am simply not a K-pop fan. Still, they're one of the few K-pop groups I actively like, even if my interest in them has waned slightly since I was first introduced to them.

Something that has not waned however is my desire to review a few more of their PV's, especially around this time of the year. Now that Halloween is pretty much down the road, why not check out another Dreamcatcher PV? In fact we should continue from where we left off well over 2 years ago and pick up the story line with Good Night, the sequel to the incredible Chase Me. Sure, my dialogue will be vastly different - so what? - but it's the fun of commenting on the scenery and everything else that makes these reviews so enjoyable for me. Plus, my friend wanted this reviewed instead of Fly High, so there we go.

She actually wanted both to be reviewed, truth be told, but I have a weird self-imposed 'no two reviews will share the same group' policy, so... yeah. There's that.

It's time to delve into the world of Dreamcatcher, a nightmare you need to escape before it traps you in its web of confusion and horror. It's creepy and it's spooky, mysterious and ooky... and you will be haunted all night long if you don't cover the mirrors and hide anything that can tempt the poltergeists,.

Tonight your nightmares are a playground for mischief and terror, so be sure to prepare yourself and hang up those dreamcatchers. If you don't, then you are in for a night of malevolence...

Good Night...~