Mika Nakashima – KISS OF DEATH (Review)

J-Rock Reviews

Mika Nakashima
KISS OF DEATH (single)

Review by Michelle Minikhiem

JRock247-Nakashima-Mika-KOD

“KISS OF DEATH” is the much-anticipated single produced by HYDE especially for Mika Nakashima. It was featured for the TV anime series “DARLING in the FRANXX.” Does it deliver? Does it live up to the hype?

When it comes to Japanese female pop vocal performers, Nakashima’s rich alto voice is a rare jewel. Here she belts out lyrics that struck me as poetic enough, but lacking real meaning. While she sounds great, I was left feeling nothing memorable.

It definitely sounds like a HYDE song, but not in the ways you would hope. HYDE has an interesting artistic range, and I was hoping some of his talent writing fun-as-hell rock and metal or incredible, sweeping ballads might be showcased here. Unfortunately, “KISS OF DEATH” would be better suited to being a L’Arc~en~Ciel B-side than a Nakashima single.

Both artists are capable of much better, such as when they collaborated before on the now-classic “GLAMOROUS SKY”. Start there if you want a fix of good poprock.

Mika Nakashima Official Site: http://www.mikanakashima.com/
HYDE Official Website: https://www.hyde.com/