Japan's DIR EN GREY played their first show in nine months at Shibuya Ax in Tokyo on December 10th. They have checked in with the following update:

"Really looking forward to going back to North America (especially since our last tour was cancelled), South America and Europe again sometime soon!"

The band#s tour schedule is currently as follows:

October

16 - Miyagi - Sendai Sun Plaza
18 - Hokkaido - Zepp Sapporo
23 - Kyoto - KBS Hall
24 - Kyoto - KBS Hall

November

3 - Okayama - Kurashiki Geinbunkan Hall
4 - Okayama - Kurashiki Geinbunkan Hall
6 - Fukuoka - Zepp Fukuoka
14 - Aichi - Zepp Nagoya
16 - Aichi - Zepp Nagoya
20 - Kanagawa - Yokohama Blitz
21 - Kanagawa - Yokohama Blitz
26 - Osaka - Namba Hatch
28 - Osaka - Namba Hatch

December

25 - Tokyo - Tokyo International Forum (Hall A)

Click here for ticket information.

Since the release of their eighth album Dum Spiro Spero, Dir En Grey went on hiatus following a vigorous touring schedule in Japan and abroad, and now a year and a half since their last single release, they are back with 'Rinkaku' which will hit stores this December 19th.

According to a press release, "the track is unlike anything you have heard before, almost overturning the band's musical concept on a new scale, coming in with a range full of depth with Kyo's vocals that evoke classical elements in this beautiful and intricate melodic track which builds up dramatically with the intertwining guitars and bass. 'Rinkaku' mixed by an internationally acclaimed engineer has turned out to be an inimitable track with an intense sound."

'Rinkaku' will be released as a Limited Order-Only Deluxe Version, Initial Limited Version, and Original Version.

The Initial Limited Version will feature a bonus DVD featuring scenes from the recording of 'Rinkaku'.

The Limited Order-Only Deluxe Version features a bonus DVD featuring scenes from the recording of 'Rinkaku' and the band's November 11th, 2011 concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall.

The tracklisting is as follows:

'Amon'

'Lotus'

'Obscure'

'Ruten No Tou'

'Akatsuki'

'Hageshisa To, Kono Mune No Naka De Karamitsuita Shakunetsu No Yami'

'The Blossoming Beelzebub'

'Mazohyst Of Decadence'

'Tsumi To Batsu'

'Yokusou Ni Dreambox Aruiwa Seijuku No Rinen To Tsumetai Ame'

'Different Sense'

'Decayed Crow'

'Rinkaku' (Scenes From Recording)