[Drama CD Review] I never could bring myself to 'hate' it. Having rekindled my passion, I'm convinced of the 'greatness' of the DIABOLIK LOVERS series.
It has been two months since I rekindled my passion for "DIABOLIK LOVERS" in August 2025. From the latest project, the "SONG OF EMBLEM" series, which was being rolled out until very recently, the volume for my favorite character was released on October 22nd!
Congratulations on the release!
Click here for the article from when I rekindled my passion for Diabolik Lovers 💁♀️
Two copies of the same CD. The reason is a simple and luxurious "adult purchase."
This time, I have two copies of the same CD in my hands.
The reason is simple: I wanted the "store-exclusive bonus CD."
Actually, this is the first time I've bought multiple copies of the same item just for the bonuses. I felt deeply moved, realizing that this is what an "adult purchase"—something I couldn't do when I was a student—is all about.
What is DIABOLIK LOVERS?
Commonly known as: "Diabolik Lovers." Since the release of its first situation drama CD in 2011, it has expanded into games, anime, and various other media, and has now become a monumental work of "content for girls." Its most distinctive feature is that all the characters are "sadistic vampires." That unique character setting continues to enjoy popularity even today.
The one I am introducing this time is the King of the Demon World and the First Blood, Karlheinz Tsukinami (CV: Tomoyuki Morikawa). While cold-blooded and ruthless, he is also a partner who has sworn eternal love to the heroine.
Beneath the mask of composure. A singing voice of "ambition" overflowing from the depths of his heart.
In fact, this work is the "first solo song" in Diabolik Lovers history for Karlheinz. While there have been duets in the past, this is his long-awaited solo vocal debut.
I listened to it right away.
What surprised me when listening to the song was its power. I found myself captivated by a singing voice that seemed to manifest the ambition hidden deep within him—something I never would have imagined from his intellectual and calm demeanor—as it burst forth to the surface.
While it has an up-tempo melody line, the interlude before the final chorus, where the piano plays the main melody, was mystical and wonderful.
Drama Part: A sweet main story and an eerie tale
To put the main drama in a word, it is "sweet from start to finish." The heroine (=the listener) is gifted a red gemstone necklace by Karlheinz, and the two renew their vows of love.
However, what made me shudder this time was "Lust in Chains," one of the store-exclusive bonus CDs.
The process of 'love' transforming into 'obsession'
In this bonus track, we see how, because his love is too heavy, Carla ends up becoming a 'yandere' character. Even though they should have already sworn their love to each other, he tries to confirm that fact once again. Furthermore, he begins to take hostage the protagonist's concern for him, and his actions, such as making her drink a sleeping drug to restrict her movements, actions that twist good intentions against her begin to stand out.
The contrast between the lines in the main story and the bonus track was incredibly intense.
Main story: (To the protagonist who carefully puts away the necklace) 'Since you are with me, I want you to wear it.'
Bonus track: (To the protagonist who tries to go out for a bit) 'What will you do if your chronic illness worsens? Are you trying to kill me?' 'There is no need for ornaments to seduce others. The day you wear this will never come again.' (Wait, you're the one who gave it to her as a gift, aren't you?)
The terror of a vow of eternal love turning, before one knows it, into a crazed possessiveness that says, 'I will not allow you to leave my side for even a moment.' Toshiyuki Morikawa, who masterfully expresses the eeriness of sanity breaking down through only the subtle changes in his voice tone, is truly a professional. It was a disc that gave me chills in a different sense—a mix of fear and 'Wow...!'
In conclusion
After four and a half years. The reason I returned to 'Diabolik Lovers'.
Recently, I feel like I don't see the medium of situation CDs themselves as much as I used to. The mainstream of the world has shifted to digital sales, and perhaps CDs as physical media are gradually fading into the shadows.
Amidst such changes, 'DIABOLIK LOVERS' showed its first new development in four and a half years, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am what you might call a 'returning fan' who came back because there was a new development. However, having experienced this work, I am convinced of one thing again. It is that things you were once obsessed with, even if you were away from them for a time, you will never come to 'hate.' Rather, they remain in your heart as positive memories, and the moment you reunite, they vividly reawaken the passion of 'I love this after all'.
The sound of the one-and-only 'Emperor'
The charm of the story itself is a given, but I was once again overwhelmed by Carla's voice, which I heard for the first time in a long while.
The voice of Carla, played by Toshiyuki Morikawa, evokes a "cold intelligence" and "elegance" that feels somewhat connected to other iconic characters he has portrayed, such as Sephiroth from "FFVII" or Yoshikage Kira from "JoJo."
However, as you listen, you realize it. It is exquisitely different from all of them, a "sound" honed specifically for a single character named Carla. The subtlety of that nuanced performance made me realize once again the "sheer brilliance" of what it means to be a professional voice actor. It really struck me.
……Or rather, simply put, it is seriously just too good of a voice.
Morikawa-san, thank you so much for the best singing voice and performance! (SUPER LOUD VOICE)
Thank you very much for reading this far.