Japan's experimental metal heroes Dir En Grey are currently touring North America, including a stop earlier this week at New York City's Irving Plaza. With lead singer Kyo shrouded in shadows and scarves throughout the night, it made for a mysterious yet captivating evening.

Dir En Grey have evolved over the years, changing their look and their sound, but metal has always been at the core of their music. Kyo's wide-ranging vocals are a sight to be heard (if that makes any sense), as he weaves in and out of deep growls and falsetto squeals. All the while, guitarists Kaoru and Die play intricate yet powerful riffs while bassist Tohiya and drummer Shinya provide a pounding rhythm section.

Kyo commands the band's devoted fans with a mesmerizing stage presence. He contorts his body in all sorts of positions while remaining hidden for long periods of time, occasionally showing his face. During one song, he sung into a camera with his back to the audience. His image was projected onto the screen behind the band, giving fans their best look at him during the entire set, which consisted of 18 songs.

The band recently released their EP 'The Unraveling,' which features the new title track as well as reworkings of previous Dir En Grey tunes. We spoke with guitarist Kaoru before the show and he ensured us the band is planning to release a new album in 2014. Stay tuned for our full interview with Kaoru.

Opening the night was the very different, yet quite entertaining French metal band Dagoba, who had the Dir En Grey fans headbanging along to their music from the get-go. Frontman Shawter whipped the crowd into a frenzy a number of times throughout the set. If you're heading out to one of the remaining shows, definitely show up early to see these guys live.

See our pics of Dir En Grey and Dagoba in New York City below. And check out the remaining dates of the North American tour here.

Dir En Grey:

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Dagoba:

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire

Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire