Kratos (EP)

Kratos (Ancient Greek: Κράτος) is the third mini-album, and the third part of the VIXX 2016 CONCEPTION trilogy, preceded by Zelos and Hades, by the South Korean boy band VIXX. The album was released on October 31, 2016, under the label of Jellyfish Entertainment. The song "The Closer" was used to promote the album.

Kratos
EP by
VIXX
ReleasedOctober 31, 2016 (2016-10-31)
GenreK-pop
Length22:00
LanguageKorean
Label
VIXX chronology
Hades
(2016)		 Kratos
(2016)		 VIXX 2016 Conception Ker
(2016)
Singles from Kratos
  1. "The Closer"
    Released: October 31, 2016

Background and release

For every song, a different themed God appears. We're preparing a song and performance that suits them.

VIXX, in Singles Magazine. May 2016 Issue.

On March 29, 2016, Jellyfish Entertainment released the Conception Art Film,[1] which signaled the start of their year-long project and trilogy VIXX 2016 CONCEPTION,[2][3] through which the group would show their wide musical and conceptual spectrum and would be themed around the gods that appear in Greek mythology.[4] An official Instagram for the project was also created at that time.[5][6] On April 10, 2016, VIXX released the opening trailer of 2016 CONCEPTION,[7] and nine days later on April 19 released the first album in the trilogy, Zelos which is based upon the god of the same name.[8][9] On August 12, 2016, VIXX released the second album Hades,[10][11] which is based on the God Hades; who was the God of the underworld.[12]

On October 9, 2016, VIXX revealed that the third album of the trilogy would be Kratos,[13] which is based on the God Kratos; the personification of strength, might, sovereign rule, and authority in all its forms.[14][15] On October 16, at 10:31 p.m. KST, VIXX began releasing teasers for the album, beginning with a video titled "VIXX 2016 CONCEPTION Κήρ TRilOGY VIDEO".[16][17] On October 20, 2016, the group revealed the Kratos Concept Film on Naver TV Cast and also revealed the album's title track, and on the following day revealed the album's track list.[18][19] On October 24, VIXX revealed a highlight medley of the songs featured in the album.[20][21] It was also announced that the album would come in two versions, a regular version and a Kihno version. The regular version would come with the CD, 68 page photobook, photo card, poster and a hologram film whilst the Kihno version would come with the Kihno card, post card with printed autograph, a set of 30 photocards and a poster.[22] From October 24 to October 27, VIXX revealed individual character trailer with each member having his own concept.[23] On October 28, VIXX released a teaser of the music video.[24] On October 31, VIXX released Kratos along with the music video for the title song "The Closer".[25]

Kratos entered and charted at number 2 on the Gaon album chart, at number 5 on Taiwan's FIVE-MUSIC Korea-Japan Album Chart and Billboard's world albums chart, with the title song "The Closer" charting at number 8 on the Gaon Digital Chart and number 14 on Billboard World Digital Songs. Kratos sold cumulative 57,456 copies in October.[26]

Composition

The EP consists of five tracks and one instrumental. The title song "The Closer" was written by songwriter Kim Mi-jin from Music Cube and VIXX member Ravi. The song was composed and arranged by Devine Channel. The second track "Desperate" was written by MAFLY, Park Woo-hyun and Ravi with music composed by Erik Lidbom and MELODESIGN with arrangement by Erik Lidbom for Hitfire Production. The third track "Shooting Star" was written by MAFLY, KEYFLY and Ravi with music composed by Simon Janlöv, MLC and Cho Yong-ho, it was also arranged by Cho Yong-ho. The fourth track "Good Night & Good Morning" was written and composed by Ravi and arranged by Kiggen. The fifth track "Romance is Over" (Korean: 로맨스는 끝났다) was written by VIXX members Ravi and Leo with composition also by Leo and arrangement by Cho Yong-ho.[27]

Promotion

VIXX began promoting Kratos with a live showcase on Naver V LIVE on October 31, 2016, at YES24 Live Hall,[28] followed by performances on the following music programs; SBS MTV's The Show, MBC Music's Show Champion, KBS's Music Bank, MBC's Show! Music Core, SBS's Inkigayo, and Mnet's M! Countdown. VIXX gained their first win for "The Closer" on November 8 on The Show.[29] On the 20th of November VIXX wrapped up their three week long promotions for "The Closer" on SBS's Inkigayo.

Track listing

The credits are adapted from the official homepage of the group.[30]

No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."The Closer"Kim Mi-jin (Music Cube), RaviDevine Channel3:45
2."Desperate"MAFLY, Park Woo-hyun, RaviErik Lidbom, MELODESIGN3:31
3."Shooting Star"MAFLY, KEYFLY, RaviSimon Janlöv, MLC, Cho Yong-ho3:28
4."Good Night & Good Morning"RaviRavi3:17
5."Romance is Over" (로맨스는 끝났다; Lomaenseuneun Kkeutnassda)Leo, RaviLeo3:41
6."The Closer" (Inst.) Devine Channel3:45
Total length:22:00

Awards and nominations

Awards
Year Award Category Recipient Result
2016 SBS PopAsia Awards Album of The Year[31] Conception Trilogy (Zelos, Hades and Kratos) Nominated

Music program awards
Song Music show Date
"The Closer" The Show November 8, 2016[32]
Show Champion November 9, 2016

Chart performance
Chart Peak
position		 Sales
South Korea (Gaon album chart) 2
Japan (Oricon Weekly album chart) 48
Taiwan (Five-Music) Weekly album chart 5
Billboard (US World) 5

Release history
Region Date Format Label
South Korea October 31, 2016
  • CD
  • Digital download
Worldwide Digital download Jellyfish Entertainment

See also

References
  1. "Update: VIXX Increases Your Heart Rate With Anticipation Through "Conception" Art Film". Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  2. "VIXX prepares you for comeback with 'Conception'". Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  3. "VIXX, SEVENTEEN, and Lovelyz Jump on the "Trilogy" Bandwagon". Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  4. "겁 없는 여섯 남자, 빅스 - Singles May Issue". Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  5. "'컴백' 빅스, 1년 프로젝트 콘셉트 힌트 대방출". Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  6. "빅스, 연간 프로젝트 예고…아트 필름으로 예열". Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  7. "VIXX go on a search in 'Conception' opening trailer". Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  8. "VIXX Shares Cover Image + Teasers For 5th Single Album 'Zelos'". Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  9. "VIXX Go Lighter But Stay Edgy With 'Dynamite' Single & Video". Fuse. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  10. "빅스, 12일 컴백 확정..이번엔 하데스". Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  11. "'컴백' 빅스, 전무후무 피지컬 티저 공개 '모델 포스'". Retrieved 1 August 2016.
  12. Cartwright, Mark, "Hades", Ancient History Encyclopedia, retrieved 29 June 2015
  13. "빅스, 10월31일 컴백 확정..3부작 완결판 '역대급 예고'". Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  14. Hesiod, Theogony 383 ff
  15. Bibliotheca 1. 9
  16. "Update: VIXX Releases Comeback Schedule For "Kratos"". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  17. "VIXX Shares Gorgeous First Concept Photos For Comeback With "Kratos"". Retrieved 18 October 2016.
  18. "Watch: VIXX Shares Chilling Concept Film For Return With "Kratos"". Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  19. "VIXX's track list for upcoming album 'Kratos' is here!". Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  20. "VIXX release album highlight medley for 'Kratos'". Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  21. "Listen: VIXX Takes A Dark And Enticing Turn In Highlight Medley For "Kratos"". Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  22. "VIXX 3rd Mini Album "KRATOS"". Archived from the original on 27 October 2016. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  23. "Watch: VIXX's Hyuk And N Star In New Character Trailers For Comeback With "The Closer"". Retrieved 27 October 2016.
  24. "Watch: VIXX Drops Stunning Teaser Video For "The Closer" MV". Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  25. "Watch: VIXX Takes Things A Little Slower And Sensual With "The Closer" MV". Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  26. "Gaon Album Chart: October 2016". Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
  27. "빅스, '크라토스' 트랙리스트 공개… 라비-레오 자작곡 수록 :: 네이버 TV연예". Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  28. "VIXX 'Kratos' Comeback Showcase". Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  29. "'더쇼' 빅스 1위, 컴백 후 첫 트로피…"값진 상 감사"(종합)". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  30. "3rd Mini Album: Kratos". Jellyfish Entertainment. October 31, 2016. Archived from the original on August 28, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  31. "SBS PopAsia Award 2016: Album of The Year". www.sbs.com.au. November 16, 2016.
  32. "VIXX take first win for 'The Closer' on 'The Show'". Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  33. Cumulative sales for Kratos:
  34. "2016 Oricon Albums Chart – November Week 1". Oricon. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
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