Gackt launched his solo career on January 1, 1999. After having completed his recordings, his first gig as a solo artist was the "99 Gackt Resurrection" tour held in 11 locations across Japan. It was followed on May 12 with his debut release, extended play "Mizérable", released by Nippon Crown. The album peaked at number two, spending 12 weeks on the Oricon charts. It spanned the same-titled single "Mizérable", which peaked at number three, spending nine weeks on the charts. The album showcases Gackt's "talent for orchestration, blending classical elements into the rock genre", indicating his future style which "ranges from romantically classical to experimental and unfolding progressive rock". In July, he performed at "Shock Wave Illusion" in Osaka and Tokyo. On August 11, Gackt released his second single, "Vanilla". It peaked at number four, spent 10 weeks on the charts, and enjoyed considerable success. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).