[Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
Visual kei, which reached its golden age in the 1990s and produced hits that ranked high on the Oricon charts, is now embraced overseas as a culture that transcends a Japanese music genre—so much so that the term “Visual kei” appears on Wikipedia.
Within the 30-plus-year history of V-kei, this article spotlights popular songs by the so-called “Neo-Visual Kei” bands of the 2000s.
We’ve compiled a selection of classics—hugely influential on today’s Visual kei bands—focusing on releases from the 2000s, spanning both major-label and indie acts.
Whether those years were your youth or you’ve only recently gotten into V-kei, enjoy!
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- A melancholic “yami” song that was a hit in the 2000s. A bittersweet track.
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- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
[Neo Visual Kei] A Collection of Popular Songs by 2000s Visual Kei Bands (41–50)
Life♥2DieSuG
It’s a truly heavy–positive track that blends dark, melodic rock with pop elements.
True to SuG’s style, its catchy melodies and sharp sound carry a powerful message: even while bearing sorrow, keep facing forward and live on.
Featured on the album “TOKYO MUZiCAL HOTEL,” the song was released as an indie single in October 2009 and achieved an impressive No.
17 on the Oricon overall chart.
The sound, which brilliantly balances metal-like heaviness with pop-friendly accessibility, can rightly be called a defining song of 2000s visual kei.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of not losing hope for the future even as you confront negative emotions, are sure to resonate when you feel lost in life or want to face your own weaknesses.
RecallDELUHI
This is a song by the visual kei heavy metal band DELUHI.
It’s included on their debut mini-album “Surveillance,” released in 2008.
They’re known for their heavy, metal-style rhythms, guitar sound, and death growls.
They were active in the late 2000s.
Twilight Starmegamaso
Against a pale pink pre-dawn sky, Megamasso’s poignant yet powerful rock number paints boundless dreams and hope.
Its delicate lyrics and driving sound create an exquisite harmony, beautifully expressing the hope grasped from among countless dreams.
Released in May 2010, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Major Season 6 and reached No.
36 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It came out in three formats: Limited Edition A (CD+DVD), Limited Edition B (CD), and Standard Edition (CD), with lavish bonuses including collaboration trading cards with the anime.
This is a song that stands by those waiting for daybreak and gives the courage to chase dreams.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you feel lonely or when you’re ready to take a new step forward.
Mirrorsdeadman
The visual-kei band deadman, whose dark worldbuilding gripped fans’ hearts.
“Mirrors” is included on their debut single “subliminal effect,” released in 2001.
It’s a track that showcases vocalist Mako’s lyrical flair.
Drowning sorrowgirugamesh
This is a song by the visual kei band girugamesh, known for their loud guitar sound.
It was released in 2004 as the single “Prototype Disc.” It’s a fast-paced rock number that sings about a couple’s feelings passing each other by.