Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band

INSANEREACTION

REACTION / INSANE – Hakkyō – CD Remix Version

This is a song that can be called both the origin and the very essence of REACTION, the band that made its name roar across the ’80s metal scene.

The raw shouts that hurl inward-swirling passion and the breathless drive of the performance pushed to its limits leave a fierce impression.

The storm-like, raging rhythm section fuses with razor-sharp guitar riffs to shake the listener’s emotions to the core.

This track appears on the indie classic INSANE, released in July 1985; some may know the anecdote that, despite being the label’s very first release, it sold over ten thousand copies.

When you’re seized by inescapable frustration or a sense of stagnation, this pure destructive impulse will blow away the murk in your heart.

RosenfeldROSENFELD

Rosenfeld – Rosenfeld (1987)

This is a signature track bearing their own name, recorded on the demo tape “B” that ROSENFELD—who dominated Osaka’s thrash metal scene—distributed in April 1989.

The sound, where razor-edged guitar riffs slice like metal and sky-piercing high-tone shouts attack in unison, is nothing short of overwhelming.

Their true essence lies in a style that fuses aggressive metal with a refined, dramatic aesthetic reminiscent of the visual scene of the era.

Through themes of war and violence, their stance of hurling their very existence against the world grips many listeners by the heart.

It’s a song brimming with pure early impulse that leads into their later hallmark work, “Pigs of the Empire.” When you’re ready to break through something, this ferocious energy will give you a powerful push forward.

SWAPPING PARTYLADIES ROOM

LADIES ROOM －Swapping Party

A track that expresses a bursting surge of energy and impulse with a sound that feels like it’s being hurled at you.

The band’s debauchery is easy to imagine from their name alone.

At times, a lascivious image tends to take the lead, but with this song, its straightforward adherence to the basics actually leaves a very favorable impression.

Romantist TasteTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Romantist Taste

It begins with a heavy drum intro that almost induces a headache, and the uniquely chosen words—worthy of being called a quintessential “Yemon style”—can only be described as impressive.

The carefully crafted visual material, brimming with a simmering sense of soul, also leaves a strong impression that glitter and fragility exist back-to-back, resulting in a truly remarkable piece.

Kiss… straight to heavenUP-BEAT

UP-BEAT “KISS… Suddenly Heaven” Music Video

This is the debut single by UP-BEAT, a band formed in 1981 in Kitakyushu.

Known for their high-paced pop tunes, this track is truly a standout, combining a driving, relentless beat with an urban sophistication underpinned by polished lyrics.

Sexual PerversionEX-ANS

EX-ANS – Sexual Perversion [1990].mp4

A visual-kei band formed in 1987.

While the vocalist, Rei, was known for his handsome looks, the band quickly rose to prominence as a “beautiful-style” act but had a brief lifespan.

Even so, they were one of the bands that laid the groundwork for both goth-style and beauty-focused bands.

This track is characterized by a wistful vocal and a crisp, cutting guitar.

THE BEGINNING44MAGNUM

44MAGNUM THE BEGINNING

“THE BEGINNING,” delivered by a band emblematic of the ’80s, is a forward-looking, positive track brimming with excitement worthy of its title.

As their flamboyant outfits suggest, this song bursts with wild, no-holds-barred energy that won’t let you down—a must-hear killer tune!