One of the cultures Japan is proud to share with the world! Recommended visual kei bands
Said to have originated from X JAPAN’s BLUE BLOOD album tagline, “PSYCHEDELIC VIOLENCE CRIME OF VISUAL SHOCK,” visual kei has now become a hallmark of Japanese culture.
As it’s defined not as a specific sound, but as a way of building a worldview and aesthetic through visual expression—makeup, fashion, and more—the musical styles vary widely from band to band.
This time, we’ll introduce visual kei bands spanning a wide range of eras.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, we’ve got recommendations you’ll want to check out!
- A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- [2026] A roundup of popular Japanese hard rock bands, including those famous overseas
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- Reunion wanted: the legendary band that disbanded to much regret
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- High School Students’ Favorite Band Songs Ranking [2026]
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Masterpieces and Popular Songs of X JAPAN
- X Japan Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
One of the cultures Japan proudly shares with the world! Recommended Visual Kei bands (41–50)
CLASSICMUCC
Formed in 1997.
At first, they played covers of bands like GLAY.
They made their major debut in 2003.
Their sound blends melodies reminiscent of Showa-era kayōkyoku with the heaviness of metal and hard rock.
While their lyrics often featured bleak themes such as social satire and negative emotions, in recent years their style has shifted toward a more pop sound, incorporating elements of dance music and evolving their musical direction.
How to look at the moonROUAGE
A visual kei band from the Nagoya scene, following in the footsteps of Kuroyume and Laputa.
Formed in 1993 and made their major debut in 1996.
They have many songs with a serious, medieval aesthetic centered on the moon and night.
Their sound is characterized by a robust rock foundation intertwined with vocals featuring a resonant low register and distinctive vibrato.
They went on hiatus in 2001.
DearViViD
I first learned about ViViD through a tie-in with an anime.
I’ve been listening to them ever since, and among their songs, this is one I truly want to recommend.
It’s a song I want to listen to with someone special.
They disbanded last April, and when I heard the announcement, I cried.
I really regret not being able to go to their live shows.
It makes me so sad that they disbanded without me ever hearing Shin’s beautiful voice live even once.
But they’re a band I’ve always loved, and I want to keep on loving them forever.
My Girlfriend in a Downpourzaazaa
This song is characterized by catchy lyrics and a memorable melody, and ZAAZAA is a Kansai-based visual kei band formed in 2014.
They describe themselves as an addictive band, building their world through PVs and artist photos that evoke a menhera aesthetic.
Twilight Starmegamaso
Megamasso is a visual kei rock band that debuted in 2007.
The trio—Ryohpei, Inzargi, and Gou—boasts a wide musical range, from pop to more complex compositions, and released their first album, Yukishitarari Hoshi, in their debut year.
They made their major-label debut with the 2009 single Chimes.
Their 2010 release Hanabira reached No.
36 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The 2011 album Loveless, more Loveless includes a film theme song and garnered attention with a guest appearance by IZAM of SHAZNA.
They’re a recommended listen for anyone interested in the visual kei scene or in exploring diverse musical styles.
†Red-eyed Aries†Yumerīpu
They’re a new kind of visual-kei band known for a strikingly impactful singing voice you can’t forget after just one listen.
The band’s fairy-tale-like name is reflected in their song arrangements, and their outfits are so cute that more and more girls want to copy their style.
Drowning FishDADAROMA
The song opens with visuals and sounds brimming with a psychopathic vibe, and the music suddenly turns intense, pulling you right into its world.
Their performance skills are top-notch, and the vocals handle a wide range of genres; the sound incorporates metal and screamo elements, making it a very cool band.