A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
The visual kei rock scene is buzzing with many up-and-coming bands, but there’s no doubt its peak boom was in the 1990s.
It’s true that X (X JAPAN) laid the groundwork, LUNA SEA presented one vision of completion, and many subsequent bands followed.
At the same time, distinctive acts also thrived—such as BUCK-TICK, rooted in gothic rock, and the uniquely evolved “Nagoya-kei.”
Let’s take a look at some classic songs from 1990s visual kei rock!
We’ve also included early masterpieces from bands that are still popular today.
A Collection of Hit Songs and Classics That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (1–10)
Flowers of EvilBUCK-TICK
This is a signature song by BUCK-TICK, a band said to be one of the pioneers of the visual kei scene.
People often say, “Visual kei is all about looks,” but that’s not true! The lyrics of this song feel somewhat sickly or disturbed, and that very quality gripped the hearts of troubled fans at the time.
You can’t just decide to write lyrics like these—they show real flair.
The song’s sense of speed and decadent atmosphere are also captivating.
And the androgynous vocals were unlike anything before, which is probably why it became a hit.
Future CourseLa’cryma Christi
When it comes to highly skilled visual-kei bands, La’cryma Christi is the one that comes to mind! They’re also famous for their strong vocals.
This song has a very bright, refreshing, and pop vibe.
It’s a hopeful love song with a feel-good groove.
It’s catchy, easy to get into, and a smooth listen, right? La’cryma Christi has plenty of other accessible masterpieces too, so I really hope you’ll give them a listen.
Don’t you think visual-kei covers a really wide range of musical moods?
ROSIERLUNA SEA
While the tune is refreshing, the powerful, convincing vocals are characteristic of LUNA SEA.
This track really shows that.
I’m sure many fans have been moved by the shout-tinged singing.
The lyrics have a somewhat gentle vibe, yet the song somehow feels incredibly powerful, doesn’t it? From the very beginning, Ryuichi Kawamura’s lower-register vocals shine.
It’s a romantic and cool song! It’s also a track where I’d love for you to pay attention to guitarist SUGIZO’s performance technique.
Nocturne Under the MoonMALICE MIZER
A quintessential track by the aesthetic band MALICE MIZER.
They’re also well known as the band Gackt was in, and I remember their fantastical lyrics attracting many goth-lolita fans.
The song’s world has a dreamy atmosphere.
It features lots of synths and programmed sounds, so it doesn’t feel very “rock,” but it’s incredibly romantic and beautiful.
There’s a touch of classical music to it as well, making it a beloved song that represents the band.
Silent JealousyX JAPAN
Many people may have discovered the visual kei genre through this song.
Its structure is striking, starting with a sentimental piano intro and shifting into a full-throttle, metal-infused onslaught.
It’s still frequently performed live, and the term “mosh-inducing anthem” fits it perfectly.
The lyrics overflow with emotion, making it a track that fills your heart.
X JAPAN left a powerful influence on the bands that followed.
Even after hide’s passing, X JAPAN continues to captivate fans.
As long as life bloomsRaphael
It’s a band that ended with the shocking death of Kazuki and could rightly be called legendary.
This song sings of the fragile feelings of human beings—it’s truly a tearjerker.
It feels like a piece that embodies transience and purity, doesn’t it? How many fans have been saved by listening to this song? It carries a gentle yet powerful message that it’s okay to be weak.
With lyrics that stay close to human frailty, a beautiful melody, and a not-so-bright tone, it’s a song that strikes straight at the heart.
A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE
This SIAM SHADE classic captures the helpless ache of love that only makes you feel farther from the one you care about the harder you try.
No matter how strongly you feel, only a fraction of those feelings ever reach them—this pure emotional dilemma is vividly portrayed through the contrast between the technical, intense instrumentation and the sweetly resonant vocals.
Released in November 1997, the song was used as the ending theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin and became a major hit, selling over 700,000 copies in total.
If you’ve ever felt your love was one-sided, listening to it may feel like it’s speaking your frustration for you.