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 classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands
- [1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!
- Representative bands of the Nagoya-kei scene in 90s Visual Kei
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
Hit Songs and Masterpieces That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (21–30)
Hill of DespairPlastic Tree
Plastic Tree was formed in 1993 around vocalist Ryutaro Arimura and bassist Tadashi Hasegawa, and made their major debut in 1997.
Although the drummer position has seen members leave and join, the band has never ceased its activities and continues to tour and perform actively to this day.
TELL MEhide
During his solo activities, he used the lowercase name “hide.” In February 1994, he released his first solo album, “HIDE YOUR FACE.” The mask object featured in the album’s design was created by H.
R.
Giger, known for the film Alien.
In 1994, he also held his first solo tour.
MELODIESDIE IN CRIES
A band formed by vocalist Kyo after D’ERLANGER disbanded.
Yukihiro, now the drummer of L’Arc-en-Ciel, was also a member.
Characterized by melodious, erotic themes shaped by Kyo’s unique worldview, it presents a softer image than D’ERLANGER.
PhoenixFANATIC◇CRISIS
When it comes to glittering, low-voiced songs, this is the one! It has a real sense of speed that makes your heart race.
It’s a blazing track that intertwines a love story with the legend of the Phoenix.
It doesn’t seem to be all that well-known among visual-kei fans, but that just means it’s packed with hidden charms—so I really want you to listen.
The vocals are quite stable too, so please use your own ears to experience the unique appeal that only FANATIC◇CRISIS can offer.
for dearkuroyume
This is a track whose highly distinctive lyrics leave a strong impact.
With its many shifts and dark atmosphere, you could say it helped shape the visual kei scene.
Many listeners were surely moved by Kiyoharu’s cry-like vocal delivery.
Kuroyume is also known as a band that strongly influenced early Dir en grey.
Not only this song but their heavier tracks have a solid reputation, so if you’re interested, they’re definitely worth a listen.
Thanks to their gutsy, masculine sound, they also have many male fans.
Try smiling.ZI:KILL
While their early songs featured mostly dark lyrics, the band’s performance level was exceptionally high and they were popular.
Although the band went through frequent drummer changes, their former drummer Yukihiro is now active in L’Arc~en~Ciel.
RISKYCRAZE
After D’ERLANGER disbanded and following BODY, a new band was formed led once again by guitarist Ichiro Takigawa and drummer Satoshi Kikuchi.
They debuted with Kenichi Fujisaki from JUSTY-NASTY as the vocalist.
On bass was Seiichi Iida from ZI:KILL, making the lineup something of an all-star ensemble for the visual kei scene of that era.