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)
autism -autistic spectrum disorder-kuroyume
This song distills the painfully beautiful worldview unleashed by early Kuroyume as they crashed into the mainstream.
Included on the album “Mayoreru Yuritachi — Romance of Scarlet,” released in March 1994, it portrays the protagonist’s anguished cries as they lose their sense of self and become isolated from society.
The sensation of the self disintegrating and the hopeless loneliness of being understood by no one cut sharply into the listener’s heart.
The dark, gothic sound woven by the heavy, rolling bassline and metallic guitars is also irresistible.
Why not give it a listen on a night when you’re burdened by crushing stagnation and pent-up emotions, and want to quietly face the darkness within yourself?
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.
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.
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.
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.