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)
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.
rainbowL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
What an incredibly sweet, dreamlike song.
Hyde’s voice can be both gentle and powerful, with remarkable range.
The guitar solo is distinctive too.
I remember being surprised by how romantic the atmosphere felt when I first heard this track.
Those long, resonant notes that feel so good to listen to are truly captivating.
With lyrics and a melody that sound like a tender whisper of love, I’m sure many fans felt their hearts flutter.
Their powerful live performances are truly compelling, so they’re definitely a band you should hear in person!
Hit Songs and Masterpieces That Opened the Door to 1990s Visual Kei (31–40)
Melty loveSHAZNA
This was SHAZNA’s major-label debut single, released in 1997.
With its catchy, pop melody and the striking visual presence of vocalist IZAM, it became a hot topic, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart and selling 880,000 copies—a major hit.
Alongside MALICE MIZER, FANATIC◇CRISIS, and La’cryma Christi, they were dubbed one of the “Big Four of Visual Kei.” Musically, the band is distinctive, featuring pop-leaning songs strongly influenced by 1980s hits and cross-dressing and makeup that appear to pay homage to Boy George of Culture Club.
Swapping PartyLADIES ROOM
They were one of the bands that supported the early visual-kei boom alongside X JAPAN.
Their songs were often straightforward, catchy, and melodic.
Their sexy lyrics and incidents of female fans undressing during concerts drew attention.
They disbanded in 1996, but have since reunited.
Japanese MotherFuckertoukyou yankii-su
Among visual-kei bands, this group had an especially strong hard rock sound.
They were notable for having many male fans.
They also had close ties with X JAPAN—even to the extent that the vocalist, UMEMURA, served as vice president of the label founded by Yoshiki.
However, UMEMURA passed away in 2007.
HALLELUYAHGARGOYLE
Among visual kei bands, this group is particularly heavy in its musical style.
Musically, they fall into the thrash metal category.
They made their major debut with Nippon Columbia in 1993, released three original albums, returned to the indie scene in 1996, and continue to be highly active today.
AineAION
AION is a band that made its major debut with BMG Victor in October 1991.
At the time of their debut, the members were NOV, IZUMI, DEAN, and S.A.B.
In October 2003, they released the album “SISTER,” and a three-day event titled “20th Anniversary Oninen Raimu” was held at La Mama.