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.

Playlist

A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Flowers of EvilBUCK-TICK		Signature song(s) of the visual kei band BUCK-TICK
2	Nocturne Under the MoonMALICE MIZER		The fantastical masterpiece by MALICE MIZER
3	Future CourseLa’cryma Christi		The captivating music of La’cryma Christi
4	ROSIERLUNA SEA		LUNA SEA’s powerful and captivating music
5	RomancePENICILLIN		A classic anime tie-in song that shines and sparkles
6	Silent JealousyX JAPAN		A classic hit by the visual kei metal band X JAPAN
7	As long as life bloomsRaphael		Kagetsu-san passes away: a moving song that sings of weakness
8	town/citySOPHIA		A distinctive visual-kei singing voice, light rock
9	gloriousGLAY		A classic GLAY song, fresh and uplifting
10	RED ZONEJanne Da Arc		Janne Da Arc’s major-label debut song
11	A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE		The harder I try, the more distance I feel between us...
12	BelieveD-SHADE		Visual kei music: D-SHADE carries on the influence.
13	EndorphinsPIERROT		From the late 1990s to the early 2000s...
14	White DarknessROUAGE		ROAUGE makes their major debut with “White Darkness.”
15	I’llDIR EN GREY		Characteristics of DIR EN GREY’s indie-era songs
16	Portrait in GlassLaputa		The individuality of Nagoya-style visual kei rock, Laputa
17	Chaotic Princesskamaitachi		Playback of classic hit bands linked with anime
18	Rusty NailX JAPAN		Among metal bands in the J-POP scene…
19	boykuroyume		A rock song that expresses a rebellious spirit.
20	autism -autistic spectrum disorder-kuroyume		The early black [artists/bands] who made a bold incursion into the mainstream scene…
21	Hill of DespairPlastic Tree		A rock band formed in the 1990s, still active.
22	CLOCK STRIKES TENLADIES ROOM		The bittersweet glamour of the ladies’ room
23	TELL MEhide		hide's solo activities and the release of his first album
24	PhoenixFANATIC◇CRISIS		Shimmering bass, a passionate love song
25	MELODIESDIE IN CRIES		DIR EN GREY’s early band, a melodious worldview
26	for dearkuroyume		A Kuroyume classic marked by Kiyoharu’s striking vocals
27	WHITE SHAMANSOFT BALLET		SOFT BALLET, the musical collective of Ryuuichi Endo and others
28	RISKYCRAZE		A rock band featuring masters of the visual kei scene
29	Try smiling.ZI:KILL		Strong band-oriented feel, with Yukihiro playing a prominent role
30	rainbowL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		The alluring atmosphere of Hyde’s singing voice and songs
31	Melty loveSHAZNA		SHAZNA's smash-hit single, a leading example of the visual kei genre
32	Swapping PartyLADIES ROOM		Represented the early visual kei bands alongside X JAPAN
33	Japanese MotherFuckertoukyou yankii-su		UMEMURA, a hard rock visual kei band
34	HALLELUYAHGARGOYLE		The metal band X JAPAN, during their indie period
35	AineAION		AION is a 1990s J-rock band.
36	Sweet Trap of Damagemedia youth		Bands that X Japan’s Heath belonged to
37	SO BAD BOYBY-SEXUAL		The flashy-haired band has reunited and is active again.
38	in heavenBUCK-TICK		A sound that fuses power pop and post-punk…
39	ANUBISLUNA SEA		A profound musical piece depicting the worldview of Egyptian mythology
40	DejavuLUNA SEA		LUNA SEA’s iconic rock masterpiece, a sensual worldview
41	WISHLUNA SEA		A hopeful, catchy pop classic that resonates with the heart
42	whisperBUCK-TICK		BUCK-TICK's sensual and decadent songs
43	Lunar worldBUCK-TICK		A masterpiece whose theremin timbre captivates the heart
44	supercarCASCADE		The programmed beats and fast-paced guitars blend to...
45	QueenROUAGE		From a dreamlike intro, it suddenly shifts to a sharp guitar riff...
46	Fallen Angel BLUEΛucifer		Even knowing it’s a forbidden love, I still long for them…
47	IN MY DREAM (WITH SHIVER)LUNA SEA		I’m captivated by the guitar’s cold, luminous glow.
48	MOONLUNA SEA		LUNA SEA’s fantastical masterpiece, “ ”
49	TONIGHTLUNA SEA		An explosive, impulsive rock tune with raw, unfiltered emotion.
50	Boy Meets GirlJUSTY NASTY		Kenichi Fujisaki's band, calm music
51	Forever LoveX JAPAN		The moving impact of X JAPAN’s ballad “Kurenai”
52	THE LAST SONGX JAPAN		X JAPAN’s emotional farewell song
53	LOVELESSLUNA SEA		An introduction to the moving tracks featured in 'MOTHER'
54	so….D’ERLANGER		D’..., with a strikingly gothic and decadent atmosphere
55	Precious…LUNA SEA		Honed through live performances since their indie days...
56	ivory treeLa’cryma Christi		La’cryma Christi’s major-label debut single
57	EveLaputa		Ephemeral yet beautiful—the last night that foreshadows our parting.
58	seraphMALICE MIZER		A programmed piece created by guitarist Közi...
59	lipsGLAY		A classic song that sensually portrays a heartrending romance, brimming with passion…
60	DESIRELUNA SEA		A representative of the ’90s who sang passionately about love…
61	Darlin’D’ERLANGER		Moved by the powerful music of D’ERLANGER