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