A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.
Visual kei rock, ignited by X JAPAN and exploding into a massive boom in the ’90s.
Though it went through a lull, today it has become a firmly established, internationally recognized genre, known abroad simply as “Visual Kei.” Encompassing everything from metal and gothic rock to classical and punk within the “visual kei” package, it enabled a wide range of expression—truly a uniquely Japanese musical genre.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of iconic songs from visual kei bands that symbolize its history!
- A collection of hit songs and classics that opened the door to 1990s Visual Kei
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Masterpieces and popular songs by DIR EN GREY
- [BUCK-TICK Masterpieces] Popular Songs by the Legendary Band with an Overwhelming Presence
- Masterpieces and Popular Songs of X JAPAN
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Famous and popular songs by MUCC
- Iconic songs by Japanese rock bands from the 2000s [J-Rock]
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- The Aesthetics of Darkness: An Introduction to Gothic Rock — Notable Bands
Masterpieces of Visual Kei. Classic, popular songs representing V-Kei rock (61–70)
bangyaru syndromeJinkaku Rajio
It’s a song themed around the cringey behavior of bangyaru—women who chase after visual kei bands.
While the lyrics have a somewhat satirical tone, the cute, slightly whimsical melody will make you want to move your body naturally as you listen.
V.SBugLug
This is an indie band consisting of five members: vocalist Issei, stage-right guitarist Kazuki, stage-left guitarist Yuu, bassist Tsubame, and drummer Masaumi.
Despite being an indie band, they enjoy great popularity, and above all, the words and music created by Issei captivate listeners and won’t let go.
In May 2016, vocalist Issei was involved in an accident, putting the band in a precarious position where a hiatus or even disbandment seemed likely.
However, the members chose to “continue their activities while waiting for the vocalist to return.” The song’s theme is continuing to fight oneself, and indeed, it’s a sound only a band currently in the midst of that struggle could create.
marbleUNiTE.
This song was created with the idea that each member of the band has their own personal color, and those colors blend together.
Based on the concept of an unending band, they thought deeply about what it means for something not to end, and crafted this track from that perspective.
Whereabouts of SummerDIV
It’s a song that expresses the loneliness and transience of summer’s end.
I’m not a big fan of shouts or death growls, but I like that this track has intensity without any shouting at all.
If you listen to it in the dead of winter, you’ll discover something new as well.
The Devil In MeDIR EN GREY
DIR EN GREY, known for their intense and weighty musicality, released their 34th single in April 2024.
The lyrics, themed around the struggle of confronting oneself, are striking, blending raw emotion with delicate expression.
The limited first press and fully limited editions include bonus content such as live footage and documentary videos.
Its dark, powerful sound is compelling.
Give it a listen when you need the courage to face yourself or a gentle push forward—it’s sure to resonate with your heart.
XANADUSCREW
It’s a song about unrequited love, thinking of someone dear.
While unrequited love often feels bittersweet, this track comes across as bright and free of darkness.
SCREW made their major-label debut with this song.
It’s a dynamic, high-energy track worthy of a debut.
What a wonderful worldMIYAVI
MIYAVI is a rock musician who’s also active as an actor.
While he’s now strongly associated with being a guitarist, in the early stages of his career he was a visual kei artist.
That said, even back then he was something of an outlier, since he had a unique solo style of singing while playing the guitar.
The song Subarashiki Kana, Kono Sekai comes from the period when he was active in the visual kei scene, and it’s a compelling track characterized by a rough, spat-out, dirty sound.
