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 and popular V-Kei rock songs (71–80)
SUNRIZE SMILE ~Smiles Are Sparkling Bright~DOG in the Parareruwarudo Ōkesutora
All the members take part in the vocals, and in the music video they dance like a boy band and get along cheerfully.
It’s easy to listen to even for those who aren’t fond of visual kei, and I think being enjoyable to watch is one of the strengths of this song.
Mad LollipopSEX-ANDROID
Despite being an indie act, this white-painted visual kei band has a devoted following.
Their lab coats and megaphones might make them look like they’re joking around at first glance, but their songs are high-level and produce a seriously cool sound.
The track “Hakkyō Lollipop” is also extremely catchy and highly melodic.
Hello my CloneTHE MICRO HEAD 4N’S
A band formed by former members of FANATIC CRISIS and D’espairsRay that also performs internationally.
This song is sung by the original vocalist, Ricky, whose powerful projection and wide vocal range are well renowned.
It’s a magnificent, moving track brimming with dynamism.
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.
BLOODDEATHGAZE
DEATHGAZE, formed in Nagoya in 2003, is a band with a distinctive sound that pairs down-tuned, heavy, hard tracks with visual kei-style vocals.
This song is an early work that carries a slightly B-movie vibe, but it’s a hidden gem that conveys a raw, unpolished energy.
DEMONSBORN
Based on the concept of a bone-like strength that remains unstained by anything, this song, while dark and portraying a muddied form of love, somehow leaves you with a sense of refreshment and clarity.
The horns worn by the vocalist in the music video add a touch of cuteness.
BirdKra
This band’s song, which gives the impression of appealing well to the general public, is a bright, uplifting pop tune.
In the music video, they play table tennis and perform in a place full of nature, resulting in a surreal finish.
Together with the video, I felt it’s a song that delights both the eyes and the ears.