RAG MusicRock
Lovely rock

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!

Masterpieces of Visual Kei: Classic, popular songs representing V-kei rock (81–90)

I cut the pathbaroque

Formed in 2001, BAROQUE was a band that supported the scene as the originator of the “osare-kei” style—introducing elements like lighter makeup, casual clothing, and a mixture-influenced sound—at a time when the darker, gothic-leaning visual kei rock was already on the decline.

If you listen to their major-label debut single Waga Batsu Michi, I think you’ll get a sense of how unique they were within the visual kei scene back then.

Their contribution to the current visual kei landscape—which encompasses a wide range of musical genres—is by no means insignificant.

In conclusion

We’ve selected popular songs that strongly showcase each band’s unique traits, focusing on groups that represent the Visual Kei rock scene.

Listening again, you can hear hallmark elements of Visual Kei—such as the vocal style and melodies—while also noticing how each band asserts its own distinct character.

Newer bands are emerging one after another, so be sure to discover your favorites!