A classic masterpiece of visual kei. A staple and popular song representing V-kei rock.

Awakening HeroismAntikku-Kohiten-

Awakening Heroism: The Hero Without a “Name”

A charming band name, and true to it, many of their songs have cute melodies—but among them are tracks that are intense and cool, like “Awakening Heroism.” It was released in 2007, but even listening to it today, it never feels dated.

LieShido

SID “Lies” Music Video (Short ver.)

SID, a four-member band formed in 2003, is known for its expansive vocals and bittersweet melodies.

With catchy songs that feel approachable, they secured numerous tie-ins even before their 2008 debut.

Among their singles, one of the most famous is Uso, which was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

The lyrics—interpretable as both romantic love and brotherly love—perfectly match the story of the series, and the melody and arrangement showcase the band’s appeal.

Dream ~To the Infinite Beyond~ViViD

ViViD "'Dream' ~Beyond Infinity~ -Short ver.-"

This is the song with which we made our major-label debut as a band.

Since it was our debut song, we wanted a title with impact that would catch people’s attention, which led us to this name.

The track has the drive and sense of speed befitting a debut.

You, who saved me as I was about to drown in a rotten sea.kagerou

You [mayfly] who saved me, drowning in a crimson/rotten sea

They’re a band with a wide range of songs, from heavy tracks that make your chest ache just by listening, to medleys with poignant melodies and beautiful lyrics.

Although they were an indie band, they were extremely popular, but sadly disbanded to much regret.

The vocalist, Daisuke, had said they might resume activities if the timing was right, but in 2010 Daisuke passed away.

This song, with its quiet melody and Daisuke’s powerful vocals, is truly beautiful.

flower burialL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc〜en〜Ciel “Kasou” -Music Clip-

I fondly remember how shocked I was at the time of the song’s release when the vocalist hyde appeared in the music video with his eyebrows shaved off and his hair slicked back.

In 1998, when visual kei bands were at their commercial peak, “Kasou” was one of the unprecedented three singles L’Arc〜en〜Ciel released simultaneously.

Although L’Arc had long since moved beyond the stereotypical, public image of visual kei, this song is filled with quintessential visual-kei elements: a gothic-tinged worldview and a beautiful melody grounded in minor chords.

That said, it’s not a song that other bands could easily imitate—proof of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s impeccable taste and first-rate sensibilities.

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The bottom of the pitfall is a world like this.Matenrou Opera

The bottom of the pitfall is a world like this / Matenrou Opera

A band formed by members originally from a heavy metal background.

As you’d expect, their playing technique is top-notch, and they slip in twisted phrases here and there.

In this song, those elements add a punch, and with the synthesizer arrangements and the drums hitting off the beat, you discover something new every time you listen.

The structure is dramatic as well.

This track is truly a hidden masterpiece.

TemptationGLAY

GLAY / Temptation

Topping the Oricon annual singles chart for 1998, the song that truly became the year’s biggest hit was GLAY’s “Yuwaku.” Released simultaneously with the single “SOUL LOVE,” it also made headlines at the time by monopolizing the No.

1 and No.

2 spots on the Oricon chart for two consecutive weeks.

Listening again now, beyond the expected perfection of their characteristically catchy melodies, there are elements that would surprise band kids—like the 7/4 intro and heavy guitar riffs.

You could say they embodied the “anything goes” spirit of visual kei rock even back then.