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

Ver Ailes: In the Blank MomentsMALICE MIZER

MALICE MIZER – Bel Air Verre Émeraude ~In the Blank Moments~ (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

By now, there may be many people who don’t even know that GACKT served as the band’s second vocalist.

MALICE MIZER made their major-label debut in the late ’90s, when the visual kei scene of the 1990s was reaching its commercial peak, and they made a name for themselves with overwhelming individuality and skill.

As mentioned earlier, GACKT’s tenure as their vocalist was brief, but perhaps that brevity is precisely why they’re still spoken of as legends today.

Their memorable major-label debut single, “Bel Air ~Kuhaku no Toki no Naka de~,” is a masterpiece that stunned the world with its dramatic, classically tinged sound and GACKT’s superb vocals backed by undeniable singing ability.

Be sure to check out their elegant presence in the music video!

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Hanging RondoMerry

MERRY “Hanging Rope” LIVE

Mary has many songs that carry a sense of melancholy, but among them, the track “Kubituri Rondo” (“Hanging Rondo”) amplifies that feeling even more.

Despite its shocking title and lyrics, the melody is catchy, and I think it feels great to sing at karaoke.

The Mountain Where You Bloomcali≠gari

cali≠gari / The Mountain Where You Bloom

From the 1990s, when “black-clad, dark aesthetics” were the norm for visual kei, cali≠gari stood out with flashy white costumes and songs tinged with kayōkyoku flavor.

Among their long career, the track that best embodies their unique sensibility is probably Kimi ga Saku Yama.

If you listen to just the music, it has an oddly bright, pop feel and lyrics that evoke a picnic—but did you notice what condition the “you” in the lyrics has been left in, up there in the mountains…?

Meteor RocketAntikku-Kohiten-

An Cafe - Ryuusei Rocket

This song was used as the opening theme for the TV drama “Fūma no Kojirō.” It’s a bright, poppy band track without the darkness often associated with visual kei.

I believe even those who aren’t fond of visual kei will have their perception positively changed if they give it a listen.

DESPERATENOCTURNAL BLOODLUST

NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST – DESPERATE (Music Video)

They’re a fully visual-kei band, but since their roots are in heavy metal, their musicianship ranks among the best in the scene.

This track is a blisteringly fast number with incredible aggression and intensity—without the clean parts, it would be straight-up melodic death metal.

It’s a song where you can fully enjoy the growls and blast beats.

boykuroyume

Shonen

Kiyoharu’s vocals overflow with charisma, while Hitoki’s bass asserts its presence with occasionally technical phrases.

The two-piece band Kuroyume showcased a uniqueness that no other band could replicate, regardless of its lineup.

Emerging from the so-called “Nagoya-kei” scene—known for dark lyrics and intense songs—they gradually shifted toward a punk rock direction, and having a large male fanbase became one of their hallmarks.

Their masterpiece Shonen, which could be called the pinnacle of Kuroyume-style punk rock, became the band’s best-selling single and continues to be performed as part of Kiyoharu’s solo repertoire.

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.