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 V-kei rock songs (51–60)
Sleeping BeautyAcid Black Cherry
It is an achingly beautiful ballad that gently speaks of love to a dear one who has fallen into eternal sleep.
As the anecdote suggests that Yasu wrote it with a close friend in mind, the protagonist’s deep love for “you,” who will never awaken again, comes through so poignantly it hurts.
The delicate vocals, as if softly touching glasswork, meld with the piano’s melody and seem to tighten the listener’s heart.
Released in February 2009 as the seventh single, the song was also included on the album Q.E.D.
It reached living rooms nationwide as the ending theme for the TBS show Koi Suru Hanikami! and captured many hearts.
On nights when you want to sink into a sentimental mood, why not listen quietly?
Made in mine.BugLug
This is one of the band’s early songs.
At the time, we didn’t yet have a full-time drummer, and this was one of the tracks from that period.
Back then, under the concept of pop rock, we had some unconventional songs, and I think this one in particular is bright and powerful, making it easy for general listeners to enjoy.
MessiahMEJIBRAY
MEJIBRAY features a distinctive vocal style that employs both clean singing and death growls, much like DIR EN GREY.
Their songs are heavy and aggressive yet packed with memorable melodies, making them easy to listen to.
The catchiness of the chorus is especially striking and exhilarating.
It’s also one of those tracks that really gets the crowd going live.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
In contrast to their intense metal sound, X JAPAN’s grand ballads are a huge part of their appeal.
This song, which begins with YOSHIKI’s classically influenced, beautiful piano melody, is one that truly symbolizes the band.
Like unending rain falling on the heart, it seems to portray the feelings of carrying never-ending sorrow and unhealed wounds while still searching for the light.
HIDE’s wistful guitar solo further accentuates the poignancy.
Released as a single from the classic album BLUE BLOOD in December 1989, it also served as the theme song for the film Zipang.
The sight of fans breaking into a massive singalong at live shows is moving, and this is a ballad that keeps you company on nights when you want to quietly sink into your thoughts alone.
Masterpieces of Visual Kei. Classic, popular songs representing V-Kei rock (61–70)
Forever LoveX JAPAN
It’s the ultimate ballad that epitomizes the band’s extraordinarily dramatic history.
The magnificent orchestration and the piano melodies performed by YOSHIKI intertwine with Toshi’s poignant yet powerful high-tone vocals to superbly convey the grand theme of eternal love that endures even after losing the one you love.
Released in July 1996, this song was also included on that year’s masterpiece album, Dahlia.
Chosen as the theme song for the theatrical animated film X, based on CLAMP’s work, and later featured in a commercial starring Junichiro Koizumi, it became a classic widely known beyond the band’s fanbase.
On nights when you’re thinking of someone dear, listening while immersing yourself in its expansive world will move you to tears with its profoundly emotional resonance.
I’LL KILL YOUX JAPAN
This is the track that heralds the dawn of a legend in Japan’s rock scene and symbolizes the origins of X JAPAN.
Released in June 1985 as the band’s first official recording, it came out independently in a limited run of just 1,000 copies.
Beneath the barrage of aggressive lyrics riding on a ferocious speed metal sound lies a famous anecdote: a depth of anguish so profound it borders on wanting to erase oneself—something that seems to reveal YOSHIKI’s inner world.
Toshl’s vocals, verging on a primal scream, embody that uncontrollable early impulse and are nothing short of overwhelming.
The song was later re-recorded for the classic album Vanishing Vision.
It’s the perfect track for experiencing where their legend began—the dangerous allure and raw eruption of emotion.
Future CourseLa’cryma Christi
La’cryma Christi is a band that made its major debut in 1997 and was known as one of the “Big Four of Visual Kei” in the late ’90s.
Even from their indie days, they stood out for their meticulously crafted band ensemble driven by members with outstanding musicianship, and for TAKA’s beautiful high-tone vocals, which gave them a distinctive presence, skill, and popularity.
Their signature and biggest hit song is Mirai Kouro, released in 1998.
Among their songs—often featuring complex structures that they handle with ease—this track is relatively straightforward, and its exceptionally catchy chorus melody likely remains memorable to many as a J-pop hit.
Incidentally, it was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime Night Walker: Mayonaka no Tantei.
