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)
XANADUSCREW
It’s a song about unrequited love, thinking of someone dear.
While unrequited love often feels bittersweet, this track comes across as bright and free of darkness.
SCREW made their major-label debut with this song.
It’s a dynamic, high-energy track worthy of a debut.
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.
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?
Whereabouts of SummerDIV
It’s a song that expresses the loneliness and transience of summer’s end.
I’m not a big fan of shouts or death growls, but I like that this track has intensity without any shouting at all.
If you listen to it in the dead of winter, you’ll discover something new as well.
Masterpieces of Visual Kei. Classic, popular songs representing V-Kei rock (61–70)
The Devil In MeDIR EN GREY
DIR EN GREY, known for their intense and weighty musicality, released their 34th single in April 2024.
The lyrics, themed around the struggle of confronting oneself, are striking, blending raw emotion with delicate expression.
The limited first press and fully limited editions include bonus content such as live footage and documentary videos.
Its dark, powerful sound is compelling.
Give it a listen when you need the courage to face yourself or a gentle push forward—it’s sure to resonate with your heart.
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.
Melty LoveSHAZNA
Even if you weren’t particularly interested in the visual kei genre, if you belong to a certain generation, there’s a band that surely stuck in your memory: SHAZNA.
They were once hailed as one of the “Big Four of Visual Kei,” and thanks in part to vocalist IZAM’s unique persona resonating with mainstream audiences, their popularity was so great it was dubbed the “SHAZNA Phenomenon.” In their earliest days they sometimes wore black and performed a more traditional visual kei style, but SHAZNA is widely associated with bright, light, poppy songs.
The track that perfectly embodies that image is their major-label debut and signature song, “Melty Love.” It was already a fan favorite from their indie era, and it’s fair to call it a classic that clearly showcases what makes them great.