[Hits Home] A Special Feature on Dark/Vent Vocaloid Songs

Empty MelodyUmi-kun

Empty Melody feat. KAFU / Umikun

What is true love, really? When you feel lonely and in pain, this song might stay by your side.

It’s a track by Umikun, who works as a singer and YouTuber, released in 2021.

It’s also the title track of the album that was released around the same time.

The arrangement is characterized by clarity and a sense of depth.

And the way it builds toward the latter half really stirs your emotions.

Plus, Kafu’s trembling vocal delivery matches the lyrical message so well that it pierces straight through.

BirthdaySecret Piercing

Birthday / KAFU

Naisho no Pierce’s “Birthday” is the epitome of a true yami song.

Released in November 2023, it’s a yandere-tinged Vocaloid track.

The lyrics portray an intense, all-consuming love for the other person—an obsession so strong it borders on denying one’s own existence.

And yet… there are surely people who feel this strongly about someone.

You’ll find yourself immersed in its world—poignant, beautiful, and at times suffocating.

Take your time with it; listen closely and let it sink in.

The Sun Above and the Gutter RatUtsu-P

Utsu-P – The Sun Goddess and the Gutter Rat / The Sun Goddess & Rat feat. Hatsune Miku

From the very intro, it has a dark vibe.

It’s a melodic Vocaloid metal track titled “Otentosama to Dobunezumi” (“The Sun and the Gutter Rat”).

Created by Utsu-P, a Vocaloid producer active in providing songs for anime and singers as well as in band activities, it was released in 2019.

The lyrics self-deprecatingly sing about unpleasant things that befall the narrator.

Despite its heaviness, the catchy chorus is just unbelievably cool!

refreshing and exhilaratingSin grass

𝑭𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅

Even though it’s titled “Refreshing and Exhilarating,” the fact that I’m introducing it as a yami song—that is, a dark, depressive track—means there’s a gap between the title’s image and the actual content.

It’s a song by Tsumikusa, a Vocaloid producer known for a dark style, released in June 2024.

With its majestic choral work that lingers in your ears, it’s a Vocaloid track that makes you feel like you’ve “seen something you shouldn’t have.” Why does the protagonist feel so “refreshingly exhilarated,” I wonder… Watch it alongside the MV and let your imagination wander through the story.

Rem's MagicTohta Kasamura

Rem’s Magic / feat. Hatsune Miku

When you’re feeling broken, sometimes it’s okay to listen to a gentle song like this and have a good cry.

This piece is by the Vocaloid producer Tota Kasamura, known for heart-touching ballads, and it was released in 2021.

It features just piano and vocals—a signature Kasamura arrangement—and it really works.

The feelings in the lyrics come through directly.

The message, “When you’re hurting, I’ll be there by your side,” really hits home.

It’s great to listen to on your own, but I also recommend it as a song to share with a friend who’s feeling down.

My 3-Meter-Tall GirlfriendNostalgia-P

My 3-Meter-Tall Girlfriend [Hatsune Miku]

While evoking the feel of “Minna no Uta,” it portrays a thoroughly warped world.

As the title suggests, the lyrics feature a “me” with a lover, calmly describing her, but the atmosphere grows increasingly ominous, making it impossible to stop listening.

The lyrics are distinctive, of course, but Miku’s pure voice is also a highlight.

The tone of the low brass is pleasant as well.

Is it okay?Black rabbit

Is it okay? – Kasane Teto SV

This is a dark, melancholic song that portrays self-loathing and a sense of alienation from society.

Composed by Kuro Usagi and released in December 2024, it drew attention as an entry for “VOCAParty!”.

With Kasane Teto’s vocals piercing straight to the heart, the earnest emotions conveyed in every word capture listeners and won’t let go.

I especially want those who struggle with their sense of self-worth or feel out of place in society to hear it—you’re sure to find something you can relate to.